Self Storage vs. At-Home Storage: What’s Best for Your Rental Property?

Managing a rental property often comes with an unexpected challenge: where do you keep the furniture, seasonal décor, maintenance tools, or extra supplies that aren’t currently in use? Whether you’re a landlord furnishing a short-term rental or a long-term property manager storing staging items, or essentials between tenants, finding the right storage solution is key. When it comes to home storage for renters, is it better to keep everything on-site or use a self-storage unit? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of each. 

At-Home Storage: Convenient but Limited 

Storing Items On-Site 

At-home storage typically includes keeping items in closets, under beds, in garages, or in a locked utility or spare room within the rental unit itself. This approach is certainly convenient—your items are nearby and easily accessible. For landlords living on or near the property, this may be a simple solution. 

Pros: 

• Immediate access to stored items 
• No extra rental fees for storage 
• Useful for small-scale storage needs 

Cons: 

• Limited space, especially in small units 
• Reduces usable space for tenants 
• Risk of tenant access or damage if items aren’t securely stored 
• Can make the property feel cluttered or less appealing during showings 

Self-Storage: Secure and Scalable 

Off-Site Self-Storage Units 

Self-storage gives property owners a dedicated, off-site space to hold excess furniture, seasonal décor, supplies, or anything else not currently in use. This is especially helpful if you manage multiple properties or are transitioning between tenants and want to keep units clean and ready for viewing. 

Pros: 

• Keeps rental units clean, uncluttered, and tenant-ready 
• Scalable storage options—from small units to large, climate-controlled spaces 
• Enhanced security and protection for valuable or fragile items 
• Frees up square footage in the rental property 
• Flexible access, including 24/7 availability at some facilities 

Cons: 

• Monthly cost for the unit 
• Slightly less convenient access for landlords living farther away 

For landlords furnishing vacation rentals, self-storage can also be useful for rotating seasonal furniture or decorations to keep your property feeling fresh throughout the year. 

Which Storage Option Is Right for You? 

If you’re managing just one property and only have a few small items to store—like spare linens or cleaning supplies—home storage for renters might work in the short term. However, if your storage needs are larger or more frequent, a self-storage unit offers flexibility and security without encroaching on the tenant’s living space. 

Let Absolute Storage Management Help You Stay Organized 

When you need reliable home storage for renters, Absolute Storage Management has you covered. Our managed facilities offer a wide range of storage unit sizes, including climate-controlled options perfect for protecting furniture, electronics, and décor. With features like online bill pay, 24-hour access at select locations, and packing supplies on site, we make it easy to manage your rental property efficiently and professionally. 

Find a location near you and discover how Absolute Storage Management can simplify storage for your rental property today. We’re here to help answer any questions you may have.