Sharing Storage Units in Vancouver: The Pros and Cons

We all know that Vancouver is one of the pricier cities to live in. So, it’s understandable that people are looking to reduce costs in all areas of their lives. One thing that we have seen more and more of is people sharing storage units.

There are many scenarios where this can be a great idea. However, there are also some potential bumps in the road to be aware of. Thankfully at Nationwide, our state-of-the-art security system that allows people to easily share storage units with confidence. As long as it’s the right match!

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of sharing a self-storage unit in Vancouver.

Pros

Space and cost sharing. At Nationwide, we have a variety of conveniently sized self-storage units available. However, occasionally a person has just too much stuff to fill one size, but not enough to fill the next size up. This is when it might be convenient to share a storage space with someone that you know and trust. 

Of course, the biggest “pro” in sharing a self-storage unit is that you get to split the cost with someone, therefore saving money each month. And in today’s economy? We understand why this is a decision that more people are making. 

Another scenario that we often see that qualifies as self-storage unit sharing is between business partners. Our units are perfect for:

• Storing merchandise or retail stock
• Companies transitioning out of a brick and mortar storefronts
• Businesses who don’t want to rent office space but still need a place to store documents and other business supplies

Cons

As with any kind of partnership, it’s important to choose the right people to work with. And this applies to sharing self-storage units, too. Whether it’s extended family, a business partner, or a good friend, the only “cons” are when people breach some kind of understanding or contract about the rules of sharing unit. 

That might mean one party doesn’t pay on time. Or one is disorganized while the other is tidy. Or one comes in and moves things around and forgets to put them back. All of which can be frustrating for both parties. Luckily, there are solutions to all of these things, including:

• Automatic payments
• Splitting the unit in half
• Good communication about expectations

Overall, it’s a good idea to make sure the rules are clear before signing on the dotted line. This ensure that each person/party knows exactly what to expect.

The Benefits of Nationwide

At Nationwide Self Storage, one of the things that sets us apart from other facilities is our security system, which includes keyless storage and the ability for users to share access via their smartphone. At NationWide Self Storage, all of our self-storage lockers, gates and entryways come equipped with enterprise-level security and keyless locks that you can access with the Smart Entry App on your smart phone. You never have to worry again about a clunky padlock or remembering yet another passcode ever again.

The other bonus to the app is that you can see in real time when your locker is being accessed and by which user. This is especially handy if you are sharing the storage unit with friends, business partners, or family. You can also pay your bills through the app and share access with someone if needed.

Self-storage is a great way to declutter, to use during transitions like moves or renovations, for “in between” times like during the summers when college students are between semesters. It is also a great way to replace the high cost of office or storefront rentals – and it can be an excellent idea to share the unit with a trusted acquaintance in order to save money. 

The great thing about Nationwide Self Storage in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and Kamloops is that all of our units come with modern technology that makes sharing easier and safer. Self storage is all about peace of mind – having your valuable things out of sight but stored safely – and that’s exactly what you get at Nationwide. 

If you are thinking about renting a self storage unit by yourself or with a friend, we would love to help you find the perfect fit!