Why You Shouldn't Live in Your Storage Unit
With warmer weather comes more people moving. Moving triggers an increase in people who need a little extra space to store belongings. Whether you're in between homes or you're downsizing and don't have room for your entire collection of vintage vinyl, you should consider 
self-storage solutions in Metairie, LA. Another thing to consider is what you can and can't keep in a storage unit. Hint: Human beings and their pets aren't on the list! Read on and find out why you shouldn't live in your self-storage unit.
Living in a Storage Unit and the Law
The average citizen understands the difference between storage and living space. That doesn't stop a few people from unofficially adding themselves to their storage unit lease. Please note the word unofficial. When you rent a storage unit, you'll sign a lease, which is a legally binding contract. Your lease states self-storage prices as well as the rights and obligations of the storage facility and you, the renter. If you read your contract carefully, you'll discover that sleeping in your unit puts you at risk for immediate termination of your lease. Depending on the state and city where you rent storage space, living in a storage unit is prohibited by local ordinance. Federal housing laws also prevent you from using your unit as a residence. Don't forget to read your insurance policy! Storage facilities must evict any person they discover living in a self-storage space. Otherwise, they risk non-compliance with the law and most insurance policies.
Life in Storage Is Not Safe
Most people who attempt living in a rented storage unit, do so because they've lost their home. Desperate times often call for extreme measures. Aside from the legal issues associated with living in a storage unit, it's simply not safe. First, if you cook in the unit, you create a fire hazard. Second, your lease requires you to lock your unit from the outside with a padlock. The manager at your storage facility does several walkthroughs every day to ensure units are closed and secured. They may inadvertently lock you inside your unit. Kind of puts a damper on your plans for that late-night grocery run.
Living in a Storage Unit Is Not Healthy
While it might initially seem like a sustainable way to live for a short time, all you'll need is one night to realize how unhealthy it is to attempt living in a storage unit. You will have no access to running water! That limits bathing and using the bathroom, which poses a personal hygiene issue. It's rare to find a storage unit with windows. We all need natural light to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Living in such a cramped space puts a person at risk for depression, lethargy, and claustrophobia. Why risk your health?
Finding an Alternative Living Arrangement
While your storage facility manager may feel compassion about your living situation, they can't allow you to use the unit as a home. That's why you should let staff know you're experiencing a housing crisis. They can often direct you to local food banks and shelters. If you're looking for a place to store belongings, using self-storage in Metairie, LA, is a fantastic idea! Contact the team at Affordable Self Storage today and let us help you reserve your unit. We also offer FREE 24/7 access, and we don't require you to purchase insurance through us!
Our 5 Convenient Area Locations
Affordable Self Storage
1015 Central Ave Metairie, LA 70001 | Phone: (504) 833-1717 | Fax: (504) 831-4840
(504) 833-1717 | Fax: (504) 831-4840