Self-Storage: The Stretch-Commuter's New Best Friend
Posted on: 15 September 2015
If you commute more than 50 miles for employment, you are far from alone. In fact, the trend of traveling a number of miles from home to work, sometimes known as stretch-commuting, is growing. According to information provided by the United States Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than three million working Americans stretch-commute on a regular basis.
Even more surprising is that as many as 6 percent of those who must stretch-commute are traveling in excess of 200 miles each way. Whether you are new to stretch-commuting or have been doing it for years, the following tips can help you decrease the stress of this hectic lifestyle for the very affordable cost of one convenient self-storage unit.
Dealing With the Downside of Stretch-Commuting
The longer distances traveled by the stretch-commuter make it financially feasible to steer away from driving the family car to and from work. Instead, stretch-commuters routinely choose carpooling, public transportation by bus or train or even commuter air flights to save money on transportation costs. While these modes of travel may be more economically feasible than driving the family car, they make it difficult for the commuter to transport anything larger than a briefcase or small suitcase or bag during the daily commute.
Employees who plan on stretch-commuting to the same location for more than a few weeks can benefit greatly from having a basic storage space available to them in the city where they will be working. For many, a conveniently located, well-managed self-storage unit is an affordable option to fulfill the need for storage and make their stretch-commuting lifestyle easier to manage. Instead of trying to pack and carry every item they will need throughout their day into their personal bag, stretch-commuters can use a self-storage locker as:
- a place to store an extra change of clothes for emergencies or a special meeting or date
- a place to freshen up or relax while waiting for the bus, train or carpool departure time
- a place to store books, sporting goods, hobby equipment or items needed for a class they are taking after work
- a place to store a bicycle to use for getting around the city during the work day
Choosing the Right Self-Storage Unit
Not all self-storage units are suitable for the needs of the average stretch-commuter. Unless you commute to an area where the weather is mild throughout the year, it will be best to choose a climate-controlled storage unit. In addition, choose one that is well-managed, clean and in a location that is within walking distance to your workplace, train or bus station or commuter airport or parking lot.
How Stretch-Commuters Can Get Even More from a Self-Storage Unit
In addition to storing some necessary items to make the commuting lifestyle more convenient, stretch-commuters can also use a self-storage unit as a place to relax in relative peace and quiet. When furnished with an inexpensive, folding camp chair, a clean, secure self-storage unit can become a quiet place to read a book, listen to music or even enjoy a quiet phone conversation or some undisturbed study time.
Another way in which a self-storage unit can be invaluable to a stretch-commuter working in a city without the use of their personal vehicle is to use it to store purchases. Working in a large city often means having access to shopping opportunities that are not available in your home town. With a self-storage unit ready to house purchases until you can retrieve them or arrange shipping, you can shop for furniture, antiques and other large items and take advantage of sales that you would otherwise miss out on.
If you share your commute with others who could also benefit from the use of a self-storage unit, consider sharing the rental with one or more fellow commuters to make the experience even more affordable. Before finalizing the agreement, check with the self-storage company to find out if there are any limitations that would prevent you from sharing the unit with one or more fellow commuters.
Visit a site like http://www.getepicstorage.com to learn about storage unit options that could benefit you.
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