If you haven't put anything in storage in a few decades, then prepare to be pleasantly surprised when you do! The storage industry has really come a long way. Gone are the days when storing something meant plopping it down in a garage-like, warehouse-style space and hoping it wasn't too moldy when you came back for it. Today, there are a lot of new, better options available for those who need to store their possessions. Here are a few of those top options.

Climate Controlled, Indoor Units

At many storage facilities, you can now rent a unit that opens up to an interior hallway. The units, which look more like rooms, are all climate-controlled. In other words, they are heated in the summer and cooled in the winter. The humidity level is also kept under control, which prevents your items from getting too dry or too moist. 

You can store almost anything in these climate-controlled units, from photos to clothing, to furniture. If you would be comfortable storing it in a spare bedroom in your home, you can be comfortable storing it under climate control. The best part is you typically only pay a little more for one of these spaces than you would for a more classic, garage-style storage unit.

Closet-Style Units

What if you need to store a few things, but they would barely take up a corner of the average, 10 x 10 storage unit? Today, more storage companies are offering smaller storage units, about the size of a walk-in closet. They might be 5 x 5 feet, or 4 x 4 feet, depending on the storage facility. These units are much cheaper to rent than bigger units. And they're perfect for people who need to store a few boxes, a single piece of small furniture, or some off-season decorations. 

At-Home Storage Pods

Another newer storage option is having a portable storage pod delivered to your own yard. You can then load anything you want to store inside the pod, and unload it whenever you please. Although these pods are not climate-controlled, they are a good option for anyone who needs convenient storage during a move. Some storage companies will even transport a loaded pod to your new residence for you if you move!

If you need to store something for the first time in years, make sure you consider these newer options. Storage isn't what it used to be — and that's a good thing.