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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: SDF on August 19, 2017, 10:06:29 PM

Title: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: SDF on August 19, 2017, 10:06:29 PM
We live in a small 1BR condo, and we've been working over the last year since we moved in to get rid of what we don't need, and to maximize our storage space indoors. That said, space is a little tight still, and we definitely would not want to pay for a monthly storage unit. While on our balcony earlier today, we noticed what looked like a storage bin/box-type thing on one of the other balconies; looked like it might also double as seating.

My question is, does anybody else have storage for their balcony that they would recommend? Something under 2 1/2 feet in height, maybe 2x3 feet length and width, and ideally with the ability to be locked? We'd probably store things like beach towels, holiday decorations, maybe some tools, that sort of thing. Maybe the air mattress we keep around for when we have guests, and possibly, in the winter, the cushions for our existing patio seating (we live in Portland, so we don't spend much time out there in the winter).

Thanks!
Title: Re: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: Cranky on August 20, 2017, 05:00:19 AM
There are some pictures in the IKEA catalog of various storage setups on balconies - those might give you some ideas.

Is this on the first floor? Any higher than that (which is what "balcony" suggests to me) and I wouldn't bother to lock up my beach towels.

You could get a deck box (I've got one from Aldis) or even a little Rubbermaid storage shed.
Title: Re: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: human on August 20, 2017, 06:50:17 AM
I remember when I lived in montreal I noticed that during the winter time some folks would take 2x4s and plastic and enclose the whole balcony. For the most part though people were just putting garbage in there.

Just get rid of the stuff how often do you really need something if it's going to sit on a balcony?
Title: Re: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: lbmustache on August 20, 2017, 11:06:55 AM
Ikea actually has some great stuff. I was going to buy one and then decided to just toss a bunch of junk instead:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70204923/

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90238192/

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/outdoor/21958/

They sell the cushions that go along with these, or you could just DIY them if you're so inclined.
Title: Re: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: alexpkeaton on August 20, 2017, 11:39:35 AM
We have some low-profile Rubbermaid (I think) storage bins that fit under our outdoor couch on our terrace. I feel no need to lock up anything out there.
Title: Re: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: Dicey on August 20, 2017, 12:28:32 PM
Before you spend a cent, check your CC&Rs. There could very well be regulations you don't want to run afoul of.
Title: Re: Condo Balcony Storage?
Post by: SDF on August 20, 2017, 05:12:07 PM
Thanks for the replies! We're technically 2nd floor, but our balcony fronts onto an Eco-Roof, which can be accessed by any of the other units on our floor. We probably wouldn't be putting anything super valuable in there, but we'd prefer to minimize the (admittedly small) risk of theft, especially with putting our tools and other stuff like bike repair things, some sports equipment, etc, out there. More than just our beach towels to worry about :)

Before you spend a cent, check your CC&Rs. There could very well be regulations you don't want to run afoul of.

That's a good point, Dicey. Our CC&Rs don't say anything about it, so I think we'll be good. That wasn't something I had thought of though, so I do appreciate you bringing that up :)