Rock Locker: How Your Band Can Use A Storage Unit To Rehearse

Being in a band already has many challenges of its own. Finding the right spot to rehearse is just the first of dozens. Playing in your garage can irritate the neighbors and even get you in trouble with the law due to noise complaints. Studios are great, but can be very expensive and are quite often out of the band’s budget. So what is your band to do? You may want to consider renting a storage unit. Storage units can be used for far more than just storing your Christmas tree after the holidays. Many bands are using them for a hassle-free place to get together and practice. The benefits seem to be innumerable. Continue reading to be informed of a few of the benefits and even some useful tips for turning a storage space into your very own studio. As long as it’s okay with the storage company, your band can benefit greatly from it.

No Noise Complaints

As long as you’re not being disrespectful to other customers at the property and are playing at a reasonable volume, then you won’t need to worry about the police disrupting your practice routine. A great thing about storage units is that they often have cement walls, so most of your sound will be muffled from the outside anyway. Again, this is only true if you are able to keep control of the volume.

Inexpensive Renting Costs

Upon searching for a conventional studio to rehearse in, you may stumble upon high prices such as $50 per hour or more, which can cost upwards of $1,000 per month depending on how often your band gets together. Meanwhile, a decent-sized storage unit will cost around $150 per month on average. It gets even cheaper after a little division: $150 divided between five band members is just $30 per month.

Setting Up Your Unit

The very first thing you should do before moving your equipment in is sound proofing. Cement or metal walls are terrible for any band’s acoustics. A quick fix is to cover up the walls and floor with a layer of thick material. Carpet is often the best choice because it can be salvaged from a neighbor or a junk yard for a low cost. After moving in, you should invest in a surge protector and a few extension cords to plug in your amps. If there is no outlet inside of the unit, look for one outside the door, then run an extension cord from it to your surge protector that is in your unit.

Security

Security may be the most important thing. You’re going to want to know that all of your expensive equipment is safe. Luckily, the properties usually have a wall surrounding the premises and a metal gate with a coded entry, and security cameras are positioned everywhere. However, it’s a good idea to check that the lock on the unit is secure against bolt cutters, and you may want to secure extra insurance for the unit. This will ensure that your instruments and equipment in the unit are safe when you’re not there.

Rules and Regulations

Unfortunately, not all properties will allow bands to practice in their units. However, the competition can be very high in most cities. That being said, it is almost certain that there will be a handful of sites allowing it. The key is to call and ask around. Once you find one, you can begin moving in. At this point you will want to build a good reputation. If they have any special rules for you, it is essential to abide by them. They usually consist of the obvious, such as no drugs or alcohol on the premises. Some places will ask you to only play after business hours so you will be heard by less guests.

Now you are aware of what may be the best option for your band’s rehearsal space. All it takes is a little research to find the right one. You will be saving hundreds of dollars and you get to have your very own studio. So get out there and rock out!

Rock Locker: How Your Band Can Use a Storage Unit to Rehearse