At one time or another, all of us have the need to store boxes and boxes of stuff. Sometimes it’s because you’ve just left Uni and have to move temporarily in with parents again before getting your own flat, or you’re moving abroad to live and just can’t take all that pine bedroom furniture with you. When trying to sell a property, all of the experts will tell you that it’s important to declutter as much as possible and make your house seem as big as you can. One option is just to shove all of the boxes into the loft or the garage, but sometimes the most sensible option can be to rent a self-storage unit.
Locations
The self-storage concept is still relatively new in the UK, but the industry has grown rapidly over the past decade. Every large town or city has self-storage buildings, and they are often tucked away on an industrial estate or hidden in amongst factories or office buildings. Bigger companies like Big Yellow or Safestore have their own websites where you can look up the units closest to you, and a quick internet search will also throw up independent operators who can often be more flexible in terms of price and length of rental.
Basics
Before contacting the self-storage place you have to think about what exactly you are intending storing and how much space it is going to take up. Storage units range from little spaces which are no larger than a normal wardrobe, to a massive warehouse sized space. If you are unsure of what sort of unit is the most appropriate, be guided by staff at the store. Also bear in mind that you will be able to stack boxes on top of larger items like pine bedroom furniture and this will help to maximise use of the available space. Price varies by size of unit, and the minimum storage period is usually one week, although most people storing items do so for a few weeks or months.
Managing the Storage
Once you have selected your unit and completed the paperwork, you will be given access to your unit and it is up to you to move all your stuff in. Companies will supply trolleys to help, but the lifting and moving is down to you and your family. Take care to stack the items carefully in the unit, making sure any delicate or fragile items are kept to the top of the pile to stop them from becoming damaged. Most larger companies give 24 hour access to your belongings, and you can access the building using a PIN number and a keypad. Your individual unit is locked with whatever padlock you choose, and CCTV will monitor the comings and goings of people in the building. It is essential though to get proper insurance to cover your belongings against fire, flooding or other sorts of damage. At the end of the contract, you can either choose to extend your storage for a few more weeks, or clear your stuff into your new space.
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