YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT ABOUT RENTING STORAGE UNIT.

Apparently, the UK is the second-largest market in the world for storage services (just behind the USA) and the largest in Europe. Renting storage is very popular among either businesses and private users indeed. Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for that is the fact that most buildings in Great Britain have no cellar underneath, contrary to houses in continental Europe. As a matter of fact, we can spot storage almost everywhere, especially within/around large towns and cities. Due to demand, however, renting storage in the UK is quite a pricey thing these days. Unfortunately, very often this is the only option that you may have.

Before you start looking for a suitable facility, why won’t you check our article about preparations for home removals? You may find there some useful tips helping you to save some space and mone

• TYPE OF STORAGES
• STORAGE WITH REMOVAL FIRM
• PRICES. WHAT YOU DO WANT TO KNOW.

TYPE OF STORAGES.

Let’s concentrate on the four, most common types of storage, that you may be interested in.

Warehouse Storage.

Firstly, this is in my honest opinion the most convenient kind of self-storage. Usually designed and build (sometimes adapted) for the very purpose. Secondly, you can access your belongings every day, without the necessity of making any arrangements. Different storages have their own working hours but this is usually between 8am – 6 pm. Quite often you can obtain 24/7 access, as well. If money is no issue, then this is the best option, FULL STOP.

• PROS: Dry, fitted with lights, CCTV cameras, and personalized entry codes. Many different size units to choose from. Storage employees are available for most of the opening hours, always ready to assist (not necessary with loading/unloading, though). Loading-bay gives easy access for loading/unloading. Professional trolleys are always on-site. Very often the storage has a forklift. You can buy packaging materials and padlocks as well.
• CONS: To be perfectly honest the only disadvantage I may think of is the price. These storages are usually more expensive than others. However, you get a full package for the price and due to competition, they offer some sort of “deal of the day” almost all the time.

Container Storage.

Metal shipping containers converted to storage units is a brilliant idea in my opinion. Due to land prices, they are usually located in the outskirts of towns/cities. Usually located in a secure area with CCTV. Different sizes to choose from. Some companies have the largest containers joined together for even bigger sizes. It may be a very good option for someone who wants to store some stuff for longer, where close proximity is not important.

• PROS: The price seems to be the main factor. These ones are usually much more affordable than warehouse units. Access for loading/unloading is fantastic. You can park your vehicle next to the container.
• CONS: The main problem with these containers is exposure to elements. As a result, they may become hot or cold, depends on the weather. Also humidity/damp may be a problem. Many things would not be storred well there. Some facilities stack the containers up, so you need to make an arragement to get an access to your belongings. In most cases container storages let you get to your unit only within working hours. Location of the site often require longer journey. Due to size of the containers you may have only rather large unit.

Wooden Crate Storage.

Wooden shipping containers converted to storage. Containers are kept under a roof, so no problems with the weather condition whatsoever. Wooden shell keeps usually moisture at bay, so items inside stay dry. In most cases suitable for storing any kind (but perishable) of items. Often the storage company conveniently offers collection from your place. They would bring one of these crates, load your items, seal the crate and take it to the storage.

• PROS: Price is probably the main factor. In fact it is a very good solution for long-therm storage, where frequent access is not needed.
• CONS: The crates are stacked under a roof. The use of forklift is needed to get access to the crate, so you would need to book a visit first. It is not particulary good option if you are planning on taking/adding some stuff in the future. It is poissible, but the firm may charge you extra for any of those. Unfortunatelly, access to your stuff is only possible durring working hours.

Lock-up Garages.

Well, to make it short it is a well-maintained “garage” in a secure location. That is what it is. Usually located within the same facility as a Warehouse Storage. Often the price per sqft is higher than the regular unit in the building as easy/quick access seems to be the main factor. It is a kind of warehouse/container hybrid.

• PROS: Easy access and loading/unloading. Perfect for people who need daily, quick access for storing some machinery or something.
• CONS: Your stuff may be affected by weather condition inside. Only large units are available, for obvious reason.

RENTING STORAGE FROM REMOVAL FIRM.

Many removal firms offer storage services. Some of them use their own storage facilities. However, in most cases, they are using commercial storage, where they would rent a large amount of space and share it among their customers. This is also, what we do, here in PETER VAN. We have space available for “emergency” cases. Our facility is located in ACCESS SELF STORAGE Orpington. It is a clean, dry, and well-maintained building. Let us know if you are interested.

• PROS: Quite a good option for storing your belongings between moves, for couple of days/weeks. Especially in “emergency situations”. Usually, hassle-free procedure. Your stuff is taken to the storage and then brought back to the destination of your choice. No need for you to go through all thesse annoying formalities/paperwork, to obtain the storage unit.
• CONS: If you want to get access to your stuff, you need to arrange it at first with your firm. For the lnoger term, you may be better off just renting storage directly.

PRICES. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW BEFORE RENTING STORAGE.

Almost every firm offers a different price. Those are changing on a daily basis. It is not a point to go any further with that here. All you need to do is just to call a few places and check them out. There are, however a few things you should know.

Remember this to save some money on storage:

• Majority of firms would match the price of others within the area without any problems.
• Longer contract would give you always much better deal.
• Bigger unit costs less per sqft than smaller, so is relatively cheapper.
• Units located on the top floor of the storage are usually cheapper. They are further from loading bay and often irregulary shaped, which make them “inferior”. The Storage would gladdly charge you less for that “inconvinience”.

Important facts:

• Most of the storages charges “per week”. So “a month” is usually four weeks. You will be charged every 28 days.
• Insurance is always obligatory and is added at extra cost. Well, one may ask “Why would I need any insurance at all? The storage is surely a secure building with all these security gadgets installed. What can go wrong?” in fact, I recall only one case (since 2003) where the customer would need one indeed. His mattres was damaged by rodents. Personally I would go for the cheappest insurance option available, without any hesitation.
• Storages require one week notice before you vacate the unit. Some however, may need two weeks or even a month, so please make sure to check your contract.
• So called “extended hours” costs extra. In most cases you will pay more to have an access to your unit outside of opening hours.

It is good to remember:

• Some storages have “weird” requirements. For instance, one well known storage chain requires you to have plastic mattress cover/sleeve if you want to store mattress. It is for “insurance purposes”. They won’t sell you insurance… and you can’t have the unit without one. “Fortunatelly” they sell mattress covers at “top dollar” to surprised customers.
• Paddlocks are always much more expensive than anywhere else. Just have one with you if you on a budget.

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