Self Storage Checklist

Here are some easy self storage tips that I found on the web.

They help to make the best use of the space in a storage unit. They also give some insider storage secrets that will help you to get the best value from your chosen storage supplier.

1.  Look Out For Special Offers

Self storage is very competitive. Suppliers offer a variety of special offers to attract new customers.

Most companies offer: 

• Free storage periods, depending on how long you intend to stay e.g. 8 weeks for the price of 4
• Pre-Payment Discounts. Most companies give a discount of 5% if you pre-pay for 26 weeks. This rises to 10% for 52 weeks. Some offer even higher discounts.
• Student Discounts. Students can expect a 10% discount.
• Armed Services Discounts. Armed Forces personnel should get a 10% discount.

2.  Ask The Experts: Self Storage Staff Will Save You Money

Discuss your storage needs with the staff at your chosen centre. They should take the time and trouble to understand your needs. Help them by preparing a quick list of the larger items you intend to store e.g. washing machine, fridge, beds, sofas, chairs, wardrobes, any other large items of furniture. Include an estimate of how many boxes you intend to store.

Good staff will save you money by carefully matching your needs to the right sized room (most good storage companies offer 20 or so different sized rooms). They will also advise you on how best to store your items. This will also save you money by making the best use of your space.

3.  Use The Full Height Of Your Unit

The more floor space you take the more you pay. The secrets to saving money are:

• Store your items to the ceiling of your unit. Usually the rooms are 7-8 feet high, so make sure you use this space
• Buy good quality cardboard boxes so you can stack them easily. Many people make the mistake of using bin liners – they don’t stack well and the items inside may get damaged
• Completely fill the room. If you don’t require access to your belongings don’t leave any wasted space. Store any items you might need last so they are by the door
• Ask if you can change to a smaller or larger room if you need more or less space

4.  Security

Do some research on the level of security and fire protection offered at each storage facility you are considering. Most offer excellent security and fire precautions. Some don’t, so check carefully to ensure your items are properly protected.

5.  Cut The Price Of Your Moving Costs

Self storage operators provide storage for your belongings. You have the responsibility to both move in and out. Renting a truck or hiring a removal company can be expensive.

Some storage companies will help you to move in – this could save you a lot of money. This is what they can do for you:

1. The best will collect your belongings as part of their service. This usually involves a large covered trailer (a little like a horse box) that can be parked outside your house. You are responsible for loading the trailer which is then driven by the storage staff to the storage centre. You then unload your belongings into your own room. This service is best for the contents of flats and smaller houses.
2. Free Van Hire This saves you the cost of hiring your own van. Always carefully check the charges - expect to pay for fuel and insurance. The insurance excess can be £250 to £500, so drive carefully! 
3. Removal Companies. Storage companies frequently deal with local removal companies. They know the good, the bad and the ugly! So ask them to recommend a local removal company.

6.  Check The Insurance Costs

Your belongings need to be insured when they are in storage. If you have a home insurance policy, check with your insurer if your belongings are covered by their policy when in storage. If they do provide cover, you will need to give a copy of the cover note to the storage company.

If you do not have your own insurance, the storage company can provide insurance for you. Check the cost of this insurance. Some companies put a value for the insurance you need to pay depending on the size of the room you take. This can over-insure you and be expensive.

7.  Check The Cost Of The Deposit

All self storage companies levy a deposit. This is normally the same as the cost of 28 days storage for the room size you choose. Some companies reduce this cost if you pay by direct debit or credit card.

8.  Check The Payment Terms

All storage companies usually charge for self storage in advance. This is normally 4 weeks or a calendar month. Most companies will refund any unused days when you move out providing you comply with their notice period. Some don’t which is unreasonable and is a cost you should avoid by checking in advance.

9.  Is Access Free Or Are You Charged To Visit?

Some storage companies operate from custom built facilities. Many operate from a converted building which may not be easy to access.

There’s nothing worse than having to move your belongings to a storage unit at the back of a building with poor lighting and no lift.
Some self storage companies charge to access your belongings. This can be as high as £50. This charge usually applies when your items are stored in wooden crates. Check. They may also require notice, so they can retrieve your crate.

10.  24/7 Access

Not all companies are open 7 days a week, so find out, if regular access is important to you. Some companies offer 24 hour access. Expect to pay a premium for this service. Just be sure 24 hour access is essential, because it is expensive.  

11.  Internal Storage Units Or External Shipping Containers?

Investigate whether the company offers storage units inside a secure building. Some companies offer old shipping containers that are stored outside. Storage containers may be cheaper, but they can be damp and prone to condensation. Containers are much less secure. Being outside with no extra protection they can be broken into quite easily by thieves. Your belongings may not be covered by insurance policies if stored in a container. 
Only store low value items that will not rot, rust or be damaged in damp conditions, in a container.

12.  Penalty Fees

Pay your bills on time! If you don’t you may be charged late fees. These soon add up and make your storage costs unnecessarily expensive. Keep a note of your payment dates or better still use a direct debit.

13.  Reservation Fee

Once you know you require storage it is advisable to reserve your unit. Most self storage companies will reserve a storage unit for you, for a fee of between £5 and £20. This reservation fee usually goes towards your first payment when you move in. Some will refund this deposit if you no longer need storage. If you are pretty sure you will need to store your belongings its worth reserving a room to make sure the right size is available when you need it.

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