United Kingdom is filled of Self-storages and they became part of our lives, some families use the Self-storage as an extension of their houses storing the items they no longer use or only use in parts of the year. For others is an opportunity to keep their entire household while waiting for the new property.
Costa Removals Express is referred by a large number of Self-Storages so they handle our details to their customer to help on the removal and because of it I have personally been in hundreds of Self-storages and I have a great knowledge on how to define the size of the unit, which storage is easier to load and unload and all the situations that you face while renting a unit at a local Self-storage.
During these last five years We learned how each Self-storage works, the goods and bad of each one so We create a list of 7 tips for you to look for when hiring a Self storage unit.
7. Tips for choosing a self-storage
1. Insurance – Always have insurance, you can normally hire it from your local Self-storage or you can hire it separately but if you decide to hire a locker without the insurance and something happen at it, the storage owner won`t be responsible for repairing or repaying you. There are aways exceptions but you don`t want to count on it.
2-Distance – It is important for you to have an unit as close of your house as possible. As a removal company We can travel all the way too your Self-storage but the removal cost will depend on time to get the entire removal done and if you have an unit far from you it means longer travel time and more expensive removal. Another problem is if you need to get access to the unit for shifting items it will be easier when it is closer.
3–Access to the storage – this is one of the most important part and at this point most of the problem during the house removal happen.
Each self-storage has its own agreement on how to get access to the building, some access are during working hours and other you can access 24hs. In one brand you need a fob device to open the gate and other one you need to download their app, the truth is, once hiring a unit at the self-storage you need to understand what are the agreements and authorizations so you can work around it to avoid stress when you need to get access to your unit.
At Costa Removals We don`t have this problems, once We know which storage the customer is hiring We tell them up front what they need to look for as the size of the unit, download the app to get access, to buy a padlock or the roller shutter lock, whatever they need to have to avoid headaches.
4-Cost of hiring an unit: It is important to look around in order to get the best cost/benefit on hiring an unit so once your research is done and you know which storages you have available in your area you can compare the prices in between them. If possible do it well before your moving date to get the best deal and always look for promotion as some of these Self-storage can deliver a better deals when you are moving in as first month discounts, bigger locker for the same price of the smaller one and so on.
At Costa Removals Express We can provide you a storage solution, please contact us for a free quote.
5-Size of the unit – This is a challenging point for customer and for the Self-storage staff. Customer always need help from the Self-storage team in what size of storage they should hire and at the other end, It is really difficult for the storage staff to estimate as they have not been at the property.
The unit size depend on a variety situations as size of the house and as consequence the amount of furniture, boxes, garden items you might have.
This is just a reference and can change depending on how much furniture and personal belongings you have as this is different fin each household.
At Costa Removals Express We define the locker size based on our vans size, one Luton van load fits in a 100 sq ft storage locker.
6-What not to keep in storage – There are some items that are prohibited to keep in a Self-storage and others are just not recommended as:
- Hazardous Materials
- Perishable Food Items Fresh food
- Plants Plants need sunlight, water, and fresh air
- Living Creatures Animals or Pets:
- Valuables (Jewelry, Cash, Personal Documents)
- Weapons, Ammunition, and Firearms
- Wet or Damp Items Water-damaged items.
7- Clean and organized storage – You need a self-storage where everything is well organized, there is an easy access in and out and everything is working well. Is not often We help customer to move units inside a storage because they had damaged items by dump, water or any other reason. Look for good reviews and make sure the storage is in fully working condition and a visit is always recommended if you can.
TOP 3 SELF-STORAGE SOLUTION IN UK
Key Features
- State-of-the-art security systems and surveillance
Packing Supplies
- On-site shop for boxes and materials.
Access
- By the use of an app from Shurgard
Contact
- www.shurgard.com
- 0800 368 0420
- Epsom – 1 Belford Way KT17 2PS
- Croydon – 78 Purley Way CR0 3JP
- Surbiton – Portmouth Road KT6 5QQ
- Hamworth – Popham Close TW13 6 JEÂ
Key Features
- High Secure place and always clean
Packing Supplies
- On-site shop for boxes and materials.
Access
- By the use of an fob provided by the storage
Contact
- www.safestore.co.uk
- 0800 444 800
- Carshalton – Writhe Lane SM5- 2RE
Key Features
- Possibility of access extended hoursÂ
Packing Supplies
- On-site shop for boxes and materials.
Access
- Access by code and management of account by the storage app
Contact
- www.accessstorage.com
- 0800 122 522
- Croydon – 80 Gloucester CR0-2DB
