Choosing self storage
There are many things to consider when choosing a self storage unit. The best isn’t always the most expensive!
It’s very important to visit self storage premises before committing to storing there. This gives you a good opportunity to weigh up the location, the security arrangements, the staff and the general feel of the place.
Here are a number of things for you to think about when evaluating and comparing different storage units.
Cost / pricing
Always get a price list and check whether the prices are fully inclusive. Extras may include VAT or compulsory insurance. Also find out whether any deposit is required. Understand how often you will be billed and how you can pay – not everyone will accept cash and there may be surcharges for paying by anything other than standing order.
If you’re storing for more than a few months, see if there’s discounts for long term hire. If not, ask for one. Even if there is, ask for a bigger one!
Get a feel of how busy the place is – if it’s full or nearly full then there’s less chance of getting a discount.
Many companies offer price matches or guarantee the lowest prices. When asked to honor these, they can often wriggle out of it by claiming that the two aren’t comparable. Be aware of this!
Also be aware of introductory offers (eg first week free) as these may distract from higher prices in the long term.
Finally, ask when the prices were last changed and if there are any planned price reviews in the near future.
Access
When you look round, ask to see inside a unit. You may be shown a unit near the door (ie near the loaing bay). Make sure you know where your unit will really be so you can weigh up the distance between where you can park your car/van and where you unit actually is. Are there any tight doorways? Are there any steps? Is it a long way? You may not notice it at first but you will certainly notice it after a hard few hours of unloading!
Opening hours
Check the opening times of the unit. If you are going to need regular access, think about when you would usually visit and make sure that the opening hours suit you.
Also ask about emergency access – if you need something on a Sunday and they don’t normally open on Sundays, ask if they do so by arrangement and find out the cost.
Handling
You may need to borrow a trolley or sack cart when you’re visiting the storage. Usually these are provided free but best to ask just in case. Also, take a look at what’s available – one old rickety trolley with wonky wheels is no good for a 100 unit storage facility!
Security
Whether insured or not, you want your possessions to be safe. When you visit a storage unit, look around so as to get a feel of the place before you agree to store there. Things to consider are:
- CCTV – cameras are great but are they on 24 hours a day? Are they monitored? Can they see anything at night?
- Dogs – a couple of good guard dogs will be very effective at keeping away casual thieves. Grrr.
- Keys & locks – how is your unit secured? Who has keys other than yourself?
- Access – can you get straight to your unit without seeing anyone or do you need to book in/out of a reception or always walk past a member of staff? Is ID required to access each storage unit?
- Staff on site – even though the place may not be open 24 hours, is it manned 24 hours?
Staff
When you look round, see how friendly/helpful the staff are. Do they have a “can do” attitude? Are there many of them? Do they look smart/professional or do they stink of booze/cigarettes and look like they can’t wait to get back to the pub?
Facilities
Have a good luck at the facilities offered – both inside and outside your unit. If your unit is dark, can they offer you a light inside it? Is it clean?
Also look for the essentials that you may not think you need like a coffee machine and a customer toilet / somewhere to wash your hands.
Extras
Think about what extra things you may need and ask whether the storage company will provide them. You may want some racking / shelves to go inside your unit or you may want some packing boxes and bubble wrap.
Equally you may want to hire a van to move items in or out of your storage unit – some storage companies will offer reduced van hire rates.
The full service
If you are a “hands off” sort of person, maybe you want someone to come to your house and remove all your possessions into storage for you. Some storage companies will offer this – make sure you know all the costs up front and make sure that the people doing the moving are insured.
Insurance
See our separate section on self storage insurance.