What is Self Storage?
Self Storage is a Storage Facility where you can store your excess items when you don’t have room anywhere else to store it. You are in charge of storing your own items and it’s your responsibility for packing and unpacking your unit. You can do this at your leisure within the access hours allowed. You get to put a lock on the unit and usually you are the only one with a key see www.thelockbox.co.uk You are able to come and go as you please within those available hours to store more items, visit your stored items or take out items when needed. You don’t have to set up a time with a store employee to access your items. You also know where your items are since you put them there and you don’t have to worry about anyone else going through your things. Containerised self storage is the best option for all round access see www.selfstorageyards.com
Why do I need storage?
There are many reasons why people may need storage. Some of the reasons include that they need extra space in the garage, or they are doing some building works and need to store the furniture from the room to complete the renovations. People also need storage because one home has sold before the other one has been completed. Many soldiers and other military personnel that are deploying or going to an assignment out of the country will need to store their belongings while gone. Relocating or moving is not the only reason for storage; if your storage or attic is too full and needing additional storage space then a storage unit is for you. A storage unit is also a good place to run your company from small business works well.
What’s the difference between climate controlled and a standard unit?
Climate controlled units are typically used for anything that is sensitive to extremely cold or hot weather, such as electronics, antique wood, leather furniture, oil paintings. Climate controlled units are temperature controlled, meaning it is cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. Containerised self storage is not climate controlled, inside units have this facility.If you feel comfortable storing your items in your garage then you could store your items in a standard unit.
Why should I reserve a unit in advance?
Storage units are rented out daily, so if you need a unit, you should reserve it in advance as quickly as possible to ensure that you have something when you need it. Reservations are taken all day for units, so availability constantly changes and you don’t want to be stuck without a unit when you need one. Storage units especially container based units are the best option www.containermodifications.com should be of help. If you have a unit reserved, then you don’t have to worry about it being available when you get there, and if there is a special on that unit, it will also lock in the special so you are sure to get that as well.
Can someone else come in and rent for me?
Yes and no is the answer do you know the person well? We live in a dangerous world would you want storage rented in your name without you being present? Our advice be the renter not let someone else do that for you.
Why do I need insurance?
Insurance is for your protection. It’s like any other insurance that you may have, such as life insurance, car insurance, home owners insurance, or even health insurance. You don’t ever anticipate anything ever happening to where you would need to have the insurance, but it’s there just in case you do. We are happy to introduce our brokers to you if you require insurance. However most storage sites do offer insurance but at a premium.
It gives you the peace of mind knowing that your things are covered so you don’t have to worry about it.
How much insurance do I need?
The amount of insurance you need depends upon what your needs are. Coverage varies and you can choose what is suitable for you. Typically the amount of insurance is based on the value of your items. Whether you purchase insurance through the store location or through our recommended agency, they can discuss with you what would work best.
Where can I purchase insurance?
If you have renters or homeowners insurance, check your policy as it may also cover storage. If it does, they you can simply use the current policy that you have. You may also able to purchase insurance directly through the storage facility itself. Most Storage facilities offer insurance, or a protection plan. You can also purchase insurance through an insurance agency. Many are listed in the phonebook. Sometimes the store can also refer you to an agency.
Does the storage facility supply a lock for my unit?
All storage facilities sell locks and they usually offer various locks to choose from with different types, sizes and colours. Very rarely do storage facilities supply the lock for you, but there are some that do. In those cases, they will either give you a free lock to use, or one that you can have. In a more rare case, the storage facility will have you put one of their locks on they unit, but highly suggest that you use a second lock of your own. n most cases, however, you can simply use your own lock. You want to check with the store to see if it needs to be a certain type of lock. The best locks to use check out our ebay shop http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Welderjohn13-Fabrication-Store__W0QQ_armrsZ1
What type of lock do I need?
Usually you can use whatever type of lock you feel comfortable using. Any type of lock will be sufficient for the storage units as the lock hole is large enough to accommodate any type of lock. However, some stores do require that you use a particular type of lock. Check with the store location to see if they require you to use a specific kind of lock. Again check website www.fabandsite.co.uk for good advice.
What if I lose the key to my lock, or forget the key to it?
It’s always best to keep a spare most storage facilities have master keys to all units. With container based storage lockboxes are tamper proof losing your key is expensive exercise! be warned.
What type of storage and moving supplies do storage facilities offer?
Some only offer locks and no other types of supplies. With those stores you would have purchase any other needed supplies from elsewhere. Other stores can offer anything, from tape, tape dispensers, bubble wrap, various sizes and types of boxes, measuring tape, mattress covers, crates, packing paper, foam wrap, dish protection kits, garage sale labels, garage sale signs, chair covers, couch covers, storage labels, packing peanuts, stretch wrap, protective garment bags, protective suit covers, cardboard chests of drawers, shelving, hooks, show organizers, sweater organizers, etc. Depending on the store that you are renting from, storage and moving supplies differ from store to store. Check with the store that you’re renting from. Containerised self storage yards generally stock all you need.
Why is the price higher for Drive up access?
Not all properties charge more for a drive up unit, but most do containerised self storage is the most popular. Generally it’s because the drive up units are easier to get to, making them more desirable and less available for rent. Its ease of use allows you to drive right up to the unit so you can simply unload your belongings and store in to the unit, without having to go through a hallway to get to your storage. www.containerisedselfstorage.com
Why is the price cheaper for an upstairs unit?
Most storage facilities will charge less for an upstairs unit because it’s not as easily accessible as say a first floor unit or a drive up unit. It may take a little more effort to get to an upstairs unit since you usually have to go through a hallway and use either an elevator or the stairway to get to the unit. www.selfstorageyards.com for some insight to upper level storage.
How secure are storage facilities?
Storage facilities have become very secure over the years with different types of security features available. When calling for storage check on the security features that they offer. Most shipping container self storage yards have CCTV electric gates security features can range from an access controlled gate to electric fencing. Stores also vary from site to site as to how many different types of these security features they offer at a particular location. The best way to judge a location is to visit the actual site and see for your self. www.selfstorageyards.com
What do I need to get a storage unit?
You need to have a valid picture ID whether it’s a driver’s license or card of some sort. You are also required to adhere to the terms of rental. The total amount of rent and any possible deposits, administrations fees and insurance requirements must also be met before you are able to move your items into a storage unit.
What can I put into storage?
One can put just about anything that they desire to put into the storage unit such as items from the home, garage or business. As long as the contents do not exceed the acquired amount of space of the storage unit itself. Items included would be such items as, furniture, appliances, boxes, totes, clothes, appliances, equipment,timber, vehicles, etc. Some restrictions may apply. The main guideline for storage items not allowed would be dead or living organisms, perishable foods or flammables. Do not store Petrol, thinners or any highly combustable items in shipping container self storage. Ventilation is crucial in such requirements containers are limited in this area.
Could I store a car at a storage facility?
Yes. It is possible to store a vehicle at a storage property as long as they have the means to offer it and your vehicle meets the stores requirements.Typically vehicles do not have to be in running condition,as long as they are registered and insured in the renters name and no mechanical work can be done on the storage site.
What kind on unit could I store a car in?
There are a couple different options you could choose from when storing a vehicle. You could either go into a 20ft container or 40 ft container depending on size.
How tall are storage units?
Unit heights will vary from store to store so you want to check with them when calling, especially if you have large pieces; whether it’s furniture or other items like lumber or siding. Generally, ceiling heights can range anywhere from 8 feet tall up to about 13 feet tall for your standard storage unit. There is also locker size units offered that generally range from 3 feet to 5 feet tall. These types of units are for those who only need to store a couple of boxes or bags of items. Check out www.fabandsite.co.uk for self storage container options.
Do I have to worry about pests in the units?
Storage facilities do monthly pest control, so you shouldn’t have to worry about pests. There is no guarantee that you would never have a pest inside of your storage unit, but there are ways that you too can help protect your items of pests. You can make sure that all of your boxes are taped very well including the sides and corners of the boxes as well as the use of furniture covers whenever possible. There are also products that can be purchased at most storage facilities that you can also put inside of your unit. Check with your local store.
How do I know what size to rent?
The 8x5 is the size of a small half bathroom and is perfect for storing small furniture such as a chair or tall dresser as well as miscellaneous items and boxes. It can also hold approximately 30 standard file size boxes on shelves with access or 36 file size boxes without shelves and boxes.
The 8x8 is the size of a large closet and is great for storing the contents of 1 to 1 ½ rooms of furniture or 48 standard size file boxes with shelves and access or 84 standard file size boxes without shelves and access.
The 10x8 is the size of a large walk-in closet and holds about 3 rooms of furniture such as a 1 bedroom apartment without appliances plus small items and boxes. If you are only storing boxes, this unit will hold about 66 files size boxes on shelves with access or 132 file size boxes without shelves and access.
The 10x10 is the size of an average bedroom and holds 4 rooms of furniture and miscellaneous items, or you can store 108 file size boxes on shelves with access or 168 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 20x8 is the size of an extra small garage which holds up to 5 rooms of furniture i.e. a 2 bedroom home full of furniture, or 156 standard file size boxes on shelves with access or 294 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 40 x8 unit is the size of a 2 car garage which holds the contents of 2 bedroom home without appliances plus misc. items or 204 file size boxes on shelves with access or 378 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 40x8 unit is ideal for storing a 2 -3 bedroom home or 252 file size boxes on shelves with access or 504 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
