Find out about self storage, the most common questions people ask about it, and the answers to those questions.
At present the self storage market is thought to be worth $58,279 million, and is expected to grow 7.5% by 2028. It’s no surprise – who doesn’t need flexible, affordable, secure storage space? Every renter, homeowner, house mover, parent, business and more could do with more storage space, and self storage is a really great solution.
If you are new to self storage, you’re likely here because you have questions about self storage and how it works. That’s a smart move – times are hard and we should be only spending money on services that we have thought about properly. The good news is that by being here, you have a head start in your research because we have the eight most common questions about self storage along with the answers to those questions:
1. Is Self Storage Secure?
Self storage is not only secure, but likely to be more secure than any office space. Facilities made for self storage are in the business of keeping your things safe, and they should proudly let you know about all their amazing security features. You should expect features like:
- CCTV
- Fencing
- Gates
- 24/7 reception services
- Security guards
- Security lighting
- Various lock types and lock points
- Well maintained walls and grounds
2. How Expensive Is It?
It depends greatly on the company that you use. One of the most popular London self storage facilities costs under £10 pounds a week for 10 square feet of storage, compared to over double that for the same amount of space at a leading National company. For 100 square foot with the same popular London storage company you can pay as little as just over £55 pounds per week, and with the National company, that can cost three times as much. So, it’s as much about shopping around as it is getting just the one quote – you have to be able to compare. Ultimately you should be looking for the most value for money, not the cheapest option.
3. What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
Self storage can be as small as a gym locker and as big as a football field. You can have any sized storage unit that you need, but if you don’t know the size you need, the staff at the facility can help you. They have a lot of experience in figuring out roughly the size unit a person needs depending on the stuff they are going to be storing. It also depends if you will be storing and utilising the unit a lot, or simply storing and leaving the storage unit alone for a long time. If you need access regularly for business, or if you buy and sell, or utilise the London storage space to store a bike you use to commute, you should leave space for access to all the different items, and include a walkway.
4. Is Self Storage A Minimum Of Six Months Contract?
Sometimes, but mostly it is a month by month contract. In fact, some facilities allow you to store your things for as little as a week. This flexibility is why so many businesses utilise self storage for seasonal sales, or as a startup enterprise who may suffer big growing pains. Domestic self storage users appreciate the flexibility for things like moving house, estate clearance and downsizing for retirement.
5. Can You Run A Business From Self Storage Units?
Some businesses utilise a self storage unit for stock. As long as the stock falls within the restrictions on what you can store at the facility, there is no restriction on storing stock for business in this way. It’s a pretty perfect option for people who work from home, or who operate online, because it is cheaper and more flexible than an office, or a warehouse contract. Some facilities do allow you to run your business from the unit, with desks and everything you would find in any office or warehouse. It isn’t always possible, but in some cases it is actively encouraged and there can be WIFI, business services and more to take advantage of.
6. Is There Anything You Can’t Store In Self Storage?
You can store most things in self storage, with exception to the following:
- Organic material like food or seeds
- Anything living like pets or plants
- Anything explosive like fireworks
- Hazardous materials and chemicals
- Anything illegal
There will be further restrictions detailed in your contract by the self storage facility. If you are not sure about what you can and cannot store you should check before you sign your contract to make sure you don’t accidentally go against the rules.
7. If I Don’t Pay My Self Storage Contract, Will My Unit Be Seized?
Ultimately, the owners of the facility want you to have your stuff back so they don’t have to go through the trouble of clearing the unit out. The steps from you not paying for the unit, and the unit contents being sold or auctioned off are many, and before that happens, there are lots of legal steps and opportunities for things to be rectified. If you do think you will be late paying, or unable to pay for your rent, speak to the facility about your options – they always want to help you as much as possible, rather than have to take legal action.
8. What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Self Storage?
Outdoor self storage is commonly not climate controlled, is often a range of shipping units on security protected land, and is commonly associated with less storage perks than indoor storage. Indoor storage is most often a big building with separate units that have separate locks and shutters, and that come in different sizes. Indoor self storage often has climate control, which tends to be the gold standard in terms of keeping your belongings in the best possible condition. Indoor storage facilities often also have lots of extra perks, like business services.
Do you have more questions about self storage? Speak to your local affordable self storage facility for more information. The more informed you are, the better your decision will be, ensuring you get the right self storage situation for your needs moving forward.