Why should you use self storage?

A recent article in The Independent argued that people who are looking to store things this Christmas should use removal company storage instead of self storage. Although everyone needs to find the storage option that really works for them, it’s worth pointing that self storage has a lot to recommend it, contrary to what was said in this article.

So, why should you use self storage, instead of alternative storage options? Here are five good reasons:

1. Flexibility – This is probably the single best reason for using self storage compared to the alternatives. Modern self storage facilities are often found in convenient city centre locations, rather than out of town sites which are harder for you to get to.

This makes it easier to come and get things from your unit whenever you find you suddenly need them, a feature of self storage which is further enhanced by the fact that many self storage facilities offer 24/7 access, and you don’t need to pay an access fee or give any notice before visiting the facility to get things out.

You can also think of self storage as more than just a place to keep things, if the mood takes you. Self storage units have been put to a range of other purposes other than those for which they were originally designed: as a way of providing cheap office space, as workshops, gyms, places to hold social events, and even as a kind of sanctuary, letting you get away from the rest of the world for some much-needed downtime. As long as you don’t start living in a self storage unit, the options are practically unlimited.

2. Personalization – Admittedly, there are some people who prefer to have things done for them. However, people tend to be very possessive about their belongings, and understandably prefer not to have to entrust them to strangers when they are being packaged and moved. Self storage gives everyone the option of doing things themselves, as you are perfectly free to pack everything you want to store and drive it to the facility yourself, saving you the worry (and cost) that comes with having someone else do the job for you.

3. Availability – The options for people who want to use self storage are getting broader all the time, as more and more facilities open up around the country. Particularly in the major cities, you may well have several self storage centres conveniently located nearby, all competing to offer the best possible service for your money. You can use Storage.co.uk’s Self Storage Finder to get a complete picture of the options near you.

4. Security – Self storage companies are in permanent competition for new tenants, meaning they have to offer the best possible service. One area which they keep on upgrading in order to make themselves more attractive is on the security side of the business, where 24-hour CCTV, high-quality perimeter fencing, burglar alarms and personal access codes are now all commonplace at UK self storage facilities. No one who uses a self storage facility to store their belongings should ever have to worry about the danger of them being damaged or stolen because of someone else’s fault, and even if they are, by law all goods which are kept in self storage have to be covered by insurance.

5. 250,000 people can’t all be wrong – According to the UK Self Storage Association, this is the number of UK customers who were using self storage in 2012.

6 Responses to “Why should you use self storage?”

1. Bill says:

   December 26, 2012 at 11:53 pm

   Here is a great storage tip for those that want to save MONEY! Most self storage operators charge LESS rent for space that is located on the interior of the facility (non-drive up) and for 2nd floor space. If you really think about it, do you really need to be able to “drive up” to your storage unit. How about this, most facilities will charge anywhere from 10% -30% less for interior or 2nd floor space!

2. Hong Kong Storage says:

   December 28, 2012 at 3:09 am

   Self Storage is great for people who are living in the city like London or Hong Kong. The rent is crazy and space is limited. It is a lot cheaper to put stuff in self storage than renting/buying a bigger home.

   It also provide great privacy

3. James Brown says:

   January 8, 2013 at 10:27 am

   Nice article about the self storage. Self storage is the perfect solution for anyone who needs to store anything like clothes or toys and expensive belongings.

4. Gary says:

   January 14, 2013 at 10:17 am

   Self storage just fits most peoples life style which is part of its main attraction.

5. Natalie Diaz says:

   February 25, 2013 at 9:57 am

   Thanks for sharing this interesting and very informative post about self storage . And you really point out that why we should use self storage. Your tips and idea is seems to good and it is a great idea for everyone who need store anything.

6. Jade McCarthy says:

   April 22, 2014 at 11:17 am

   Some really great advice here! I chose self storage for many of the reasons you listed here. Though it meant I had to travel a short distance in order to reach the self storage unit the fact that it had 24/7 access meant there was no problem. I also knew that my items would be far more secure in the self storage unit.

   Once I decided to use self storage I came across a company called Barretts self storage that offered well looked after units at a fantastic price!

   If you’re looking for self storage units in Oxford I can easily recommend them!

   http://barretts-selfstorage.co.uk/