How does self storage work

If you are running out of home or business space, you may wonder, how does self storage work?

The concept is simple. A storage facility owns and manages a variety of secure units of various sizes which are rented to individuals and business owners for the safe storage of their belongings, furniture or documents for a fixed period of time.

Whether you are moving house and need additional accommodation for a while, a place to store your business stock or a quick and easy temporary solution while you do some renovations, self storage is an excellent solution for those needing flexibility during a period of transition, peace of mind and security are also essential factors.

How Self Storage Works

To understand better how self storage works, think of it as renting a temporary extension to your home or garage. When you have decided on a suitable storage rental site for your requirements, you will need to select a storage unit size to fit your needs.

You will need to sign agreements with the owners of the storage units, which outline the terms and conditions, including the rental cost and then transfer your personal effects to the secure set storage facility which you selected.

The main attraction of this type of rental facility is that you have total control over your storage space. You can rent as much or as little storage facility space as you require, and you can also decide on how long you want to keep it. Most storage rental facilities offer flexible rent agreements, giving you the right to extend or cut back your rental at will, depending on your requirements.

Choose A Local Self Storage Location First

The first course of action to take is to locate some self storage rental facilities within a reasonable distance from your home.

If you need a place to put a few boxes or personal items, then small lockers are sufficient. For larger items of furniture or equipment, medium and full-sized self storage units give you extra space.

Most providers now have estimating aids on their websites that allow you to check on the proper size of your storage unit related to your inventory.

Step Two - Book and Move In

Once you find your unit, you normally either book it through the site or in person. You will then sign a short contract that covers the conditions under which you are renting the unit as well as the fees involved. Then you will be ready to move the belongings into the storage unit.

Most self storage locations have trolleys, elevators and parking spots to make looking after your unit easier. You stack and pack, date your boxes and store your unit in arrangements that suit you. The unit is totally private and secure. Only you have access.

Step Three - Accessing Your Unit

The biggest bonuses with self storage units are the flexible access. Most facilities give you unlimited access which allows you to visit your unit whenever you feel like it during office hours. Some also offer twenty-four hour access.

You can add to your effects, remove them again or just go and see what you have got. Because of the unlimited access it is popular with home users of self storage as well as businesses where there is a need for easy access to stored items.

Stage Four: Assurance and Comfort

The security of your possessions is the main concern of any storage site. The upper-level self-storage sites, on the other hand, feature alarm systems, cameras, and secure building entrances. Especially during office hours, an attendant watches over the units and makes sure that all units are secured, kept clean and in good working condition.

This kind of security gives people the assurance that their belongings is in good hands at all times.

Any items can be stored in a storage building within reason.

You may keep things which are seasonal in nature, such as clothes, furniture or cartons of your furniture, in the home common to many people who like to put away furniture.

Businesses use self-storage units to hold stock inventory, papers or tools.

For instance, tradesmen will occasionally use a storage building where they are renovating and want to store their things until the building is completed. The flexibility with which you can use a storage is that it is good for the use you may put it to, either short term or long term.

Storage maintenance

When your items are in, you should aim to maintain your unit so your items are safe.

If you need more or less storage than most facilities will be able to accommodate, you just have to ask your storage provider, and sometimes check the terms and conditions that you signed up for.

You should maintain your unit by checking on it every so often, as mould can creep in if things aren't looked after as much as they should, so visit your storage unit every few months if possible.

Cost

The cost of storage depends upon the size of the unit, its location, and the length of time.

A small unit is always cheaper to rent than a big one, whereas climate conditioned storage units are much more expensive to rent than standard storage units.

The location of your storage unit can also play a part in how much you pay per week for your storage unit. A unit that is located in a place like London is going to be more expensive than a storage unit located in Cardiff or a smaller town like Port Talbot.