How to Compare Self storage Companies

Choosing the right storage provider can make a huge difference in protecting your goods and getting the best from your space.

Whether you are decluttering your home, storing business items or providing a haven for furniture while moving, knowing how to compare self-storage companies can get you the best value, service and security for your stored things.

There are so many storage companies in the UK, ranging from the household names of Big Yellow Self Storage, Safestore, Pink Storage and Access Self Storage, to the smaller local options of Henfield Storage, Urban Locker, EasyStorage and LoveSpace, it can be hard to know which suits you best in terms of price, convenience and reliability.

In this article, we will tell you what to look for, what to ask, and make sure that the storage you select suits your needs to perfection.

Know Your Storage Needs

Before you start on the process of comparing storage companies, think about what it is YOU will require. Are you storing documents, furniture, or boxes for a short time, or do you require temporary storage for a long-term commercial enterprise?

Knowing what unit size and space needs you have will help you to find the most suitable self-storage facility.

Small units are best for personal effects such as boxes and seasonal items, whereas larger storage units will be more suited for bulky furniture, appliances, or office archives.

If you are not sure what size you require, most storage providers have useful guides or virtual calculators on their sites too to help find an estimate.

Compare Storage Prices and Affordability

Compare storage prices to get more than just the headline costs. Storage firms will sometimes offer very competitive introductory prices, but be warned that the costs can rise after a few months.

Is the price that you have been quoted including VAT, insurance and 24-hour access?

Affordability does not necessarily mean the cheapest option, but it does mean that you should be looking from a selection of competitive vendors for a good service, flexible terms and secure locations.

The names that are well known, such as Big Yellow Self Storage or Safestore, generally charge premium prices in such cities as London, whereas the smaller independent local operators may have far greater flexibility and be able to offer discounts for longer bookings.

Always ask if there are any hidden costs or packing included.

Check Location and Convenience

The site of the self storage facility of your choice is very important. A site that is close to your home or business might save you time and transport costs.

If you require frequent access to your stored goods, then look for a storage provider that offers extended hours of opening or even 24/7 access.

Convenience is more than simply distance, as ease of accessibility and ease of use of the facilities are also of importance. A self storage site that has drive-up access, loading bays and trolleys does make for easier movement of all those boxes and furniture.

If you live in an area of London, etc., where access is difficult, then location to a major road or pubic transport links might be of great help, particularly if you intend to have frequent collections or deliveries.

Assess Security Features. When comparing self storage firms, please do not forget about security features. The best self storage companies spend a massive amount of investment in such features as C.C.T.V., gated access, and alarms.

Some storage sites even have a full-time staff and coded entry so that only authorised users can gain entrance.

Inquire about how often the site is monitored and whether there are individual alarms for each unit. A secure storage facility keeps your possessions out of reach of thieves.

You should also inquire about the insurance protection offered. Some storage companies include basic insurance in their price, while others ask you to arrange your own insurance policy.

Consider the Size and Flexibility of Units

A part of comparing self-storage companies is finding a storage unit that fills your exact needs.

The units usually range in size from small lockers to large warehouse-style rooms.

Selecting the size of the units is important so that you are not paying for space not utilised, nor looking for room to store what you have. Flexibility, too, is important. Life changes rapidly, and you may need to increase or decrease the size of the storage area used depending on circumstances.

Inquire if the storage company has flexibility in place which will allow you to change to a larger or smaller storage area as required. Flexibility is even more important to the business user. If your needs for storage fluctuate seasonally, be sure your supplier can change your storage supply up or down without a lot of extra charges.

Appreciate Quality of Service

When looking to hire storage, you should consider the overall experience of the service. Are the staff members helpful and professional? Are they responsive to inquiries made? A supplier who cares about customer relations will make the entire process of storage a lot easier.

Some self storage firms provide the option of a collection and delivery service, which means you never need to set foot in a storage centre. Others offer a variety of full-service options in which they collect items, store them, and then bring them back at a time of your convenience.

Compare Access Hours and Constraints

Accessibility varies enormously in the self-storage market. Some offer 24-hour access, some forbid access at certain periods and charge additional for those who require after-hours access.

If you run a business or need to haul papers or furniture from time to time, it is essential that you have easy access. Always check the access hours required and whether access is available at weekends.

Look for Additional Features

Each of the self-storage facilities has features which are meant to make life easier for you. These could take the form of climate-controlled storage, the use of vans free of charge, parcels received and packing services.

Consider carefully what aspects are going to be most important for you before hiring a storage unit.

Read Reviews and Visit Site

When reaching your final decision, make sure you read the reviews given on the facilities provided by each of the companies and the cleanliness of the units where clients are concerned.

If it is possible to do so, go to the site and observe for yourself the cleanliness of the units provided, whether the lighting works, what the facilities look like, and what the required standard.

It is surprising what a little visit can do to assist you in visualising the storage area which you have in mind, and whether what you receive is consistent with what is advertised.