self storage myths and facts

Over the last ten years, the self storage industry has grown quickly all over the United Kingdom. From families moving home to small businesses needing space to store inventory, an increasing number of consumers are opting to use self storage facilities to solve their space problems.

Yet in spite of its obvious popularity, there are still a lot of misunderstandings that are prevalent which keep potential users of self storage facilities from using one.

This article deals with some of the more prominent self storage units myths and facts. It deals with what is true, what is untrue, and why.

Myth 1: Self Storage Is Only Useful For Hoarders.

One of the more common myths connected with self storage is that they are of use to hoarders only.

They are people who can not part with their possessions. Most people who rent a storage unit are merely looking for some extra space during their life transitions. This may be moving house, renovating a property, or downscaling.

Commercial concerns, too, are a good proportion of self storage customers. Many of these use self storage facilities to store commercial inventory, to hold spare seasonal inventory, or hold paperwork which is not used daily.

Myth 2: Self Storage Is Unsafe

A widely held belief is that self storage units are unprotected or that it is easy to break into them. This belief may be propagated through TV programs such as "Storage Wars", which liven up the auctioning of abandoned storage units. In fact the opposite proves to be true.

Modern self storage companies spend a lot of money on security.

Security cameras, coded entry systems, gated access to the facility itself and round-the-clock surveillance are all now standard features. Many facilities have alarmed units in addition to fire detection systems to provide added security.

Renting space from an established storage company provides much greater safety as far as belongings are concerned than they are likely to have in a garage, loft, shed or other similar place.

In fact self storage has become one of the safest ways of storing personal goods, whether it be for temporary increase in availability or for long term usage.

Myth 3: You Can Store Everything

Though self storage is versatile, there are limits as to what can be stored away.

A popular falsehood is that tenants can fill their storage unit with whatever comes into their heads. In fact, all self storage facilities are governed by strict rules intended to provide protection against theft at the site.

Goods which are of an edible nature, goods which are flammable or illegal in nature, are not permitted.

Most storage facilities will give a detailed list of the goods which are forbidden and the tenant should certainly observe the contractual instructions in this respect so that the protection of all goods stored at the storage is maintained.

You may of course store chairs, papers, tools, furniture and ordinary household items. If you have any doubt, ask the self storage company and see what they suggest before you commit yourself to renting any unit.

Myth 4: Self Storage Is Too Expensive

Many people assume that renting a self storage unit is too costly, but the fact is that it is far more economical than most people think! Prices vary with size, location and time needed, but flexible terms make it accessible to a great number of people.

Many self storage companies even offer discounts on long term self storage, rates for students, or packages for business. When compared with the costs involved in renting business space or in home expansion, self storage is often the less expensive alternative.

To businesses, these advantages are even more beneficial. Storing their stock in a self storage facility in secure surroundings cuts costs for commercial rents while being efficient.

Myth 5: It Is Difficult to Access Your Storage Unit

A large number of those using self storage are fearful of the fact that after putting their possessions into storage, they will be unable to extract it without great difficulty.

This misconception would appear to be one of the most generally held incorrect ideas about self storage. In reality, most self storage sites have been designed with this convenience in mind.

Many units have trolleys, hoists or elevators and loading bays that facilitate entry to and exit from units for loading or unloading of furniture and boxes.

Myth 6: Self Storage Is Only For The Short Term

Another persistent myth is that self storage is only of use in temporary circumstances.

While they are ideal for short moves or renovations, long-term storage is just as prevalent.

So many private individuals or businesses require the use of self storage units for ongoing storage necessities, from paperwork to stock storage all year round.

These facilities are constructed to suit both short and long self storage tenants alike. You can start with a small self storage space and move up as your needs become larger. This type of flexibility is one of the great reasons for the growing popularity of the industry.

Myth 7: Storage Units Are Dirty or Damp

A major myth which still lingers is that storage units are dusty, unventilated or badly maintained. While this could have been true some decades ago, the situation is completely different today.

Modern self storage facilities are kept clean, dry, and regularly maintained. Many involve temperature control, prevention of pests, climate control.

Your belongings are kept in professional conditions, which are designed to eliminate moisture, mould and damage.

Before renting, visit the self storage facility, and ask about their cleaning schedule or climate provisions.

A good storage provider will be happy to explain to you how they maintain good practice.

Myth 8: Only People Who Own Homes Use Self Storage

It's easy to assume self storage is only for people who are either moving house or renovating their homes. But this is another commonly held myth.

Self storage is used by people and businesses in all walks of life.

Students find storage useful in between terms and freelances often store precious equipment in self storage.

Companies store either archives or inventory off-site in self storage.

People who travel for a period also find self storage a useful and safe way to store their goods while they are away.

The reality is that self storage is useful for everybody who needs more space.

Myth 9: All storage companies are the same

Not all storage facilities work on the same principles. Some have premium services like climate control and advanced security while others have a lower price or greater flexibility. And then there is the myth that all companies in the self storage industry are providing the same experiences.

The truth is that the facilities are different in size, in quality and in features.

When looking for a self storage provider, think first of all of your needs. Accessibility, cleanliness, price and reviews are all worthy of consideration.

A good company will advertise all that you need to know about what is included in the service, how their goods are protected and what sort of customer service help is available.

Myth 10: You will forget about what is in storage

This last myth, that people do not use self storage because they think unless they visit the self storage frequently they will forget about their goods stored there, is understandable to some extent.

But the fact is that a little bit of organisation is all that is needed to eliminate this fear.

Everybody can label their boxes, create an inventory of what is stored and make sure they photograph their goods before storing them. This keeps people interested as well as keeping them organised.

Some storage facilities will offer clients online portals where they will be able to access their details of the storage unit which they have hired and to renew contracts with the storage providers online.

Good organisation will ensure that owners of the goods know where their goods are stored, which will save time and lessen the chance of any goods stored there being lost.