What Is Self Storage

If you have ever run out of space at home or in your business and wondered where to keep your things, self storage is an option that people can turn to.

Self storage is cheaper than a warehouse and moving home, and most cities and towns will have self-storage facilities, but if you have been living under a rock and somehow haven't seen a self storage facility before, this post will help you understand what exactly is self storage, how does it work, and why so many people use it?

Understanding Self Storage

Self storage is a service that allows individuals and businesses to rent a secure space to keep their belongings, and they can rent this space for a few weeks or even years, there is often no limit.

The storage space can be as small as a locker for a few boxes or as large as a garage-sized unit for furniture, tools or stock.  Some facilities can even store things like boats, trampolines, pianos and everything else in between.

When it comes to self storage, you rent the unit for as long as you need it and keep control of what goes in and what comes out. Unlike traditional warehouses where staff handle your items, self storage facilities are designed for customer access, so that you can get to your items when you need them.

Depending on your unit or facility, you can either visit 24/7 or visit during the facility’s access hours. From there, you can unlock your own unit and organise your belongings as you like.

Most facilities charge a monthly fee for self-storage, but you may be able to pay in advance and save some money.

Keeping your furniture and valuable items safe is the main purpose of a self-storage unit, and modern self-storage buildings are purpose-built with this in mind to keep your items safe and secure. They do this through strong doors, CCTV, and secure locks.

Whereas they can also keep your furniture safe through clean and dry interiors while offering pest control and fire-safety systems.

How Self Storage Works

The process is straightforward when it comes to hiring a self-storage unit.

You start by estimating how much space you need. You do this by taking into account large items such as beds, wardrobes, bicycles or whatever else you need to store. Try to guess as accurately as possible, as you may over- or underpay for what you need. When in doubt, call the storage facility, and they can help.

Often, people will choose a storage facility that is close to them in terms of location. We would recommend that you visit it if possible to inspect the units and sign a rental agreement there.

Signing up to most storage companies can be done at a facility or online on their website, once you have managed to do this you can then access your unit during the facilities hours.

Depending on the storage facility, you may need to provide your own lock. At Pink Storage, you will be given a pin code so you can access your unit when you need to.

You should know that staff usually cannot open your unit unless there is a legal or safety reason, such as an emergency.

Flexible terms can be an advantage when hiring a self-storage unit because you never really know when your needs will change. You can rent a unit for a few weeks during a house move or keep it for years for business use. If you need more or less space later, many facilities allow you to change to a different-sized unit.

Self Storage Compared to Container Storage

People often confuse self storage with container storage. While this can be confusing, the differences are obvious when you know.

When people talk about Self storage they often refer to indoor units within a secure building. These units are well-lit, often climate-controlled and easier to access during regular or extended hours.

These units are generally a better choice if you need to visit your belongings often or if you have items that are sensitive to temperature, damp or pests.

Container storage usually means using large steel shipping containers. These containers may be placed outdoors at a storage site or sometimes delivered to your property. Containers can still be well-lit, climate-controlled and offer good access; it all depends on your storage site.

Container storage can be a cheaper option for long-term storage, but it's worth checking with your storage company to see the full pricing.

Why People Use Self Storage

Self-storage is used by a wide range of people for many reasons.

Homeowners often rent a unit while moving house, renovating or downsizing.  You may also use a unit if you have a baby on the way and need to get rid of bulky items.

Self-storage gives you a secure place to keep furniture, boxes and personal belongings until you need them again.

Businesses use self-storage to hold excess stock, seasonal products or archive paperwork.  Think of self-storage as another place to store items which you can access conveniently.

Self-storage is often cheaper than renting additional commercial space and provides the flexibility to scale up or down as needed, and that's why many businesses have chosen to store their inventory or items with Pink Storage.

Students and travellers can also use self-storage to keep their belongings safe during holidays or periods abroad. Self-storage is much more convenient than selling all of your items or putting them in a friend's house for months.

Families can also use self-storage to store seasonal items such as sports gear, camping equipment or Christmas decorations to keep their homes uncluttered.

Considering storage?

If you are considering using self-storage, it is worth checking what each facility offers before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping your items safe is at the top of most people's list and while self storage is safe, you can improve your chances of keeping your items safe by using a company that uses pin codes, CCTV or has security on site.

Some will also offer climate-controlled units for sensitive items, so if you need this for artwork or anything else in between, be sure to ask your storage company if their unit is suitable for your needs.

Before hiring a unit, it is also worth comparing access hours, location and contract terms. A site that is slightly more expensive but has better security, longer access hours and a convenient location can be a better investment than a cheaper but less reliable facility.