Self-Storage involves renting your own personal storage unit for the purpose of temporarily housing your possessions and personal items. There are an abundance of storage options on the market, but not all offer the high standards that are needed when entrusting your items over to a storage business. This article is going to detail the do’s and don’ts of self-storage, ensuring your storage experience is smooth, hassle-free and safe.
DO:
Check when the facility is open. Some facilities close on certain days, especially Sundays. Even if you feel like this may be suitable for you, you never know when an emergency may arise and you need access to your unit. Ideally, you want to choose a storage facility that is accessible 7 days a week.
Ensure your storage unit has an adequate amount of airflow. A lack of airflow can damage delicate fabrics.
Ensure that your storage unit is clean and undamaged. An unclean unit can harbour dust, which may damage items over time. In addition, damage to your unit may pose a security or leak risk.
Ensure you possess the sole key to your storage unit. A storage unit temporarily becomes yours when rented and is being used to store your items. Therefore there should be no need for staff to have a key laying around with access to your unit. Choose a company that provides you with the only working key. Not only does this provide greater levels of security but it allows you to go to and from your storage unit without the hassle of a middleman.
Make sure your goods are insured as part of your storage package. Insurance is vital as it means you are always covered even if the worst should happen. Any storage company that doesn’t provide full insurance should not be trusted.
Choose a facility with round-the-clock CCTV. Security is paramount when it comes to storing your possessions, and nothing is more secure than a 24/7 CCTV service. Not only does this allow someone to keep an eye on your unit at all times, but the added benefit of this is that, in the very rare occurrence that something or someone does compromise your unit, the evidence will be captured on CCTV.
Don’t:
Store anything that is prohibited. Make sure you read the rules carefully on what is and isn’t allowed to be stored in your unit. Not abiding by the rules can lead to large fines. This includes anything that is flammable, anything that can be considered a weapon, or anything that is toxic or can create a toxic environment inside the unit, such as paint.
Choose a storage unit of the wrong size. Storage units are available in different sizes, each with according costs. Choosing one that is too small may not provide enough space to store all your items sufficiently. Choosing one that is too large may cause you to overpay where not necessary.
Don’t leave your unit unlocked. Being the sole owner of your key means that you are responsible for ensuring your unit is locked after use. Forgetting to do so may compromise security and in some instances may even negate your insurance policy.
Simply Storage offer various inclusions in their self-storage services to ensure customers always receive the top levels of accessibility and safety. Round the clock 24-hour CCTV operation, inclusive insurance and 7-day-a-week access are just some of the ways we’ve developed our stellar reputation for customers throughout London and Kingston-Upon-Thames. If you’d like to enquire further, give our team a call today.