Many people wonder whether self storage is worth the cost and the truth is that it often depends on your requirements. The UK self storage industry continues to grow as more people are looking for a safe, convenient and cheap alternative solution to storing things in the garage. In this article, we discuss some of the most common reasons people use self storage and why it’s worth the cost in almost every way.
If you need a storage unit that is easily accessible around your location, visit our website for more information about sizes and self storage prices.
Is It Better To Rent A Self Storage Unit Or Keep Things In Your Garage?
At some point, both homeowners and tenants may need extra storage space whether it’s for seasonal sporting equipment, extra furniture, clothes, toys, documents or as a result of a family bereavement. Regardless of the reason, most people will use their garage as it serves a dual purpose.
Not only is it home to your car but you can also install shelving or racks for additional storage space. This is a great alternative if you have the space but storing things in the garage is not the safest or cleanest option. Since many garages double as workshops with tools and equipment, they can be dangerous for kids.
Unlike self storage units, garages are not all that clean, dry or safe; not to mention the increased risk of rodents and moths. For safety reasons, many insurance companies don’t provide comprehensive cover for items stored in a garage.
The Benefits Of Self Storage Units vs Home Storage
If there’s no room in your garage or loft and you don’t have, or don’t want to use a spare room to keep your things, then self storage could be the best alternative. Whether you need space short-term or long-term, storage units offer many benefits compared to storing at home or the garage.
Self Storage Is Safer
Renting a self storage unit means you are almost guaranteed clean and safe conditions. Unlike your garage, which is more susceptible to theft, a storage facility is safer, especially for expensive or valuable items that you can’t easily replace.
Compared to storing things at home or the garage, reputable storage facilities offer the highest level of security. This often includes CCTV, alarms, security guards and access control.
When it comes to choosing between your garage and a self-storage unit, think about what you are storing. If they are valuable and hard to replace, then you really should consider renting a storage unit.
Self Storage Can Save You Money
If you run out of space, short of buying or renting bigger property, self storage is far more affordable and worthwhile. It is generally the less expensive option, especially with the current state of the UK property market.
Since storage units are safer, you can also save money as the chances of replacing or repairing something are slim, provided you pack things properly. Just make sure you consult your insurance provider on the best possible cover.
At Space Centre, we offer free storage insurance up to the value of £3000 or you can contact Surewise, Insurastore or Store-Insure among others.
By renting a self storage unit, you can rest assured knowing you made the right decision with your funds. The money you save long-term can be used for more important things like a small home improvement.
Better Value For Money
Storing things in the garage is cost-effective and budget-friendly as it forms part of your home while you have to pay a monthly rental fee for self storage. However, self storage units will ultimately give you greater peace of mind.
As mentioned earlier, good storage facilities offer security and suitable conditions to protect your items against damage, theft, fire or floods. When you consider this, the small monthly storage rental fee is well worth it.
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Storage Units Help Keep Your Space Organised
Nobody likes living in clutter which is why so many people search Google and spend time on Pinterest looking for the best ways to declutter and organise your space. If you want a more organised home, office or business space, self storage is certainly worth considering.
With a storage unit, you can drastically reduce the clutter without having to throw too many things away. It helps you keep your belongings without worrying about the space everything occupies, especially if you have a small flat or limited space.
Organising and regularly clearing out your home or garage is important but it is time-consuming. Compared to doing this chore, renting storage space is more convenient and take away most of the decluttering hassle.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Storing things in the garage may seem convenient and mostly hassle-free but a major benefit of self storage is that it is climate controlled. Since humidity and moisture can damage nearly anything including wood, electronics, furniture, documents and jewellery, a climate-controlled storage unit may be the best way to keep your belongings safe from external factors. If you live in an area with frequent temperature fluctuations or high humidity, this becomes even more important.
Self Storage Units Are Convenient And Flexible
Unlike your garage with limited size and space, you can rent differently sized self storage units. The space in your garage will also most likely be shared with vehicles, bicycles, lawnmowers and other outdoor equipment which means there isn’t much room for anything else.
If your garage is too cluttered and you need a dedicated safe place, then self storage is the most beneficial option long term. At Space Centre, we are also flexible so depending on availability, you can change to a bigger or smaller unit free of charge if your storage requirements should change.
What Size Self Storage Unit Do I Need?
When it comes to self storage, size certainly matters but you’ll be surprised just how much you can pack if done correctly. A common misconception is that you need a big storage unit to match the size of the room(s) in your home. That simply is not the case although we do recommend getting a larger unit.
Even if you think you won’t need the unit for long, it’s always better to have extra space to keep odds and ends rather than renting a second unit or changing to a bigger unit later on.
If you are storing big and heavy items, make sure you get an external storage unit with drive-up access. This will make moving/unloading things into your self storage unit much easier.
How To Pack Your Storage Unit
Once you’ve done your research and found the right storage facility and unit, it’s time to pack and stack everything. Here are a few tips on how to pack your storage unit to keep things safe and organised.
- Use good quality boxes and not old or flimsy ones lying around the garage
- Store valuables or breakables in bubble wrap, tissue paper and plastic boxes
- Don’t overfill boxes
- Distribute weight evenly to make stacking easier and safer
- Label each box so you know the contents for easy access later
- Leave an aisle down the middle so you can easily access the back of your unit
- Disassemble beds, desks and tables
- Mirrors, glass and picture frames should have their corners protected with foam or cardboard
Self Storage Units Near Me
Most storage facilities offer different sizes at various prices so it’s best to search online for storage prices. Once you find a storage facility that offers everything you need, you can compare different companies with ease.
One thing to remember is that cheap storage offers aren’t always good as there might be small print or additional fees you may not be aware of. At Space Centre, we don’t mess about and will provide you with honesty and transparency at every turn.
Our staff are professional, friendly and trained to help you in any way they can. With us, there is no small print, no deposit necessary and no additional surprise charges later on. For more information, contact any of our self storage facilities in Stroud, Bristol, Gloucester and Stonehouse.