When you are looking for self storage, it is easy to focus on finding a unit at the right price. But there is more to choosing a storage facility than the monthly cost.
The location, access arrangements, security, choice of unit sizes and flexibility can all affect how useful your storage will be. A facility that works well for someone storing a few boxes temporarily may not be the best option for a business that needs regular access to stock or equipment.
Before choosing a self storage facility, it is worth thinking about how you will actually use it and what you need from the service.
Choose a convenient location
The right location depends on where you are travelling from and how often you expect to visit your storage unit.
If you are storing furniture during a house move, for example, you may only need occasional access. If you are using storage for business stock, tools or equipment, you could be visiting much more frequently.
Think about your usual journeys and whether the storage facility is easy to reach by car. Convenient parking and straightforward loading and unloading can also make a difference, particularly when you are moving larger or heavier items.
A slightly cheaper unit may not be the best value if every visit means making a long or inconvenient journey.
Check when you can access your belongings
Storage needs do not always fit neatly around office opening hours.
You may need to collect something before work, return stock after a day's trading or access belongings at the weekend. If you are choosing between facilities, check exactly when customers can enter the site and their storage unit.
STAR selfstore offers 24/7 access, giving customers the flexibility to visit their units when it suits them.
If flexible access is important to you, our article 24/7 Access to Storage in Rugby explains more about how round-the-clock access can make self storage more convenient.
Look carefully at security
Security should be one of the main things you compare when choosing a storage facility.
Find out how the site is monitored and controlled, and whether individual storage units have their own security measures. CCTV, controlled access, alarms and good lighting are all factors worth considering.
It is also important to think about your own experience when visiting. If you need access outside normal office hours, a well-lit and well-maintained facility can provide additional reassurance.
STAR selfstore uses CCTV monitoring and individually alarmed units as part of its security arrangements.
You can find more information in Are Self Storage Units Safe?, which looks in more detail at the security measures to consider when choosing self storage.
Make sure there is enough choice of unit sizes
Storage requirements vary considerably, so a facility with a good choice of unit sizes gives you more flexibility.
You might only need a small unit for boxes and occasional household items, while someone else may need enough space for furniture from an entire property or stock for a business.
It is important to think about how you will use the unit as well as how much you need to store. If you expect to access particular items regularly, leaving some space to move around and organise your belongings can be useful.
STAR selfstore offers a range of unit sizes, making it possible to choose storage based on the amount and type of belongings you need to keep.
Compare value rather than just price
Once you have found a facility in a convenient location with suitable access, you will naturally want to consider the cost.
However, comparing only the advertised monthly price does not necessarily tell you which facility offers the best value.
Look at what you are getting for the price. Consider the quality of the storage, security, access arrangements, location and any practical facilities included.
You should also check whether there are any additional costs and whether the rental terms suit the length of time you expect to need storage.
For more information about the factors that affect storage prices, see How Much Is Self Storage in Rugby?
Check the rental terms
Think about how long you are likely to need your storage and whether your circumstances could change.
Some people know they need storage for several months, while others may be dealing with uncertain moving dates or a temporary change in circumstances.
Flexible rental terms can be useful because they allow you to use storage for as long as you actually need it, rather than committing to a longer period than necessary.
STAR selfstore offers flexible storage for both shorter and longer-term requirements.
Look at the condition of the facility
Your belongings could be stored for weeks, months or even years, so the condition of the storage environment matters.
Look for clean, dry and well-maintained storage areas. This is particularly important when storing furniture, household possessions, documents, stock or equipment.
It is also worth considering the practical layout of the facility. Can you get your belongings in and out easily? Is there suitable parking? Are there trolleys or other equipment to help with moving heavier items?
These details may seem relatively minor when you first start comparing facilities, but they can make a big difference once you are using your storage regularly.
Consider the practical extras
A good storage facility should make the whole process as straightforward as possible.
Think about what you will need when moving your belongings into storage and when accessing them later. Parking, loading areas, trolleys, lifts and access to packing materials can all be useful.
STAR selfstore provides packing materials for customers, while practical facilities such as parking and trolleys can make moving items into and out of storage easier.
Being able to arrange your storage online can also make the process more convenient, particularly if you want to organise things outside normal office hours.
Think about how the facility will fit your needs
Before making a decision, consider what you actually expect from your storage.
A family storing furniture during a house move may prioritise location and easy loading. A business may be more concerned with regular access to stock or equipment. Someone storing belongings for a longer period may place greater importance on security, cleanliness and flexible rental terms.
Making a simple list of your priorities can help you compare facilities more objectively.
Consider:
* Location
* Access hours
* Security
* Unit sizes
* Price and overall value
* Rental flexibility
* Parking and loading
* Condition of the storage environment
* Practical facilities and support
You can then compare each facility against the things that actually matter to you.
Choose storage that works for you
There is no single feature that makes one self storage facility right for everyone.
The best choice is the facility that provides the right combination of location, access, security, space, flexibility and value for your particular circumstances.
Take the time to look beyond the headline price and consider what using the facility will actually be like. If it is convenient to reach, easy to access, secure and straightforward to use, your storage experience is likely to be much simpler.
STAR selfstore provides self storage for both homes and businesses, with a choice of unit sizes, 24/7 access, secure storage and flexible rental options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to consider when choosing self storage?
There is no single most important factor. Location, access, security, unit size, price and flexibility can all affect whether a facility is suitable for you.
How do I choose a convenient self storage location?
Think about where you will usually be travelling from and how often you expect to visit. A facility that fits conveniently into your normal journeys can save time and make accessing your belongings much easier.
Is 24/7 access useful for self storage?
It can be particularly useful if you work unusual hours, run a business or simply want flexibility over when you visit your unit. It means you are not restricted to standard office opening hours.
Should I choose the cheapest self storage facility?
Not necessarily. Compare the complete offering, including location, security, access, unit size, rental terms and the condition of the facility. A slightly more expensive option may offer better value if it is more convenient and provides the features you need.
What should I ask before renting a self storage unit?
Ask about access hours, security, available unit sizes, pricing, rental terms and what facilities are available for loading and unloading. It is also worth checking whether packing materials are available and whether you can change your unit size if your needs change.
