If you’re planning on cleaning out your closet or choosing to live a minimalist lifestyle, you will have to dispose of some things we no longer need or use. However, because we all put sentimentality in items, this can be quite difficult to do.
By renting a self-storage unit, you get to hold on to your essential valuables while still having a lot of space in your home.
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Every household has a need for storage space. Hence, many have turned their garages and spare rooms into additional storage areas. However, even these spaces are often filled with items that are too valuable to dispose of. WhatStorage provides a safe and affordable storage solution for your valuables wherever you are in the UK, including:- Self Storage London
- Self Storage Blackpool
- Self Storage Belfast
- Self Storage Glasgow
- Self Storage Brighton
About Self-Storage
What Is Self Storage?
Self storage is a service that allows you to rent out a storage space or unit from a storage company. Storage units are usually found in a storage facility, where units of various sizes, amenities, and purposes are located.
Safety
Storage units have superior security mechanisms like built-in or separate locks. That means you can trust that the self storage unit will be as safe as possible. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your things are safeguarded by the staff working on the premises. Moreover, other security measures like on-site cameras also keep your items safe. Unless your things came with them, you can trust that storage facilities are clean and safe from rodents and other pests that could ruin your items.Rates
You’ll be charged a monthly fee to keep your items in the storage unit. Storage prices are typically based on many variables like the unit’s size, location, level of quality, and services offered.Need to determine what size of storage unit you need? Check out our self storage size guide here!
Indoor and Outdoor Storage
There are two types of storage facilities available: Outdoor access facilities and indoor storage units. Outdoor access units are a convenient option as they are much easier to access, and they are more affordable than indoor storage. When you avail of outdoor storage, one would expect to see a typical storage unit. While this could be the case, there is also the possibility of you getting access to container storage instead. This doesn’t have to be a problem, though, as you’ll still be able to keep your stuff safe and secure all the same. However, this option won’t give you access to extras like climate control. Indoor storage units, on the other hand, are a more secure option. This choice comes with the added benefit of climate control, among many other perks. However, they’re only accessible from the inside, and your unit may even be located in a distant area of the facility. Units that require elevator access can make the task of moving your belongings a tad bit more challenging. Create a list of all the items you want to store to determine which type of storage unit will work better for you.What is Self-Storage Typically Used For?
As the years go by, more and more people learn about self storage and how versatile and beneficial it can be. Here are some of the most common uses for a self-storage facility:Decluttering
Downsizing
Downsizing has become a trend in the UK. A lot of people move from larger homes to smaller apartments/flats. Whatever the reason, though, it would be impractical to bring all your furniture and appliances into your new place.
However, most are too valuable to sell or just give away. This is where a storage unit comes in.
You never know when you’ll need them again, so store them safely and rest assured that they’ll be safe and in good condition when you come back for it.
Moving
Moving from one place to another is a nightmare. There’s a lot of packing, carrying, and unpacking that needs to be done.
However, there are times when you can’t move all your stuff in one go. The kitchen may still be under construction, or the garage is having its roof fixed.
Storage units will help keep your furniture, appliances, and other items safe and secure in the meantime.
Remodeling
Are you thinking of renovating your house? If so, it would be best for you to clear your home of any appliances and furniture rather than leaving them lying around.
Keeping them around the house will create unnecessary pressure to finish quickly. Moreover, it will increase the risk of damage to your items and injuries to your remodelling team. Hire a reliable moving company to make sure your stuff are handled safe and secured when being transported to the storage facility. You may use our platform to browse removals and storage in London, Brighton, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh. For the full list of areas we cover for moving services, check this out.
To prevent these from happening, rent out a storage unit and keep all your things safe while the renovation process is underway.
Business Storage
Storage units can also come in handy for businesses and have a versatile range of uses in this regard.
You can rent out a business storage unit and use it as a distribution hub, a warehouse surplus stock, and a repository for old business documents. You may even use it as a storeroom for old office furniture and equipment while you wait to sell it or move it to another space.
Student Storage
If you don’t have enough space in your room or are going home for the summer break, getting self storage saves you from a lot of stress. Rather than bringing all your things when travelling back home for the summer, you can look into student storage instead.
What Can I Keep In My Storage Unit?
Electronics
Extreme temperatures may cause electronics damage and even render them useless. Thus, it would be best to keep them in a climate-controlled storage unit. Moreover, moisture from the air can get onto the metal and corrode/rust pieces of equipment.Apparel
Place your clothing inside a plastic bag or a box before storing it inside the unit. You will want to get an indoor climate-controlled unit for such items.
Furniture
Always keep furniture in a climate-controlled interior unit to avoid humidity damage. Make sure that it’s off the ground for better ventilation and airflow. Most furniture items are made from or have wooden parts, thus making them more susceptible to damage caused by extreme temperatures.Books
A climate-controlled interior unit is your best bet when storing books. Doing so will prevent mould from forming and destroying the books.
Canned Food
Food is commonly not allowed in self storage units due to the risk of a vermin infestation. However, sealed beverages like wine, bottled water, and beer, as well as non-perishable canned goods, may all be kept in a storage unit.
Which Items Should Not Be Kept In Storage?
Believe it or not, there are certain items that you should never keep in a storage facility, as they’re either strictly forbidden or hazardous. These include:
Drugs and/ or Firearms
While some facilities allow the storage of registered firearms, others have very strict and clear rules against it. So, be sure to ask your facility manager before deciding to store a gun in your unit.
It is also illegal to keep drugs and other drug-related paraphernalia in a storage unit.Garbage
This one’s a no-brainer. Why would you even store garbage? If, for some reason, however, you would want to keep trash in a storage unit, know that it is much discouraged as garbage may attract many pests and rodents.Flammable, Hazardous, or Explosives Materials
You should never keep items in a storage unit if they could spill over and cause a fire or explosion. Aside from keeping your belongings safe, this will also ensure that the items of your storage unit neighbours remain safe and intact as well.
Pets, Plants, and People
While it’s okay to use your unit as a workshop or an alternative office, it would not be ideal to use this as a permanent home to anything that lives and breathes. After all, a storage unit will not receive enough sunlight and oxygen for you, your pet, or your plants to stay healthy and alive. Are you looking for a way to transport your stuff into a storage unit? Hire a man with a van to help you out and check out our Man and Van guide for more helpful tips! To help you decide on the size of van you need for your furniture move, check out our van size guide. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a full-package moving service, do consider a removals company to assist you and make your move much easier!