About Self Storage
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Introduction
Storage space has been a requirement of man since Neolithic times and as our world becomes more crowded year by year and more products are manufactured to satisfy the needs of consumerism the need for storage is greater than it has ever been. Like many new innovative products, Self Storage started in the USA where it is now larger than the movie industry in terms of turnover. In the UK Self Storage is growing fast and with the population increasing and social developments such as a increasing divorce rate means more people living on their own rather than in large family groups, the need for Self Storage is growing all the time. The other drivers for growth in Self Storage are more people living in flats, the increasing cost of land and the unstoppable consumer society. Put simply we are buying more things and we need somewhere to keep them. Businesses are also requiring more flexible storage space, so they have the storage space available when it suits them and their business needs.
So with all these conspiring issues Self Storage has emerged as the most popular method of storing household and personal items. Furthermore Self Storage is making big inroads into the business storage markets where warehousing is inconvenient and leasing your own warehouse to inflexible. The concept of Self Storage was based on the idea that people should have control of their own belongings and be able to get to them whenever they needed them. The flexible payment arrangements and flexible access arrangements has made a Self Storage big business with huge market penetration in the USA, Australia and Scandinavia. The rest of Europe is now catching up fast.
There are many benefits of using Self Storage. Self Storage locations are normally very secure with the customer being the only person with access to their goods. Self Storage Supermarket explains more security issues in our section on ‘Self Storage Security’. The customer can usually always get the size of storage room they require so that they are not paying for storage space they do not require. There is one part of Self Storage that does not suit everyone, you need to do the transport, moving and lifting yourself. This is obviously isn’t possible for everyone however in the next section Self Storage Supermarket explains the different types of storage available and there are products out there to suit everyone’s storage needs.
Types of Storage
Many various types of storage describe themselves as Self Storage it is important when comparing types of Self Storage that you choose the one right for you. Below Self Storage Supermarket will explain each one and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Self Storage
Although Self Storage can mean all the types outlined below this section when referred to in the website it will normally mean the type which is typical of the larger Self Storage companies such as Safestore, Big Yellow, Access Self Storage, Storage King, Lok n Store etc. These are centres which offer Do-It-Yourself storage space for domestic and business customers. Self Storage can be defined as the direct storage by individuals and companies of goods in their own exclusively occupied, self-contained, secured rooms/spaces, which form the major or primary use within a larger building or complex.This is where a large building has been built or converted into metal storage rooms. This often takes the shape of a hotel with long corridors with rooms of to the right and left. There will often be multiple floors which can be accessed using trolleys and large goods lifts to transport goods. These centres are usually high profile locations next to busy roads or in industrial Estates or increasingly in retail parks.
Also defined as Self Storage is the more American style mini storage which is popular across the pond this is normally purpose built garages in a complex providing convenient and high spec drive up garages.
Removal Company Crate Storage and Mobile Storage
This is the more traditional way of storing household goods that most people will be familiar with. This is where the removal men turn up at your home or business with a large vehicle with premade wooded crates and they pack your goods into these crates. The crates are then taken to a warehouse often you are not aware of where the warehouse is located; the crates are then removed with a forklift truck and stacked around the warehouse. The goods are then returned to you when required and unpacked by the same removal men at your new address. The advantages of this are that you do need to physically do anything, it is all done for you and definitely better for the elderly and infirm. This is the least hassle method. The few disadvantages are that you will likely be charged if you need access to your goods while in storage and the locations are often neither convenient or customer friendly. The main disadvantage however is cost. Obviously you are paying for labour and there is always a cost implication to that. In a nutshell this is generally the most expensive and lacks the flexibility and accessibility, however everything is done for you and if you don’t require access to your goods then it maybe the right one for you.
Things to ask when using Removal storage.
- What is the price for one crate per month and does the price include VAT?
- How many crates will I need for my belongings?
- Do I get a fixed price or are you charging by the hour?
- How much notice do you require when I need my goods out of storage?
- How much does it cost if I need access to my goods whilst in storage?
- Where will my goods be stored?
- What about insurance?
Mobile storage
Mobile storage is a cross breed between Self Storage and removal crate storage. This involves the mobile storage company dropping a removal crate (albeit a better looking one) at your door on a trailer. It is then up to you to pack the crate. Once packed the storage company come and collect it and put it in their warehouse much like removal company storage. This has the same advantages and disadvantages as removal crate storage however removes one of the main costs, labour. Remember with mobile storage you are responsible for packing and loading your crate and this will be driven sometimes long distances and then possibly moved around by a forklift truck, so pack very carefully!
Things to ask about Mobile Storage
- What is the price for one crate per month and does the price include VAT?
- How many crates will I need for my belongings?
- Do I get a fixed price or are you charging by the hour?
- How much notice do you require when I need my goods out of storage?
- How much does it cost if I need access to my goods whilst in storage?
- Where will my goods be stored?
- What about insurance in storage and in transit?
- What are the transport costs?
Container Storage
Container storage again is a familiar one traditional way to store goods. The vast majority of goods in the world have spent some of their life in a shipping container. This is the preferred method for shipping and is instantly recognisable around the world. Containers are good for this purpose as they are loaded, sealed and opened again on delivery. If you are planning to move abroad this is definitely they way to store your goods. The advantages of container storage are that generally it is cost effective and very convenient as you can normally drive your vehicle to the door. Furthermore, if constructed correctly they are very difficult for thieves to get into. They are cheap storage for a reason though. The locations where they are kept are usually heavily industrial areas and seldom customer friendly. Often these containers are second hand and have already made their way around the world a few times already. This makes them susceptible to leaks and often condensation. The condensation usually comes from the wooden floors, as people go in and out with wet feet the wood absorbs the water and when the container is closed and sealed the moisture starts to come back out and onto your goods. Containers are ideal for tradesmen’s tools or other outdoor goods where a little damp is not a problem, however if you are storing soft furnishings Self Storage Supermarket would advise against this unless the containers are visibly new.
Archive Storage
The first distinction to make here is that archive or document storage is not the same as document management. Document Management providers such Iron Mountain or Datastore really offer a removal, storage and cataloguing service for your files. I.e. they collect, record, store, deliver and dispose of your files. This is the whole package and there is an associated cost with this service.
The biggest cost problem to financial managers is the unknown cost element. No business can predict how many times it will require retrieving files over the year. As one of the major costs is delivery and not storage you have no idea of what the bill will be at the end of the year. With Self Storage you know what the cost of your storage will be and you can budget for it. In Self Storage you keep control of the files and don’t hand it over to a third party. The advantages of using Self Storage is that you keep control of your files and you can budget as to what the costs will be. The disadvantages of Self Storage is that you need to do it yourself, with document management companies they do it all for you.
Vehicle Storage
Not many Self Storage providers in the UK offer vehicle storage as there are insurance issues with storing vehicles laden with fuel in their buildings. The other reasons are access for the vehicles and the price it commands. Some of the Self Storage developments provide purpose built garages with high and wide enough doors to accommodate cars, vans, boats and caravans. However, this only relates to indoor storage and many Self Storage companies will be able to provide storage for your vehicle in a secure yard. Often they will have a high security fence around the perimeter and CCTV coverage. Self Storage businesses will try to accommodate you if they can as it is an additional source of revenue.
Insurance
Just as you would insure the contents of your house or indeed you business stock on your business premises you are required in most Self Storage facilities to insure your goods. Some companies will make it mandatory for you to pay for insurance; some will allow you to insure through a third party some will include it in the price. Insurance is usually charged separately and we would advise you have insurance on your goods. There have been many occasions where Self Storage facilities have flooded and even burnt down and no matter how safe and secure and well managed they appear there is always a risk, just like you have at home. A storage centre can just as easily have a burst pipe as you can at home or an electrical fire.
The majority of Self Storage companies will sell insurance usually provided by the large insurance companies with the Self Storage provider adding an agent’s profit. But remember they will only profit if they have no claims. Insurance is a major cost for Self Storage companies. Most charge per £1000 of cover it is wise to make sure all your goods are covered not for their current value but for the cost of replacing them. It is usually a false economy to save money on insurance. Some Storage companies will ask you to itemise your more expensive goods and will set a limit of items over £2000 for example. Also remember to ask what the excess is on the policy.
You will also be able to provide your own insurance for your goods and most Self Storage providers will want to see evidence that they are insured. There are two ways in which you can do this. One is to contact your existing insurance provider and ask if they will extend your cover to include goods in storage. Often they will do this for a small charge and provide you with a fax for the Self Storage Company to show that your goods are covered. Be careful though as often this is an extension of your Home Policy cover and when you move out of that home the policy can be nil and void. Taking this route may also mean you are covered for less risks as it is not tailored to Self Storage like the one the Self Storage companies are providing. Read the small print!
Whatever route you go down, ensure you have photos of any particular items with a high value. This may come in handy if you have any major problems. All Self Storage companies want your goods to come out the way they went in and will take most reasonable steps to protect them; however they can only do so much to protect your goods, from flood, fire, acts of god and the determined thief. Better to have the peace of mind.