Finding a self storage unit is relatively easy. Finding a self storage facility that genuinely suits your needs takes a little more thought.
There are plenty of things to compare when looking at self storage, from where the facility is located and when you can access your unit to the security, unit sizes and overall cost. The right choice will depend on what you are storing and how you expect to use your storage.
Whether you need additional space at home, somewhere to keep business equipment or a temporary solution while your circumstances change, here are some of the things worth considering before you choose a self storage facility.
Start with the location
A convenient location can make a big difference to how useful your storage actually is.
Think about how often you are likely to visit your unit and where you will normally be travelling from. If you are storing household belongings, a facility within easy reach of home could make regular visits much simpler. For businesses, you might want somewhere that fits conveniently into your usual working day, particularly if you need to collect stock, equipment or supplies regularly.
It is also worth considering how easy the facility is to reach by car and whether there is suitable parking for loading and unloading.
The cheapest unit is not necessarily the most convenient one if every visit involves a long journey.
Think about when you need access
Your storage should fit around your life or business, rather than the other way around.
Some people only need to visit their unit occasionally, while others may need regular access to stock, tools, furniture or other belongings. If your working hours vary or you simply want the freedom to visit when it suits you, check the facility's access arrangements before booking.
STAR selfstore offers 24/7 access, so customers can access their storage outside normal reception opening hours. This can be particularly useful for businesses with early starts or late finishes, as well as households that need flexibility around work and family commitments.
You can read more about the benefits of this in How 24/7 Self Storage Access Helps Businesses Work Smarter.
Look at the security
Security should be one of the first things you check when comparing storage facilities.
Ask what measures are in place to protect the site and how customers access their units. CCTV, alarm systems, individual access arrangements and good lighting are all worth considering.
It is also useful to think about your own experience when visiting the facility. If you are accessing your unit outside normal office hours, a well-lit, well-maintained site can make a difference to how comfortable and confident you feel.
STAR selfstore uses CCTV and individually alarmed units as part of its security arrangements.
Our article Are Self Storage Units Safe? explains more about the security features to look for when comparing self storage facilities.
Make sure there is a suitable choice of unit sizes
The amount of space you need will depend on what you are storing, so it makes sense to choose a facility with a good range of unit sizes.
You do not want to pay for significantly more space than you need, but choosing a unit that is too small can make accessing your belongings difficult and leave you wishing you had rented more space.
Consider not just whether everything will fit, but how you intend to use the unit. If you will need to retrieve items regularly, you may want enough room to organise your belongings properly.
STAR selfstore offers storage rooms from 20 to 200 sq ft, giving customers a range of options to consider depending on what they need to store.
Look beyond the headline price
Price will naturally be part of your decision, but comparing storage facilities purely on their advertised monthly rates can be misleading.
Check exactly what you are paying for and whether there are any additional charges. Think about access, security, the condition of the storage rooms and any facilities that will make using your unit easier.
It is also worth considering how flexible the storage arrangement is. If you only need storage for a few months, you may not want to commit to something designed around a much longer stay.
For more information about the factors that can affect the cost of self storage, see What Does Self Storage Cost in St Neots?
Check the condition of the storage environment
Your belongings will be sitting in the unit for weeks, months or potentially longer, so the condition of the facility matters.
Look for storage that is clean and dry and consider whether the environment is suitable for the types of belongings you intend to keep there.
Furniture, household possessions, paperwork, stock and equipment all need somewhere appropriate to be stored. A clean, well-maintained facility gives you greater confidence that your belongings are being kept in a suitable environment.
It is also worth asking about access to the building and storage areas, rather than focusing solely on the individual unit.
Consider how easy the facility is to use
Good self storage should make your life easier, not create another job to manage.
Think about the practicalities of moving your belongings in and out. Is there convenient parking? Can you get close enough to your unit to load and unload easily? Are trolleys available? Can you arrange your storage online?
Small details can make a surprisingly big difference, particularly if you are moving furniture or larger quantities of stock.
STAR selfstore offers online booking and access to packing materials, so you can arrange your storage and get the supplies you need without making storage more complicated than it needs to be.
If you are preparing items for storage, our guide to Self Storage and Safe and Efficient Packing has some useful practical advice.
Check how flexible your storage needs to be
Not everyone knows exactly how long they will need storage.
You might be moving house and waiting for a completion date, making changes to your home, dealing with a temporary shortage of space or storing business equipment while circumstances change.
Before choosing a facility, consider whether you need short-term storage, long-term storage or simply the flexibility to change your plans if necessary.
A facility offering flexible storage options can be useful when you do not want to commit to more space or a longer period than you actually need.
Consider the overall experience
Once you have compared the practical details, think about how the facility feels as a whole.
Is it easy to understand the pricing? Can you see what units are available? Is booking straightforward? Can you get help if you have a question? Does the facility look clean and well maintained?
These things may not appear as important as the size or price of a unit when you first start looking, but they can have a significant impact on your experience once you become a customer.
At STAR selfstore, the aim is to keep storage simple, secure and flexible, with different sized rooms, 24/7 access, clean and dry storage and friendly support.
Choosing the right facility for you
There is no single answer to which self storage facility is right for everyone. Your priorities will depend on what you are storing and how you intend to use your unit.
Start by considering the location and how often you will need to visit. Then compare access, security, unit sizes, pricing, flexibility and the practical facilities available.
Taking a little time to compare the complete offering rather than simply choosing the cheapest unit can help you find storage that works well for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a self storage facility?
Consider the location, access hours, security, available unit sizes, pricing, flexibility and the condition of the facility. Practical features such as parking, trolleys and packing materials may also be important.
How important is the location of a self storage facility?
Location is particularly important if you expect to visit your unit regularly. A facility that is convenient for your home, workplace or usual journeys can save time and make accessing your belongings much easier.
Is 24 hour access worth having?
If you need flexibility outside normal working hours, 24/7 access can be very useful. It means you can visit your unit when it suits you rather than having to plan around reception opening times.
How should I compare self storage prices?
Look beyond the advertised monthly price and consider the complete cost of storage. Check what is included, whether there are additional charges and whether the access, security and facilities meet your needs.
What should I check before renting a storage unit?
Before booking, check the facility's location, access arrangements, security, unit sizes, pricing, contract terms and general condition. It is also worth considering how easy it will be to load, unload and access your belongings.
