When you start looking for self storage, it can be tempting to compare facilities based on one thing: price. But the cheapest storage unit is not necessarily the one that will work best for you.
The right self storage facility should suit the way you actually need to use your storage. Location, access, security, unit sizes, flexibility and the overall condition of the facility can all make a difference.
Whether you are storing household belongings, business stock, equipment or furniture, here are some of the key things to consider before choosing your storage facility.
Start with the location
Think about where the storage facility is in relation to your home, workplace or regular journeys.
If you are likely to visit your unit frequently, a convenient location could save you a considerable amount of time. For businesses, easy access to storage can be particularly useful if you need to collect stock, equipment or supplies during the working day.
It is also worth considering how easy the facility is to reach by car and whether there is convenient parking for loading and unloading.
The best location will depend on where you are travelling from, so think about your own regular journeys rather than simply choosing the facility closest to the centre of town.
Consider when you need access
How often will you need to visit your storage unit, and when are you likely to need to do it?
Some customers only visit occasionally, while others need regular access to business stock, tools, furniture or other belongings. If you work outside traditional hours or simply want more freedom over when you visit, access arrangements should be an important part of your decision.
STAR selfstore offers 24/7 access, allowing customers to access their units day or night rather than being restricted to office opening hours.
For businesses in particular, this can provide useful flexibility when storage needs to fit around the working day.
- You can read more about the benefits of flexible access in 24 Hour Access Self Storage Units in Kettering.
Find out how the facility is secured
Security is an obvious consideration when you are choosing somewhere to store your belongings.
Rather than simply assuming that every storage facility offers the same level of protection, find out what security measures are actually in place. CCTV, controlled access, individual unit security and good lighting are all worth considering.
STAR selfstore uses CCTV and individually alarmed units as part of its security arrangements.
If security is one of your main concerns, our guide to Are Self Storage Units Safe? is worth reading before you make your choice.
Make sure you can get the right size unit
Storage requirements vary considerably. Someone storing a few boxes will have very different needs from a family storing furniture or a business holding stock and equipment.
A good facility should offer a range of unit sizes, giving you the opportunity to choose storage that matches what you actually need.
It is worth thinking about how you will use the space as well as how much you need. If you expect to access individual items regularly, for example, you may need enough room to organise your belongings rather than filling every available corner.
STAR selfstore offers a range of storage unit sizes, from smaller spaces through to larger units suitable for substantial quantities of belongings.
Look at the total cost
Once you have found a convenient facility with the right size unit, cost will naturally come into the decision.
However, it is worth comparing more than the headline monthly price. Check whether there are additional charges and what is included in the storage arrangement.
Consider the value you are getting from the facility as a whole. Access, security, location and practical facilities can all affect whether a storage option represents good value for your particular needs.
For more information about comparing storage costs, see What does self storage cost in Kettering?.
Check how flexible the arrangement is
You may know exactly how long you need storage, but many people do not.
Perhaps you are moving house and your dates are uncertain. Maybe you are making changes to your home or business and need somewhere to keep belongings temporarily. Or you may simply want additional storage for as long as it is useful.
Look for a facility that offers flexible rental arrangements so that you are not tied into a longer commitment than you need.
STAR selfstore offers flexible storage options for both short and longer-term requirements.
Think about the condition of the storage
Your belongings may be stored for weeks, months or even longer, so the physical condition of the facility matters.
Look for storage that is clean, dry and well maintained. This is particularly important if you are storing furniture, paperwork, household possessions, stock or equipment.
It is also worth looking at the communal areas and considering how easy the facility is to navigate. If you are moving heavier or bulky items, practical access can be just as important as the storage unit itself.
Consider the practical details
Small details can have a surprisingly big impact on how easy your storage is to use.
Before choosing a facility, consider things such as:
* Is there convenient parking?
* Can you load and unload easily?
* Are trolleys available?
* Can you book or manage your storage online?
* Are packing materials available?
* Can you access your unit outside normal office hours?
STAR selfstore provides packing materials alongside its storage facilities, while online booking and 24/7 access make it possible to arrange and use storage with plenty of flexibility.
Think about what you need from the facility
The best storage facility for you will depend on how you intend to use it.
A homeowner who only needs somewhere to keep furniture during a house move may have different priorities from a business that needs regular access to stock. Someone storing belongings for several years may also have different requirements from someone looking for a short-term solution.
Before comparing facilities, make a quick list of what matters most to you. Location, access, security, unit size, price and flexibility are a good starting point.
This makes it much easier to compare your options based on what you actually need, rather than simply choosing the first facility you find.
Choosing the right self storage facility
Choosing self storage is about finding the right combination of convenience, security, flexibility and value.
Start with the practical questions. Is the facility in a location that works for you? Can you access your belongings when you need them? Is there a suitable choice of unit sizes? Does the facility provide the level of security you are looking for? And are the costs and rental arrangements clear?
Once you have considered these factors, you should have a much better idea of which self storage facility is right for you.
STAR selfstore provides flexible self storage for homes and businesses, with a range of unit sizes, 24/7 access, secure storage and straightforward online booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a self storage facility?
Look at the location, access arrangements, security, unit sizes, pricing, flexibility and the condition of the facility. Practical features such as parking and packing materials can also be useful.
How important is the location of a self storage facility?
It depends on how often you expect to visit. If you need regular access, choosing a facility that fits conveniently into your normal journeys can save time and make storage much easier to manage.
Is 24/7 access important when choosing self storage?
If you need to access your belongings outside normal office hours, 24/7 access can be a major advantage. It gives you greater freedom to fit storage around your work and personal commitments.
How can I compare self storage prices?
Look beyond the advertised monthly price. Consider any additional costs as well as what you receive in return, including security, access, unit size, location and flexibility.
What should I check before renting a self storage unit?
Check the facility's location, opening and access arrangements, security measures, available unit sizes, pricing and rental terms. It is also worth considering parking, loading arrangements and any additional facilities that could make using your storage easier.
