Do I have to use the boxes that my storage company sells?

Every storage company is different and some may require you to use boxes supplied by them for operational reasons. This is most common where the storage company offers a pick-up and delivery service of your stored goods. Other storage companies will let you use whatever boxes you like.

Do I need self storage insurance whilst storing my goods ?

We strongly recommend you purchase insurance whilst your goods are at the self storage facility. In fact, many self storage facilities will not allow you to store your goods unless they are insured.

How can I reduce my storage costs while I go travelling?

You may be able to make some savings on your storage bills while you are abroad by storing for a fixed term. If you know you’re going away for six months, you might get a discount by paying for six months of storage in advance, rather than paying month by month. And storage companies with a central location may charge a bit more – but if you know you won’t be visiting your storage room very often because you’re abroad, you can save by using a storage centre in a less convenient location.

How much is self storage insurance ?

The cost is based on the sum insured (value of your goods) and the length of time they will be stored in the self storage facility. We aim to be competitive in our pricing but, equally, we want you to have the support of a first class insurer should you need to claim and this is the reason your goods are insured at Lloyd's, one of the most reputable insurance organisations in the world, who have been in existence since 1688. For your security and protection and, unlike some of our competitors, we do not use insurers based overseas for obvious reasons.

I only want to insure my goods for a few days. Is this allowed ?

Yes, unlike our competitors we only charge a daily rate for the actual period of time your goods are in store with NO minimum charge or minimum period of time.

What is the cost of self-storage? - Storage Insurance News & Advice

Before you commit to self-storage, you’ll want to know how much you should be paying to store your goods. Self-storage costs vary a lot around the country, and according to the service level you need.

It’s worth getting quotes for your monthly storage from a few companies so you can decide on a budget. To cost up self-storage, there are some key pieces of information you need.

How much space do I need to store my domestic goods?
How long do I want to store my goods for?
What features do I need from my storage company?

Working out how much space you need for your stored furniture

The best way to work out how much space you need to store your domestic goods is to gather it together and visualise the space it would fit into. A good rule of thumb for estimating how much space you need is:

a car or small van can carry 7.25 cubic meters (255 cubic feet) of goods
a transit van or a one-bedroomed flat can hold 17 cubic meters (600 cubic feet)
a removal van or the contents of a three-bedroomed house can hold 36 cubic meters (1,280 cubic feet)

How long do I want to store my goods for?

It may be possible to get a discount for your self-storage by paying up front for a year or six months. So it’s worth deciding from the outset how long you want to store your goods for.

What features do you need from a storage company?

Some storage facilities offer features like climate-controlled storage, 24-hour access and enhanced security. Others may offer to bring your goods to your house, and some have benefits for customers like free use of a van. Obviously these benefits and features will be reflected in your bill each month.

Another feature to consider is location. If you hope to make storage a regular part of your life, a convenient self-storage facility is a must. For more guidance on this, see our post Choose the right self-storage facility.

Comparing quotes for self-storage

You can find self-storage companies with a quick web search, or use the directory of the Self-Storage Association.

To get a quote from a storage company, either fill in their web form or give them a call. Three quotes is a good number for comparison.

Rather than trying to compare quotes by the cubic meter, think in terms of how much it will cost to store the goods you have. Every storage company has different sized rooms and storage cupboards, and if you have to move up to the next sized room, it will be more expensive. If you’re between sizes, then you may get better value by going to a company with a room that you can fill. So the storage company that suits you best might not be the cheapest by square foot.

Ask about any discounts for self-storage

Some of your quotes may include a discount for the first month or six months. After that, the price may go up. Be sure to factor the full price into your self-storage calculations.

Are there any other costs associated with self-storage?

One sneaky extra cost that sometimes surprises people new to self-storage is insurance. In your contract with the self-storage company it is likely that there is a clause about insurance. Self-storage insurance is mandatory for reputable storage companies. It should not add much to your bill though; but some storage companies quietly add their own insurance offering to your monthly self-storage bill. You do not have to take the insurance they offer; you can get self-store insurance from any provider that offers it. Prices differ between self-storage insurance providers, and it’s worth getting a few quotes to make sure that you are getting a good deal. Get one from Store and Insure to start with. It takes just minutes and could save you some cash each month.

A final thought about costing up self-storage

When you pay for self-storage each month, you’re paying for so much more than a sterile room on an industrial estate. You are paying for an extra room in your house that you can use for the activity of your choice; or a living space that is comfortable and easy to care for. You’re also paying for peace of mind, with the knowledge that your possessions are not in a leaky outbuilding or an attic where they are subject to extremes of temperature.