How Self Storage Works
How does it work?
Every one needs some kind of storage space a lot of customers are downsizing or moving home, Sometimes people have too much stuff and not enough storage, or they just need to move some stuff out of their house for a short period of time. That's where self-storage comes in. These facilities are usually relatively large and fenced. You can come and go as you like, as long as it's during business hours.
What is self Storage
Self storage is a relatively new way of storing your belongings, providing a fast and convenient way for either domestic/household or business. In very simple terms you turn up to the storage unit, fill your unit as and when you please, lock it up and that is it. This makes it an ideal and affordable option when moving house, de-cluttering, decorating, having work carried out on your house or just own weird and wonderful things you need to keep somewhere.
What types of storage available?
Self storage units vary in all shapes and forms, These vary in sizes.
How does this all work?
Once you have chosen a storage roomyour ready to move in. Remember that it could take a while to unload your belongings into your room/unit so don't arrive at the store 5 mins before they close.
all the rooms will be on the ground floor at Brown self storage. Most Self Storage companies have serval flights of stairs and lifts, but also be prepared to have to carry items upstairs.
How much does it cost?
Our Rates are fixed check out our Storage units page. The biggest factor is size and how much you require. Units are normally rented in 25sq, 50sq feet, 75sq , but the bigger the size the cheaper it will be i.e. a 25sq feet unit may cost £10.00 per week whilst 50sq would be £19.00. Another factor is location; prices will vary again considerable just on this alone.
How to store items:
- Bikes, Metal Equipment and Tools can be prevented from rusting if they are to be in storage for a long time by wiping with an oily rag before storing. Your garden equipment could be cleaned before you store it to prevent corrosion. Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry and empty, wedge the doors open to let the air circulate. Make sure that freezers/fridges are completely defrosted.
- Lay down plastic sheeting on the floor of your unit. If you have a large room/unit leave a walkway either down the side or the middle so you can gain access to items if you need to.
- Place any valuables towards the rear of the room/unit and try to pack it to the ceiling by placing heavier items like drawers and wardrobes on the floor and lighter/fragile items on top. Fill all the spaces/gaps that appear with small items or soft items like bedding. When stacking boxes up high always place heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter/fragile ones on top.
- Choose your boxes wisely, always buy quality to prevent boxes from collapsing when stacked on top of each other. Modular boxes that stack together will reduce the amount of storage space as less empty space is wasted.
- Label your boxes carefully. Remember to write on the side of the boxes with contents not just the top as you do not want to unstack the boxes just to know what it in each box. Ideally place a sheet on paper on the side of the box rather than the top so when stacked you can view easily. If you want to be even more organized create box contents lists on your computer with a reference box number, this way you will be able to find items quickly by cross referencing.
- When packing it is especially important to pack your boxes correctly. Put heavy items in the bottom and add lighter items in the top. Remember to fill the box completely to avoid any of them collapsing when stacked on top of each other.
Top Tips to save money
- Buy good quality double walled boxes that are modular in size so that you can stack higher in the unit. Where possible reduce your floor space but stacking boxes safely and filling any possible wasted space inside furniture like sideboards, drawers etc.
- If you plan to put items in for a long period see if the branch offers a discount for paying in advance. Some companies offer a 10%-8% discount if you pre-paid for a year and 5% for six months.
- Ask about discounts, we have some offers i.e. free first month, student or armed forces discounts with a valid ID or NUS card.
How much space will I need?
This is a very common question but the reality is that every body has differing amounts of belongs to store, even if they are both in the same size properties.
A Self Storage unit size is measured in square feet (a room 5 feet by 5 feet is 25 sqft). On average the height of these rooms/units are up to 8ft tall therefore a box measuring 1ft x 1ft x 1ft would fit into the 25 sqft room 200 times stacked 8 high. so there bigger than you think
If you need to access your items whilst in store, you will have to pack them loosely in the storage unit, leaving space to move items about or even a walk way so allow for a bigger self storage room/unit. If not you can fill all of the available space in the self storage room.