If you are considering using self-storage for the first time, congratulations! You’re about to engage in a service that will save you time, space and money while giving you peace of mind.
In this blog, we will take you through the basics of self-storage to ensure you have everything you need to get started and answer some common questions our customers ask about self-storage.
1. What is self-storage?
Let’s start with the basics. If you’ve never used a service like this before, self-storage is a straightforward, cost-effective method of storing belongings of all kinds.
There are all sorts of reasons to consider self-storage. Whether you are moving to a new city for university and are limited by student accommodation, are carrying out small house renovation ideas and need space to operate, or are a business owner with surplus equipment and furniture. Whatever the reason, self-storage is a convenient tool.
2. How does self-storage work?
Whether you are looking to remove clutter, or are expanding your business offering, using self-storage is easy.
Once you have created an inventory of items you have and need to store, you can get in touch to begin discussing pricing.
3. How much is self-storage?
Whatever reason you have for using self-storage, it’s important to find the right size at a cost suitable for your needs and budget.
While self-storage costs will vary from company to company, costs will also fluctuate depending on your requirements. At GTW for example, pricing is calculated on a quote-by-quote basis; based on how much you’re storing, and therefore, what size of a unit you require.
With spaces ranging from 8 sq ft to 250 sq ft, we can offer the space you need in the most cost-effective way possible.
To find out more, simply hit the ‘Get A Quote’ button at the top of this page.
4. What can I store in self-storage?
The great thing about self-storage is that you can store almost anything you want. Furniture, musical instruments, books, tools, documents and records, seasonal items, or even your contentious collection of expensive vintage He-Man action figures.
In fact, it’s probably easier to list what you can’t store…
5. What items can’t I store in self-storage?
- Perishable goods – to maintain the integrity and hygiene of our warehouse, it’s important to avoid anything which may encourage bacteria or mould build-up, and this is why we stipulate that perishable items cannot be stored.
- Livestock – while we may have said earlier in this article that business owners can take full advantage of self-storage solutions, farmers and animal breeders are unfortunately not always included. In the interests of hygiene, animal welfare and the safety of our staff and customers, livestock are unsuitable for self-storage.
- Items that are dangerous, highly flammable, volatile, toxic, noxious or radioactive – Although this will likely go without saying, the safety of our customers and their belongings, and our staff are of paramount importance, therefore, any potentially harmful items like these cannot be stored.
6. How long can I rent a self-storage unit?
While there is typically no limit to the length of time you can rent a self-storage unit, while the minimum rental term is often one month. But please note, customers don’t have to stay for the whole month – one month is just the minimum we will bill for.
You can access your belongings within the storage’s opening hours and remove them for any reason.
Find more information and tips on long-term storage here.
7. Can I sleep in a self-storage unit?
Under the UK’s Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018, using your self-storage space as accommodation for any length of time is illegal.
8. Is self-storage safe?
Self-storage is an incredibly safe and secure method of storing your belongings. At GTW, not only is our warehouse constructed of fireproof concrete, but our staff also utilise CCTV security, remote fire and intruder detection systems to protect your belongings, while also performing routine checks of the premises.
We are confident you will not find a better storage solution anywhere. To find out more about safety measures at GTW, click here.
9. Can someone else access my unit?
At GTW, customer satisfaction and peace of mind are incredibly important to what we do. For this reason, no one can access your storage space, other than you and your designated keyholder.
If this all sounds like something that would be useful to you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are open 7 days a week and contactable via telephone, or pop in to see our facility for yourself. Can’t wait? Contact us anytime via email here.