Running out of space at home? Tired of calling the spare room your ‘stockroom’? You’re not alone. The self store sector is a multi-million pound industry not just here in the UK, but around the world. Popularised initially in the US, it’s since spread overseas and has become a mainstay of industrial estates internationally.
Why? Well, we’ve all found ourselves short on space at some point or another. Whether you’re a collector, run a small business or simply love your fashion, space is often at a premium at home – and storage units can help you free up a great deal of it.
But to help you determine whether or not it might be for you, we’ve decided to outline some of the main pros and cons to consider. Let’s get started by covering the not-so-good…
The Cons
Nothing is perfect, and storage units are no exception. Here are some of the issues you might encounter:
- You can’t store everything. It probably comes as no surprise that most (legitimate) storage facilities won’t let you store explosives, hazardous chemicals, or illegal drugs, but you might be surprised to learn that petrol-powered lawnmowers and fridges can’t be stored as-is. You’ll need to drain all of the fluid from them first.
- They’re not always secure. Most reputable facilities are equipped with CCTV, and many have an on-site security team – but don’t assume your local branch will be. Not every company is as concerned about security, so investigate carefully.
- They can be expensive. Depending on where you live and the size of the unit you need, fees for secure self storage can soon rack up.
The Pros
Storage is a growing industry, and for good reason. Here are some of the main advantages of hiring a storage unit.
- They’re convenient. You don’t have to worry about anything besides paying your monthly storage fee; all you need to do is turn up, and you’ll be able to deposit and retrieve your items as you please.
- They’re flexible. You don’t have to commit to long-term contracts – you can usually cancel them when you like. This makes them perfect for house and office moves.
- 24-hour access. Most larger facilities offer round-the-clock access, allowing you to get into your unit whenever you need to.
Overall
So, should you hire a self storage unit of your own? If you need the space, the answer’s obvious: yes. Although there is a “but”: before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’re choosing a legitimate provider with a good reputation. Make sure you’re not going to be tied into a contract you can’t easily get out of, make sure the security measures on-site are top-notch; and double-check that your insurance will cover the stored items.
