What is Self Storage?
A guide to to self storage facilities
Self Storage is defined by The Self Storage Association of UK and Europe as the provision for customers of space for the storage of furniture, chattels, paper and other goods (subject to certain restrictions) where the storage facilities space offers all of the following characteristics:
- The customer has exclusive use of the storage area.
- The storage areas are secured to prevent access except by the customer.
- The storage facilities area is in a fixed location and is never moved while in use.
- Access to each individual storage area is without the use of ladders.
- Transfer of goods into and out of the storage area can be completed by the customers themselves and without use of machinery.
There are numerous well organised, clean and professional self storage establishments whose details can be found in the local press or on the Internet and that can be recommended. However, in recent times there has been an emergence of companies using the “self storage” wording in their advertisements giving the impression that their facilities are equipped to accommodate this type of business and clearly they are not. In some cases the organisations do not have the proper security system or any security systems in place to keep your goods safe
We strongly suggest that you visit any facilities before the moving day, ask for the conditions of storage, enquire about their insurance cover, request the storage rates – all in writing of course. Feel free to use the guide above as an easy reference. Not all self storage facilities are created equal. We encourage everyone to do their research.