No matter what sort of items you need to store – or for however long you need to store them – there are many benefits to choosing self-storage. But if you’ve never used this sort of facility before, it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect. It’s challenging to know what you’re supposed to do.
Don’t worry.
Everyone feels a little unsure the first time they put their items into storage. But the process is much simpler than you may think. In this blog post, we’re sharing some of the most common questions we are asked by first-timers, with open, honest, and transparent answers from the Clear Space team.
Who can use self-storage facilities?
Anyone! Most facilities will cater to personal customers who may want to store large pieces of equipment, like musical instruments, or hobby items, or need to store some or all of the contents of their home during a move or refurbishment. They will alsocater to business customers, supporting office relocations and document or equipment storage. Here at Clear Space wework with both, providing storage solutions for anyone who needs them.
What can be stored in a self-storage unit?
Almost anything. No self-storage facility will operate an ‘anything goes’ policy. There will always be a ‘prohibited’ list, which usually starts with illegal items such as weapons, or stolen goods. Most facilities will also ban the storage of any living creature, so you can’t store your cat while you jet off to sunny Spain! It’s worth asking for a prohibited item list before signing on the dotted line.
How big is a storage unit?
Storage units come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, which is partly why they’re so popular. They provide exactly what customers need, when they need it. You’ll typically find that ‘inside’ units – those housed within the main building – range from small lockers for a few personal items, to sprawling 175 sq ft units which can hold the contents of a five-bedroom house.
Is self-storage long-term or short-term?
It depends on the provider, but generally speaking, it can be anything you want it to be. You’re in control. Most self-storage companies will have a minimum contract, which is usually around 4 weeks (at Clear Space Self-Storage it is 7 days). However, you’ll be free to access or even remove your belongings at any time – they’re your things, after all – so it’s no problem if you need to get them back before the end of your contract.
Does everything need to be boxed up for self-storage?
Absolutely not. Your storage unit is yours for the duration of your contract, so you can store things in the way you’re most comfortable with. What we will say, however, is that boxes can often be a good option. They can help keep everything organised, and make loading and unloading quicker and easier. At Clear Space, we sell a range of differently-sized boxes and packing materials if needed – all available to purchase in our Box Shop.
When will I have access to my self-storage unit?
This is another one of those things that’s provider-dependent. Some may offer round-the-clock access, while others limit access times for added security. For example, at Clear Space, our inside units are available during our convenient daytime opening hours when we have staff on site. This gives greater peace of mind, knowing nobody is accessing the facility when we’re not around.
Is self-storage reasonably priced?
It can be, when you choose the right partner. As a general rule, small locker-sized units should cost you around £7 per week, while a huge unit designed to hold upwards of 500 standard-sized boxes should come in at around £70 – £75 per week. Any more than that, and you should ask what additional services are included. Any less than that, and you should be asking why!
How do I get started?
This is always a great question! With Clear Space, it really couldn’t be easier to book self-storage units in Somerset. The first step, if you haven’t done so already, is to take a look around our website. This is where you can learn more about who we are, and what we do. Once you’re ready to move forward, you can contact us to discuss your needs further, or obtain a free, no-obligation quote.