How to choose the best self-storage unit can depend on a vast array of factors. Over the years, many of us manage to collect a vast amount of possessions that we simply don’t want to let go of. Whether it’s for sentimental reasons or you’re convinced that one day, you’re really going to need that obscure power tool or find somewhere to put that piece of furniture! 

However, holding onto these kinds of items can make storage space a little tricky. If this sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to look for a self-storage unit. It’s important for you to feel reassured that your precious belongings are safe and secure while they remain in a self-storage facility. But what must you look out for and how do you find a good storage facility? 

To help answer such questions, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide on how to choose a self-storage unit.

Why get a self-storage unit?

In a period where money is tight and we all have countless things to pay for, why throw a self-storage unit into the mix?

• They are secure and CCTV monitored 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy peace of mind that your possessions are safe
• Getting a self-storage unit can free up space and remove clutter from your home or workspace. You’ll notice the difference in no time
• If you are moving house, self-storage provides you with the comfort of having somewhere to store your belongings should your house move fall through or get delayed
• It provides a place to store bulky tools that take up a lot of space, e.g. lawnmowers, chainsaws and forklift trucks
• Moving abroad for a while or going travelling? No need to get rid of your prized possessions! A self-storage unit provides you with somewhere safe to stash them in the meantime
• It provides somewhere that students can store possessions out of term time
• It’s a place to store items belonging to your business or workplace such as spare office equipment.

So, you’ve decided that you need a self-storage unit. What now? There are a few important factors you must consider to help you choose a self-storage facility that’s right for you.

Pick a storage unit with reliable security

Security is paramount when choosing a storage unit. Everyone using a storage unit wants peace of mind that their possessions will remain safe and secure in someone else’s care. What security measures should you look out for to help inform your decision:

• 24-hour CCTV in operation
• Secure units, e.g. made from impenetrable reinforced steel
• On-site staff who are vigilant, proactive, and onto things
• Check that self-storage employees go through enhanced DBS screenings

Look for a good location

Can I find self-storage units near me? Location is always important when choosing a self-storage unit. You want something that is near to you, and easy to get to should you need to pop in and get your possessions at any given time. Carry out research to help find the best self-storage units near to where you live. Here at Now Storage, we offer personal and business storage right across England and Wales. We even provide facilities for caravan storage at Newent and Oswestry.

Easy accessibility

Accessibility is a significant factor in making the right choice of self-storage unit. What days and times can you get into and use a self-storage unit?  A good self-storage provider will have flexible access, allowing you to access your storage seven days a week. Are the self-storage units near me or will I have to drive a long way?

Check a self-storage facility’s opening times via their website. At Now Storage, we’re open all week. We also offer drive-up access at many of our sites for added ease. We understand that we’re looking after your goods. Therefore, we make it as easy as possible for you to access your belongings!

Look for money-saving opportunities

Price will always be at the forefront of customers’ minds hiring a self-storage unit. Nobody wants to pay over the odds. Our suggestion – look into how much you get for the square footage of space you’re using. Some facilities may offer discounts per square foot. This means that square footage gets slightly cheaper when you go for a bigger unit.

These days, every penny counts. Some facilities may even offer introductory rates for new customers and discounts for longer-term stays, helping you save the pennies here and there.

Size

To find the right storage unit for you, you’ll want to find one that’s an appropriate size. If you know you’ve got tons of large items to put in storage, such as furniture, beds, office equipment, and musical instruments, try looking for a larger storage unit. But if you’re a bit of a minimalist without a great amount of possessions, maybe go for a storage unit with less square footage.

We have units with storage space from as little as 16 right up to 320 square feet! So no matter your requirements, we’ll have a unit to suit you. If you need a little help working out what size storage unit you need, get in touch. Our team at Now Storage are happy to advise.

Factors that will affect the cost

Self-storage units vary in cost. You’ll want to find a unit that matches your requirements and your budget. Here are the main factors that affect the cost of a storage unit:

• The size of the unit
• The location 
• The replacement value of insuring your goods 
• The quality of the material of the storage unit, e.g. steel, aluminium, etc
• The level of security surveillance and monitoring
• Length of stay

A self-storage provider will be able to help you work out how much you may need to pay for your requirements. You can get a quote via our online quote generator or read our blog to learn more about the factors that affect the cost of a storage unit.

Reputation

Picking a storage unit provider with an excellent reputation that will deliver for you as a customer is crucial. You can dig deeper by looking through online customer reviews and doing your homework. Have customers complained consistently about poor security in place for their belongings in storage? This could be a clear red flag telling you not to use this storage provider.

If you are looking for a high-quality, secure and competitively priced storage unit with a reputable self-storage company, look no further than us here at Now Storage. Whatever your requirements, we’ll have a unit to suit across any one of our 13 locations. To find out more, give us a call on 0800 0787 110 or send us a message via our website.