Self storage

If you don't have understanding parents with a large garage, you may decide to use self storage.

What self storage costs
How much space will you need?
What to put in a self storage unit
What not to put in a self storage unit
What you must check at the self storage place
Insurance for self storage (very important)

What self storage costs

Self storage costs vary according to:

How long you are storing your stuff for (your weekly or monthly cost goes down the longer you have your self storage unit)
How much space you want (obviously, smaller is cheaper, but the cost per square foot goes down the more space you rent)
Conditions and discounts (eg you get a discount if you pre-pay for your self storage unit, and you might get a cheaper rate if you have limited access to your stuff)
Where you are in the UK (self storage is cheaper outside the cities). Londoners especially might save a lot of money by driving some distance from the city to find a self storage company, as London self storage is very expensive.

Minimum cost is around £25 for one cubic metre (which isn't very much), and can be several hundred pounds a month for 100 square feet. Check to see if there are any other compulsory charges (eg insurance).

How much space will you need?

Trying to decide how much space your awkwardly-shaped belongings are going to take up is very difficult.

If you have a small amount of stuff and no furniture, pack it into boxes well before you book your space and then measure them.
If you have more possessions, including furniture, your storage space will be around 50 square feet for a small flat's worth of stuff, going up to 150 square feet if you have a medium-sized house.
If you've got the same amount of stuff you had when you last moved, it's worth knowing that a large transit van has a capacity of around 50 square feet, and a removals van around 140 square feet.

If you're concerned that your estimating might be a bit off, check with the storage company how easy it is to expand your self storage unit. They might also be able to help you with estimating.

What to put in a self storage unit

Furniture
White goods
Boxes of personal possessions
If you're renting out your house, things that you fear might get broken or damaged by tenants

What not to put in a self storage unit

Items of high value, such as jewellery (your storage unit may refuse to accept them)
Anything leaky, perishable, flammable or illegal
Your car (see the car section for special car storage units)

What you must check at the self storage place

It's recommended that you visit the unit before handing over your worldly goods - any decent self storage company will be happy to give you a free tour. This is what you should be looking for:

Cleanliness
Dryness
Temperature (cold can lead to damp)
Security - what kind of locks or PIN numbers are there? Is there CCTV? Who else has access to the area you're standing in?

Questions to ask your self storage company:

Are there restrictions on when I can come and get my stuff? (eg opening hours, or a penalty charge if you move your stuff out early)
Can I extend my storage?
What discounts or special offers do you have?
Is there compulsory insurance? (If there is, you can still usually get your own, you don't have to use the self storage company's)
Is there anything I can't leave here, or anything you recommend should not be left here?
Are there any other charges, optional or compulsory?

Insurance for self storage (very important)

Your possessions in self storage are left at your own risk. Some self storage companies insist you have insurance. You can either get your own insurance, or you can have them insure your belongings for you (there will be an extra charge for this). If you don't insure your stuff and the place floods or burns down, the company does not automatically have to compensate you. Even if it was due to negligence, you still have to sue them to get compensation.

Where next?

Back to What to do with your possessions
Back to What to do with your stuff
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