There are many self-storage companies around the world with the US having over 50,000 facilities. According to the BBC, storage centres came to the UK in the 1990s and already Britain has over 800 major self-storage units with the number increasing each year.
With so many companies all claiming to offer the best services possible it can be difficult to determine the best from the rest which is why it is important to know what to look out for when choosing a self-storage business.
Multiple Stores
You can probably determine how successful a company is by how many branches they have across the country, this is especially true with regards to self-storage facilities. Having numerous stores around the UK means that the company is well known and reliable, likely having many loyal customers who trust their services. If you want to find out more about the company you are interested in then you could read some reviews to find out more important information about the self-storage business to give you a better idea of their services.
Various Unit Sizes
Different people have different storage needs. When choosing a storage company, choose one that has a range of unit sizes available. There is no point in paying extra for a large unit when you only need a small one to store some office supplies or files etc. If you are unsure of what size a unit you will need, the best companies have an online size estimator on their main site which can help you to work out which size is right for your individual needs before you make the commitment.
Packing Materials Provided
Look out for what, if any, packing materials the company has to offer. A reliable company will have many different packing supplies available for customers to purchase to help out with packing. Some companies even have empty boxes that you can use to hold your items. Other packing materials usually include bubble wrap, padlocks, furniture covers and packing tape. If a self-storage company does not provide any packing materials then you may want to start looking elsewhere.
High Level of Security
When you decide to rent a unit from a storage company you are putting your complete trust on them to ensure that your belongings are kept safe and secure. Before committing to anything, do you research and find out what kind of security the company uses. If they use combination padlocks on all of their units and 24/7 CCTV then you can rest easy knowing your goods are protected and in safe hands. The popularity of self-storage units has increased over recent years and the average occupancy has risen from 68% to 71%, according to the Self-Storage Association UK.
Easy to Contact
A self-storage company should have various methods of contact. The staff must be willing to help customers and try their best to solve any problems or queries that a customer may have. Having a range of contact options available such as through email, online chat and phone ensures that there is always a way in which to get in contact with the company when you need it most.