Everything you need to know about booking self-storage

Ah, spring is here. The clocks have just changed, so the evenings are much lighter (which is such a welcome change).

But spring also means it’s time for a spring clean, and you might be thinking about using a storage solution to store some of your belongings if your house is feeling a little cluttered. You may also be moving house, which is yet another good reason to purchase some extra storage space.

Whatever the reason, it’s important that you approach booking and arranging your storage solution in the right way. This is why I’ve created this guide that should help you to decide what to put in storage and how to properly store it.

 

First, have a clear out

First things first, you’ll want to have a big spring clean. Use this opportunity to clear out as many of your belongings as possible, providing both a practical and emotional clean slate for the year ahead.

A useful rule of thumb is, if you haven’t used or thought about something in the past year, it’s a good candidate for donating, selling, or throwing away.

It’s a big waste of money to pay a monthly fee to store belongings you don’t actually want to keep, and you might as well deal with them sooner rather than later. Of course, sometimes the space a storage facility provides can make it easier to sort through those items in the first place, and if that’s the right approach for you, it’ll be a worthwhile investment.

 

Work out how much space you actually need

This is the bit that often gets overlooked, but means people spend way more money than they have to on storage (or don’t have enough space for all their stuff).

Before you book, take stock of what you’re planning to store and look up the size guides that most providers publish on their websites. As a rough guide, a 25 sq ft unit (about the size of a large wardrobe) suits a few boxes and small furniture, while a 50 sq ft unit can typically hold the contents of a one-bedroom flat.

If you’re unsure, it’s generally better to go slightly larger. Many providers will let you downsize if you find you don’t need all the space, and it’s much easier than trying to cram things into a unit that’s too small.

 

Inventorise

Once you’ve pared down the number of belongings you might need to put into storage, carry out a thorough inventory. It’s surprisingly easy to forget what you’ve stored (especially after several months) so documenting everything before you pack is well worth the effort.

Use something like Excel or Google Sheets so you can view and update the document from multiple devices. Break it down into categories (e.g. kitchenware, books, seasonal clothing) and make sure you also label the boxes themselves, so you can locate specific items quickly when you return.

I find it useful to label the properties with a number and then have a spreadsheet that itemises exactly what is in that numbered box. E.g. 1: Plates and crockery, 2: Books. It’s much easier than writing everything directly onto the box.

 

Pack properly

In many cases, you’ll be paying for every additional cubic metre of storage, so efficient packing directly affects your costs. Use sturdy, uniform-sized boxes where possible, as these stack far more easily than mismatched ones and help you make the most of the vertical space in your unit.

Don’t cram items in, and don’t make any single box too heavy to carry comfortably. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or clothing to protect them, and aim for boxes that are full but not bulging.

You should place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent damage over time. It’s also worth keeping a clear path to the back of your unit (you’ll thank yourself later when you need to retrieve something that inevitably ended up at the very back).

 

Understand what’s covered by insurance

This is a step many first-timers overlook entirely. Some storage providers include basic contents insurance in their pricing, while others require you to arrange your own. Check whether your home insurance policy extends to items in storage, as many do, but often with a cap on the total value covered. If your belongings are valuable, it’s worth taking out dedicated storage insurance for peace of mind.

 

Find the right service

There are a lot of different kinds of storage providers, and it’s worth knowing the main variables before you commit: unit size, access hours, security features (look for CCTV, individual unit alarms, and secure gate access), and contract flexibility. Many providers offer a first-month discount, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing like for like.

Some providers, like Bright Movers, will be able to provide you with packing and transport services, while others might be located conveniently close to your home. Find the option with the right features for your specific requirements, and don’t settle for anything less.