What Do Self Storage Costs Include?
Are you currently searching for a “storage facility near me”? Do you know the type of unit you need and what self storage costs actually entail? In this article, we look at storage insurance, whether you need to pay for 24-hour access, deposits and other factors to consider when comparing self storage providers.
Before we get started, here are the primary factors to consider when looking for a storage facility:
- Quality of the facility
- Location and travel expenses
- Storage insurance
- Security deposits
- Cancellation fees or rental extension costs
- Access charges
Self Storage Costs Explained
Self storage costs depend on the number of items you are storing, the storage period and the replacement value of everything in the unit. It’s worth noting that self storage costs are often higher the closer you are to major cities.
According to the SSA, the average cost of self storage in the UK is around £23.11 per square foot per year (excluding VAT and storage insurance). This is the national average and prices may vary depending on where the facility is located.
Storage facilities will mostly set fees for a week, month or annually if they offer long-term storage. As with most “bulk” buying, your unit will often cost less per month if you sign a longer contract. Knowing how long you might need a storage unit will help you secure the best possible deal.
Finding A Reputable Storage Facility
While cheap storage facilities aren’t necessarily bad, it’s worth paying them a visit and doing a proper inspection before making a final decision. A poorly maintained facility could seem cheap at first with lower rates but there may be additional costs down the line. If their units aren’t secure or properly constructed, water damage, mould and mildew are real concerns.
It’s also better to find a storage facility as close to your home or office as possible and see if they have easy access to main motorways. With the rising fuel prices, it will be easier and cheaper to drive to and from your storage unit. While some facilities may have a moving or transporting service included in the price, others don’t so be prepared to move things yourself or hire someone.
Recommended: ‘How To Find A Self Storage Facility Near Me’
Choosing The Right Storage Unit
The first step is to understand what your storage needs are. What size unit do you need and for how long? When considering space, think about both the height and length of certain items. For example, a stack of boxes may not be very high, but if they’re long, they’ll take up more space than taller goods.
Once you know the required size, research the average self storage costs in your area. Remember, self storage costs can vary significantly from one provider to another, so it’s important to do your due diligence. The best way to do this is by either calling storage providers or looking at their pricing on the website.
At Space Centre Self Storage, we’ve made it easy to calculate how much space you need. As you will see on our pricing page, the sizes of our storage units are compared to certain types of vehicles.
Do Self Storage Costs Include Insurance?
As you would your home contents, you also need insurance for anything you place in self storage. This protects you against damage or theft whilst your belongings are in the storage unit and the level of cover will depend on the premium you pay. Storage facilities often charge insurance over and above the self storage costs of renting while some may even insist that you use their providers.
At Space Centre Self Storage, we automatically give you free insurance as part of the price up to the value of £3000. If you need additional cover, you are free to use our recommended services or your own insurance provider. If you choose your own, remember to provide proof to the facility that you are covered in full.
Is 24-Hour Access Included In Self Storage Costs?
Not all facilities charge for 24-hour access or security deposits but some do. As such, it’s important to ask them before signing anything and to go through the terms and conditions for getting your deposit back at the end of your rental. The agreement should also include whether there are any extra charges for access on specific days or between certain times.
Many storage facilities have set opening hours similar to shops and offices. Most are open either 8.00 am – 6.00 pm or 9.00 am – 5.00 pm on weekdays while weekend access may differ between storage facilities across the country. We recommend contacting them directly to ask all the important questions.
Is There A Minimum Storage Period?
When looking at self storage costs and which facility is best for you, make sure to find out if they require a minimum rental period which is quite common with cheap storage deals. If this sounds familiar, pay careful attention to the small print as the price will often exceed what the initial offer stipulates.
At Space Centre Self Storage, however, our prices are guaranteed and fixed for 12 months from the day you sign the agreement. You also don’t have to pay anything extra when changing to a different unit, provided it is available. We do this so that all of our customers know exactly what they are paying for without any hidden self storage costs.
Tips For Packing A Self Storage Unit
Since you don’t want to pay for a bigger unit or a second one if you don’t need to, follow these simple packing tips to maximise the available space.
- Cover the ground with a dust sheet to protect your goods
- Pack heavy items at the bottom
- Maximise the space by storing sofas and mattresses on their side and stack chairs seat-on-seat
- Store smaller items in a chest of drawers or inside cupboards
- Dismantle everything you can (keep bolts, screws and other bits with the item they belong to)
- Pack your unit from the back to the front and fill any empty space with single items as you go
- Leave an aisle down the middle so you can easily access everything in the unit
- Make sure any items you need regular access to are at the front of the unit
Recommended: Furniture Storage – How To Avoid Damage
Storing With Space Centre Self Storage
Space Centre Self Storage are pleased to offer all of our customers a range of great value storage solutions. We have a wide range of unit sizes available, so you can be sure to find the perfect one for your needs. And with our flexible payment options, you can be sure to get the best value for your money.
For more information on self storage costs, or to find a storage facility near you, give us a call today or contact us online. Our friendly and experience staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have.