We understand the situation all too well. You have some important events happening in your life including moving home, going travelling, or getting some work done on your property, which means you need to create extra space or just need to store your belongings somewhere. In such cases, finding a flexible self-storage solution is the best option. But with a million and one thing in your mind before the big day, it’s easy for storing your belongings in self-storage to slip to the bottom of the list.
We understand that sometimes that’s just how things go – we get it! The last thing you want to do when you have so much going on is start researching how self-storage works. Therefore, we’ve compiled a checklist to ensure you’re fully covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain all you need to know about how self-storage works, how to rent a storage unit, and how it can help you during these hectic times.
All you need to know about renting a storage unit and how does self-storage works
1. First, find out as much as you can online
The storing of your belongings is a big responsibility that we at Metro Storage take very seriously. Our website has a lot of information on it that will hopefully help – as well as a great self-storage size guide to help you choose the right size unit for you. It’s important you do your research and also learn what you can and cannot store. Make sure you have checked these resources before you start storing
2. Choose the right self-storage location for you
Make sure the self-storage is near where you live so you can access your things easily and when you want to. Remember – you will definitely be able to find cheaper storage the further away from the centre of London you go – but how much is your time worth? If you are spending an hour to get to the store and an hour back instead of 5 or 10 minutes – actually how convenient and useful is the storage? And how much will it end up costing? At Metro Storage, we offer flexible pricing and self-storage packages to meet your specific needs. Our price is also all inclusive with no hidden extras so you can be sure there’ll be no surprises.
Our award-winning self-storage service and state-of-the-art facilities ensure a smooth experience, and you can even consider our self-storage as an extension of your home or your office. Reach out to our customer service team to enquire about custom deals tailored to you and your belongings.
3. Arrange a visit to see the store and choose the right-size storage at the best price
It’s important that you rent the right size storage room for your belongings. If it’s too small you obviously won’t fit everything in when you come to bring your stuff into storage! Equally, if it’s too big, you end up paying for space that you don’t need! It’s really important you actually go to the storage store yourself to make sure you are happy with the storage environment and so you can choose the right size storage room for you and your things. You can arrange a visit by filling in this form. Our friendly staff will ensure that you find the right storage unit at the best price.
We always love to meet customers on-site to discuss their needs and showcase various self-storage room sizes. After all, nobody knows your belongings better than you do, so you are the best judge of whether a unit is the right size for you.
4. It’s as simple as this: Fill in a storage agreement, make the payment, and you’re all set to enjoy your new extended home or office
Once you have seen the store and chosen the right storage room for you, you will need to fill in a storage agreement and then pay by card. You can either do this when you visit the store or online. Don’t forget, you’ll need to show 2 forms of ID (photo ID e.g. drivers licence/passport and proof of address e.g. recent utility bill or bank statement). We pride ourselves on ensuring that the process is as quick and easy as possible. Once we have sorted the paperwork, you’re all set. You’ll then be given a unique pin code and your own padlock so you can access your storage anytme during our extensive opening hours.
5. Pack your belongings conveniently to make the most of your new self-storage space
Boxes and packing supplies – you may want to sort out some packaging supplies whilst you are on-site as well. We have a number of different box sizes on sale as well as wrapping. Alternatively, in order to keep things as easy as possible for you, we have teamed up with a professional packaging company – Breamfold Packaging. Place your order online before midday and your order will be delivered to your door the very next day. Simple as that!
6. Removals removals removals…we’ve got your back!
Time to move the stuff out of your house or office into storage. If you need help, ask us about removals services – we have teamed up with a local third-party provider to provide the smoothest and easiest service possible, allowing you to fully focus on meeting your other deadlines.
7. Lastly, make sure to pack your storage unit in a way that keeps it accessible and manageable throughout
We can help you understand how to pack the unit in the most efficient way whilst keeping it accessible. For example, if you cram your stuff in right to the door, then you won’t be able to access your things at the back of the storage room. So we always recommend that you keep a little corridor down the middle and pack your things along the sides and back of the storage room. That way you can access your belongings anywhere in the storage room.
If you need guidance or support on efficiently packing your self-storage unit, don’t hesitate to reach out to our award-winning team.
8. Change your mind on the storage space you need or need to extend/cut short your storage time?
No problem. You can upgrade or downsize at any time. If you need to cancel just give us 15 days notice and we’ll refund any unused days you had remaining.
We hope you have found this post useful in understanding how self-storage works and the steps to take to book it – if you have any further questions please just call us or fill in a contact form – we are here to help!
You may find some further relevant information in our FAQ’s section.
We hope to see you soon!
