Types of Storage Facilities in the UK
With the sky-rocketing property prices and the smallest homes in Europe being constructed in the UK, we’re all struggling with space, whether it be for student, personal, or business purposes.
If you’re downsizing your room, storing your antiques, or moving houses, a storage facility will offer the perfect solution to all your storage-related dilemmas!
There are plenty of storage options out there and picking one can get quite overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. They all might look the same, but each has its own features that come with unique pros and cons.
Here’s a complete guide to the basics of different types of storage facilities in order to help you get started!
1- Outdoor Storage
The most common and affordable type of storage facility, outdoor storage, may be located in any open area. They have ample space and are ideal for storing cars, motorbikes, cycles, and even a large student storage box.
It is also the most cost-effective if you are looking to store belongings for a long period of time – months, and even years!
The biggest benefit of outdoor storage units is that you can simply drive up to the door of your unit without any interruptions. Due to its open nature, outdoor storage is gated, monitored, and highly-secured, making it a convenient option for storing valuable items.
The units are typically covered at the top to protect from direct sunlight, however, if you are storing something that may corrode and requires extra protection, you might want to look at the other options in this list.
2- Indoor Storage
Indoor storage units are typically located in secure and secluded storage buildings. They have a wide range of sizes available from narrow units to larger rooms.
Since your belongings will remain inside, you will not have to worry about any weather conditions -be it rain or snow! They will also stay out of sight of prying eyes that may be looking for an opportunity to rob.
You can also talk to the company about your unit’s location. The unit near the top window may heat up in the summer while the one in the basement is likely to freeze in the winter.
An indoor storage facility may also be climate-controlled. This is important if you are storing sensitive belongings that could deteriorate in extreme temperatures. Therefore, indoor storage is usually ideal for items such as wood, metal, and electronics that can rust or mold.
3- Self Storage Units
What differentiates this type of storage from others is that you need to pick and drop your belongings yourself – and sometimes even pack yourself!
Although policies vary from company to company, the best thing about self-storage units is that they are accessible at all times. If you need to get your suit early in the morning, you won’t have to go through the process of scheduling appointments with the storage facility!
Self-storage is a good and cost-effective solution for those living in big cities like London. With different sizes available, many units are also climate-controlled. Check out this London self storage company and get free quotations on storage units based on your preferred size and amenities.
Self-storage is an ideal solution if you require long-term storage and won’t be needing to access your items for a long while after placing them
Since self-storage involves a lot of moving around, it is advisable to choose a facility that is near your house. For example, if you live in Brighton, you can rent any of the units in Self Storage Brighton.
4- Container Storage
Container storage is exactly what it sounds like – a huge metal shipping container to store belongings!
Containers are generally very big in size, with the largest ones offering up to 160 square feet of space. They are good for storing large items such as cars, motorbikes, furniture, or even a large student storage box.
With the increase in size comes the increase in price! Therefore, they are ideal for big organizations looking to store their inventory for the long term.
Since loading and unloading can be an issue, you will have to contact the company to load the particular student storage box for you to avoid any damage. And when the container is taken away, you can access it only after making appointments with the company.
Another downside is that these containers can heat up in the summer and risk dampness in all seasons. So, make sure to store something that will remain safe in such conditions.
5- Mobile Storage
Maybe you’re renovating your house and require the storage unit on your property or maybe you need to access your business inventory constantly. In situations like these, mobile storage is the perfect solution.
Mobile storage units, or ‘pods’, can be delivered to your doorstep (home or business site) and left there for a certain period of time.
With this type of storage, you won’t have to worry about driving to the storage facility whenever you need to retrieve an item. It will simply be there in your backyard or garage, depending on where you place the unit!
In case you need to move the mobile unit, you can simply call the storage company and they will come and do it for you!
Mobile storage is the most secure but also the costliest option out there. For those people who want to get an expert job done and aren’t worried about the costs, this can be the ideal solution!
Which storage facility is right for you?
Whether you require Self Storage Brighton or Mobile Storage in London will depend on your needs and requirements. The first step is to lay out your priorities and consider the following:
- What is your budget?
- Which items will you be storing?
- Do you need short-term or long-term storage?
- Do you require climate-control for your belongings?
- Do you require any extra services?
- How far are you willing to travel for the storage unit?
- How secure is the storage location?
- Will you need frequent access to your belongings?
Once you have answered all the questions and shortlisted a storage facility, consider talking to the company and visiting the facility before you make a final decision.
