September 23 2024
Are you thinking about renting a storage unit for the first time? Whether moving, decluttering your home, or searching for storage space for your business, self storage facilities can be a lifesaver.
However, navigating the storage world can be overwhelming if you’re a first-time user. Knowing some tips and tricks is crucial to maximise your space, stay organised, and keep your belongings safe. From Leeds to Lincoln, here’s a comprehensive guide for first-time self storage renters, covering everything you need to know before renting a storage unit for the first time.
How do storage units work?
Storage units are convenient options for individuals and businesses alike. They offer a secure and easily accessible space to store personal belongings or business inventory. These units can be rented for personal and business use and are typically available in various sizes to suit different needs.
Once you have the nearest storage facility, the next step is to enter into a rental contract for a specified duration to secure your preferred storage unit. What’s best about storing with us is that you only pay for the duration you require the unit, state-of-the-art security, and technology for a seamless storage experience.
What size storage unit do I need?
It’s easy to confuse hoarding with being prepared to keep things for the future. We often hold onto items we think have sentimental value, but they take up space. To figure out how much self storage you need, start by decluttering your belongings and then take stock of the valuable items that require storage.
Before renting a storage unit, look at what you plan to store. This will help you determine the size and quantity of items you need to keep and estimate the appropriate storage unit size. By doing this, you’ll avoid renting a unit that’s either too small or too big for your needs. Our Size Estimator combined with our helpful quick reference guide below helps you understand how much storage you need for your belongings.
Storage Unit Size Guide
Quick Reference
9–15
sq ft
Small Storage Unit
Secure storage for documents, boxes and smaller items you need to access occasionally.
25
sq ft
Studio / Small 1-bed
Conveniently fits the contents of a studio or small 1-bedroom flat, without bulky furniture.
⭐ Most popular
50
sq ft
1–2 Bedroom Flat
Reliably fits a sofa, double bed, wardrobe and around 20 boxes - our most-booked size.
75
sq ft
2–3 Bedroom House
Accessible storage for most contents of a family home, including larger furniture pieces.
100
sq ft
3–4 Bedroom House
Friendly, flexible storage for larger homes - white goods, garden furniture and full room sets.
Helpful tip: Most of our storage units are at least 8ft high - stack your items and furniture to make the most of the height and keep your costs down.
How much is it to rent a storage unit?
Renting a storage unit has never been easier! Many facilities like ours now offer Get a Quote and payment options, so you can conveniently reserve your unit on their website. Plus, you can set up automatic payments like Direct Debit directly from ‘My Account’ to ensure you never miss a payment.
Do I need a Contents Protection Plan for self storage?
Did you know that some storage facilities provide a Contents Protection Plan for your belongings? Reviewing your existing plans to see if your stored items are already protected is a good idea. If not, consider buying additional protection for extra peace of mind.
At Ready Steady Store, we offer a Gold Standard Content Protection Policy to protect what you store.
What location should I pick for my storage?
When it comes to choosing a self storage facility, location is critical. Look for a facility near your home or on your daily commute. While a storage facility in a distant area not located in a prime area may offer cheaper rates, the added inconvenience and fuel costs may outweigh the savings.
Do your research and choose a storage facility that has a good reputation and meets your needs. Consider factors like location, security measures, access hours, and what customers have to say. Opting for a well-maintained and secure facility will give you peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are in trusted hands. Many of the Ready Steady Store locations are travel and accessibility-friendly, being near the town centre, making it easy to get to your preferred store without hassle.
Will my items in storage be safe?
When choosing a storage facility, keeping your valuables safe should be your primary concern. Look for facilities such as ours that offer top-notch security with 24-hour CCTV monitoring, high perimeter fencing, secure, app controlled access, and individual unit locks. These features provide an extra level of protection for your belongings.
What can I store in my storage unit?
With a storage unit, you can store a wide range of items, including seasonal belongings such as holiday decorations and winter clothing, as well as furniture, household appliances, business inventory, and files. You can also keep your personal belongings secure in a unit during moves or renovations. Additionally, important documents and valuable items can find a safe and secure home in the storage facility.
Review the list of prohibited items provided by your storage facility. Commonly restricted items include perishable goods, hazardous materials, and illegal things. Our FAQ page answers your questions on everything self storage related.
How should I pack my storage unit?
When packing your items for storage, it’s essential to organise and protect them so they remain in good condition. Efficient packing maximises space and simplifies accessing your belongings when needed. Here are some tips to help you pack your storage unit efficiently and safely.
Pack wisely
Simplify your packing process. The easiest way to get through the packing is to sort your boxes by room or item type, whichever you prefer. Clearly label each box, so you can find what you need quickly. It’s best to foresee the future here and ensure you’re not going through frustrating searches later for your belongings.
When packing your items for storage, use durable boxes, packing materials, and bubble wrap to safeguard fragile items. For even more space-saving, disassemble large furniture whenever possible. Plus, place frequently accessed items towards the front of the unit for added convenience.
Use shelving
Use shelving or racking systems to maximise space and organise your storage unit. Shelving can be particularly helpful for storing stock, paperwork, or individual items. Self-storage facilities like ours offer products that help make packing and storage easy. Our Box Shop features cardboard boxes, packing accessories and materials, and different kinds of locks to suit your storage unit.
Create a system that works for you
Make your life easier by smartly organising your storage unit. Keep the things you use the most or can’t live without near the front for quick access. Store tall, bulky items at the back against the wall, especially if you don’t need them often. This will create more space to walk and move around. If you don’t have shelves, stack boxes along the sides to keep a clear path.
Dismantle large furniture
Create more space in your unit by dismantling bulky furniture like tables and bed frames. Removing the legs and storing the components upright against a wall will maximise your space and make it easier to move around.
Protect fragile items
Protect your delicate items with bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels during transport and storage. Safely pack and label these items as fragile to prevent any damage. Our Box Shop features boxes, storage and packing accessories to help make your packing seamless.
Store clothing properly
If you plan to store clothing, use garment racks and hangers to keep items wrinkle-free and easily accessible. Vacuum-sealed bags are another space-saving option for storing clothes. Read our post on how to properly store clothes between seasons for further guidance.
Use hand trucks and trollies
Each of our stores has hand trollies ready and waiting to assist you with loading and unloading boxes.
Keep an inventory list
Make a list of all the stuff in your storage unit to quickly find what you need. Remember to update the list whenever you add or take out anything.
What is in a rental agreement?
When you rent a storage unit, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the rental Agreement. The Agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your storage rental, including essential details such as the rental duration, payment terms, access hours, and the facility’s policies. Understanding the contents of this Agreement is crucial to ensure a smooth storage experience.
- Agreeing that you own or are authorised to store the goods.
- Storage fees payment information and T&Cs.
- Ensuring you need to secure your unit.
- When you store you must not store dangerous, illegal, stolen, perishable, environmentally harmful or explosive goods.
- Acknowledgment that you’ve checked that the unit is suitable for storing your goods.
- Liabilily for loss and damage T&Cs.
- Contents Protection Plan T&Cs
- Any special terms have been written down on this Agreement.
- Termination of contract T&Cs
How do I get my things to a storage unit
When moving your belongings to a storage unit, it’s important to do so effectively. Here are some tips to help you with the process:
- Personal Vehicle: If you have a smaller load, you can use your own car to transport your belongings. It’s a good idea to pack your car the night before and make trips to the storage unit after work before it closes. If you have items that won’t fit in your car, you can make several smaller trips throughout the week.
- Renting a Truck: For larger loads, renting a truck is a suitable option. This allows you to move a significant amount of items in one go, especially if your personal vehicle isn’t spacious enough.
- Van Hire with Enterprise: We have partnered with Enterprise to provide a reliable solution for transporting goods to your storage unit. This helps cater to various storage needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient moving process.
By considering these transportation options, you can move your belongings to the storage unit with ease. And if you have larger moving needs, our exclusive deal with Enterprise is an excellent option to explore.
When can I access my storage unit?
Make sure the storage facility’s access hours work with your schedule. Some places have extended access hours upon request, and some even have 24/7 access. Pick one that fits your needs.
If you have more questions about our access hours, visit our FAQ page.
Rent a storage unit now with Ready Steady Store!
With these top tips in mind, first-time storage users like yourselves should feel more confident and prepared when finding the proper storage unit. Remember, not all storage units are created equal; assess your needs and choose the best option. Use the tips from this blog post to find a solution that works specifically for you or your business. Now more than ever, self storage is a great way to declutter your living space and keep track of your belongings or inventory.
Looking for convenient, secure self storage near you? We have stores across the UK, including Leeds, Manchester, Lincoln, Northampton, and many more. Whether you’re decluttering, moving home, or just need extra space, we have a solution to suit you. Use our online Size Estimator and get an instant quote today.
