Before taking up an offer of storage space from friends or family, it's worth thinking about a few things. Firstly, the space on offer may not be as secure as it could be – a garage or shed could well offer inadequate protection for belongings. And if access is needed regularly or even occasionally, it might not be long before a favour becomes a chore. Care also needs to be taken to make sure the belongings of the self-builder and the well-meaning friend or family member don’t get mixed up, and insurance needs to be addressed – most insurance companies won't pay out for items not owned by the policy holder.
Even if the self-builder decides to build their own garage first, whilst eliminating some of the above issues, it’s still worth bearing in mind that goods are less secure in this environment than in self-storage unit which is covered by CCTV, Smoke and Fire alarms, as well as an individual intruder alarm.
Access Self Storage offers a practical solution for self-builders. Spaces are clean, dry and secure and specialised insurance is available. Access understand that the building and renovating process is expensive, and that’s why they offer a range of solutions to suit their customers. Firstly, if a customer pays by credit or debit card, they won’t ask for a deposit. Savings are also available for longer term storers, up to 10% on a ‘pay as you go’ plan, and up to 20% for those who pre-pay. And, although it’s normally easy to fit goods around a pillar, the inconvenience will be generously reflected in the price of such units, so it’s always worth discussing options with a store manager.
Whilst choosing a storage centre a little further out of town may be cheaper than a centrally located one, it’s important for self-builders to consider how much access will be needed to goods during the period of storage. As projects tend to take a while it’s probable that when the seasons change it will be necessary to move winter clothes into storage and summer ones out, or vice versa. If the project schedule changes, and the 6 month plan suddenly becomes a 10 month one, it’s likely that as well as accounting for seasonal changes the self-builder will want a few more ‘things’ closer to hand.
Freight containers are often looked at as an even cheaper alternative to out of town self-storage, but access is even more limited. Freight containers are normally stacked up once they have been filled, and can only be accessed via appointment, normally with a charge involved. When goods are loaded the self-builder needs to bear in mind that the whole container will be lifted and transported, so there is no possibility of leaving an aisle space to easily view and retrieve belongings, as well as needing to take extra care with protecting fragile goods. As there is also no lighting in this type of storage, it is best suited for goods which the self-builder intends to store and not access again until the end of the project.
In contrast, Access Self Storage offers unlimited access during opening hours, and many stores also provide free 24-hour access – a fantastic benefit if the self-builder doesn’t want their possessions to be out of reach during the project. If this is the case it’s really worth thinking again about the location of storage; does it make sense spending valuable project time travelling to a far away storage centre, when for a little more money they could be there and back within 15 minutes, at a time of day, or night, that’s convenient to them?
Access’s staff are expertly trained to advise on the best size room for an individual’s needs, and it’s easy to amend the size of space rented as requirements change. So, when part of the new-build is complete and all of the furniture for upstairs can be moved in, it’s simple to move to a storage room half the size. Trolleys are provided to help move goods in, between units, and out when the project is compete…though many people opt to keep a small unit on to accommodate seasonal or other rarely needed goods, helping to keep their new property a clutter-free oasis!
For those who are unsure how long they’ll need to stay or only need less than 6 months’ storage, there are normally good move-in discounts available too. At the moment all Access customers are being offered their first month’s storage for just 1p! To speak to one of the experienced team about any of the great offers available contact 0800 389 1782.
Notes to Editors
Access Self Storage has 48 stores nationwide
For more information please contact Helen Brennan, t: 020 7297 4147
or e: hbrennan@accessstorage.com