There are many flavours of self-storage units appearing today, catering to various different needs as the industry continues to grow rapidly. Whatever the reason people have for renting a unit, it all boils down to how much stuff you need to keep safe and how long for.
The uses for short-term storage are obvious; house and business moves, and travel. But what makes someone commit to long-term storage?
Why use long-term storage?
Actually, there are many reasons, some of them more complex than it can seem from the outside. Long-term self-storage is often used for personal reasons, such as to store the belongings of someone who has died. Or for financial benefits; such as homeowners and businesses downsizing. And when it comes to money, the longer you’re renting a self-storage unit, the cheaper it gets.
How far are you willing to go?
Convenience is (usually) king. People very often use the store that’s closest to them. Keeping things in an area they know well adds peace of mind and a sense of convenience that you are not too far from your items. Whilst this makes a lot of sense, it should not be your only deciding factor. If you’re going away for a long time, for example, storing outside of London will get you a better rate. Read more tips on what to consider when picking a self-storage room.
Ask about pre-payment discounts
If you’re looking for long-term storage, then make sure you ask about any pre-payment discounts. Metro Storage, for instance, offers a chunky 15% off your storage if you pre-pay (and stay) for the year. This can make quite a big difference to the amount you pay so it’s worth asking for.
How safe is your unit?
Your desired storage company should be a member of the Self Storage Association (or SSA for short). Members have to abide by a strict code of practice and their stores must have excellent levels of security. It’s also worth setting up a friend or family member as a secondary contact with access to the storage room should someone need access whilst you’re away. We’ve written more about what a safe storage unit should look like.
If you need long-term storage or want to find out more about how it works, get in touch with Metro Storage today. Our four Central London stores are in Victoria, Pimlico, Bayswater, and Islington. We’ve got you – and your things – covered!
