Historically at home the most popular places to store items in are garages, loft space and garden sheds.  Apart from being less secure, these areas can themselves soon become cluttered over time, and whilst they may be convenient for small items needed day to day, larger and more valuable items such as furniture and antiques may soon become damaged and loose value.  Therefore people have found themselves asking “Now where can we store?” the answer being to opt for self storage.

An important factor of storing your belongings is the question of security.  Though we all believe our homes are a secure place and that our belongings are safe, it is highly unlikely that home security will provide the same level of security offered by a specialised self storage facility, such as CCTV, access control, police monitored alarms and security patrols etc.

Self storage is the ideal place to store those seasonal articles and hobby items such as Christmas decorations, golf clubs, winter garments, jet skis, canoes, patio furniture, bikes etc, which you only need access to at special times of the year and could be kept in a storage unit. 

As each generation collects and inherits more and more belongings, the need for space increases.  Inherited items may not necessarily have any value other than sentimental, but due to their age or style do not fit in or match your modern décor.  Using your self storage unit these items can be kept safe and cared for, to be passed to and used by future generations.

Before hiring a self storage unit try to get as much information about the company as possible.  For example is the facility a member of the self storage association?  What security measures are offered?  What access is allowed?  Are trucks and trolleys provided?  Can packaging materials be purchased from the store?  And when obtaining a quote for storage establish whether or not the price includes Value Added Tax (VAT) and insurance, and what, if any, discounts are available for multiple unit hire or long term hire.  

Self storage companies offer an ideal solution to your storage problems, which in turn may improve your living conditions and lifestyle.

To locate your nearest Self Storage facility visit the Self Storage Association (SSA) website www.selfstorageassociation.co.uk , part of the Federation of European Self Storage Associations, (FEDESSA), to obtain a list of members, or simply carry out a web search via a search engine, for your area.

Acme Self Store Limited based in Burntwood have noticed that as local house prices continue to fall and selling a house becomes more difficult, people are turning to self storage to store unnecessary items that are cluttering their rooms.  This enables them to “stage” their home more favourably to a prospective buyer,   placing them in a stronger position to secure a sale over a similarly styled and priced house.

Andrew Dodd, Director of Acme Self Store Limited, comments “self storage is really beginning to take off.  The slow-down in the housing market has led consumers to turn to self storage to securely hold their items whilst they are either waiting until the housing market picks up when they are able to take advantage of cheaper house prices, or to put themselves in a better bargaining position by breaking a chain or enabling them to move swiftly.”

These findings are also highlighted in a report from the UK’s Self Storage Association and Intel which shows that during the recent down turn in 2008, the self storage industry remained resilient with the British public spending a record £360 million on self storage in the UK.  During the year, the industry also executed its ambitious expansion plans by adding 2m square foot of available space (c 10% growth in space).

Other influencing factors could be attributed to people putting their belongings in storage to allow them to rent out a spare room in their house in an effort to raise some money to help pay the mortgage.  An average cost of renting room out in the UK was £375 a month *, generating £4,500 a year which is a significant contribution towards mortgage repayments.
The Mintel report highlights how lifestyle factors, such as when couples move in together, also raises the use of self storage as people store duplicated items.  This pattern continues until they can afford to buy or rent a space suitable for their needs.

Andrew Dodd continues; “necessity is the mother of invention and when people’s backs are against the wall at challenging times such as recession, it is amazing how resourceful they can be.  Self Storage has clearly become a viable alternative for people looking to most effectively use their space and as such you can see patterns like this begin to emerge.”

Acme Self Store Limited opened in Burntwood in 2002, and has since expanded into two further units located on Ring Road, Zone 3 Burntwood Business Park, Burntwood, Staffs, WS7 3JG, with storage units varying in size from 5m cube lockers to 500 square foot units, rental prices start from £5 per week.  All prices quoted include VAT and insurance, with no deposit payable.  Acme also offers a wide variety of discounts complimented by a collection / removal service and packaging materials.

For further information telephone 01543 675043 / 01827 210077 or email info@acmeselfstore.co.uk or visit our website www.acmeselfstore.co.uk .
* Figures from www.easyroommate.com
Dept of Communities and Local Government House Price Index: UK Figure1: UK annual house price rates of change (all dwellings). http://www.communities.go.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/hpi052009

Yes, secure self storage caters for both domestic self storage and commercial customers. Most facilities can offer a tailor made service for both, and assist with services such as removals and collections.

How do I select the right storage space for me?

The size of your storage unit will be determined by the items to be stored.  Use your chosen storage company’s space calculator as a guide line, but always remember that a well packed organised smaller unit will be less expensive than an unorganised larger unit.  If you are using your self storage unit for regular visits then shelving or racking would probably be a wise investment for files or archive boxes.

Top Tip:     If you are storing large wardrobes or cupboards that will not dismantle or flat pack then once in storage utilise their own internal space by placing smaller items inside them, using their built in shelves and drawers.  Always place items that you may need access to at the front of your storage unit.

What do I need to take with me when I hire a self storage unit?

Most storage companies require some form of identification, therefore it is wise to take two forms of identification, i.e. driving licence / passport and a utility bill, your first week or months payment and a padlock to secure your unit (if needed).

Are there any items that I can’t store?

You can store most items in your self storage unit as long as they are not perishable or flammable. If you are unsure about a specific item seek advice from staff at your storage facility.

Can I store my petrol lawn mower, power tools, jet ski, or motor bike?

You can store these items; however it is imperative that all fuel is drained prior to storage.

Do you sell boxes and packaging supplies?

You can usually purchase all your packaging supplies direct from your chosen storage facility.  Items which are mostly carried in stock include a wide range of boxes, storage cartons, wardrobe boxes, packaging tape, archive boxes, bubble wrap and labels.  Some facilities also carry in stock house moving packs that included everything for your move.  Speak to the staff at your storage company for advice on which pack would suit your needs.

Is there insurance on my goods stored in my unit?

It is important that you check with the storage facility before you store that your goods are insured.  Some facilities will include self storage insurance in the rental cost, others may insure your goods at an extra cost, or alternatively you insure the goods yourself on your household policy.  You may have to provide proof of insurance prior to storing.

What sort of security do you have?

Most, if not all, self storage companies will have security measures such as on site monitored CCTV, police and fire monitored alarm systems, access control system.  Some superior facilities may have out of hours night security patrol and monitored estate/business park CCTV.

How do I pay for my storage?

Most storage companies would prefer not to accept cash as payment.  Preferred methods of payment would be by cheque, standing order / direct debit, bank transfer, cashiers cheque i.e. building society cheque, debit card or credit card.

How long can I store for?

As a rule there is no limit as to how long you can store for, however there may be a minimum period.  The minimum period would usually be one week; however some may be less flexible and insist on one month or in addition require a deposit.  Always check before storing how flexible the storage company is on their payment terms as you may be able to get a refund, i.e. you paid for four weeks storage but only stayed for three.

Are there trolleys and sack trucks available to use?

You should find a good selection of trolleys and trucks available to use free of charge.  Some of which you may be allowed to take off site to assist with your move.

When first considering self storage whether for business or domestic use, there are several points to look out for.

Firstly, locate a storage facility either by using a telephone directory, local adverts, searching the web or visiting the Self Storage Association website and choosing from the members list.  The best facility to suit your needs may not always be the nearest. 

The choice may have to be made between outside container storage and indoor secure units.  This largely depends on what you want to store and how much space is needed to store it, why hire a 10ft x 20ft (200 sq ft) container when all you need is a 20 sq ft indoor room.

Before making your final decision on which company to use it is always advisable to visit the self storage facility to discuss your individual requirements, as some companies can be more flexible than others.  For example; certain storage facilities may insist on a deposit, and / or a minimum hire period of one week or one month, where others may waive the deposit and could calculate the hire at a daily rate.

An important aspect of self storage is that your belongings are insured whilst they are stored.  Once again, discuss your requirements with the storage facility as there are several options available which may be the deciding factor as to which facility you use. Some storage facilities do not include insurance with the hire charge but add it later as an extra cost, these companies also insist that you have their insurance or prove you have cover on your household contents insurance for goods in storage.  Whilst others will include all costs in the hire charge so there are no surprises when presented with your first invoice.  It always advisable, in which ever instance, to read the summary of insurance and to give an accurate insurance value of your belongings.

Top tip:  When talking to self storage companies do not be afraid to ask if they have any select and save offers, or an offer of the month.  The more market aware companies will be willing to offer several options i.e. free packaging materials, or a free collection / discounted removal, or first month rental free, or just simply a percentage discount off selected units hire cost.

Finally, nearly all self storage facilities offer a high level of premises security with 24 hour CCTV, police monitored alarms and access control systems, and some an even higher security measures such as business park / estate monitored CCTV and a 24 hour security patrol back up.

Regardless of whether the facility is part of a national group or a small independent operator very often the service and facilities offered are very similar if not identical. With all this considered the deciding factor may finally be down to the flexibility of the individual storage facility and your personal preference.

Whilst your goods are in self storage it is important and highly recommended that adequate storage contents insurance is taken out for the duration of the hire.

One way of insuring your goods is to notify your current household insurance company that items will be placed in storage for a period of time, they may charge a small additional premium if removal/transit and storage cover is not already included in your current policy.

However, as most self storage companies offer adequate specialised storage insurance cover this proves to be a more popular and convenient method of self storage insurance. 

Storage companies can offer one of two choices for storage contents insurance:

• Certain companies may choose to charge extra for storage unit insurance as well as the initial unit hire rental.  This may be charged weekly or monthly depending on your period of hire, and may start from as little as £1 per £1000 value per week for example; you value your goods at £10,000 the additional cost to your hire rental for storage unit insurance would therefore be £10 per week extra.  These companies may also insist on a minimum valuation of £1,000 or proof that you have arranged your own insurance to avoid the extra charge.  It is important that you remember to value your goods correctly.  You may think that your sofa, etc is only worth £100 because it is has “seen better days”, but the replacement cost could be more like £1,000.
• Other companies may opt for an all inclusive option whereby the storage unit insurance cost is included with the unit hire charge, whether it be weekly, monthly, six monthly etc.  This proves to be a more customer friendly option as it removes any confusion on the final rental costs (no hidden extras).  However, as mentioned above it is still important to correctly value your items as they will be insured on a new for old basis.  Your valuation will have to be written into the license agreement taken out at your point of hire.

Top Tip:   When obtaining quotes for storage, always ask if the storage price quoted includes or excludes insurance cover, as this may have a bearing on which company you select to store with.  Thus avoiding any unexpected surprises when settling your first bill.
Below is an illustration of a typical self storage contents insurance summary for customer goods whilst in storage.

XXXXX? SELF STORE LIMITED

SUMMARY OF INSURANCE OF CUSTOMER’S GOODS STORED IN SELF STORAGE UNITS
 AT UNIT XXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXX, post code XXXX

This is not an Insurance Policy but a Summary of the salient details.
Full Details of the Terms & Conditions are included in the actual Policy Document held by XXXXX Self Store Limited.

Policy No. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Insurer    XXXXXXX Insurance

Policy Type Commercial Combined

Cover    Material Damage (All Risks Cover)
Main perils being: Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Earthquake, Aircraft, Storm, Flood, Bursting and/or Leaking Pipes.
Theft accompanied by forcible and violent entry or exit, Riot, Strike, Civil Commotion, Malicious damage and Impact by Vehicle, Accidental Damage and Subsidence (EXCLUDING Terrorism Cover).

Basis of  Settlement  :  New for Old

Excess £XX excess each and every claim increasing to  £XXXX in respect of subsidence

Limits  £ XXXXXX in respect of any one customer’s goods whilst in store.

General Conditions –

Subject to Average (Customers therefore need to ensure that the amount covered represents a fair assessment of the total value of the goods held in store).

Cover commences when the goods have been unloaded into a storage cubicle and the cubicle has been locked. Cover terminates on uplifting the goods from the storage cubicle.

Cover does not apply to unloading/loading from/onto delivery vehicle (the Policy Does Not cover Goods in Transit). Cover cannot commence until Licence Agreement signed by customer and storage charges paid.

All claims must be notified to insurers at the time of discovery of the loss or damage or at the time of removal from store whichever is the soonest.

No claims entertained unless damaged goods held available for inspection by insurers and proof of purchase and ownership presented at time of claim.

Exclusions

No Cover is provided for the following:

1. Money, coins, bullion, deeds, bonds, securities and the like.
2. Jewellery, watches, precious stones and stamps of all kinds exceeding £XXXX combined total.
3. Furs, fine arts, mobile phones, perfumery, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, beers, wines, spirits and the like, exceeding £XXXXX combined total.
4. Electronic items exceeding £XXXXXXX in total.
5. Livestock, explosives and flammables.
6. Loss of data records other than cost of blank data carrying materials.
7. Consequential loss of any kind or description.
Subject otherwise to all terms exclusions and conditions of the Insurance Policy Wording as issued by XXX  Insurance Limited
The above example of a storage unit insurance summary is for illustration purposes only; it is not an actual insurance policy but only a summary of an original policy.

Most storage companies will display or offer a copy of the storage insurance summary at point of hire.  The full policy will be held on file within the storage facility and may be shown upon request.  The summary/policy should also be read in conjunction with the terms and conditions of the license agreement to store.

For more information on our self storage insurance please follow the link. For secure self storage in Lichfield or self storage Walsall

Commercial self storage is ideal for businesses of all sizes from the sole trader to a large corporate organization.  It enables you to have the ability to bulk purchase when necessary and at the same time secure the best purchase price available.  You can archive records and store paperwork away without having to take up valuable office or warehouse space, but still having good access as and when needed.

Self storage being extremely flexible can offer immediate rental, providing a fast solution for an office move or reorganisation, with the option of increasing or decreasing the size of unit hired at anytime at your convenience, as each self storage facility has a variety of different size and shape units designed to suit different needs. 

Most self storage facilities offer excellent access with one or even more industrial roller shutter doors, wide corridors and with some internal units with double door access allowing larger items of plant and equipment to be stored and manoeuvred.  With such excellent access large shipments on pallets or palleted stock items can also be conveniently stored with ease.  Many commercial self storage companies offer a stock management service whereby they will accept any deliveries and place them directly into your chosen unit, and likewise can help with outward collections from your unit, releasing you from any time constraints waiting for items to be delivered or collected.

Many Sale Executives are realising the benefits of using a self storage facility, keeping stock and promotional equipment in a central location.  Once again utilising a stock management service, freeing their valuable time allowing them to promote and sell their goods unhindered and safe in the knowledge that they have unlimited access to their unit, dropping in anytime when passing by.  Other benefits to the Sales Executive are keeping space at home or the business premises free from clutter, keeping their equipment and stock samples in a safe and secure place, removing the risk of damage or theft. Most self storage facilities offer CCTV, police monitored alarms, fire detection systems and monitored door entry access, and an insurance option may be included or additional to the rental charge.

Financial benefits of commercial self storage units are not just restricted to time saving by using stock management, but also by removing the need to move or expand into larger business premises with all the expense and restrictions that are associated with it.  The extra space created in the current business premises may be better utilised for more productive purposes rather than just storage.  Very often discounts can be negotiated with the storage facility for long term rental adding to the savings available.

The web is an ideal tool to source your nearest storage facility, however it is recommended when choosing a storage company you select one that is a member of the Self Storage Association as they will be working with the latest license agreement and insurance. All Self Storage Association members are listed on their website, once on their website simply click on “locate a store” which will take you to the search page.   You then have the option to search by company name i.e. Acme Self Store, or by location i.e. Lichfield, Walsall or Tamworth etc, for the nearest town, if unsuccessful widen your search i.e.  Staffordshire for the nearest facilities in your county.

However not all leisure activities involve large pieces of equipment, many hobbies such as collecting can involve items small in size but large in number, resulting in the erosion of household space. Self storage solutions can alleviate the problem of your hobby taking over your home.  Nearly all self storage facilities offer good and flexible opening hours enabling you to visit your storage room as often as you like at no extra cost on top of your rental charge, giving you the household space back and the opportunity to continue with your hobby.

Handy tips when considering domestic self storage:

When calculating the amount of space you need to store your quad bike, jet ski, motorcycle etc, make sure you include extra room for all the additional equipment they may come with such as protective gear, trailers and car racks etc.

Check the accessibility of your chosen self storage unit, if you are using a storage solution to store larger items; is it on the ground floor?  How wide is the entrance to your unit? How close can you drive up to the self storage building / loading bay?

Likewise, check the storage facility has sack trucks, pallet trucks, trolleys etc available to help with moving your items from your vehicle to your unit.

Before you prepare your items for storage it may be helpful to keep an inventory of every item, and ideally make an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store.  This may help you make an accurate insurance claim in the case of unforeseen damage or loss.

To reduce the risk of damage use a self storage solution which offers packaging materials on site, or with an online ordering facility.   

Remember, if it’s worth storing its worth insuring.  Most self storage solutions require proof of insurance covering your belongings, or can offer affordable insurance at an extra cost.  Some facilities may include self storage insurance in the rental costs which simplifies costings offering an all inclusive price with no hidden extras.

To find the ideal storage solution the internet is becoming an essential tool in locating the best local facility, by simply searching on your specific area i.e. Self storage Lichfield or self storage Tamworth, you will be able to view the results instantly and click on to the company links.  Should the results show no facilities in your local area broaden your search from Town to County i.e. Self Storage Staffordshire, the results of which should offer you a greater choice.  When choosing a self storage facility always look for Self Storage Association members as these will have the most up-to-date licence agreements and use the latest recommended insurance schemes.

Business Self storage Space has been around in the UK since the 1980’s. Success in the USA has soared where now 40,000 Self Storage facilities are now available. Self storage is now vital to all companies large and small.

There are two main storage types: - container and self storage. Container Storage is usually outdoors and required forklift truck services. Self storage offers companies more choice than small lockers to larger units or made to measure limits can be on different floors, with lifts and industrial staircases. Pallet pump trucks, sack trucks and trolleys for easy access are provided free of charge by companies.

Highly populated areas usually have self storage facilities neat to retail and industrial parks. Ideal facilities for businesses wanting self storage can offer flexible long and short term agreements.

Most self storage companies offer security services such as pin codes/swipe card entry, closed circuit TV, police alarms and 24/7 security patrols.

There is an advisory watch-dog governing body – The Self Storage Association UK. Members of this association have to meet specific criteria and use their approved license agreement. Goods whilst in storage can now be insured with the help of the SSA and the Financial Services Authority.

Small businesses and individuals can now purchase safe secure and adaptable storage facilities. To find out more about the services ACME Self Store - Storage Burntwood can offer you please use the link.

In the current economic climate it is becoming increasingly difficult to sell your property quickly whilst achieving the highest price possible.

Therefore homeowners are realising the need to make their property more appealing to a larger market, what appeals to you may not to prospective buyers.  Recent television makeover programmes all refer to the negative effect of clutter in the home and its impact on a house sale. Staging your home is become an important factor in activating a property sale.

To help prospective buyers visualise your house as their home the use of household self storage units can provide a clean, safe and secure temporary home for your larger non-essential belongings to create the feeling of space in a balanced and harmonious home.  With the flexibility of household storage items can be manoeuvred around the house sale / purchase process i.e. prior to selling self storage units can be used to declutter, after the sale other items can be added in conjunction with the removal. Once settled in your new home items can be taken out at your leisure.  The size of your unit can be reduced at anytime during the process also reducing the costs. 

Where just decluttering and using a self storage unit is the answer, some cases may require more aesthetical work such as decorating or full / part renovation.  Once again household storage solutions rooms can house your belongings whilst the work is undertaken keeping them safe and clean out of harms way.  Money spent wisely on redecorating, renovating and storage very often results in an increase in the market value of the property, which vastly out weighs the costs incurred. By achieving the optimum price for your well presented home, and maybe negotiating a reduced purchase price on a poorly presented house can maximise the benefit, making all your work and planning worth while and cost effective.

A further advantage of using household self storage; to enable you to obtain the home of your dreams, and as an alternative to moving, extending your property can be the solution. Should you be in need of space for a growing family, an en-suite bathroom, extra bedroom, loft or garage conversion, could provide the space you need.

During the planning process and before any work is undertaken, the first step within the home should be to remove any un-needed or delicate household belongings.  It is not always convenient or practical to move items from one room to another as you go.  Therefore the use of self storage units is a perfect and practical solution.  As work is completed items can be removed and returned to the home as needed.  In some cases i.e. a loft conversion, the permanent loss of storage space in your home can become an issue if there is no alternative space available.  Self Storage can offer you the required space, very often long term storage periods can be agreed at discounted rates offering excellent value for money.

Which ever route you take moving or renovating, the benefits of using self storage during the process have become invaluable and certainly worthwhile considering.

For more information on our self storage solutions follow the link - ACME Self Store - Self Storage Staffordshire