With ever growing demand for space in urban areas, self storage services have become increasingly popular in big cities. Either waiting on your new residence or looking to de-clutter your current residence for extra space, moving to a storage unit does not have to be a complicated process, especially if you decide to use a professional moving company.

Self Storage is a simple, cost effective and safe way of storing anything from a suitcase to the contents of a four bedroom house.

You deliver your belongings either by yourself or via a moving company and place them in a sealed room/unit of a specific size to accommodate your belongings. Usually you will be the only person to have access to the keys for your room/unit as you either buy or bring your own padlock.

Visit the storage facility before-hand to get a feel for the place. Don't be surprised if you have to sign an agreement at this point. Check the opening hours, so you have an idea of the times that you are able to gain access. Remember that it could take up to 3 hours to unload your belongings into your room/unit so don't arrive at the store 5 mins before they close.

Not all the rooms will be on the ground floor. Usually, smaller units have inside or upper floor access while large units offer easy main floor garage-doors for faster unlaoding. Most Self Storage companies have large lifts, but also be prepared to have to carry items upstairs. In most cases they will loan you the use of dollies and carts, however, your moving company should be able to cover for all the necessary equipment.

You can not store any flammable goods, explosives, perishable foodstuffs or goods or materials of a dangerous or illegal nature.

Bikes, Metal Equipment and Tools can be prevented from rusting if they are to be in storage for a long time by wiping with an oily rag before storing. Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry and empty, wedge the doors open to let the air circulate. Make sure that freezers/fridges are completely defrosted.

Lay down plastic sheeting on the floor of your unit. If you have a large room/unit leave a walkway either down the side or the middle so you can gain access to items if you need to.

Place any valuables towards the rear of the room/unit and try to pack it to the ceiling by placing heavier items like drawers and wardrobes on the floor and lighter/fragile items on top. Fill all the spaces/gaps that appear with small items or soft items like bedding. When stacking boxes up high always place heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter/fragile ones on top.

A rough guide to the amount of space you would require is:
The contents of a 1 bedroom house or flat approx 50 - 75 sqft
The contents of a 2 bedroom house or flat approx 75 - 100 sqft
The contents of a 3 bedroom house or flat approx 100 - 150 sqft
The contents of a 4 bedroom house or flat approx 150 - 200 sqft

The contents of any house or flat can differ greatly so please check with your storage company for their advice.

Remember - communication is key when planning a smooth-move!

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