Accessing your storage unit: what it's really like day to day

If you have never used self storage before, you might be wondering what happens once you've signed up. How do you get in? Can you pop by whenever you need something from your storage unit? How secure is your unit?

At Safestore, our goal is to make accessing your self storage unit straightforward and stress-free. We have long opening hours, our units are all secure and accessible only to you, and this guide will explain what day-to-day access really looks like — so you'll know exactly what to expect from your local Safestore.

How access to your self storage unit works in practice

Some customers sign up for a self storage unit for long-term storage of things they don't need access to very often. Others use their storage units on a more frequent basis, swapping things in and out regularly; accessing their self storage unit quickly becomes part of their routine.

However often you intend to visit, day-to-day access will look the same.

Arriving at the store

When you arrive at the store where your unit is located, most of our stores have free customer parking. If your unit has drive up room access, you will be able to use that to park. Then enter through the main reception where a member of the store team will usually be on hand to greet you, answer any questions and point you in the right direction if you're new.

Your unit will be secured either with your own padlock (if you don't have one, you can purchase one in store), or a security pad with a code unique to you and linked to your account.

Getting to your unit

Our storage units are mostly indoors, and your unit might be located on the ground floor or on one of the higher floors. All of our stores have lift access available and wide corridors to enable you to use trolleys or carry your belongings to your unit (most of our stores have trolleys you can borrow for free).

On your first visit, which would be during opening hours, our store colleagues can show you where your unit is located within the store and how to get to it.

Security at Safestore stores — what's in place and what it means for you

Security is one of the biggest concerns for our new customers. After all, you're storing belongings that matter to you, and it's important that you know they'll be kept safe.

Here's what day-to-day security looks like at our stores.

Controlled entry

Access to our stores is controlled — the general public cannot just wander in and walk around our corridors. This means that the only people in the store beyond reception will be other legitimate customers and our team members.

CCTV and store security

Our stores have 24-hour recorded CCTV in place, and systems to protect against fire, theft and pests. This coverage provides an extra layer of protection to the individual security in place for each unit (which are all secured and only accessible to the customer who owns the key or code for that unit). You can find out more about our security measures on our FAQ page.

Our team members are on hand to help, but do not have access to your self storage unit. This building-level security combined with your personal control over who enters your unit should put your mind at rest that your belongings are safe. You can also find out more about protecting your goods at Safestore.

Access hours — when can you visit your self storage unit?

Our stores have long opening hours, including late night opening on Thursdays at the majority of our locations.

Extended hours are also available at many of our stores, though these need to be arranged in advance.

Opening hours vary slightly by location, so we'd recommend checking your local store before your first visit — but whenever we're open, you're welcome to pop in and access your unit as often as you like.

• You might be a tradesperson who prefers to store your tools and equipment in your unit overnight, rather than leaving them at risk of theft in your work van. You could drop them off after work and pick them up in the morning on your way to your next job. Find out more about our tool storage options.
• You might be moving house and need to make frequent visits to your unit to access belongings while you settle into your new home.
• You might run a small business and store your stock in your unit; you might need to visit every day to package up orders, or once a week to restock. We have a range of business storage options to suit different needs.
• You might just need to visit a couple of times a year if you store seasonal belongings (e.g. Christmas decorations, camping gear, garden furniture).

There's no limit on how often you visit: whether it's twice a day or every few months, you can choose when to access your unit.

What to expect when you visit — a few things that often surprise first-time customers

Our stores are well-lit, clean and organised — no dark corners to navigate or industrial yards to cross. Our stores feel safe and manageable, even if you're visiting alone. It's a managed facility, not a warehouse.

You don't need to call ahead to visit your unit. Once you've reserved your unit, you can decide when to move in and how often to visit. Just double check our opening hours at your local store before your first visit, and if you need extended access please speak with our team to arrange that if possible at your store.

If your storage needs change, you can move into a larger or smaller unit — you won't be stuck paying for space you don't need. We have a wide range of unit sizes available, with video walkthroughs to help you choose, and our team can offer tailored advice too.

There are some items you're not allowed to store — you can check our full list of prohibited items before you get started.

Practical tips for accessing your self storage unit day-to-day

• Keep your access code or padlock key safe. Don't share it unless it's with someone you want to access your unit on your behalf.
• Organise your unit to make access easy. Label boxes clearly, keep a path down the centre where possible, and store items you'll need most frequently towards the door end. If you need boxes or packing supplies, we stock a range in store and online.
• Use your vertical space. Add shelving, stack lidded boxes, and store furniture on its end to make the most of the height available.
• Check your store's opening hours — you can find your most conveniently located Safestore using our store locator.

Accessing your self storage unit is easy, flexible, safe and convenient. If you have any questions about how self storage near you could work for your situation, or if you'd like a no-pressure, no-obligation quote, please get in touch with your local Safestore team.