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Are you currently looking for cheap storage for your belongings? Perhaps you need extra storage because:
- Storage spaces across the house (loft, garage, etc) are bulging at the seams
- you are expecting to sell your house and will need to store your furniture until you can move into your new home
- your child has been away at university and your belongings have expanded to fill the space available: they will soon be bringing their possessions home with nowhere to put them.
Whatever your reason for needing additional storage, you may be trying to decide between using self storage or box storage. To help you to choose the storage option that is best for you, here are the salient points of each type. We are a self storage company, so we have set out where box storage is the better choice as well.
1. Self storage
How it works:
Once you have located your most conveniently-located Safestore, choose what size of unit you will need (our staff can help with this if you are unsure) and then take your belongings to your unit, where you can store them in your secure unit for as long as you like. You can access your belongings in storage and remove them at any time. The price you will pay is per square foot of space.
The benefits that self storage provides:
A. Flexibility
At Safestore we offer a range of self storage options, from 10 sq ft secure lockers ideal for student storage up to warehouse storage of over 500 sq ft and everything in between. Our experienced and helpful staff can give expert advice about how much space you will need to accommodate your belongings, so that you will never end up paying for storage space that you don’t need.
B. Safety and protection
Safestore has a huge range of indoor units that to which you’ll have the only access. You can move your belongings into a clean, dry unit and you can purchase packaging/protectors to help protect your things. Self storage at Safestore is also highly secure – our sites are all protected by 24-hour recorded CCTV and comprehensive alarm systems.
C. Accessible and convenient
You can access your self storage unit free of charge, seven days a week during opening hours and with extended access upon request. You will be the only keyholder for your unit, meaning that only you will have access to your belongings whilst they are stored in your secure unit.
We have the largest number of locations across the UK than any other self storage provider, close to many major cities and within easy reach of the major road networks. Free parking is available on site for our customers. This ease of access makes self storage ideal if you need regular or even occasional access to your belongings without wishing to take them out of storage altogether.
The fact that our receptions are staffed during opening hours means that if you need to have anything sent to your unit, we can accept deliveries for you.
Any downsides?
You will need a way to get your belongings to and from your self storage unit. We don't offer this service but we have a comprehensive list of local removal companies that we can confidently recommend. We can provide pallet stackers if you need them and there is ample space available for loading and unloading at each site.
2. Box storage
How it works:
Box storage companies will send you storage boxes and bubble wrap if you need; you can then wrap up your belongings and they will collect your box(es) the next day. Your belongings will be taken to a storage facility. Contact them when you want your box(es) back and they will return them to you the following day at a fixed price per box. The price you will pay is per box for collection and per box for return.
The benefits of using a box storage service are:
A. Doorstep Convenience
You don’t have to take your belongings anywhere – the box storage company will provide all the packing materials and will collect your filled box(es) for you. They will return them to your chosen location the day after you request that they do so. You won’t be able to access your belongings whilst they are in storage, but if you are storing items that you know you won’t need for some time this can be a good storage solution for you. Their service is door-to-door, but you cannot have deliveries made direct to their storage facility.
B. Pricing for smaller items
With box storage, you pay a set price per box (for it to be stored and then returned) so if you need to store a single item, or items that will require far less than 10 sq ft of storage space, this may be the most cost-effective service for you as you will not be paying for space that you know you will never use. Insurance is included and their service can be accessed online.
Any downsides?
You will never see your items when in box storage and will not be able to verify the level of security available. The warehouses used by box storage companies are typically covered by 24 hour recorded CCTV but are not usually staffed on site. It is not possible to have items delivered directly to their warehouse - you will need to arrange for your items to be collected (and returned) by the box storage company.
Considerations before chosing box storage
| Considerations | Details |
| Collection slots | Weekday collections with limited hours over the weekend under specific collection slots. |
| Delivery to you | Many use third party removal companies and not their own fleets. |
| Access | Unable to access your belongings once they are in box storage. |
| Return payment | You must pay a per delivery fee to have your items returned, with additional fees to have items returned on evenings or weekends. |
| Date restrictions | Dates to have items returned may be restricted to weekdays which is not convenient if you work. |
| Insurance cover | The amount of insurance included may not cover the replacement value of your items. |
| Item damage | Risk of items going missing or damaged in transit. Fragile items like glassware, crockery, TVs and printers are not covered on insurance. |
| Awkward items | Items with shapes that aren't convient such as bicycles will still need to be put in a box. |
Box storage or self storage: which suits your move?
|
Your situation |
Usually the better fit |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
A few boxes or suitcases, and you will not need them back soon |
Box (collection) storage |
You pay per box and do not hire a van |
|
A bed, sofa, wardrobe or a whole room |
Self storage |
One unit price covers everything, and bulky items do not need boxing |
|
Moving house, with a gap between selling and completing |
Self storage |
You can get to your things when you need them and keep the contract flexible |
|
You will need your things monthly or more often |
Self storage |
Walk-in access, with no return fee or booking wait |
|
Renovating and clearing rooms for a few months |
Either |
Collection saves the carrying, a unit saves return fees if you will be in and out |
|
Running an online shop from home (for example Etsy or Amazon FBA) |
Self storage |
Pick up stock when you need it and store across multiple locations. See business storage |
What to check before you book any self storage:
- Total cost, not just the monthly price. Add transport, return fees and any minimum charges.
- Contract length and notice. Check the minimum stay, the notice period and any additonal terms within your chosen contract.
- Storage Insurance. Check how much cover is included, whether cover is per box or per unit, and what is excluded.
- Access. Can you visit, and when? Safestore customers can access their unit seven days a week during opening hours, with extended access upon arrangement.
- Price match. Found it cheaper elsewhere? Safestore's Lowest Price Guarantee beats a qualifying local quote by 10% for the first 8 weeks, then matching for up to 6 months.
Collection box storage can be a cost-effective choice for a few boxes that you will not need for some time. For furniture or the contents of a room, self storage often offers better value and gives you access to your belongings when you need them. Consider how much space you need, whether regular access matters and if you need help moving everything.
Questions about box storage compared to self storage
Is self storage cheaper than box storage?
It depends on how much you store. Collection storage is usually cheaper for a few boxes you will not need access to, because you pay per box and avoid van hire. Once you are storing furniture or a room's worth of items, a unit is usually cheaper.
Which is better for a London move, self storage or a pickup-and-store service?
If you are moving house and may need your things during the gap, self storage gives you access whenever you need it and one price for everything. A pickup service suits a small number of boxes that you will not be able to get back until you schedule your return delivery. Compare the total cost including transport for your own list.
Can I get to my things in box storage?
Not directly. With box storage you book a return and the provider delivers your boxes, usually on a set day. With self storage you visit your unit yourself during opening hours, and can arrange out-of-hours access at some sites.
Is a self storage locker the same as left luggage?
No. Left luggage is a pay-per-bag drop-off service, usually charged by the hour or day. A Safestore unit is a space you rent and lock with your own padlock. You can use it for a week or for several months - see short-term storage.
Do I need a van for self storage?
You need a way to bring your belongings. Safestore does not offer a collection service, but sites have free parking, loading space, and pallet stackers if you need them. We can recommend local removal companies.
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We're here to help
Speak to your local store team when you book, or at any point during your stay, and they'll help you find the best option.
