Have certain ‘facts’ stopped you taking advantage of self storage? Find out about the most common self storage myths and the real truth behind them.
Self storage is something that many people did not even know existed until certain TV programmes presented them. The problem is that a lot of the most popular self storage programmes are sensationalised and likely don’t present self storage in the right light. There have also been some pretty creepy headlines about self storage units in the past, as well as some negative representation in TV shows. Criminal activity and hidden secrets just seem to come hand in hand with self storage in the media it seems.
Have some common self storage myths been preventing you from utilising London storage? It may be that this affordable, flexible, helpful service has been available all along, but you’ve simply never considered it because you’ve believed a certain untruth about it. Well, today all that changes. Today, you unlock the possibilities of self storage for yourself as we debunk 7 of the most common self storage myths:
1. Self Storage Is Only Suitable For Domestic Use
Self storage is suitable for all kinds of domestic uses. Moving house, seasonal storage, downsizing – there are endless reasons people need a secure rental space these days. However, that doesn’t mean that self storage is only suitable for domestic use. In fact, very savvy business owners utilise affordable self storage in Goleta because they know it makes better business sense than a warehouse or an office. It is flexible, affordable, local, offers receipt of delivery and exceptional security – it’s ideal for all kinds of businesses. Compare storage prices here.
2. Self Storage Is Soulless
Self storage is not how you would imagine it to be. It isn’t a concrete jungle and there are lots of friendly staff and storage-users around. Lots of brands also like to use bright colours and decor to ensure a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for employees and customers alike.
3. Self Storage Is Unsafe For Visitors
Unfortunately self storage always looks creepy in TV or films, because it is portrayed as dark, lonely and, well, the perfect setting for bad things to happen. Luckily, this is not true for self storage facilities. It is true that some outdoor self storage facilities are not manned and they can be fairly ‘out of the way’, not very well lit and a little isolated, so, it is sensible to be mindful of that and perhaps visit in the day, the same as you would be mindful anywhere alone after dark. However, all indoor self storage facilities are incredibly safe as they tend to have CCTV, security guards, lots of lighting and 24/7 reception.
4. Self Storage Is A Clutter-Keepers Game
Hoarding is a mental illness, and can be said in a very flippant way, which is why we are not referring to hoarders when we talk about people who keep a lot of things they do not need. Instead, we prefer the term ‘clutter-keeper’ – somebody who struggles to clear out their stuff, and instead chooses to keep it in self storage because they don’t have room in their house any more. We can all relate to this, and it is true that some people don’t have time to declutter and instead will utilise self storage until they are able to sort through their things.
However, the majority of people who use self-storage don’t have the finances to pay for extra space for items they do not need or want to keep. Particularly these days, people don’t have the spare cash to rent out space without cause. Most people with self storage have very specific uses for it, and get a lot out of the money that they spend on it. Open up most self storage units and you will find they aren’t filled to the ceiling with car boot style junk and clutter.
5. Self Storage Units Are All Huge
Are there storage units as big as football fields? Absolutely. You can fit as much as you need into a self storage unit. However, there are also self storage units as small as gym lockers, and various different sized spaces exist to accommodate various storage needs. Great storage companies will also always recommend the smallest space for your items to ensure that you are making the most out of the money you pay to rent the space.
6. Self Storage Is Really Expensive
Self storage is usually very affordable, although it is a good idea to look for good value from your unit, rather than the cheapest possible price. You should be paying for a dry, secure space that ideally has climate control and as much access as possible. The contract should also be flexible and give you the opportunity to give up the unit quickly if you know you won’t be able to continue to pay for it. When you get the right self storage facility you will find that the use of the space, compared to a house with an extra bedroom or a warehouse or office contract, is considerably lower cost overall.
7. If You Miss A Payment Your Unit Contents Are Sold Off
This is such a common myth because of TV shows like Storage Wars. What those programmes don’t mention is that there was likely a very long, detailed process that led to the contents of the units being sold off. Remember, self storage facility owners don’t want to have to sell off your unit contents, and they want to continue to get a monthly fee for the rental of the space. They will want to work with you to ensure that your contract is working for you. Mostly, the contracts can be ended within a month anyway so there’s not much risk of having to pay out a lengthy contract.
There will also be repeated attempts to contact you about your unit if you are no longer paying for it. If, after a certain amount of time has lapsed, you have not even been in touch with the facility, they are allowed to take legal action. This will all be detailed in your contract and often there are multiple opportunities for you to reclaim your things before any actions are taken.
Hopefully you are feeling a little more clued up on self storage, and a little more likely to consider it as a really helpful option for various life stages, storage problems and business uses. It is such an affordable, flexible and helpful option for domestic and business users, so it is worth knowing how it really works before making your mind up about using it or not.
