Self-storage can be helpful for people in all kinds of situations. It provides a handy solution for just a few days, or for a few weeks if you’re moving house. Long-term self-storage is also a great option if you’re going travelling or moving abroad. Or maybe you just need to free up some space for an undetermined amount of time.
But are your belongings completely safe in self-storage? Here are some pointers to consider:
- Choose a reliable, reputable self-storage company. Opt for a firm that someone you know has used and would recommend. You can also look for reviews and testimonials online to gauge whether a company offers a high quality service.
- Check out the security measures that will protect your stuff. Is it a simple lock and key, or a full CCTV and high-tech access management system? The more sophisticated the security, the better.
- Visit the unit before signing up. It’s reassuring to see for yourself that the unit is secure, clean, dry and fit for purpose.
- Ask about how the company protects your goods. This is the most crucial point, as you want to know what happens if the worst should happen.
Fire, flood or other damage
In the vast majority of cases, long-term self-storage offers a convenient, affordable way to store items safely. However, things do very occasionally go wrong. A self-storage building may be struck by fire, or a pipe may burst and flood the premises. There’s even the chance that your items may be damaged when being loaded, unloaded or moved within the unit.
It’s extremely unlikely that any of these problems will occur, but it’s always best to be prepared. The key to this is protection for your goods along with a couple of other measures. These measures can help to prevent any issues over claims further down the line. You may never need to utilise the protection offered by the company you choose, but it’s nice to know it’s there.
Protection for long-term self-storage
Before signing up to any kind of long-term self-storage plan or contract, you should always ask about how the goods are going to be protected and what happens if you need to make a claim. Storage specialists like Kiwi Movers are able to protect your goods using arrangements they make with specialist insurance brokers so that you have complete peace of mind.
Make sure to ask storage companies when receiving quotations whether the protection is included, to avoid any extra costs.
Packing and inventory
To make doubly sure your belongings are fully protected when in storage, it could be worth using some extra packing materials. Wrap everything up to prevent any damage, especially antiques or valuable pieces.
You should always make an inventory of what is stored in your unit, and the condition it’s in. This is useful for you, the self-storage company and for any future claims. You can even include photos of each item along with the inventory. Your inventory and photos will support your claim if you suspect something has been damaged while in storage.
Drop us a line on 020 8877 9682* to find out about long-term self-storage with Kiwi Movers – from container storage and warehousing to our unique ‘mini storage’ service in London. If it’s more convenient, arrange a callback from one of the team.
