We store, you store, everyone store`s WHAT IS Storage?
Isn’t it simple and straight forward? Well not really here’s why.
The definition of storage in the dictionary is “the putting and keeping of things in a special place for use in the future.”
When you need to bake a cake you need storage for the ingredients, when you back up your computer work you need secure storage, china in a removals box-storage the list goes on.
The bits “Special place and putting” are the areas that cause the most confusion when people think of furniture storage. The following terms are all banded about (one type of company will say one is better than the other and visa versa.)
Container storage, self storage, mobile self storage, wooden storage containers, metal storage containers, storage rooms, storage lockers, loose storage, barn storage. Deliver yourself , have it collected, the storage unit brought to you, store at your premises.
You can have your items professionally packed and wrapped you can have an inventory, you can load yourself, you can hire a man and van, or just the van, you can hire a professional removal company…
What is best for you?
Essentially it breaks down quite easily. You need to ask yourself 1 question.
Do you want to move the items yourself?
Yes – Self Storage.
Reverse right up to the storage container, no long walks. Padlock your unit and use the blankets provided.
No – Assisted Storage
The crew will load the containers on the vehicle by using a side ramp, the forklift does the hard work!
Self Storage
You either bring to the storage depot or the depot comes to you. Basically you do the hard work. The types are listed below with the benefits associated. The disadvantages in brackets.
With self store you get the piece of mind that you have stacked things where you want them.
Most people overlook the Removal companies that offer self store in their wooden storage containers, when in reality this is probably the most efficient, safe and certainly the cheapest method available.
Assisted Storage
For many people caught in the moving trap this is the only real option. Removal companies that have their own storage facility are perfectly suited to offer this service. Ideally the removal company will pack for you as well, as this will give maximum protection with regards to Insurance and damages.
This is a typical scenario- The customer realises they need storage as they can't tie up the sale and purchase. Instead of running the risk of loosing a buyer they decide to store for a couple of weeks and stay with relatives until their new property is ready. The removal company representative arranges to visit and do a survey, the representative goes through all the options and follows up with a detailed written quotation. The Packing crew arrive (usually the day before moving) and pack everything professionally. On the removal into store day the crew arrive introduce themselves, do an inspection, then they wrap all furniture with blankets, tape and cardboard, they put plastic covers on the upholstery and mattresses. Then they complete a detailed inventory. Once all this is done they load the containers (which are stacked on a specialist removal lorry) making sure everything is safely stacked and all the space is used. Once back at the yard a forklift takes the containers off the vehicle and stacks them away.
So by breaking it down into these 2 areas its clear to see which type is right for you.
A couple of points that are worth a mention are:
If you hire a man and van or removal company to take your furniture to a self store room it is worth remembering that the company will not leave their blankets and covers with your furniture, for that reason you will probably get something damaged, you will certainly use more space than you thought and when you want to get the furniture out it is likely to be a different firm and therefore a conflict would occur in the event of blaming someone for damage.
It is also worth mentioning that when you use a Self store company you are likely to pay a huge premium for the Insurance, something that is usually free with a removal company, at least up to a certain level of cover. We for example include up to £3,000 cover for each storage unit.
Another point worth a mention is that due to changes in the last budget Self Store companies will have to charge VAT from October 2012, making them 20% more expensive.
If you want any more information on the types of storage I have written a detailed moving and storing report called “The Top Ten Removals and Storage Disasters to Avoid!!” and chapter 4 is all about storage – Chapter 4 – Storage out of interest the
National Guild of Removers and Storer’s Ltd, use it on their home page as it is so accurate. If you would like the full report just fill in your name and email in the box on our home page and it will come through to you in daily chapters.
If you have any questions about anything either call our team or pop up to discuss your requirements, you are welcome to a cup of coffee and you can even buy your
Removal Boxes from us while you are there. We also sell the full range of materials you may require. I
If you have assisted storage with us we will include the materials you will need.
