Self storage is a growing industry in the UK, with more and more people using these facilities to store their belongings every year, but why? There are a variety of reasons why someone might choose to rent a self storage unit, and it’s not just for people who are moving house.
Throughout this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons why people use self storage units:
When Self Storage Becomes a Necessity
As people go through life, they might find themselves with a lot of stuff but nowhere to put it! Some situations may turn self storage into a necessity, whether you planned for it in advance, or it happened out of the blue!
Here are some of the most common reasons why people use self storage:
Moving House
Moving to a new house can be a stressful and time consuming process – but we know that already!
Self storage can help alleviate some of the stress by providing a safe and secure place to store the belongings that you can live without for a few weeks, during the move.
Home Renovation
Home renovations can be a messy and disruptive process, and it is important to keep valuable items safe from damage and secure during this time.
Whether it’s fragile and expensive electrical equipment, or sentimental furniture that you wouldn’t want to see damaged, it’s always a good idea to store them away from any potential hazards.
Working Away or Travelling
Since Covid-19, we’ve seen a massive increase in the number of people working from home. The ability to work from a laptop anywhere in the world has given workers a newfound freedom to explore without having to pause their careers. But, where will you store a house worth of stuff while you’re away?
This is another example of a self storage unit becoming a necessity. Rather than rushing to sell your valued possessions, or even hassling family or friends to use their space, you can be assured that all your stuff will be safe in a storage unit while you explore the world.
Death in the Family
Unfortunately, at some point, you might need to clear out a house after a loved one has passed away. Those who’ve just lost someone shouldn’t have to make a difficult decision about the personal belongings that’s been left.
Many people will utilise self storage to keep the contents of the deceased’s home safe, while they grieve. When it comes to handling a loved one’s valued belongings, it’s best to take time to deal with it, which self storage can give you.
Self Storage for Different Types of People
Self storage is a versatile solution that can be used by a variety of different people, such as students, business owners, and homeowners.
Students
For students, self storage is an excellent option for storing items when returning home for their summer break or when moving between accommodation.
Self storage units can be especially useful for international students – transporting all their belongings back home each year can be an expensive endeavour.
Many self storage facilities offer discounts for students, making it more affordable to store their belongings for a few months at a time. At GTW Storage, all you need to do is show a valid student card to be granted a 20% discount!
Business Owners
Business owners can benefit from self storage in a variety of ways. For example, self storage can be used to store excess inventory, documents, equipment, or supplies. Online ecommerce businesses that have large volumes of stock, without a building to hold it, can take advantage of self storage units to store their goods.
If a business has limited space in its storefront or office, self storage can be used to store unused items, such as holiday decorations, extra chairs or display items.
Businesses will often use self storage units to store older documents that are not required and are using up space. Business owners can utilise specialised document storage units to remove unnecessary documents from their office, which in turn can streamline processes within their office.
Homeowners
Homeowners can use self storage for a variety of reasons. For those who work from home, self storage can provide a dedicated space for storing work related items, such as files, supplies, and equipment.
Additionally, self storage can be used by homeowners who are downsizing or who simply don’t have enough space in their homes to fit all their things. Storage is a fantastic solution for storing seasonal items, such as outdoor furniture or holiday decorations.
If you’re moving home, you can massively reduce stress by taking advantage of a local storage company. Rather than moving all of your belongings in one day, you can rent a self storage unit and periodically transport your valuables, whenever suits you.
Hobbyists
Those who are passionate about a hobby will know that some activities can dominate a homes precious space. Whether you’re an avid camper with all the equipment, or a collector of vintage music records, all of these things can become cluttered in your daily life and could potentially frustrate those you live with.
Self storage is perfect for situations like this. Rather than being forced to sell your treasured collection or cut back on your favourite hobby altogether, you can utilise self storage to ensure your items are safe and available at any time for collection.
Benefits of Using Self Storage
Self storage is a convenient solution for those who need extra space to store their belongings.
Here are just some of the benefits of using self storage:
Secure
Storing your belongings in a self storage unit is very safe. There are several security measures in most storage units, such as CCTV cameras, alarms, and secure locks.
Always ask about the security measures before choosing a certain company. You should always be aware of the level of security guarding your storage unit before you start renting.
Quite often, you’ll find that storing your most valuable possessions in storage actually protects them more than keeping them at home. How many people have a 24/7 monitored, highly secure facility to safeguard their stuff at home?
If you choose GTW Storage, you can be safe in the knowledge your possessions are safe. Our warehouse is constructed from fire resistant reinforced concrete and have the added security of CCTV and remotely monitored fire and intruder detector systems.
Only you and your authorised personnel will be allowed access to your unit.
Flexible Options
Self storage units can come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your specific storage needs.
Whether you need to store a few boxes or a living room of furniture, you can choose a unit that fits your belongings perfectly. Speak to your chosen storage company about what you’re planning on storing and they’ll be able to advise the perfect size of unit.
Additionally, most self storage facilities offer flexible rental terms, allowing you to rent a unit for as long or as short a time as you need. Need a unit for the weekend or the full year? You’ll be able to choose either option.
Affordability
With self storage, you only pay for the space you need for however long you require, making it a cost effective way to store your belongings. Plus, many self storage facilities offer competitive pricing for their self-storage units.
Conclusion
If you were wondering why people still use self storage companies, now you know! It’s not just people who’re moving home; it can be students, business owners, and even hobbyists!
Sometimes self storage units are a necessity in life. They can make a stressful situation much more manageable, such as home renovations, working away or travelling, or even when a death occurs in the family.
If you’re reading this and live in Glasgow, we can help. Our safe, secure, and affordable self storage solution can be found in the heart of Glasgow’s City Centre.
Visit our website by clicking here and get in touch!