Are you doing your researching ahead of booking some self storage for your personal or business items? That’s a smart move because it will save you time, stress and possibly some money too. Read on to find out exactly what to look for in self storage.
What to look for in self storage: three major factors
Every self storage facility is different, with its own strengths and weaknesses, so what should you prioritise before signing a storage contract?
Our advice is to choose a storage facility that is secure, well-maintained and staffed by people you can trust. Let’s break that down:
As we highlighted in a previous article, indoor storage providers, such as Indoor Self Storage, are, by design, more secure than containers on private land or ‘bolt-on’ services offered by removals companies and other businesses.
Although fewer than 1,200 storage facilities meet British security standards*, those that are members of SSA UK are obligated to deploy robust security measures. The reward is an annual incident rate of just 0.1%.
According to the UK Self Storage Association (SSA UK), 82% of facilities now have CCTV cameras installed, but where these are placed and how they are used vary. For example, while most facilities have external-facing CCTV, some also have cameras inside. At Indoor Self Storage, our cameras use state of the art technology, and we review overnight footage daily, comparing activity with site access logs. We are also one of a minority of facilities that provide individually alarmed rooms.
Whether you use a keypad, fob or phone app, some kind of secure access control is critical, as are physically robust gates and perimeter fencing. We also offer fire and smoke detection systems for additional peace of mind.
Next, we advise you to enquire about a site’s maintenance and cleaning policy. How often is the site cleaned? Is there a maintenance contract in place, and what does this cover? How is the climate controlled, and are rooms routinely monitored for pests?
Make sure you visit the site before signing any contracts. Does the reception look clean and tidy? Is there evidence of damage or damp in the corridors or any of the rooms? If a site displays a lack of care for their own property, why would they treat yours any better?
Friendly, helpful staff might be lower down the priority list for people researching self storage options, but we say this is a mistake. After all, these are the people you will be entrusting your worldly possessions or business assets to. You want them to be responsive to queries, alert to potential issues and, above all, trustworthy.
Whether its advising you on how to stack boxes to protect fragile items or suggesting a smaller room to ease your business cash flow, an attentive, customer-focused team will add incredible value to your stay. We recommend checking independent reviews (Google, Feefo, etc.) and talking to other people who have used the service. Treat social media and web testimonials with caution, though, as they can be more easily manipulated.
* UK Self Storage Annual Report 2025
Location, pricing and other customer priorities
Alongside tight security, the location of a self storage facility is the deciding factor for most home and business owners (according to user surveys). Although proximity to your home or business is, of course, vital, we recommend you also research how easy sites are to access.
Will the site be open when you need it to be? We suggest you find out its regular opening days and times and whether you can arrange out of hours access. Is there enough parking and loading space to ensure your visits are as efficient and stress free as possible? Will there be moving aids (e.g., trolleys, platform trucks) on site to help you move things around.
You may find it’s worth travelling a few miles more to use a storage facility that meets all of these needs.
Unsurprisingly, price is cited as another leading decision factor. We recommend you include contract terms alongside price to avoid getting caught out by small print or tied into unsuitable long-term arrangements. Look for transparent contracts with no hidden fees and flexible rental terms that cater for both short and long-term storage needs.
Keep an eye out for discounts or other promotions, too. You may be able to secure a free month’s storage, for example.
More features to look out for when researching self storage options
If a site ticks all of the boxes above, here are some other questions to ask:
- Is there a range of storage room or unit sizes to choose from?
- Can you upscale or downscale without penalty?
- Is there helpful guidance about what size room would meet your needs?
- Is insurance or protection included, or will you need to arrange this separately? What will be covered and what exclusions apply?
- Is there a shop on site for buying boxes and packing materials?
- Can you hire a van (some larger facilities offer this)?
For businesses, does the facility take deliveries or provide rooms with shelving units?
Who would you trust to care for your valuable goods?
When making your final decision on self storage, remember this. Keeping your belongings or goods safe, secure, clean and dry will depend as much on service standards as the space itself.
If the building and reception area looks cared for and the staff treat you well, you’re probably going to be in good hands.
For more on the services and standards we provide, please contact our friendly team.
