Information line

ABC's pre-recorded 24 hour information line is on Freephone 0800 056 3826 and has an explanation of self storage and tips on how to get the best value.

For your convenience a transcript of the information line is provided below. You might also like to try our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Transcript of ABC Selfstore's information line

Welcome to ABC Selfstore’s storage advice line.

This is a free call so don’t feel pressured to get off the telephone, this advice could save you money.

Can Self storage be of benefit to you?

Absolutely.

Self Storage is the answer for anyone who needs to securely store almost anything, large or small for any period of time.

OK, but how does it work?

The idea is simple.

Customers rent their own private unit within a secure storage centre.

You rent as much space as you need.

Most self storage companies provide units, as small as a locker for a couple of suitcases, right through to a unit that would hold the entire contents of a ten bedroom mansion! You can store pretty much anything you like; furniture, books, office equipment, or clothes – it’s really up to you.

There should be no charge to access your goods as often as you like during centre opening hours. You should simply pay a four weekly charge that covers everything with no hidden extras.

You usually have to pay four weeks storage charges up front and four weeks charges as a deposit, and you’ll also need a padlock to secure the unit.

Most self storage companies do not do removals but they are usually happy to recommend local companies and they do stock boxes and other packing supplies to help with your move.

If it isn’t all of these things then it isn’t self storage!

So if you think self storage could be for you, how do you decide who to store with?

Well listen now and we’ll give you some useful tips that could save you valuable time and money.

You will need to phone around a few self storage companies in your area to find out how they operate and get an idea of their costs. Most companies can arrange storage for you by telephone, but remember : whilst you want to make sure that you are being quoted a competitive price, price isn’t everything – the devil is in the detail!

Listen carefully to the following to ensure you don’t make a decision you might regret later.

Firstly, always ask if you are paying by the day and, if you are unsure of how long you will need to store for, what the minimum storage period is. Invariably you will have to pay up front for a period of 4 weeks or more, but, ensure that they will refund to you any days that you have paid for but not used. Only pay for the time you store!

Secondly, find out if you have to give notice before you can leave your unit. If you forget this step you may lose your deposit.

Thirdly, can you access your goods when you want to? Does the company offer late night opening or 24 hour access? If the company you store with is only open during the times that you are at work then you will find access to your goods nearly impossible.

And finally, don’t forget to ask if they have any special offers running – these are quite common place and many storage companies now offer between 25% and 50% off your first four weeks storage.

So once you’ve established who’s still in the running for your business what next?

Well remember that these are your possessions and you want to ensure that whoever you entrust to store them with will take as much care of them as you would. Prices won’t tell you if the company has well trained, competent staff or whether they have a strict health and safety policy in place. Quality is everything. A couple of things to look out for –

All self storage centres will tell you they are secure, but take a good look around – find out how they control access to the centre and, if they have 24 hour access, if the units in these areas are alarmed. Don’t take anything for granted.

Check for heating in winter; unheated facilities could mean your goods get damp.

Little things matter – do all customers provide photographic identification to further improve security?

We strongly recommend you pack your goods carefully and protect all soft furnishings whilst in store. Make sure your chosen storage centre can provide you with everything you need.

More advice on packing and making the best use of the space in your unit is available [on our web site] and in our Essential Guide to Self Storage or alternatively you could always give us call.

And finally one last tip – the demand for storage is high and many self storage facilities are very full. Once you have made your mind up don’t delay in reserving your unit! Simply call your chosen storage company and let them secure your unit over the telephone!

ABC Selfstore can help you with your need for storage – we look forward to talking to soon! Thanks again for listening!

Ready to Store?

If you are ready to store, you can check availability and prices online, or just contact us for a pesonlaised quote and to book a unit.