Are you looking for a safe, convenient, and affordable way to store your belongings in London? Whether you need extra space for your home, office, or business, self storage can be the perfect solution for you.
Self storage is a service that allows you to rent a unit of a certain size and store your items there for as long as you need. You can access your unit anytime during the opening hours of the facility and enjoy the benefits of security, flexibility, and convenience.
But how do you choose the best self storage option for your needs? What are the factors to consider when comparing different providers? How much does self storage cost in London? And what are the best practices to follow when using self storage?
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will also provide you with some useful tips and resources to help you make the most of your self storage experience.
Key Takeaways
- Self storage is a service that allows you to rent a unit of a certain size and store your items there for as long as you need.
- Self storage can help you declutter your home, store your belongings during a move or renovation, keep your business inventory or equipment, and more.
- Self storage in London can cost anywhere from £6 to £36 per week depending on the size, location, and features of the unit.
- To find the best self storage provider in London, you should compare different options based on their price, location, security, access, customer service, and reviews.
- To use self storage effectively, you should pack your items properly, label your boxes, organize your unit, and insure your belongings.
How to Find the Best Self Storage Provider in London
London is one of the most populous and expensive cities in the world. It is also home to over 40 self storage facilities that offer various options for storing your belongings.
But how do you find the best self storage provider in London? Here are some factors to consider when comparing different options:
Price
The price of self storage in London depends on several factors, such as the size, location, and features of the unit. According to WhatStorage, the average cost of self storage in London is £23.77 per week. However, this can vary significantly depending on the area and the demand.
For example, self storage units in Central London tend to be more expensive than those in Greater London. Similarly, self storage units near popular attractions or transport hubs tend to have higher rates than those in less busy areas.
To get the best deal on self storage in London, you should:
- Compare different providers and their prices online.
- Look for discounts or promotions that some providers may offer for long-term or advance bookings.
- Choose the right size of unit for your needs.
- Avoid paying for extra features that you don’t need, such as climate control or 24/7 access.
Location
The location of your self storage unit is another important factor to consider. Ideally, you want to choose a facility that is close to your home or workplace, or somewhere that is easily accessible by public transport or car.
This way, you can save time and money on travelling to and from your unit. You can also access your belongings more frequently and conveniently.
To find a self storage facility near you in London, you can:
- Use online platforms like to search for providers by postcode or area.
- Use online maps like Google Maps or Bing Maps to see the exact location and distance of each facility.
- Check the opening hours and access times of each facility. Some providers may offer 24/7 access while others may have limited hours.
- Check the parking availability and accessibility of each facility. Some providers may offer free parking while others may charge a fee or have limited spaces.
Security
Security is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a self storage provider in London. You want to make sure that your belongings are safe and secure at all times.
To ensure that your self storage unit is secure, you should:
- Check the security features of each facility. Some providers may offer CCTV cameras, alarms, locks, gates, fences, security guards, or other measures to protect their premises and units.
- Check the insurance policy of each provider. Some providers may include insurance in their price while others may charge extra or require you to arrange your own insurance.
- Check the reviews and ratings of each provider. You can use online platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to see what other customers have to say about their experience with each provider.
Customer Service
Customer service is another factor that can make or break your self storage experience. You want to choose a provider that is friendly, helpful, and responsive to your needs and queries.
To evaluate the customer service of each self storage provider in London, you should:
- Contact each provider by phone, email, or chat and ask them any questions you may have about their service, prices, features, or policies.
- Visit each facility in person and see how they treat you and show you around their units and premises.
- Check the reviews and ratings of each provider. You can use online platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to see what other customers have to say about their customer service.
How to Use Self Storage Effectively
Once you have chosen the best self storage provider in London for your needs, you need to know how to use self storage effectively. This means packing your items properly, labeling your boxes, organizing your unit, and insuring your belongings.
Here are some best practices for using self storage effectively:
Packing
Packing your items properly is essential for protecting them from damage, dust, or moisture. It also helps you save space and money by maximizing the use of your unit.
To pack your items properly, you should:
- Use sturdy and durable boxes or containers that can withstand stacking and moving. You can buy or rent them from your self storage provider or from online platforms like [Boxman] or [Boxbee].
- Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels to wrap fragile or delicate items such as glassware, ceramics, or electronics. You can also use foam peanuts or air pillows to fill any gaps or spaces in the boxes.
- Use tape, labels, or markers to seal and mark your boxes. You should write the contents and the destination of each box (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, office) on the top and sides of the box. You can also use color-coded stickers or tags to categorize your boxes by room or type of item.
- Use plastic bags or covers to protect items that are prone to moisture, mold, or pests, such as clothing, bedding, or furniture. You can also use vacuum bags to compress bulky items and save space.
- Use special boxes or cases for items that have specific shapes or sizes, such as guitars, paintings, or mirrors. You can also use cardboard tubes or rolls for items that can be rolled up, such as rugs, posters, or maps.
Labeling
Labeling your boxes is important for identifying and locating your items easily. It also helps you avoid confusion and frustration when unpacking or accessing your unit.
To label your boxes effectively, you should:
- Use clear and legible handwriting or printing. You can use permanent markers, stickers, or labels to write on your boxes.
- Use descriptive and specific words to indicate the contents of each box. For example, instead of writing “books”, write “books – fiction” or “books – history”.
- Use abbreviations or symbols to indicate the condition or priority of each box. For example, you can use “F” for fragile, “H” for heavy, “U” for urgent, or “N” for new.
- Use numbers or letters to indicate the order or sequence of each box. For example, you can use “1/10” to indicate that this is the first box out of ten boxes.
- Use arrows or directions to indicate the orientation of each box. For example, you can use “UP” to indicate that this side of the box should face up.
Organizing
Organizing your unit is essential for maximizing the space and efficiency of your self storage. It also helps you access your items more conveniently and safely.
To organize your unit effectively, you should:
- Plan ahead and create a layout or map of your unit. You can use online tools like [Storage Genie] or [Storage Calculator] to help you visualize and optimize your unit space.
- Place heavy and bulky items at the back and bottom of your unit. This will create a stable base and prevent them from falling over or crushing other items.
- Place frequently used or needed items at the front and top of your unit. This will make them easier to reach and access without disturbing other items.
- Place similar or related items together in groups or zones. This will help you find and retrieve them more quickly and efficiently.
- Leave some space between your items and the walls of your unit. This will allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
- Leave some space between your stacks of boxes or containers. This will allow you to walk around and access your items without moving other items.
- Use shelves, racks, hooks, or pegboards to store small or loose items such as tools, accessories, or ornaments. You can also use baskets, bins, drawers, or crates to store these items inside your boxes or containers.
Insuring
Insuring your belongings is important for protecting them from theft, fire, flood, vandalism, or other risks. It also gives you peace of mind and confidence when using self storage.
To insure your belongings effectively, you should:
- Check the insurance policy of your self storage provider. Some providers may include insurance in their price while others may charge extra or require you to arrange your own insurance.
- Check the coverage and limits of your self storage insurance. Some policies may cover only certain types of items or events while others may have a maximum value or claim amount.
- Check the terms and conditions of your self storage insurance. Some policies may have exclusions, deductibles, co-payments, or other fees that may affect your claim or compensation.
- Check the documentation and evidence required for your self storage insurance. Some policies may require you to provide an inventory list, receipts, photos, or other proof of ownership or value of your items.
- Check the claims process and procedure of your self storage insurance. Some policies may have a specific time frame, method, or contact for filing or resolving your claim.
Useful Tips and Resources for Self Storage in London
To help you make the most of your self storage experience in London, here are some useful tips and resources for you:
- Compare different self storage providers and their prices online using platforms.
- Use online tools like to help you determine how much space you need.
- Use online tools like to help you visualize and optimize your unit space.
- Use online platforms to buy or rent boxes or containers for your items.
- Use online platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to see what other customers have to say about different self storage providers in London.
- Use online platforms like to compare and buy self storage insurance for your items.
- Read online guides and blogs to get more tips and information about self storage in London.
Related Questions and Answers
Here are some related questions and answers that you may find useful:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the benefits of using self storage in London? | Self storage in London can help you declutter your home, store your belongings during a move or renovation, keep your business inventory or equipment, and more. It can also provide you with security, flexibility, and convenience. |
| What are the disadvantages of using self storage in London? | Self storage in London can be expensive, especially in central areas or near popular attractions. It can also be inconvenient if you need to access your items frequently or urgently. It can also pose some risks such as theft, fire, flood, vandalism, or damage. |
| What are the alternatives to using self storage in London? | Some alternatives to using self storage in London are renting a garage, loft, basement, or spare room from a friend, family member, or neighbor; using a peer-to-peer storage platform like Storemates or Stashbee; using a mobile storage service like LOVESPACE or Box Storage For Me; or selling, donating, recycling, or disposing of your unwanted items. |
