Before you rent a storage unit, ask about the full monthly price, what is included, deposits, notice periods, access hours, security, insurance, how price rises work and whether you can switch sizes. A few minutes on the phone can save you money and stop surprises later. Use the checklist below with every store you are considering, and write the answers down so you can compare like for like.
Price and what is included
The advertised price is often not the whole story. Many stores run introductory offers, and some quote prices without VAT or insurance. Ask:
- What is the total monthly cost, including VAT and insurance?
- Is this an introductory rate? If so, how long does it last and what is the price afterwards?
- Is a padlock included, or do I need to buy one?
- Are there admin, set-up or closing fees?
- Do you charge weekly, every four weeks or by calendar month?
- Is there a discount for paying upfront or booking a longer stay?
The billing period matters. Paying every four weeks means more payments in a year than paying monthly. For typical price ranges, see how much self storage costs.
Deposits and notice periods
- Is there a deposit? How much, and when is it returned?
- Is there a minimum term?
- How much notice do I need to give when I leave?
- Do I pay for a full period if I move out partway through?
Our guide to self storage contracts and notice explains how these terms usually work.
Access and security
Think about when you will actually need to get to your things. Ask:
- What are the access hours, and are they different at weekends or bank holidays?
- Is there an extra charge for out-of-hours or 24-hour access?
- Can I drive up to the unit, and are there trolleys or a loading bay?
- Is there a lift if the unit is on an upper floor?
- What security is on site - CCTV, alarms, gated entry, staff on site?
- Who else has access to my unit? (The answer should be no one but you, apart from in specific situations set out in the contract.)
- Can I name someone else who is allowed to access the unit?
If you can, visit before you sign. Look at how clean and dry the building is, and how the lighting and corridors feel.
Insurance
- Is insurance compulsory?
- Can I use my own home contents policy instead of yours?
- What does your cover include and exclude, and what is the excess?
Read our self storage insurance guide for more on the options.
Price rises and changing size
If you might store for a while, these questions matter as much as the starting price:
- How often do you review prices, and how much notice do you give of an increase?
- If I find I need a bigger or smaller unit, can I move? Is there a fee?
- If I move to a different size, does my rate change to the current list price?
Not sure what size you need? Our storage size guide will help you start in the right place, which saves moving later.
What you can store and other practical points
- Is there anything you will not let me store? (Common examples are in our guide to what you can't put in storage.)
- Are units climate controlled, or at least dry and ventilated?
- Can deliveries be accepted for me if I run a business?
- Do you sell boxes and packing materials, or offer van hire?
- Can I use the unit as a workspace? (Usually the answer is no, but ask.)
Turn the answers into a decision
Once you have answers from two or three stores, put them side by side. Compare the total cost over the time you expect to store, not just the first month. Then weigh up the things that are harder to price: how convenient the location is, how easy access is and whether you felt comfortable when you visited.
Asking the same questions of several stores takes time. Tell us what you need through Local Storage Quote and every suitable store near you can send you a price, so you only have to explain your requirements once.
