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8 Self Storage Myths and Misconceptions
easyStorage busts ten common self-storage myths and misconceptions about self storage and the people who use self storage units.
1. Hoarders: Only hoarders use Self Storage
This myth is more about misunderstanding hoarding than about self storage. Hoarding is a disorder and can be really distressing for the people around the hoarder, who will rarely part with their belongings, let alone pay to put them into a storage unit.
Traditionally self-storage has been there for the ‘D’s, which depending where you look usually include a mix of Death, Divorce, Disaster, Downsizing or Dislocation. And in many ways those things are still true. But one of the biggest drivers for lifestyle storage is the cost and size of UK housing, with ‘lifestyle storage’ becoming something of a commodity.
Almost a third of storers in the most recent annual storage survey store to give themselves more space with a further 12% storing to create more space at home. Less than 10% were storing sue to life events, and 8% were redecorating.
Maybe need to add more D’s (Decorating and Dealing with life?) or ditch them altogether but more importantly, let’s ditch the hording myth!
2. Storage Wars: The storage company can sell my things
Storage Wars is a fun programme, but those are container units in the USA. Much of what is shown is fixed for entertainment purposes. There’s a largely staged UK version.
In reality, all reputable UK self-storage companies have to follow strict guidelines before disposing of goods that have been abandoned or that are in a unit with debts. Most tell you in their terms and conditions what would happen if you failed to pay/abandoned your unit.
But hey, it makes good TV, so why let that get in the way of a good story!
3. Storage Units: Dangerous Places
OK, if you’re going into an empty storage unit at night, it can feel a little scary. But when we took a good look for reports of misdoings in storage units, there was very little crime.
There are risks associated with trolleys to move things around, of course, forklifts and the like. And yes, there have been attempts at theft. But for the most part storage units are pretty safe places to be: most have CCTV and/or guards, entry codes and personalised locks and keys.
(easyStorage brings your things to you, so you don’t need to visit unless you want to.)
This doesn’t mean drop your guard and do things that might put you at risk, of course, but for the most part storage units are as safe as houses.
4. Storage units: An Expensive Luxury
Some are expensive. Most aren’t.
It’s always worth shopping around for great storage deals.
5. Storage Units: Tied In for at least a Year
Once upon a time, being tied in long term may have been true of some of the bigger storage facilities.
But in today’s market, if a provider can’t provide you with what you want/need, ask another.
Today’s storage providers will usually talk to you about what you need, and you should be able to get storage for the length of time to suit you. Some will have a minimum charge period, simply because of the costs of getting you up and running. Expect the minimum period to be a month, but even if you have to pay for a month, you have don’t have to have your things there all of that time!
(They are businesses and need to factor in the costs. It’s important that they do to be able to continue functioning.)
Be warned though – you may get so used to the benefits of having a storage unit that you won’t want to give it up.
6. Storage Units: Dirty Places
We are sure there are storage units that are dirty out there. And Hollywood needs them to be a perfect set for Hallowe’en horrors.
But back in the real World, in most units the dirt is dust from boxes or brought in on visitors’ shoes. In big units open to the public, the corridors may get a bit grubby on rainy days. But most professional companies’ storage units have programmes to keep any public areas clean.
If a storage unit is obviously grubby and uncared for, think twice about leaving anything in their care. That’s the same level of care they’ll offer your belongings.
(easyStorage seals your unit, so no dirt should work its way in)
7. You Can Live in A Rental Unit
Here are ten good reasons not to: Could you live in a storage unit?
8. Belongings: Anything can be stored in a storage unit
Not true. Here’s our starter for 10: Ten things not to store in a storage unit.
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