There are times when switching to a different storage company might be to your advantage. We recommend reviewing your storage needs – including self-storage insurance – every year to make sure you are still getting excellent value for money.

Is your storage unit the right size?

Does your storage unit still meet your needs? If it is half empty, it’s likely you could save money each month on your storage by moving your domestic goods into a smaller unit.

On the other hand, if it is crammed so full you can’t easily get to items at the back, a larger unit will be easier to use.

Take some time to review what you have in storage. Don’t pay to store items you no longer want and no longer enjoy. Recycle them, or sell or give them to people who will get use out of them. Take a look on Ebay or local second-hand sites to get an idea of what is worth selling.

Work out what you need from your storage company

Every storage user has some must-haves. These are usually along the lines of:

• location – you are more likely to make effective use of a storage unit that you can get to easily.
• opening hours – it’s worth paying extra for extended opening hours or 24-hour access if you work a lot; but if you have free time during the day, then you may get better value from a storage centre with shorter opening hours.
• security – some people feel more comfortable keeping their stuff in a storage centre with CCTV and 24-hour staffing.
• facilities – consider whether you need a drive-up storage unit; or a pick-up and delivery service.

Check out the competition

Once you know what you need from your storage company, it’s time to get some comparison quotes. Do a quick search for ‘domestic storage units near me’ or ‘self-storage in <your town>’. You might also find storage companies advertising in local publications, or get recommendations from friends and co-workers.

Getting comparison quotes for self-storage

Most storage companies have a facility for online quotes. Or you can drop by and visit during working hours to check out the site and get a quote. It can be helpful to provide a picture of the goods you want to store.

By getting at least three quotes, you will get an idea of what the going rate for storage is in your area.

Bear in mind that some storage companies will try to entice you to switch with a cheaper offer for the first few months. Get a monthly cost by working out the price for the year and dividing by twelve, rather than basing your comparison on the offer price.

You may be able to bring down your storage costs by committing to a longer period – see our guide to find out how.

Declutter while you move

Decluttering may help you to save money by making it possible to use a smaller storage unit. You can also take the opportunity to update your self-storage inventory, and check over your stored goods to ensure they are not getting damaged in storage.

How much could you save with a better self-storage insurance deal?

Most storage companies will require you to insure your stored goods. Some will have their own insurance offering with adequate coverage; but they are often overpriced. As specialist self-storage insurers, we can offer a convenient online service that is competitively priced. Get a quote from us today.