Choosing a Self Storage Company

When you choose a self storage company, it is likely you will be trusting it with some of your most valued possessions. Self storage is like having a room away from home, so you want to be sure your items are as safe as they would be in your own house.

If you are looking for self storage companies with facilities in Norfolk and Suffolk, Hamiltons Removals Safe N Stored have storage rooms in Harleston, conveniently situated for people from a wide area including Diss, Stradbroke and Halesworth. We also have self storage containers at our site in Aldeby. Here are six of the main factors to bear in mind when selecting a self storage company.

Security

You need to be sure that only you can get access to your possessions, so you don’t need to worry about the theft of expensive items. This means the site should be covered by CCTV cameras and there should be controlled access to your storage area.

Hamiltons’ Harleston facility has around-the-clock CCTV cameras and a security alarm which is linked to Norfolk Police, plus an individual key fob system. Our Aldeby site has CCTV, a secure keypad entry and uniform padlocks for additional security.

Meeting the Highest Standards

You want to be sure that your chosen company meets high standards for security and customer protection. There is a European Standard for self storage; all members of the Self Storage Association UK have to meet this standard in order to retain their membership.

Hamiltons Removals is a member of the SSAUK, so you can be sure of our commitment to high standards.

Access

When putting your possessions in store, you want to be sure you can get to them quickly and easily. Also, if the items you have in self storage are bulky, you will not want to have to transport them a long distance to or from your car or vehicle.

The containers at Hamiltons’ Aldeby site are so accessible, you can drive right up to them to unload from your vehicle, and they are available 15 hours a day, from 7am. Units at our Harleston site are also very accessible, and it is open Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 12noon.

A Range of Sizes

When choosing self storage, you will want to be sure the amount of space is right for you and that you are paying for what you need. For instance, you won’t want to choose a facility with high ceilings if you only have small items. However, equally you don’t want your storage area to be too small. The ideal is if you have enough room to add more items later. Also bear in mind that, if the space is too tightly packed, it may prove difficult to remove items as and when you want access to them.

The storage rooms at our Harleston depot start at 25 square feet and go up to 200 square feet, offering space for all eventualities. Our Aldeby site also has a wide range of space, with storage container units ranging from 35 square feet of floor space up to 150 square feet.

Insurance and Paperwork

Self storage companies should be able to offer insurance for your possessions, to give you peace of mind. The cover applies to the storage company as well, in case your goods do get damaged.

You also need to be sure that you have a legally binding contract which covers both the company and yourself if there are any problems, for example, in terms of access to your possessions, or what happens if you fail to pay your bill.

At Hamiltons Removals we are experienced in dealing with all the administrative requirements of storage, including contracts. We require insurance based on the total cost of replacing your goods as new. Our policies are tailored to fit self-storage customers, providing high-quality cover tailored to your needs. You are welcome to arrange your own cover, but we will need a copy of the paperwork for our records.

Keeping Your Items Clean

Your storage room or unit should be well ventilated. Failure to do so could mean your items will be vulnerable to dampness or moisture, mould, and odours.

Our storage facilities at Harleston and Aldeby are clean, dry and well-ventilated. We don’t allow you to store flammable or combustible materials like paint, petrol or gas. The storage of materials like chemicals, biological agents and asbestos, which could emit odours or present a risk to people, is also not permitted at either site.

A Helping Hand

Ideally you want a self-storage facility which has all the items you require on the same site. Our shop at the Harleston site can supply all the specialist products you need, such as coverings, tape and boxes. If you have specialist items, we can wrap them for you through our special porter service. We also have a forklift service which you can use for larger items. We have trained drivers who will help you load them onto pallets.

Hamiltons Removals’ Safe N Stored facilities  should meet all your needs if you are looking for self service companies in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Our sites at Harleston and Aldeby are ideal if you live in many areas of both counties. Click on the link to know more about our facilities and prices.