Navigating the world of self-storage can be overwhelming, especially when you’re confronted with industry-specific jargon and terminology. Here is where self-storage terminology is explained to help you make informed decisions when selecting a storage solution. It will also help you to understand the services offered by facilities.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find explanations for a wide range of terminology related to self-storage; from unit sizes and types, security features, insurance, and more. By getting familiar with these terms, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your storage needs and ensure a seamless experience.

A. Unit sizes and types

1. Locker Unit: A smaller storage option, locker units are typically where you can store items such as luggage, small boxes, or seasonal decorations. Measuring around 10-25 square feet, these units offer a compact and cost-effective solution for minimal storage needs.
2. Small Unit: Suitable for storing furniture and personal belongings from a small flat or room, small storage units range from 25 to 75 square feet in size. They can typically accommodate items like mattresses, small appliances, and boxes of personal effects.
3. Medium Unit: Ranging between 75 and 150 square feet, medium units provide ample space to store items from a two-bedroom flat. In addition to furniture and personal belongings, clients can store larger items such as bicycles, washing machines, and televisions.
4. Large Unit: Ideal for storing belongings from a three- or four-bedroom property, large storage units measure between 150 and 300 square feet. These units can accommodate bulky items like beds, sofas, dining tables, and garden furniture, as well as a greater quantity of boxes and personal effects.

B. Security and safety features

5. CCTV: Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring refers to the use of video surveillance cameras to monitor areas within a storage facility continuously. This security feature helps prevent theft and vandalism, providing peace of mind to clients storing their belongings.
6. Access-Control Systems: Self-storage facilities often use access-control systems to restrict entry to authorised individuals. This feature may include keycode entry, smart card access, or biometric scanners. Controlled access ensures that only clients with a valid reason to be on the premises can access the storage facility and their respective units.
7. Unit Padlocks: Securing a storage unit with a robust and reliable padlock is essential for maintaining the safety of stored belongings.
8. Fire Suppression Systems: Fire suppression systems help protect a self-storage facility and its contents from damage caused by fires. These systems may include equipment such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers. Some facilities may also have designated fire-resistant storage units.

C. Insurance and liability

9. Contents Insurance: Contents insurance provides financial protection against loss, theft, or damage to the possessions stored within a self-storage unit. Some facility providers include basic coverage in their rental fee, while others may require clients to arrange a separate policy or extend their existing home contents insurance to include the contents of their self-storage unit.
10. Limited Liability Waiver: Some self-storage facilities may ask clients to sign a limited liability waiver, limiting the facility’s responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any stored items. Before signing such a waiver, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and inquire about the facility’s insurance offerings.

D. Rental terms and payment options

11. Contract Length: The duration of time that a client agrees to rent a storage unit is referred to as the contract length. This period may vary from short-term rentals lasting a few weeks to long-term rentals spanning months or even years, depending on the client’s needs and the storage provider’s flexibility.
12. Monthly Rental: Self-storage facilities commonly operate under a monthly rental model, charging clients on a month-to-month basis for their storage space. This flexible payment structure allows clients to utilise storage for varying durations without committing to lengthy or binding contracts.
13. Security Deposit: A security deposit is a sum of money collected when signing a rental agreement with the storage provider. It is intended to cover any costs associated with potential damages, unpaid rent, or other outstanding fees upon vacating the unit. The deposit is usually refundable upon a satisfactory clearance of the storage unit at the end of the rental period.

E. Accessibility and convenience features

14. Drive-Up Access: Drive-up access refers to storage units located on the ground level of a facility, allowing clients to drive their vehicles directly to the unit for easy loading and unloading. This feature is especially beneficial for clients storing heavy or bulky items that may be challenging to transport within the facility.
15. Loading Bays and Trolleys: Loading bays provide clients with designated areas to safely load and unload their belongings when accessing their storage unit. Storage facilities often offer trolleys and carts to assist clients in transporting items to and from their unit easily. These features reduce strain and simplify the process of moving belongings in and out of storage.
16. 24/7 Access: Some storage facilities offer 24/7 access, enabling clients to access their units at any time of day or night. This feature provides flexibility and convenience for clients who may need to access their belongings after regular business hours or during weekends and holidays.

F. Specialist storage

17. Wine Storage: Designed for wine collectors and connoisseurs, these specialised climate-controlled units maintain optimal temperature levels and humidity to ensure safe storage of valuable wine collections. Along with stable temperature conditions, these units also provide controlled ventilation and protection against UV light to preserve the quality of the wine.
18. Vehicle Storage: Storage facilities may offer designated vehicle storage options to accommodate cars, boats, motorcycles, and caravans during periods of disuse or seasonal storage. Vehicle storage may be offered as outdoor, covered, or fully enclosed units, with varying levels of protection against the elements and other potential hazards.
19. Document Storage: Businesses often accumulate a substantial quantity of sensitive paperwork and important records that must be stored securely. Some storage facilities offer secure document storage solutions, featuring both physical security and climate-controlled conditions, to prevent damage to paper records from dampness or humidity.
20. Art Storage: Fine art collections require specialised storage environments to preserve their condition and value. Certain facilities provide dedicated art storage units that maintain stable temperature and humidity levels while offering enhanced security and access control measures to protect valuable and delicate artwork from damage and theft.

G. Preparing your items for storage

21. Packing Supplies: Before moving items to a storage unit, investing in appropriate packing materials is crucial to ensure optimal protection of your belongings. Basic packing supplies include cardboard boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and sturdy tape. Specialised packing supplies, such as acid-free tissue paper and foam corners, might be necessary for fragile items like glassware and artwork.
22. Disassembling Furniture: To maximize available storage space and protect furniture from damage, disassembling larger pieces before storing is recommended. It can also ease the transport process. Flat-pack furniture should be dismantled carefully and stored with all screws, bolts, and assembly instructions for future reassembly.
23. Labelling Boxes: Clearly labelling each box, ideally on multiple sides, with its contents and destination room will greatly streamline the unpacking process at your new location. Consider using a colour-coding system for different rooms or categories, combined with a master inventory list to keep track of all stored items.
24. Storing Appliances: When storing appliances, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent musty odours, mildew, and damage caused by trapped moisture. Refrigerators and freezers should be defrosted and left slightly ajar in storage to allow airflow. Remove and wrap any detachable components like shelves or drawers, and store them separately inside the appliance.

H. Optimising storage unit organisation

25. Using Shelving: Installing sturdy metal or plastic shelving within your storage unit can significantly improve organisation and accessibility. By storing items vertically on shelves, you’ll create more floor space and reduce the risk of items becoming damaged due to stacking.
26. Allocating Zones: To maintain an organised storage unit, consider dividing it into designated zones for different categories of items. For instance, a zone for furniture, a zone for appliances, or a zone for personal belongings. Allocate zones based on which items require more frequent access or the overall layout of the unit.
27. Pathways: When arranging items in your storage unit, plan for at least one clear pathway from the entrance to the back of the unit. This will allow easy access to items without the need to move or dismantle stacks of boxes each time you visit your storage unit.
28. Storing Fragile Items: Fragile items should be packed with suitable protective materials, such as bubble wrap. Store these items away from heavy or bulky objects that could potentially fall or shift during transport or storage, and label the boxes with the contents and a clear “Fragile” warning.

I. Selecting the right storage facility

29. Location and Proximity: When choosing a storage facility, consider factors like its proximity to your home or business and the convenience of accessing the facility’s surrounding area. Transport links and the availability of loading areas or parking spaces should also weigh into your decision.
30. Facility Reviews: Researching customer reviews and testimonials for a prospective storage facility can provide valuable insights into the experiences of existing clients. Pay attention to feedback about security, staff responsiveness, cleanliness, and any recurring issues that could impact your storage experience.
31. Pricing and Special Offers: Storage providers may offer introductory promotions or discounts for long-term rentals. Ensure you understand the facility’s standard pricing structure and any additional fees, such as insurance or administrative costs.
32. Facility Inspection: Physical inspections of potential storage facilities are essential for evaluating the general atmosphere and upkeep. Observe security measures like access controls and CCTV, and view the units to help you visualise the space.

J. Self-storage for business needs

33. Inventory Storage: Self-storage units can be a practical solution for businesses that require additional space to store their stock, particularly for retailers with fluctuating stock levels or seasonal goods. Renting a storage unit can provide an affordable and flexible alternative to committing to a larger, long-term commercial property lease.
34. Equipment Storage: Businesses may opt to utilise self-storage facilities to store bulky or infrequently used equipment, such as conference materials or trade show displays. Properly storing and maintaining these items in a clean, secure environment can prolong their lifespan and protect the company’s investment.
35. Archive Storage: Storing important business documents and archiving records like tax documentation, financial statements, and employee files in a secure storage unit can help organisations effectively manage their physical archive and adhere to legal retention requirements for such records.
36. E-commerce and Online Business Storage: Small e-commerce businesses and online retailers can benefit from using self-storage facilities to store and manage their products and shipping materials.

K. Choosing the right storage unit size

37. Storage Size Estimator Tools: Many self-storage providers offer online tools, such as calculator applications or guides, to help you estimate the correct storage unit size for your needs. These tools can be invaluable for avoiding costly mistakes like renting a unit that’s too large or having to upgrade to a bigger unit after filling your initial choice to capacity.
38. Taking Measurements: Before committing to a specific storage unit size, measure the dimensions of your largest and bulkiest items, such as furniture or appliances. This can help you gain a more accurate understanding of how much storage space you actually require and optimise the unit layout when arranging your stored items.
39. Packing Efficiency: Maximising the efficiency of packing materials and boxes, and optimising the layout of stored items in a unit, can have a significant impact on the overall space required. Strategically packing and consolidating items can often reduce the size of the storage unit you initially thought you needed.

L. Moving to a new storage facility

40. Comparing Pricing and Features: In the event that you need to move your belongings to a new storage facility, it’s important to research prospective providers’ pricing structures and facility location to make an informed decision. Look for special offers, customer reviews, and compare storage unit sizes and prices to ensure you find the best solution for your needs.
41. Inventory and Packing Update: Moving your items to a new storage facility is an excellent opportunity to review and update your item inventory and packing methods. Assess your current belongings and consider decluttering or better packing methods to help you maximise the use of your new unit.
42. Coordinating the Move: When relocating your stored items to a new facility, make a clear plan to streamline the transportation process. This might involve hiring a removal company or enlisting the help of friends and family. Also, provide ample notice when vacating your current storage unit in accordance with your rental agreement.

Ready to embark on your self-storage journey? Contact Bigfoot Self Storage today to request your storage quote, or get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about how we can support your storage needs, both now and in the future. Together, let’s create a simple, stress-free storage experience for lasting peace of mind!