Every customer agrees to the same rules about what can be stored, so the unit next to yours is held to the same standard as your own, and those rules exist to stop leaks, pests and fires starting at all. If a neighbour’s problem ever did reach your belongings, your contents cover is there so you can claim for what was damaged: our contents protection covers fire, water leaks and damage from vermin that come in from outside.
Stopping problems before they start
The things that cause trouble in storage aren’t allowed in any unit: food, plants and animals, which draw pests; petrol, gas bottles, paint and other flammables; chemicals; and anything that gives off a smell. There’s no power in our units, so nothing is left plugged in or charging.
What’s in place at every site
All our sites have pest control measures in place and are regularly inspected by professionals. Our sites meet fire and safety regulations, they’re watched around the clock by a professional CCTV monitoring company, and every unit has its own alarm. Our page on fire protection has more.
If it reaches your things
Our contents protection covers loss or damage caused by fire, lightning and explosion; burst pipes or water leakage, such as a neighbour’s freezer that wasn’t properly defrosted; and moths, insects or vermin that come in from outside. If you use your own insurance instead, it’s worth checking it covers the same things for belongings in self storage.
Contents protection doesn’t cover damp that builds up slowly from the air, so pack everything clean and completely dry, and use breathable covers rather than plastic.
Simple ways to protect your own unit
- Keep things off the floor, on a pallet or a layer of sturdy boxes.
- Use lidded plastic tubs for fabric, books and papers.
- Keep your phone number and email up to date with us, and give us a good alternate contact. We ask for one so that in an emergency, if we can’t reach you and urgent access is needed, there’s someone we can call.
If you spot something
If you notice water, droppings, a smell or anything else that doesn’t look right, in your unit or near it, tell us straight away on 0800 2545585 so we can deal with it. If your things have been damaged, our guide to making a claim takes you through it step by step.
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