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Author: Thamar

Self Storage Insurance UK: What You Need To Know 

Posted on by Thamar

When you decide to store your belongings in a self storage unit in the UK, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Do I need self storage insurance?”. While most storage facilities offer secure, well-managed environments, unexpected risks —like floods or leaks from neighbouring units — can still occur. These unpredictable events highlight the importance of having self storage insurance to protect your items. 

When it comes to self storage insurance UK providers cover a range of potential risks, from fire and theft to water damage, ensuring that your belongings are protected against unforeseen circumstances. Whether you’re storing valuable items or just need additional space for household overflow, having the right level of coverage is crucial to ensuring your peace of mind. 

In this blog, we’ll explain what self storage insurance is, the types of coverage available, factors to consider when choosing insurance, and the limitations of standard policies. We’ll also discuss the coverage options available at Wigwam to help you make an informed decision about protecting your items. 

What Is Self Storage Insurance? 

Self storage insurance is a specific type of cover designed to protect your belongings while they’re stored off-site, typically in a self storage unit. It provides financial protection against a range of risks, including fire, theft, water damage, flooding, infestations, and even vandalism — risks that can happen unexpectedly, even in well-maintained facilities. 

While most self storage facilities in the UK offer secure environments, with features like CCTV surveillance, alarms, and controlled access, there are still unforeseen events that could lead to damage. For example, your items might be damaged by water from a leak in a neighbouring unit, or a fire could break out in another area of the facility. In these cases, self storage insurance ensures you are financially protected. 

In essence, self storage insurance gives you the peace of mind that your stored items are covered against a variety of risks. Whether you’re storing furniture, electronics, valuable antiques, or business stock, having the right level of cover ensures that you’re protected against unexpected events, helping you avoid financial loss if something goes wrong. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Items in Storage? 

Home insurance may offer some coverage for stored items, but this is often limited or short-term. In most cases, home contents policies only cover belongings at your home address. Even if your insurer includes storage, many exclude risks like theft from a storage unit or damage caused by vermin or leaks. 

If you plan to store goods for longer periods, or want full protection, dedicated insurance for self storage is a smarter choice. 

Do Storage Facilities Provide Insurance? 

Self storage providers typically offer insurance options, but it varies from one facility to another. Some providers include insurance as part of their service, while others offer it as an optional add-on.  

The insurance typically covers risks like fire, theft, water damage, and pests. Many facilities offer tailored contents protection (like at Wigwam), specifically designed to cover the unique risks associated with storing items off-site. This type of insurance ensures that your goods are protected from unforeseen events while they are in storage. 

However, some self storage providers also allow customers to use their own insurance, provided it meets the facility’s requirements. For example, the insurance must cover items stored off-site and name the storage facility on the policy.  

If you choose to use your own insurance, you’ll generally need to provide proof within a specified time period (often within 14 days of moving in). If you fail to provide this proof, you may be required to take out the provider’s own insurance.  

What Should I Consider When Buying Storage Insurance? 

Natural disaster flooding of home

When choosing the right insurance for self storage, consider: 

What Risks Are Covered? 

Not all insurance policies offer the same protection. Things to look for would be: 

  • Water damage from leaks or burst pipes 
  • Theft involving forced entry 
  • Fire, lightning, storms and natural disasters 
  • Infestations from moths or vermin 
  • Impact, riots, malicious damage and more 

Replacement Value and Costs 

A good policy will base premiums on the full replacement value of your belongings.  

Why Wigwam Requires Contents Protection 

When storing your belongings with Wigwam Self Storage, contents protection insurance is a mandatory requirement for all customers throughout the duration of your rental. This ensures your goods are protected against unforeseen events, such as fire, theft, water damage, or other risks that might occur while in storage. 

Choose Your Level of Cover 

At Wigwam, we give you the flexibility to choose how you want to be covered. You can either: 

  • Provide proof of your own self storage insurance immediately. 

If you opt for your own insurance, you’ll need to supply proof of cover straight away. We recommend initially taking out our contents protection cover to ensure your goods are protected from day one. Once we receive proof of your own insurance, we’ll refund the cost of Wigwam’s coverage. 

Why Choose Wigwam’s Contents Protection? 

Wigwam’s contents protection cover offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of risks.  

This cover ensures that your items are safeguarded, with new-for-old replacement in the event of damage, providing full peace of mind. 

Providing Your Own Insurance 

If you prefer to use your own insurance, it’s important to ensure your policy covers items in a self storage facility. To verify this, check that: 

  • The policy specifies coverage for self storage 
  • The insurance policy includes the storage facility’s name and full address 

Once you’ve arranged your own cover, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance to Wigwam immediately. If you don’t, our standard contents protection cover will be applied automatically, and a charge added to your account. If proof of your own cover is provided later, we’ll refund the cost of Wigwam’s coverage. 

What’s Covered by Wigwam’s Contents Protection? 

Wigwam’s contents protection cover includes a wide range of incidents that could affect your items in storage. Coverage includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Water damage caused by burst pipes or leaks 
  • Theft involving forcible entry or exit 
  • Vermin or insect damage originating from external sources 
  • Fire, explosion, and storm damage 
  • Malicious damage or vandalism 

Wigwam’s tailored contents protection ensures your items are covered from the moment they enter the storage unit, right up until you retrieve them. 

What’s Not Covered Under Self Storage Contents Protection? 

Certain items are prohibited from being stored or insured at Wigwam and therefore, naturally will not be covered by any contents protection insurance.   

These include: 

  • Fireworks, weapons or explosives 
  • Perishables and flammables 
  • Living creatures 
  • Cash, securities and high-value art 
  • Hazardous chemicals or waste 
  • Tyres, power inverters and generators 
  • Illegal goods or stolen items 

Ready To Store? Let Wigwam Take Care of the Details 

Wigwam Tewkesbury

Whether you need a quick storage insurance comparison, or want to store your belongings immediately, Wigwam has you covered. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you protect your belongings from day one. 

Get in touch today for a free quote or learn more about contents protection. 

Can I Run a Business from a Self Storage Unit?

Posted on by Thamar

For small business owners, freelancers and entrepreneurs, the hunt for affordable, flexible space is a constant challenge. Whether you’re running an online store, working in the trades, or simply need extra room for paperwork or materials, business self storage can be a smart solution.  

But while a business storage unit offers plenty of benefits, there are a few things you need to know before using a self storage facility as part of your day-to-day operations… 

What’s Allowed — And What’s Not 

This is where things can get a little grey. While it’s perfectly acceptable to store stock, documents, tools or raw materials in a storage unit, most storage facilities — including Wigwam Self Storage — do not permit businesses to trade directly from the unit. That means no running a retail shop, no walk-in clients, and no setting up desks or production lines. 

The units are designed to be used as storage only, which means you can’t manufacture goods, live inside the space, or use it as a customer-facing office. However, if your business doesn’t rely on having clients physically visit you, you’ll find self storage an incredibly practical and cost-effective option to assist your enterprise. 

Why Businesses Use Self Storage 

One of the biggest advantages for businesses using self storage is flexibility. Unlike traditional office or warehouse leases, business self storage offers short-term rental options with the ability to scale up or down depending on your needs. This is ideal for startups and seasonal businesses, where stock levels or workloads fluctuate throughout the year. 

Cost-effectiveness is another key benefit. Renting a unit is significantly cheaper than taking on a full commercial lease, and you don’t need to worry about utilities or long-term commitments. For businesses trying to keep overheads low, it’s a practical and sustainable option. 

Security is another important factor. Our sites are equipped with CCTV, secure gated access and high-quality locking systems. So, whether you’re storing inventory, tools or important paperwork, you can rest assured your items are safe. 

It’s important to also remember that when it comes to accessing your unit, some facilities have quite restrictive access times. At Wigwam Self Storage, we offer flexible access to your stored items, with hours from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week. This makes it easy to retrieve your business items or stock whenever you need it, whether it’s first thing in the morning or late in the evening. 

Another great benefit for businesses at Wigwam Self Storage is our packaging shop, which provides a convenient one-stop solution for all your packing and moving needs. Whether you need boxes, tape, bubble wrap or protective materials, we offer a range of high-quality packaging supplies right on-site. This makes it easier for businesses to pack, organise, and ship their goods without having to search for packaging elsewhere. 

What Can You Store? 

While you can’t run a business directly from your unit, there’s still a wide range of ways to use the space. Many e-commerce sellers and online retailers use business storage to keep their products organised and secure, especially if they don’t have the room at home.  

For someone running an Etsy or Shopify store, for example, this can be a game-changer — particularly as the business grows and their home fills up with packaging, seasonal stock or returns. 

Tradespeople often store tools, equipment and supplies. Whether you’re a plumber, electrician or landscaper, having a clean, dry, central place to keep your gear — instead of leaving it in a van or crammed into a garage — adds an extra level of professionalism and convenience. 

Then there are those who need document or archive storage. Solicitors, consultants and small agencies sometimes need to keep physical records for several years. A unit offers a low-cost, secure solution that keeps sensitive information safe but accessible. 

Creative professionals such as fashion designers or artists also find self storage useful for keeping fabrics, supplies or work-in-progress pieces safe between projects or exhibitions. 

Choosing the Right Business Storage Solution 

When looking for business storage near me, it’s important to think beyond just square footage. A good storage provider should offer more than just space — they should provide peace of mind. Look for a site with robust security, flexible access hours, clean facilities and responsive customer support. 

At Wigwam, our units come in a variety of sizes to suit different business needs, from small boxes of documents to full-scale inventory storage. As your business grows, you can easily upgrade to a larger unit or rent additional space. 

If you’re unsure whether business storage is right for you, our article on Small Business Self Storage: Is It Worth It? can help you decide. Or, if you want to understand how the process works, read Your Guide to Self Storage Rental in the UK. 

Final Thoughts 

Business self storage offers a practical, low-cost way to store the items that help your company operate smoothly. From stock and tools to documents and raw materials, a storage unit can be a smart, scalable solution for growing businesses that want flexibility without the price tag. 

If you’re looking for secure, accessible and professional business storage, Wigwam Self Storage is here to help. Our facilities are designed with businesses in mind — and we’re always happy to chat about how we can support your operations. 

Find out more about Wigwam’s business storage units and book your space today. 

Check out our self storage tips.

Your Guide to Renting a Self Storage Unit in the UK

Posted on by Thamar

Renting a self storage unit in the UK is a practical solution for individuals and businesses needing extra space. Whether you’re moving house, decluttering or storing seasonal items, finding the right storage facility is essential.   

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting a storage unit from what unit size you need, to the cost of renting a self storage unit, to tips for picking the right storage rental facility.  

Understanding Your Storage Needs  

Before you choose a storage unit, think about your specific needs. Here are some of the factors you need to consider.  

Unit Size: Find the Right Fit 

Deciding on a storage unit size is probably the most important decision you need to in this process in order to make the most of your space and budget. Wigwam Self Storage offers a range of unit sizes, from compact 10 sq ft lockers — perfect for a few boxes or small items — to spacious 300+ sq ft units that can accommodate the contents of a large home, business stock or bulky equipment. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on size: 

Storage Unit Size Guide 

  • 10 sq ft: A few boxes, suitcases, seasonal decorations or small personal items 
  • 25 sq ft: Contents of a small studio or one-bedroom flat 
  • 50 sq ft: Half a garage/small room 
  • 75 sq ft: Large room 
  • 100 sq ft: Single garage 
  • 150 sq ft: 1.5 garages 
  • 200 sq ft: Double garage 
  • 300+ sq ft: Warehouse-style space 

Still unsure? Use our Space Calculator to decide the best storage rental size based on your needs.  

Short-Term vs Long-Term 

Start off by asking yourself if you need to store temporarily or for the longer term. If you need storage just while moving house, a short-term unit is ideal. For extended storage, such as keeping business stock or storing belongings while abroad, long-term storage is a better option.   

Accessibility  

A convenient location and easily accessible units are key factors when renting a storage unit. If you search for “self storage unit rentals near me”, you will find a facility that is in a location that will suit you best.  

Wigwam Self Storage has facilities across the UK, making it easy to find a storage facility near you. Whether you need self storage rental in Alton, Bath, Bromsgrove, Burton-on-Trent, Cheltenham, Chipping Norton, Dorking, Leatherhead, Lincoln, Reading, Shipston-on-Stour, Tewkesbury, or Warminster, we’ve got a space for you!   

Choosing the Right Storage Facility  

Several factors determine whether a storage rental facility is right for you. These are:   

1. Location and Cost  

Finding a convenient location near home or work can save time and transport costs. Prices vary based on unit size as well as location. Ask for a quote on a unit size in your chosen location before you commit.  

Wigwam offers competitive rates with no hidden fees. Get a price now! 

2. Security Measures  

A secure storage space is crucial. Choose a storage facility with security measures like:  

  • 24/7 CCTV surveillance  
  • Secure access control 
  • Gated access with PIN entry  
  • Fire and intruder alarms  

3. Extended Access and Facility Features  

Look for a storage facility that offers extended hours. This can be essential, particularly for businesses or individuals needing flexibility. Did you know that at Wigwam we offer unlimited free access from 6am to 10pm.  

Other useful features to look out for:  

  • Drive-Up Access: Simplifies loading and unloading, especially for large or heavy items. 
  • Trolley and Lift Access: Helps move bulky or heavy belongings with ease. 

Selecting a facility with these features can make a significant difference in overall convenience. 

4. Business Storage Solutions  

If you need business storage it makes sense to look for a facility that has business storage solutions that cater to a variety of needs, from large commercial units to secure archiving spaces.  

Wigwam Self Storage offers businesses flexible storage options, including delivery acceptance services, shelving and racking solutions, lockup garages and well-appointed flexi offices.  

Whether you need space for merchandise, stock or documents, our fully secure units and warehouse spaces provide the perfect solution. With rental terms starting from just 14 days, Wigwam makes it easy for businesses to store and manage their inventory with confidence. 

5. Flexible Contracts  

A good storage facility should offer cost-effective and flexible rental agreements, which allow you to upscale or downscale easily or stay for as little or as long as you need, without loads of red tape.  

Wigwam Self Storage offers flexible contracts, allowing you to rent units for as little as two weeks or for an extended period.  

6. On-Site Staff and Customer Support  

Having on-site storage experts makes renting a storage unit easier by providing friendly staff who can help you choose the right unit size and answer any questions about storage rental on the spot. 

7. Insurance Options  

While secure storage space reduces risks, many storage facilities offer insurance for added protection.  

Wigwam Self Storage provides contents protection cover for extra peace of mind. Find out all about our contents protection cover on our website. 

What Does a Storage Unit Cost?  

Storage unit prices vary based on several key factors that can significantly impact the cost of renting a storage unit. Understanding these will help you choose the best option for your needs and budget. 

Size of the Unit Size 

The larger the storage space, the higher the price. A small unit ideal for a few boxes or seasonal items, for example, will typically cost less than a larger unit suited for furniture or business stock. 

Location 

The location of the storage facility plays a major role in the price. Units in high-demand, central areas or major cities usually have higher rates due to the demand for space. In contrast, facilities located in suburban or rural areas tend to offer more affordable rates. 

Rental Duration  

Short-term rentals, typically lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months, are ideal for temporary storage needs like moving or home renovations. However, long-term rentals often come with discounted rates, making them a more cost-effective solution for businesses or individuals who need storage for extended periods. 

Added Features 

Additional features that could increase the cost of a storage unit include 24/7 access for those needing flexibility, drive-up access for easier loading and unloading, personalised access codes for enhanced security, and elevator access for higher-level units.  

Some facilities also provide packaging and moving supplies like boxes and tape, as well as insurance for high-value items. Specialised storage options, such as for vehicles, boats or wine, may also come at a premium, along with automated billing or payment systems for added convenience.  

Understanding Storage Rental Agreements  

Before signing a storage rental agreement, review the terms carefully. Check for details such as insurance coverage, payment terms and notice periods for ending your rental. Wigwam Self Storage provides transparent agreements with clear terms. A flexible rental agreement ensures you can adjust your storage needs as needed.  

Whether you need to extend your rental or downsize, Wigwam Self Storage provides adaptable contracts.  

Rent Your Storage Unit at Wigwam Today!  

Renting a self storage unit is a convenient and cost-effective way to manage extra space. Whether you need storage for personal use, business inventory, or seasonal items, Wigwam Self Storage provides secure, easily accessible units with flexible rental terms.  

With locations across the UK, finding storage nearby has never been easier. Get a quote from Wigwam Self Storage today and enjoy a secure, affordable storage experience!