Your Top Five Self Storage Questions Answered
07 November 2023
Home / Your Top Five Self Storage Questions Answered
Self storage has gained in popularity over the years, providing a convenient solution for all kinds of space-related needs. However, it’s not uncommon to have a few questions before you dive into this service.
In this blog post, we’ll address the five main questions everyone has about self storage. These questions cover the basics of self storage and are essential for anyone considering renting a storage unit.
How Does Self Storage Work?
The concept of self storage may be unknown to some of you reading, so it’s natural to wonder how it all works. Self storage facilities offer variously sized units that you can rent on a monthly basis. You are responsible for moving your items in and out of your rented unit, although many facilities have moving services that can help assist with this part of the journey. Here’s how the process works from start to finish:
- Looking: The first step of renting a storage unit involves contacting a local self storage facility, either in person, by phone, or online, to inquire about their availability and pricing. Many facilities have websites that allow you to reserve and pay for a unit online.
- Choosing: Units come in various sizes, from small lockers to spacious warehouse-style spaces. To determine the best size, create an inventory of the items you plan to store. Most facilities have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right size based on your list, and some even have online size calculators.
- Moving: Once you’ve rented a unit, it’s time to move your belongings in. This step is typically a DIY process. Some facilities offer moving equipment like forklifts or helpful staff to assist with this process. Be sure to pack your items securely and use appropriate storage containers (like cardboard moving boxes) to protect them from dust and potential damage.
What Are the Different Types of Self Storage?
You didn’t think there was just one type, did you?
Self storage facilities have come a long way from being a standard 4X4 metre room. They have evolved into versatile spaces catering to various storage needs. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or student, there’s a type of self storage ideally suited to your situation.
Types of Self Storage
Personal Storage
Personal storage is the most common type of self storage and is mostly used by individuals for residential purposes. These units come in various sizes, allowing you to store furniture, appliances, seasonal items, and more.
Business Storage
Business storage is tailored to the needs of companies and entrepreneurs. It’s an excellent option for storing excess inventory, office equipment, and business records. Whether you run a small e-commerce business or a large enterprise, business storage can help streamline your operations by providing additional space for your business-related items.
Student Storage
For students, self storage offers a flexible solution during transitional phases of student life, such as moving between semesters, studying abroad, or dealing with everyday limited dormitory space. Student storage is ideal for storing furniture, textbooks, and personal items while you focus on your studies or travel.
Document Storage
Document storage facilities specialise in securely storing sensitive documents, files, and records. Businesses, law firms, healthcare providers, and government agencies often use document storage to meet legal requirements and maintain well-organised archives. It’s a smart choice for protecting valuable information and freeing up essential office space.
Container Storage
Storing your personal belongings or business goods in a secure storage container is not only a convenient storage solution but a cost-effective one. These containers are expertly designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide maximum protection for your belongings.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
Choosing the right size storage unit can be a challenge. The size of your unit directly impacts how efficiently you can store your belongings and, ultimately, how much you’ll pay in storage costs. By taking the time to assess your belongings and plan accordingly, you can ensure that your self storage experience is as cost-effective and space-efficient as possible.
To find the perfect fit, do the following:
- Make a list of all the things you intend to place in storage
- Categorise your items based on their size and how frequently you’ll need to access them
- Check the unit sizes available
- Talk with the self storage staff about your needs
What Are the Costs of Renting a Self Storage Unit?
Before you dive into renting one, it’s vital to understand the different costs that come with this spacious service.
1. The Monthly Rental Fee
The most obvious cost of renting a self storage unit is the monthly rental fee. This fee varies based on several factors, including the location of the facility, the size of the unit, and any additional amenities or services provided.
2. Security Deposit
Many storage facilities require a security deposit, which is a refundable fee meant to cover any potential damage to the unit or unpaid rent. Make sure you ask about the facility’s policy regarding security deposits and under what circumstances they may refund it.
3. Insurance Costs
While storage facilities will have security measures in place, insurance coverage for your belongings is sometimes an extra cost. Find out what insurance options are available at the facility and choose a level of coverage that best suits your needs. The insurance cost will depend on the value and nature of your stored items.
4. Late Payment Fees
To avoid late payment fees, paying your monthly rent on time is important. Storage facilities typically charge late fees for overdue payments, which can vary in amount. Make sure you understand the facility’s policy on late payments to avoid any unexpected charges.
5. Additional Services
Some self storage facilities offer additional services, such as moving and packing supplies, truck rentals, or assistance with moving your items in and out of the unit. These services can come at an extra cost, or they may be included as free features, so be sure to ask before you sign any contracts.
What Amenities Are Available at the Best Self Storage Facilities?
When you’re renting a self storage unit, it’s not just about having a place to store your belongings — it’s also about enjoying convenient amenities that enhance your storage experience. Here are some of the best features a self storage facility will offer in addition to taking great care of your stuff!
- Van Hire: Hiring a van can be a game-changer when you’re moving your belongings to or from your storage unit. It saves you the hassle and cost of renting a moving van separately.
- On-Site Packaging Shop: Whether it’s sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, or other essential packing materials, having a well-stocked packaging shop on site simplifies the process of preparing your items for storage.
- 24/7 Access: Modern life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you need access to your stored items outside of regular business hours.
- Modern Security Features: The best self storage facilities invest in modern security features to protect your items. These may include surveillance cameras, access control systems, and individual alarm systems for each unit.
Where Is the Best Place To Rent a Self Storage Unit?
Wigwam Self Storage, of course! Check out our exceptional self storage facilities in Chipping Norton, Bromsgrove, and Shipston-on-Stour. We provide a wide range of storage unit sizes, catering to your diverse needs. Whether you require personal storage for household belongings, spacious storage containers, or a dedicated space for business growth, securing an affordable self storage solution has never been more convenient.
Get your quote with us today!
Simon Fothergill has more than 20 years of experience in the UK self storage industry and is Managing Director of Wigwam Storage.He writes practical, easy-to-follow advice to help customers make the most of self storage, whether they are moving house, decluttering, renovating, storing business stock or simply needing extra space.With a long background in self storage operations and customer service, Simon shares useful self storage tips, packing advice and storage solutions designed to make storage simple, flexible and stress-free.
Customer Reviews

Clean, secure, easy access storage facilities at a very good price, would recommend to anyone. Keep up the good work all.
Lenny was not only very efficient and kind, he explained everything clearly making the whole process stress free.
I started by visiting the website, which was easy to navigate and helped me determine the right unit size.
After submitting my details, I received a follow-up call during which all my questions were answered professionally.
The units are clean and well maintained, and having a personal access code made it easy to visit at a time that suited me.
The team here is genuinely lovely and professional.
Thank you for looking after me — highly recommended!
location. Good access in opening hours using the App. (Be prepared to check mail filter if the initial email giving access to the App and hence to your store does not seem to come through.) Clean, well lit. Kasey gave a very helpful introduction and registration process.

I've never used self storage before so it was all new to me but Wigwam have made it so intuitive and simple to use. You download the app which gives you easy Bluetooth access to the entire building. I've only used the facility out of office hours and it was all so easy. There are flat bed trolleys, a pump truck and a sack truck to make moving your items hassle free. Safe, secure storage, easy to use, accessible until 10pm and reasonable prices. Top marks all round.
I'd recommended Wigwam to anyone wanting self storage.


Lenny called as soon as I emailed and was extremely helpful on making this process quick and easy so i could get into the unit the next day.
there was an issue with the app when i went to use the unit but i emailed Lenny and he rang back within 5 mins and managed to resolve the issue very quickly.
would recommend and thanks to Lenny for making the process smooth.
Units are clean and well maintained with easy access.
Many thanks!! 😊
Peter & Heather
Set up went well and app appears to work well and is easy to use.
Cheers

Containers are amazing excellent lighting and very clean.
Thank you Lenny 👍xx
Wigwam are highly recommended by me!
I can’t recommend Wigwam Storage in Lincoln highly enough. From start to finish, the whole experience was fantastic. Every member of the team was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional — nothing was too much trouble, and they genuinely went out of their way to make the process easy and stress-free.
The facility itself is excellent: clean, secure, well-maintained, and clearly run with a lot of care. It’s obvious they take real pride in what they do, and that gives you total peace of mind when storing your belongings.
If you’re looking for a reliable storage facility in Lincoln with an amazing team and top-quality facilities, Wigwam Storage is the place to go. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and will happily recommend them to anyone.
Would recommend to everyone.
The signing up process was easy, and the service from the staff was speedy, friendly, helpful and professional.
The app used to access the premises was easy to use and gave added assurance of the security of my items.
Once inside the premises were modern, clean, well lit, and directions to the storage unit were clear and easy to follow…. Even the lift had step by step instructions!
All in all a fantastic company and storage facility.
Thank you!


The customer service is second to none, and facilities utterly perfect.
11 out of 10.

I was very impressed everything is via the app and that side of things is very responsive and I have had no issues so far.
They even play the radio in there.
Holly was an absolute star, we were panicking as we were in the middle of our house moving and needed a quick storage area. Less then an hour after our first call we were already putting boxes to our Storage.
The site is nice and clean, the entry system is truly clever and makes the storage Access easy and quick.
Customer service is top notch 👌
They talked me through the entering and exiting the facility. Jess was outstanding dealing with all the paperwork quickly and me being forgetful and dim.
Thank you very much, hopefully I won't set any alarms off again


My one suggestion is to extend the timers on the doors when entering the storage unit as sometimes it enough time to unload big deliveries onto a trolley and get back to the unit building before the doors close!
All in all, AMAZING company! Couldn’t recommend more :)


All the staff are very helpful and friendly highly recommended
Access is available 6am to 10pm

System 4 Stars
Sarah 5 Stars

The whole experience was excellent.
TheWigwam staff saw the shipment into the storage unit for us and made it all as simple as is possible when moving home and countries at the same time.
The storage building is well organised, clean, tidy, secure and access was available everyday for a significant number of hours.
Most of all ,the staff were kind, concerned, helpful and friendly. as anyone using the storage facility will learn.
Mary Welstead

Staff were very helpful on the phone setting everything up and compared to other units in Alton Wigwam are very reasonably priced.
Would definitely recommend them
Highly recommend this storage facility to anyone looking for safe, affordable, and hassle-free storage in Bath!



Much Appreciated ☺️
I’d highly recommend them to anyone!

Great service for a great price. Highly recommend.










Very happy client so far, thanks to Lenny and team 🙏😃


The units are easy to access, they are spacious and clean. I have a lot of camping equipment plus all my Xmas decorations (I have a lot) in the winter we will also be storing our hot tub. We also have lots of stuff that was the children’s when they were growing up. It has given us the spare room back at the house.
Staff are always polite friendly and very helpful.





The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Thank you Lenny for dealing with our emergency fast and supportive,

For full disclosure, we've only just rented the unit and filled it up, but the experience so far has been great. Response times to emails and helpfulness of staff has been excellent.
Thankyou
I would highly recommend .

Would highly recommend.
Beautifully clean facilities, fully automated access. Ample parking and menouvering space for cars and vans.
So easy to use the storage unit.
Thank you to Wigwam self storage Lincoln.
5*****
My wife and I moved back and forth between Cheltenham and other European countries during our two months long trip, Mr.Harrison( Kasey) supported us friendly and professionally.
We will definitely use it again next time.
See you !
We needed sudden storage after selling our parents’ house. I stopped in at the Bromsgrove branch and found it unmanned, (which I now know is normal).
I rang the number and spoke to an extremely helpful employee who offered me immediate, remote access to the building and let me see inside two different sized units.
After that, the set up was extremely quick!
I applied in the morning and was able to drop stuff off the same day. Everything is activated by an app on your phone but staff can be contacted by phone if needed.
On my second visit (after lots of rain) I did notice a pool of water not far from my unit. I rang up and by next day it had been sorted. No recurrence.
I am really happy with the unit and the excellent service.
Lift so you don’t have to struggle in and out with your things lots of parking too
The best thing that made me hire space is the ladies in reception they were so accommodating and helpful so thank you
I hired storage for my daughter to store all her Uni belongings while she was away for the summer.
Sasha provided excellent friendly service. Always at hand to help with any questions from the beginning to the end of our contract.
Great value for money.
Thank you Sascha.
Helen was efficient, proactive, enthusiastic, engaging and more importantly had a great sense of humour.
You could not ask more of a person or company.
Thank you.
Highly recommend this company
Would definitely recommend.

