Renting Storage In Bristol: What Do You Need To Consider?
Putting your stuff into storage in Bristol can be a bit daunting, because who’s to say it won’t all get nicked?
This is, of course, a complete exaggeration of the situation (your stuff probably won’t get nicked), but it can still be a bit overwhelming trying to choose a Bristol storage location that both fits your budget and your requirements. If you’ve never done it before, it be quite the headache. It therefore pays to do your homework before choosing any storage units in Bristol.
How Do Bristol Storage Units Work?
Storage units are pretty straightforward; you rent out the storage space (or unit), choose an amount of time, and take your belongings there. If you don’t have your own transport, you can even arrange for the removals company who owns the storage facilities to pick up your stuff. It couldn’t be any easier!
Why Rent A Bristol Storage Unit?
At the risk of teaching your grandmother to suck eggs, there are many reasons you might splash out on storage in Bristol:
Seasonal Storage
Got a huge papier-mâché Rudolf and nowhere to store it from January-November? A storage unit is your friend. Whether Easter, Halloween or Christmas decorations, it’s good to have somewhere that isn’t the attic or the garage to declutter during times when those things aren’t needed.
Spring Cleaning/Decluttering
Maybe you’ve got a long-term houseguest and you need the spare room clearing out. Perhaps one of the kids is going to uni and you don’t need quite as many of their posters and Playstations lying around for 3-4 years. Maybe you just have too much stuff – but you’re not quite ready to sell or throw out said stuff. Fear not: the storage unit is your friend!
Your New Digs Aren’t Ready Yet
Moving into a new house, but you’re still decorating a room or two? Grab a month or so’s worth of storage and rest assured that your stuff is in good hands while you get that wallpaper up.
Renovations
If you’re redoing the kitchen and would rather you didn’t get plaster all over your wedding silver, it might be a good idea to get it out of the house for the duration. At the risk of pointing out the obvious, the humble Bristol storage unit is once again your best friend.
Vehicle Storage
That drive ain’t big enough for your Merc and your speedboat. Time to reach for the phone and arrange yourself a storage unit for one or the other (we’re no psychics, but we’re guessing the speedboat).
Storage For Those Working Abroad
Maybe you’re an oil rig worker, a soldier or a teacher – whatever the reason, it could be that you’ll be abroad for a while, and you won’t have a home at all during that time. If that’s the case, putting your stuff in storage is the best solution.
What Should I Think About When Renting Bristol Storage Space?
If you’ve never rented a storage unit (or storage space) before, it’s worth posing yourself a few important questions before you choose somewhere to store your stuff.
How Much Storage Space Do I Need?
Think about the amount of stuff that you’ll be putting into storage — is it a box of clothes or a yacht? Obviously the amount of stuff (or the size of it) is going to change how much storage space you need, and will affect the price. It’s therefore important that you have a good idea of how much space is going to be needed ahead of time.
If you’re not sure, it can be a good idea to consult a size guide. Most reputable storage services will provide you with one.
How Much Time Do I Need?
Are you storing stuff most of the year around, or is it strictly temporary? Again, the length of time is going to affect the cost of storing your belongings, so it’s worth thinking about this so that you have a clear answer when the storage facility people inevitably ask you.
Is The Storage Facility Secure?
This is a huge consideration, and not only because we opened the article by intimating that your stuff might get nicked. The fact is that when you rent Bristol storage spaces, you obviously want that space to be safe and secure. Is there CCTV? Guard onsite? Are the units fire-proof and well-maintained? Is my speedboat going to get rained on?
It’s a good idea to ask if you can go and see the storage units before you commit to anything. After all, you could be keeping some very important stuff in your unit. It pays to be sure.
How Much Access Will I Have To My Storage Unit?
This one is very much a case of individual requirements and preferences – if you’re deployed in Cyprus for 2 years, it’s unlikely you’ll be popping down to your storage unit to see if your mint limited-edition Pokemon card collect is doing OK. Conversely, if you’re taking out your speedboat twice a week, you’re going to need prompt and regular access.
The best storage facilities in Bristol will offer you unrestricted access to your unit during business hours, as well as offering a phone number for out-of-hours access. Important for those midnight sea cruises!
How Much Notice Do I Need To Give?
Maybe you’ve finished your contract abroad early, the kitchen has been finished faster than anticipated, or world peace has unexpectedly come about. Whatever the reason, sometimes you need your stuff out of storage quicker than you thought. If that happens, you need to know how much notice you must give to your Bristol storage unit manager. You’ll be typically looking at 7-14 days; this doesn’t mean that you can’t have your stuff for that long, but simply means how much longer you’ll be charged for.
Conclusion
Whether throwing Junior’s guitar in storage during term time or putting your whole attic into limbo indefinitely, it’s important that you carefully think about the storage space that you need and how long you’ll need it for. With our handy guide to figuring that out, you’ll soon have your stuff safely squirrelled away and the keys to your unit in hand. Happy hunting for the perfect Bristol storage unit for you!