Can I ask the storage company to empty my storage room?

Some storage facilities will dispose of unwanted stored goods, but they may charge for this. You may find it cheaper to hire a junk shifter, a house clearance service or to organise a bulky refuse collection.

Can I keep a musical instrument in my storage unit?

Musical instruments can be kept in storage units and will be covered by your self-storage insurance. Climate controlled storage is a good setting for storing musical instruments that may be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity found in attics and cupboards at home. .

Can I keep a sewing machine in my storage unit?

Your storage unit is a good place to keep your sewing machine while it is not in use. Sewing machines are complex pieces of kit, and will benefit from climate-controlled storage that is clean and dust-free. Sewing machines in your storage unit will be covered by your insurance policy with Store and Insure.

Can I keep electrical goods in my storage unit?

It’s normal to store electrical goods, including domestic appliances in your storage unit. As a rule, storage companies will not allow you to store electrical goods that are running. For example, you can’t plug in your refrigerator in your storage unit.

Do I need to have climate-controlled storage if I am storing natural fibres like wool and silk?

Natural fibres may react to sudden changes in temperature and humidity. Climate-controlled storage will keep your stored yarn and fabric in ideal conditions. Climate control also suppresses pests like moth.

Moving into supportive accommodation - Storage Insurance News & Advice

It’s common to look on the move from independent living to accommodation with more support with a mix of dread and relief. The move to a care home is an emotional time, and it may happen quite suddenly, after an illness, injury or hospital stay. It can also represent relief from burdensome responsibilities, for both the person moving and for those caring for them.

Getting ready to downsize to supported accommodation

It’s likely that you will need to downsize your possessions when you move to supported accommodation. There will be items that you no longer need, such as white goods. And your new living space may be smaller, too. Decluttering is physically and emotionally hard, so ask for whatever support you need, and consider paying a home organiser to support you through this transition.

Self-storage shines during life transitions. Here's how it can be a lifesaver as you move into supported accommodation.

Self-storage can give breathing room during a transition

Moving to a smaller space necessitates decluttering. A storage unit provides a temporary haven for belongings while you and your carer sort through your possessions. This can make the downsizing process less stressful and overwhelming.

Letting go of items can be emotionally difficult. A storage unit allows you to hold onto things for a designated period, so you have time to decide what truly sparks joy and what can be donated or sold.

Sentimental items often hold dear memories. Storing treasures like art work and small antiques in a good quality storage unit ensures they're protected and readily accessible when you want to look over them.

Ultimately, self-storage acts as a bridge during a transition from independent living to supported accommodation, so you can navigate the process with more ease and peace of mind.

A secure space for your possessions

Care homes and nursing homes should be safe and secure, but realistically, it is difficult to guarantee the security of valued possessions in a care home. You cannot assume that cleaning routines will respect delicate antiques, and if you add memory issues into the mix, portable possessions can easily go missing. A reputable self-storage centre can be a good option for valuable items that you are not ready to part with. Although items such as jewellery will need to be kept in specialist storage, such as in a bank safe deposit box.

All possessions in self-storage should be protected with insurance. Get a quote from Store and Insure to see how much it would cost to insure your stored domestic goods.

A word about large volumes of possessions

Has the sheer volume of your possessions made you feel unwilling to move into accommodation that better meets your needs? It’s possible that you may need specialist help managing your possessions before and during the move.

It is difficult to say when a large number of possessions becomes hoarding, but hoarding is, unfortunately, not a problem that can be resolved with self-storage. If you feel you may have a hoarding issue on your hands, then talk with a GP and with adult social services. Hoarding is not something you can tackle alone, and certainly not during a vulnerable time of your life.