Whether you’re responding to the rising cost of living or wanting to spend your cash on something more fun than self-storage, moving your stored goods to a cheaper facility seems like a no brainer. However, do weigh up the costs and benefits to ensure you really are getting a good deal.

Check the small print to make sure that the low monthly bill stays low

Some storage companies will tempt you to move with a low initial price that goes up after a couple of months. If you can see the price is going to change, work out how much you’ll be paying over a year, rather than going by the monthly price. That will make it easier to compare with your current storage provider.

Look for storage companies that offer a fixed price that is guaranteed for a certain period.

Is the location going to cost you?

A storage company with a convenient central location is always going to have a higher monthly cost than a storage centre on the edge of an industrial estate. But if you have to get a taxi to visit your storage unit, or if the traffic is so bad that you put off going there, then you’ve lost a lot of value.

Consider location when moving to a new storage facility.

Is the storage company secure enough for you?

For certain kinds of stored domestic goods, you’ll want the reassurance of a high-end storage facility. Enhanced security features, like 24-hour staffing and CCTV cameras might be appropriate for antiques, fine wine or other highly desirable items. But if you’re storing goods that have less value, then a simple padlock might be enough.

Also ask yourself how comfortable you feel visiting. If you mostly go to your storage unit in the evening after work, does the centre feel safe and secure at that time of day? National Home Security Month has a postcode checker that you can use to look at crime stats for your chosen storage location.

Make sure your chosen self-storage facility has the right security levels for your needs.

What facilities does your storage company offer?

Self-storage companies can offer various useful perks. For example, some will lend you a van to move your stuff. Others will come and collect your things from your home and bring it into storage.

Climate control will keep certain types of domestic goods in better condition than a storage room that is at the mercy of changing temperatures.

For some people, 24-hour access to their storage facility is a must – for example, if they prefer to visit outside working hours. But that extra staffing will push up the cost of your storage. A self-storage company that has more limited opening hours is likely to be cheaper. Our post about choosing a self-storage company has more tips on this.

Ask what facilities your self-storage company has to ensure that it’s right for you.

Is insurance pushing up the cost of your storage?

Many people overpay for self-storage insurance. Some storage companies automatically add their own insurance to the monthly bill. Although self-storage insurance is mandatory, you are not obliged to use your storage company’s chosen provider. You are free to shop around and use a more competitively priced self-storage insurance. It’s worth getting some quotes from specialist self-storage insurance providers to see if you can reduce your monthly storage bill.

Get a quote from Store and Insure right now – it takes just minutes and it could save you a fair bit of money each month.

Don’t overpay for self-storage insurance: shop around to get a better deal.

Switching to a self-storage company with more competitive pricing could reduce your outgoings – but do your homework to make sure you really are getting the best possible deal in the long term.