Looking for ways to reduce your monthly outgoings is common sense. When it comes to self-storage, you’ve got a few options when you want to reduce your bills.
1. Could you move to a smaller unit?
It seems obvious but the first thing to ask yourself is if you really need all the items you have in storage. It’s easy to lose track of what you have, so go through it and make an inventory. You may find there are things you don’t need or want. Throw them out, give them away, sell them – whatever feels appropriate. It will reduce the amount of space you need, and you may be able to move to a smaller unit – costing you less.
2. Are you using the space in your storage unit efficiently?
Remember you can disassemble large items of furniture that can be taken apart. And if you’ve got any storage furniture, like chests of drawers, fill the drawers! Make sure, too, that you’re storing large furniture on its end to take up less space.
If you have items you know you’ll need to access more frequently, it makes sense to position them at the front of the unit. It allows you to get to them without clambering over other items and potentially damaging them (and yourself!).
Make sure any boxes in your unit are clearly marked so you never have to rifle through them to find what you need. It’ll also give you a clue as to how heavy they may be before you start moving them. Be careful not to overload storage containers. Packing smaller crates that are easier to lift is a lot more space-saving than having to half-fill huge boxes. And while we’re talking about lifting, make sure you’re always doing it safely by checking the latest advice.
If you end up moving things around in your unit or removing things altogether, the chances are that you’ll soon start losing track. Try to keep your self-storage lock-up as tidy and organised as possible from the beginning of your term right through to the end. And inspect it regularly. Nobody wants to come back to a unit after several months to find that something has spilt, leaked, or rotted.
The sooner you identify a problem, the sooner you can sort it out and stop it from ruining your other belongings. By keeping your self-storage room tidy and knowing where everything is, you’ll identify any items you can do without quickly.
For more ideas on streamlining your storage unit, read our article on the Five decluttering resolutions that really work.
3. Have you considered different options for self-storage?
We touched on moving to a smaller unit earlier, but what about moving to a different provider altogether? For long-term storage, it’s a good idea to get quotes routinely, and also to make sure you still need all the facilities offered by your provider. You may find a unit that is more suited to your needs at a better price. If you could save money by moving your things, it’s well worth the work involved.
4. Do you have to have insurance for public storage?
We all know how important it is, but insurance is yet another cost to add to your monthly bill. Check that you're not overpaying for self-storage insurance by getting a quote from store and insure. We hope these tips will help you to make savings on your monthly bills for self-storage.
