Storage | Local Services | Classifieds.co.uk :

If you're reading this then you have probably decided that you need more storage space for your precious objects � or maybe you just own a lot of sentimental junk like everyone else! Today, there are a number of large companies who offer a range of storage facilities for hire but not all of them offer the same benefits as the others. Below are a few things to take into consideration when deciding on which storage service to use.

Range of facilities available
The size of the storage space you need will obviously depend on what you intend to put in it. Most people simply need a space big enough for some furniture and other odds and ends and all storage companies will be able to offer this. You may however want to store something larger like a classic car or the entire contents of your house if you're moving and you will need to look around for a company with a space big enough. Ask if you can see the different storage spaces available before agreeing to anything as you can often fit more into them than you think and you don't want to pay for a space bigger than you need.

You might also want to ask what kind of moving equipment they have to help with the transport of large items from your vehicle to your personal storage space. Plus if you do have a lot of stuff to move then you want to make sure that you can back your vehicle onto a dock or loading bay for ease of unloading.

Prices
Most storage services charge according to the size of the room that you hire. This means that you should try to choose a room that just holds what you want to store otherwise you will be paying good money for empty space. You will also find that some companies give discounts for long term hire which is definitely a bonus worth looking for if you need your storage space for more than a few weeks.

Security
This aspect is probably one of the most important to look at when choosing a storage service as some companies offer much better security measures than others. You should insist on having at least a sturdy lock on the door to your personal space if nothing else. Most companies however have electronic combination locks on all doors, including the main entrance and only you and the computer system will know your personal combination. If you can find a storage service with security guards and cameras as well then so much the better.

Location
Unsurprisingly most people decide to hire storage space from the storage company closest to home however it may be cheaper to consider a different company further away. A lot of companies who are based in the centre of towns or cities will charge more each week for their space. This means that if you are only going to visit your storage facility very occasionally then it might be worth looking further afield. If however you need to visit on a daily basis then it may cost more in travelling expenses to actually get there than you save on the cheaper storage.

Opening Times
The larger, well known storage services will probably be open for long hours seven days a week for your convenience. This is great for if you work throughout the day and need to visit at an unsociable hour to either put something into storage or to take something out. It may be worth checking that you can just turn up though, especially if you need to borrow the company's moving equipment when you get there. Smaller facilities may have set opening and closing times and even though these companies may be cheaper, they may not be open when you need them to be.

Customer Service
Customer service is always one of the biggest attractions to any company and storage companies are no different. Turning up for a visit and feeling like you are both welcome and important will probably sway you to a particular service and so it is important to make note of how helpful the staff at the facility are. This is especially true if you have a lot of items to move or if you have heavy items as the staff will often help at the best facilities. They will also be able to advise you on which size space is best for you and sort out any issues you may have in the future.

Conclusion
Choosing a storage service is a big decision as you don't want to put your valuable items and other things that mean a lot to you into just any old space. Decide what kind of facilities you require before you start looking for suitable companies and try to calculate just how much space you are going to need for your belongings. Many people overestimate the amount of space they could do with and end up paying more than they need to for the privilege.