STORAGE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Self Storage FAQs
New to self storage or just checking the details? Here you’ll find answers to the questions we’re most often asked about storage units, prices, access, security, moving in and moving out.
These answers relate to our indoor self storage facility in Bamber Bridge, Preston.
Can’t Find Your Question?
Give us a call or send us a message. We’re happy to explain how storage works, help with unit sizes or answer a question about something you want to store.
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GETTING STARTED
Choosing & Renting a Storage Unit
The basics of choosing your unit, moving in and deciding how much space you need.
What is self storage?
Self storage gives you your own private storage room for household belongings, furniture, business stock, equipment or other permitted goods.
You can access your unit during our customer access hours and secure the room with your own padlock.
How quickly can I move into a storage unit?
In many cases you can move in on the same day you enquire, provided we have a suitable unit available and the sign-up process is completed during office opening hours.
If you need storage urgently, call us on 01772 378380 and we’ll let you know what is currently available.
What size storage unit do I need?
It depends on what you’re storing, the size of your largest items and how efficiently everything can be packed.
Our Self Storage Size Guide includes a storage unit calculator, illustrated unit sizes and comparisons based on boxes, household contents and vehicle loads.
If you’re still unsure, speak to us or visit the facility and we’ll help you choose a sensible starting size.
Can I see the storage units before choosing?
Yes. You’re welcome to visit our Bamber Bridge facility and see suitable storage unit sizes before making a decision.
Our normal office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Viewings outside office hours can also be arranged by appointment.
Can I change to a different sized storage unit later?
Yes. If the amount you’re storing changes, you can move to a larger or smaller available unit with no penalty for changing size.
This means there is usually no need to deliberately rent considerably more space than you expect to need.
Do you offer short-term and long-term storage?
Yes. Customers use our units for everything from temporary house moves and short-term stock requirements to long-term household and business storage.
Our standard minimum storage period is four weeks. Any different arrangement will be shown in your quotation or storage agreement.
Where can I see your storage prices?
We publish our current storage prices online so you can compare unit sizes and costs before contacting us.
Do you use introductory or teaser storage prices?
No. We prefer straightforward published pricing rather than offering a very low introductory rate which increases significantly after a few weeks.
Your storage price will remain unchanged for at least 12 months.
ACCESS & MOVING
Getting to Your Storage Unit
Access hours, loading, deliveries and the practical side of moving things in and out.
When can I access my storage unit?
Customer access is available from 7am to 10pm, 365 days a year.
Our office is normally open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.
How do I move my belongings into the storage unit?
You can bring your belongings in your own vehicle, hire a van or arrange for a removal company, depending on how much you’re storing.
We have a large loading area and trolleys are available to help move suitable belongings. Pallet trucks are also available for suitable palletised goods.
Free boxes are available for our storage customers — just ask our team.
Can someone else access my storage unit?
Yes, additional people can be authorised to access your storage unit where agreed with us.
Access credentials should not simply be shared. If another person needs regular access, speak to us so they can be added properly as an authorised person.
Can you accept deliveries for me?
Yes. We can accept suitable deliveries on behalf of storage customers during office hours, subject to fair use and the size of the deliveries. We normally accept a maximum of two deliveries per month.
This can be particularly useful for business customers receiving stock or supplies. Please speak to us beforehand so we know what is arriving and can confirm whether we can accept it.
Can I use the storage facility as my business address?
No. A storage unit cannot be used as an office, registered business address, postal address or public-facing business location.
This includes using the storage facility address for Google Business Profile, Google Maps or similar online business listings.
Do all storage units have lights?
No. The corridors are lit, but not every storage room has its own dedicated light.
If lighting inside your unit is important to you, speak to us before choosing a room and we can advise on suitable available units.
Are staff on site?
Our team is normally on site during office hours, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm.
Customer access hours extend beyond the office opening hours.
SECURITY
Keeping the Facility Secure
How access works and who is responsible for securing your individual storage room.
How secure are the storage units?
Our indoor storage facility has access-controlled entry, alarm systems and extensive CCTV coverage.
Each customer accesses the facility using their authorised access credentials, and you secure your own storage room with a padlock.
Who has the key to my storage unit?
You do. You secure your storage room using your own suitable padlock and retain the key.
If you do not already have a suitable padlock, you can purchase one from us.
Do I need to use my access fob or code every time?
Yes. Each customer or authorised person should use their own authorised access credentials when entering and leaving the facility.
Do not allow another person to follow you into the building without using their own authorised access.
What should I do if I lose my access fob or think my code has been compromised?
Contact us as soon as possible so the relevant access credentials can be changed or disabled.
Call us on 01772 378380.
WHAT CAN I STORE?
Permitted & Prohibited Items
Most ordinary household and business goods can be stored, but some items are prohibited for safety, security or legal reasons.
What items cannot be stored?
Our Storage Agreement contains the full rules. Items which must not be stored in our internal storage units include:
- Food, pet food, fish bait, perishable goods or other foodstuffs.
- Animals, birds, fish or other living creatures.
- Gas, petrol, oil, paint, cleaning solvents and other combustible or flammable materials or liquids.
- Compressed gases.
- Firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives or fireworks.
- Chemicals, radioactive materials or biological agents.
- Toxic waste, asbestos or other potentially dangerous materials.
- Items which give off fumes, smells or odours.
- Illegal, illicit, stolen or counterfeit substances or goods.
- Certain lithium-ion batteries, portable power banks and some battery-powered items.
There are also specific rules covering vehicles, motorbikes and larger quantities of items containing lithium batteries.
We will cooperate with the Police and other lawful authorities where appropriate.
Can I store food or pet food?
No. Food, pet food, fish bait, perishable goods and other foodstuffs are not permitted in our storage units.
Can I store petrol, gas or other flammable liquids?
No. Gas, petrol, paint, oil, cleaning solvents and other combustible or flammable materials must not be stored in an internal storage unit.
This also means that machinery or vehicles containing fuel cannot simply be placed into an internal unit without meeting the specific requirements of our Storage Agreement and obtaining our prior agreement.
Can I store e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks or lithium batteries?
Restrictions apply to lithium-ion batteries, portable power banks and battery-powered vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
Because the rules depend on the battery and the item it is installed in, please speak to us before storing these products rather than assuming they are permitted.
Can I store a motorbike or other vehicle inside a storage unit?
Vehicles and motorbikes are subject to separate restrictions and should never be brought into an indoor storage unit without speaking to us first.
Where we agree to an internal vehicle or motorbike being stored, specific fuel and battery requirements apply.
Please contact us before booking if vehicle or motorbike storage is what you require.
Can I work from my storage unit?
No. A storage room is for storing and accessing permitted goods. It must not be used as an office, workshop, home or living accommodation.
Mechanical work, spray painting and similar activities are not permitted inside a storage unit.
Can I put shelving or racking in my storage unit?
Freestanding shelving or racking can normally be used provided it is suitable for the unit and does not damage or attach to the walls, floor or structure.
Nothing should be fixed permanently to the storage room without our prior written agreement.
PAYMENTS & PROTECTION
Paying for Storage & Protecting Your Goods
How payments work and what you need to arrange to protect the belongings you place into storage.
How do I pay for my storage unit?
Most customers make their first payment by bank transfer and then set up a standing order for ongoing payments.
Depending on your agreement, payments can normally be made weekly or monthly. Your exact payment amount and payment period will be confirmed when you sign up.
Is there a refundable deposit?
A refundable deposit normally applies when you take a storage unit. The amount will be shown clearly before you complete your agreement.
Once your storage agreement has ended, the deposit is returned subject to your account being settled and the terms of your storage agreement.
Are my belongings automatically insured by you?
No. We do not automatically insure the goods you place into storage.
Your goods must be protected for their full new replacement value either through our optional Goods Protection Plan or through your own suitable insurance.
What is the Goods Protection Plan?
Our optional Goods Protection Plan is not an insurance policy. It is an arrangement under which we accept additional responsibility for specified risks while your goods are stored with us, subject to its terms and exclusions.
If you choose it, you need to declare the full new replacement value of the goods you are storing and keep that value up to date if your contents change.
Full details are provided during sign-up.
Can I arrange my own insurance instead?
Yes. You can arrange your own suitable insurance instead of choosing our optional Goods Protection Plan.
Your policy must cover the goods while stored with us for their full new replacement value and meet the requirements of your Storage Agreement. Cover must remain in place for as long as your goods are stored here.
If you intend to use an existing home or business insurance policy, check with your insurer that it covers goods kept in a self storage facility. We may ask for evidence of your cover.
MOVING OUT
Finishing Your Storage
Giving notice, emptying your unit and settling your account when you no longer need storage.
How do I give notice and move out?
Please give us notice in writing or by email, including your name, storage unit number and the date you would like to finish.
Most customers need to give at least one week’s notice, but your notice period and any minimum storage period depend on the arrangement agreed when you signed up. Please check your Storage Agreement or ask us if you’re unsure.
We’ll confirm your final storage date and explain any remaining payment or refund.
Does emptying my unit automatically end my agreement?
No. You still need to give the required notice and let us know when you have finished with the unit.
Removing your belongings or cancelling your standing order does not, by itself, end your Storage Agreement. Charges remain payable until your agreement ends in accordance with its terms.
What do I need to do before leaving?
By your confirmed final storage date, please:
- Remove all your belongings, shelving, packaging and rubbish.
- Leave the unit clean, tidy and in the same condition as when you moved in.
- Remove your padlock once the unit is empty.
- Let us know you have finished and arrange the return of any access fob or card issued to you.
Please do not leave unwanted items in the unit, corridors or loading areas. Cleaning or disposal charges may apply if anything is left behind.
What happens if I have paid beyond my final storage date?
If you have paid beyond the end of your storage, any refund is calculated in whole weeks, taking account of your notice period and the terms of your Storage Agreement. Part weeks are not refunded.
When you give notice, we’ll confirm the date you can use your unit until, together with any refund or remaining balance due.
Please wait until we have confirmed your final payment before cancelling your standing order.
When will my deposit be returned?
Your deposit is returned after your Storage Agreement has ended, your storage unit has been checked and your account has been settled.
Any outstanding storage fees or other amounts properly due under your agreement may be deducted, including applicable cleaning, damage or disposal costs.
Do I need to cancel my standing order?
Yes. A standing order is controlled by you through your bank, so we cannot cancel it on your behalf.
Once we have confirmed your final payment, please arrange to stop any further standing order payments.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Talk to Our Team
Whether you’re choosing a storage unit or checking something about your existing storage, we’re happy to help. Call us during office hours or send us a message.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.