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1. The
beginnings
In the mid 1960's, Texas saw the first self-storage facilities
as we know them today. Becoming immediately successful, development of
facilities spread quickly to the West Coast and then throughout the United
States and Canada, with facilities now being constructed in Australia and Europe.
2.
What is Self Storage?
Self Storage is defined by The Self Storage
Association of UK and Europe as the provision for
customers of space for the storage of furniture, chattels, paper and other goods
(subject to certain restrictions) where the storage space offers all of the
following characteristics:
- The customer has exclusive use of the storage area.
- The storage area can be secured to prevent access except by the customer.
- The storage area is in a fixed location and is never moved while in use.
- Access to each individual storage area is without the use of ladders
- The customer has unrestricted access to the storage area during site
opening hours.
- Transfer of goods into and out of the storage area can be completed by the
customers themselves and without use of machinery.
3. Is Self Storage for me?
There are various questions that will help you determine the
suitability of Self Storage in your particular case:
- Do you require frequent access to your goods?
One of the primary advantages of self storage over containerised storage is
ease of access. The whole point of self storage is that you are allowed to
access your goods whenever you want. If a self storage facility has limited
opening hours(i.e. closed weekends), you are obviously not getting a good deal
and should look elsewhere. If you are constantly visiting your unit then self
storage is definitely the best option, otherwise you will not be getting value
for money and would be best advised to use containerised storage. Don't be
brainwashed into believing that self storage is the answer for everybody - it
isn't. We can guarantee access to your
containers within 48hrs.
How long do you plan to store your goods for?
If the answer is long term then you could be better off with containerised
storage, specially if you require a large space. If you need to access certain
items more than others(i.e. clothing, documents, bedding)another option is to place
these in a small self storage unit which you can have access to whenever you want,
and store the rest(i.e. furniture) into containerised storage. This way the
savings will be considerable. Ask our sales
representative about our long term discounts.
Are you prepared to do the hard work
involved in moving?
If you have spare time and somebody to help you do the
packing, wrapping, loading, unloading and stowing, then self storage might
seem to be the right answer, but remember that many self-storage units
are multi-storey requiring the use of elevators;also they have long corridors
to access the units. In these cases, you'll need to establish how much extra effort will be
needed for you to get your items from vehicle to unit. Many people are under the misconception
that if they want to store goods in a containerised warehouse, they have to
hire the moving company to do the collection and delivery - not true. You are
welcome to hire a van or use another company to bring your goods into our
warehouse. Our prices are on display and there are no hidden extras.
Containers are placed next to the vehicle - there is no distance to walk.
What is the nature of your goods?
If you're storing commercial goods
that require you to be constantly in and out of the self storage unit day in
day out, then self storage is definitely for you. You have the freedom to come
and go as you please without having to make appointments. However, if you are
storing furniture and household goods it is unlikely that you will be wanting
to access them every weekend.
Are you looking for the most cost effective solution?
If you're under the impression that self storage is
cheaper than containerised storage - think again. The
equivalent self storage unit to our standard container -7 cubic metres/250
cubic feet/3.1 square metres- is well over double in price. Also take into
account that an average person hasn't much experience in stowing a consignment
and will end up renting a unit larger than is actually needed. Also there will
be a need to have a small aisle within the unit -more wasted space- unless you
are planning to empty half of it every time you want something. Lastly, Self storage
units are generally near city centres for convenient access, where land prices
are at a premium - this also has to be reflected in the price.
4. Self Storage facilities in Malaga province
There are numerous well
organised, clean and professional self storage establishments along the coast
whose details can be found in the local press or on the Internet and that can
be recommended. However, in recent times there has been an emergence of
companies using the "self storage" wording in their advertisements giving the
impression that their facilities are equipped to accommodate this type of
business and clearly they are not. We strongly suggest that you visit any facilities before the moving
day, ask for the conditions of storage, enquire about their insurance cover,
request the storage rates - all in writing of course. Please refer to the
definition of Self Storage above.
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