These days more and more people are using storage facilities during their move. Putting your possessions into storage at this time can simplify the process and give you some added protection or breathing space. Basic reasons for using storage include:
• International or long-distance relocation when you will not need all of your possessions with you, or prefer to have them forwarded onto you later.
• To cover you if you sell your home and then rent a small property as an interim measure before you buy again.
• To cover any gaps between you having to leave your old home and before you can actually move into your new one.
• To allow you to decorate or work on a new property before you move all of your possessions in.
• When moving from a large home to a smaller one.
• To keep clutter out of your home whilst you are trying to sell it.
• To keep valuable and personal items in a secure place during your moving process.
• To secure vital business information during an office move.
There are two basic options for you when it comes to storage: provided by your moving company and a Self Storage facility. The majority of removal companies offer storage as an additional service to their moving capabilities. In these cases, they load up your possessions, take them back to their facility, and store them for you rather than dropping them off at your new home. Then, when you are ready, they load them back up again and deliver them to you. Your possessions might be stored in a large warehouse with other people's possessions, and simply stacked up in a specific area, or in a locked container. Alternatively, you might be allocated a personal unit to yourself.
Self Storage is slightly different in that you take responsibility for transporting your belongings in and out of the storage facility yourself. You can always get your removal company to transport it there and help you unload/ load it, but this will cost you extra. Some Self Storage facilities also offer moving options or can recommend companies to help you. With Self Storage you usually get a self-contained and fully enclosed space that you can lock and access whenever you want. Storing items with your removal company could mean that you cannot access your property unless you make a specific appointment and you might have to pay for this. In some cases access will not be allowed, so do check their policy before you agree to hire them.
Whichever method you choose to use and irrespective of how short or long a period you plan to have your goods in storage, you need to assess the storage facilities. There are specific questions you should be asking, such as:
• What types of security measures are in place?
• Can you have access your items and if so will it cost you extra, or do you need to give notice? (this does not apply to Self Storage)
• Will your possessions be moved without your permission at any time?
• How are your possessions stored?
• Do you have to give notice or can you extend your time in storage if necessary?
Insurance is the key thing to know about here. You need to find out if your removal company or Self Storage facility has in-depth and comprehensive coverage against loss, damage, accident, fire, and theft etc. Most Self Storage facilities will not offer insurance cover for your goods and may have limited liability insurance on the facility itself. They will, however, willingly sell you insurance or recommend an insurer to you. Many movers will ask you to purchase extra cover if their policy is not enough for your needs. Check out your storage options with your home insurer first. You might already be covered or they may offer you extended coverage for a premium. In many cases this will work out cheaper for you than purchasing additional insurance through your removal company or Self Storage provider.
www.bigyellow.co.uk

http://www.safestore.co.uk

http://www.accessstorage.com