How Container Self Storage Works
Container self Storage can be very flexible allowing small to large, heavy items that can often be loaded with a forklift.
How Container Self Storage Works
Container self storage is a simple way to store furniture, household belongings, business stock, tools and equipment. You rent your own secure storage container and can access your belongings when you need them during the site's opening hours.
At Boxed Up Studios & Storage in St Peters, Broadstairs, our self storage units are insulated 20ft (6m) shipping containers. Each provides around 160 square feet of floor space and is generally large enough to store the contents of an average three-bedroom house.
How to Rent a Storage Container
1. Choose when you need your storage
Contact us and tell us when you would like your storage to start and approximately how long you expect to need it.
2. Tell us what you are storing
We will ask for some basic information about you and what you intend to store. You will also need to provide proof of identity.
3. Complete the agreement and payment
We will provide the storage agreement and invoice. Once the paperwork and payment have been completed, the container is allocated to you.
4. Collect your keys
You can visit beforehand or collect your keys when you first bring your belongings to the site.
5. Move your belongings into your container
You load your possessions directly into your own container. This makes container storage particularly convenient for furniture, business stock, tools and other large or heavy items.
6. Access your storage when you need it
At Boxed Up you can access your container from 6am to 10pm, 365 days a year. You do not need to make an appointment each time you visit.
7. When you no longer need the storage
When you are ready to leave, remove your belongings in accordance with the terms of your storage agreement and return your keys.
How Much Space Is in a 20ft Storage Container?
A 20ft (6m) container provides approximately 160 square feet of floor space. It is generally considered large enough to store the contents of an average three-bedroom house.
Having some spare space can also be useful. Rather than packing everything tightly from floor to ceiling, you can leave room to move around and reach belongings that you may need while they are in storage.
What Should I Look for When Choosing Container Storage?
Price is important, but it should not be the only consideration. Look at the condition of the containers, security, access arrangements and the general condition of the storage site.
If possible, visit the storage facility before making your decision. You can see the containers for yourself, understand how you will load and unload your belongings and talk to the people who operate the site.
Container Storage or Indoor Self Storage?
Both can provide secure storage, but they work differently.
Indoor self storage usually involves taking your belongings into a building and then to an individual storage room. Container self storage allows you to load your belongings directly into your own container.
This can make container storage particularly convenient when storing furniture, tools, business stock, palletised goods or a large quantity of possessions.
Will My Belongings Get Too Hot or Cold?
Shipping containers can experience significant temperature changes if they are not insulated. If you are concerned about temperature changes, it is worth choosing an insulated container.
Boxed Up's 20ft storage containers are thermally insulated to help moderate temperature changes inside the container.
What About Condensation and Mould?
Stored belongings should be dry when they are placed into storage. Damp furniture, boxes or other possessions can introduce moisture into any enclosed storage space.
Condensation can also occur when temperature and humidity conditions allow moisture to form on cold surfaces. Insulation helps reduce rapid temperature changes, but sensible storage preparation is still important.
If belongings are particularly damp — for example, because they were loaded during heavy rain — a dehumidifier can be useful for removing excess moisture.
Do I Need Electricity in My Storage Container?
Electricity is not necessary for ordinary storage, but it can be useful if you need lighting, want to charge tools or need to operate a dehumidifier.
Optional 240V electricity is available in Boxed Up storage containers.
How Secure Is Container Self Storage?
Security should be one of the main considerations when choosing a storage facility. Look at the security of the whole site rather than just the container door.
Boxed Up has CCTV, alarms and perimeter security. We also supply heavy-duty shipping-container locks, and customers can use their own additional padlock if they wish to double-lock the container.
Can I Have Deliveries to My Storage Container?
Container storage can be particularly useful for businesses receiving stock, equipment or other commercial goods.
At Boxed Up we have a forklift available to assist with palletised, heavy and awkward loads.
Can My Builder Arrange Storage?
Yes. A builder can arrange storage on your behalf. However, hiring the storage yourself gives you direct control over the agreement and how long your belongings remain in storage.
This can be useful during building work or a house renovation because you are not under pressure to remove everything from storage according to somebody else's timetable.
How Often Can I Access My Container?
Access arrangements vary between storage companies.
At Boxed Up you can access your storage between 6am and 10pm, 365 days a year. There is no charge for normal access to your stored possessions.
Does It Matter What the Containers Stand On?
A properly surfaced storage site makes loading and unloading cleaner and easier, particularly during wet weather.
A hard surface also avoids the mud and standing-water problems that can occur when storage containers are placed on fields or unsurfaced ground.
How Much Does Container Self Storage Cost?
Our insulated 20ft storage containers cost are shown on the home page.
View our self storage prices and services
Ready to Arrange Storage?
If you have not used self storage before and still have questions, give us a call. Boxed Up is family-run, so you can speak directly to one of us about what you need to store and whether container storage is suitable.
Telephone: 07522 611115