Nobody likes to pay more than they have to for anything, and in times of financial uncertainty, this is even more relevant. Here at U Store It, we want to help you get the most from your self-storage at the best possible price.
So that you can benefit from our decades of experience in the storage game, we have compiled a list of the top ten ways to achieve a cost-effective self-storage experience.
1. Choose the Right Size of Unit
To kick you off on the right foot, the first thing you need to consider is the size of the unit. You want to make sure that you have enough space to store your goods safely and access them easily. Choosing a unit that is the perfect size means you don’t have to pay for space you don’t use.
Our handy size guides can help you choose the perfect storage unit size.
2. Consider Sharing a Unit
Just like many of us save money through car-sharing, sharing a self-storage unit can help to keep the cost of hiring a unit down. It is surprising how many people would benefit from self-storage but are put off because they believe it would be expensive.
If you ask friends and family, someone likely will need extra storage.
3. Think Vertical!
By utilising vertical space effectively, you can make the most of your self-storage unit and save money by booking a smaller unit.
Consider using shelving units or bookcases to stack boxes and containers. You can also use hooks or brackets to hang items like bikes, ladders, or other equipment on the walls.
Just be sure to use the highest parts of your unit for items you don’t need to access frequently. Additionally, consider using a rolling ladder or step stool to make accessing items on higher shelves easier and safer.
4. Don’t Store Unnecessary Items
By being selective about what you store, you can save money on a smaller unit and have easier access to the items you truly need. Before packing anything away in your unit, identify any items that are just going to take up space and only keep items that are essential, valuable, or have sentimental value.
Avoid storing items that are easily and cheaply replaceable, or that you haven’t used in a long time.
5. Store Your Belongings Efficiently
Storing items efficiently in your self-storage unit can help you save space and, therefore, money. Here are some tips to help you:
- Try to use uniform-sized boxes and crates wherever possible. This helps to maximise your storage space. Our range of high-quality boxes and packing materials can help here.
- Store Items vertically (see tip no. 3).
- Use furniture and other large items as stacking surfaces; also, use the drawers and other storage to store small items.
- Where possible, disassemble furniture before storing.
Making efficient use of space helps with cost efficiency too!
6. Look for Promotions or Discounts
Everybody loves a discount! And these can really help to save you money on your self-storage unit. For instance, here at U Store It, you can make big savings on the cost of long-term storage with our 15% OFF Your First 12 Months special offer.
7. Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right location will help to keep costs down. Ideally, you will want to select a storage facility that is close to your home or business. This can help keep additional costs like fuel and wasted time to an absolute minimum.
Again, at U Store It, we tick all the boxes when it comes to location. We have six state-of-the-art storage facilities throughout Ireland and two more in Belfast, so no matter where you are, we have a facility close by.
8. Organise Your Storage Unit
If you organise your unit well, you can make savings on the amount of space you need. But you can also save on the amount of time you spend in your unit hunting about for elusive items.
This is especially relevant if you use your unit for business purposes. “Time is money”, goes the old saying, and by organising your unit properly, you save on the time spent finding and retrieving items.
9. Shop About for Insurance
It’s always recommended to have an insurance policy that covers the worth of your belongings stored inside your unit. Not all insurance packages are equal, and just by shopping around, you can make substantial savings on the cost of insurance.
10. Only Book the Storage Unit for the Period You Need
Finally, the last thing you want to be paying for is a storage unit that is lying empty. To avoid this, only enter a long-term agreement if you definitely need the unit for a prolonged period.
At U Store It, we can provide units for as long as you need them, be it one month or one year. With our easy-to-complete agreement, two weeks’ notice is all you need to give to move out. This means that you never have to pay for a unit that is not being used. And if you decide that you need your unit for longer, then that isn’t a problem. You can stay as long as you desire.
Maximising Use, Minimising Costs
If we were to sum up this article in a few words, it could be – Maximising the use of your space will help to minimise costs. Self-storage units are already a cost-effective solution to a huge range of storage requirements, and we hope that these tips help you to get the most out of your storage unit.
If you need any more advice or want to know more about our services, contact us today for a chat with our friendly team.
