Things to Consider

 

  • When comparing cost of personal storage look at the whole costs not just the price for the storage element.
  • Some companies force you to take out an insurance policy on goods in personal storage that you may not need.
  • Check how often you will visit the store. Is paying for 24 hour, access that you will never need, worth the extra cost?
  • Look out for ‘free’ storage periods. These are often linked to a minimum stay and certain size of storage needed.  Herts Storage will only charge for the storage area you use. We welcome both personal storage and business storage clients.

 

Useful hints and tips on safe storage

Boxes

  • Consider what boxes & packing materials you will need to keep your personal effects safe while in self storage .
  • Do you need brand new boxes? We offer our personal storage customers the option of used cardboard boxes. It better for the environment to recycle cardboard boxes as often as possible.
  • Do you need such a wide selection of boxes?  What are you packing into each box?
  • Using one size of box will make stacking them much easier. Saving you space & therefore costs.
  • Before you pack any boxes ensure you have enough bubble wrap and tape. You do not want to be rushing around looking for more.
  • Bubble wrap is cheaper if bought off a large roll rather than individual packets of 1m square.  Some items may need two layers to protect them sufficiently.  When protecting corners of pictures & mirrors always use a piece of tape to stop the bubble wrap tearing.
  • Why use expensive new clean paper that is the same quality as the free newspapers you get through the door?  After all you will wash the china & glasses before you use them or put them away.
  • When packing boxes put heavy items at the bottom, ensure the box is full and you can close the lid.  Half empty boxes collapse and will make the stack fall over.
  • Use good quality vinyl tape to seal boxes. Cheap tape often becomes unstuck or tears very easily so the contents may spill out.
  • Make sure each box is labelled with the contents.  When you want one item you can find the right box straight away. Place larger and heavier boxes at the bottom of your personal storage container, with smaller lighter ones at the top wherever possible.
  • Pack plates on their side, call to ask why. Make sure glasses cups & bowls have paper all round & inside them.
  • Statures or figurines must have each limb or delicate part wrapped individually. Best to use paper first then use bubble wrap round the whole item.
  • If you have a lot of small items you may find installing free standing shelves increases the amount you can get into the container.

Stacking in the container.

  • Distribute the weight evenly in the container, not all on one side.
  • Place heavy items on the bottom and lighter things on top
  • Heaviest large items should be loaded as near to the door and to the sides.
  • Use the blankets supplied to protect furniture & effects. It is your responsibility to make sure adequate packing and wrapping is used.
  • Boxes should be filled completely. If this is not possible, fill the remainder of the box with spare packing materials. Make sure the lids of the boxes are closed. Label the box with its contents.
  • Heavy items should be packed into smaller boxes for easier lifting. Lightweight items can go into larger boxes.
  • For extra space drawers can be used for soft unbreakable things.
  • When you are not loading or unloading keep items safe from falling over.
  • Do not block walkways or doors ways.
  • Wear suitable clothing and shoes when moving furniture and effects. Be safe when handling furniture & heavy items. Please keep children and animals away from the loading area for their & your safety. Do not leave loose items on the floor as they are trip hazards.

Transport to store

  • If you have your own vehicles to transport effects please do not over load it. Please stack roof racks sensibly, not to high or over weight.
  • If you are considering a removal company or ‘man & van’ to transport your effects please do not hesitate to contact us for impartial advice.
  • If moving locally or internationally James (with 30 years experience) will help you find the company best suited to your needs, with out obligation.
  • For removal quotes both the British Association of Removers & the Guild of Master Movers advise at least two or three quotes. Get a price in writing with the service you want written on the quote.
  • Some removers will include boxes.Some removers may offer to sell you an insurance policy (must be registered with FSA) others may ‘offer’ to extend their public liability cover (limits on claims & liability).  There will be costs & the difference should be explained.
  • Please see the ‘store from your door service’ for an easy solution.

Description of containers & pallets

  • The wooden containers are larger than the average garden shed or half the size of the average car garage.
  • These are strong enough to be stacked four high. We do not do this but it shows the strength of the containers.
  • Each wooden container will hold more than a 5’ x 7’ shed or a box bedroom.
  • The shipping containers are the same as those you see on large ships or on the back of articulated lorry’s, used for moving effects around the planet.  Ours have wooden floors & air vents. You can put strong padlocks on handles.
  • Pallets are normally the euro’ size and made of wood as these fit on pallet racking and vehicles.  Larger pallets can be used for awkward shaped or large heavy items. 
  • By utilising the height of our building we keep our cost to our clients as low as possible. Storing pallets for £2.00 means it can only be a maximum of 5’ tall so we can put them on to shelves.