How Much Does Long-Term Storage Cost?
The cost of long-term storage is influenced by 3 factors:
- The length of time needed – the number of weeks will influence the cost
- Amount of contents – and therefore the amount of containers required
- Access to the property – are you in an urban area or a rural property with small lanes
The storage industry reached $38 billion in 2018, so no wonder this is a commonly asked question. I managed to pull aside Nathan Smith from Falconer Removals, a leading South Wales storage facilities provider, for some advice on how long a long-term storage solution will cost. Get ready for some money-saving tips.
1. Length of Time Needed
The length of time will usually be counted in weeks for long-term storage. This time is completely flexible, in that you do not need to commit to a certain length of time before collecting your belongings. The only requirement is that you give as much notice as possible.
2. Amount of Contents
“The benefit of using containerised storage is that you pay-per-container – So if the majority of your belongings fit into 2 containers then that is all you pay for” Nathan explained.
“The secret is in the quality of the packing” and it’s why hiring a storage team can often save you money compared to using self-storage because a trained team like Falconer Removals will have decades of experience in packing your valued possessions safely and securely.
“The other secret in long-term storage is avoiding pressure marks”. “a sofa is a key example of this, if they’re not packed correctly for 6 months or so, they will get those pressure marks”. So, ensure you don’t pay for too cheap a service where this may happen.
3. Access to the Property
“The first thing I look at is: Where are they coming from” explained Nathan.
“Container vans can be quite large and you can encounter some nasty back-roads which some vehicles won’t fit through, so that will influence the cost”.
“Preparation will save you money. Simple”. So it’s key that you try and make access to your property as clear and easy as possible.
(storage units being filled at a client’s property)
You may be asking yourself, why should I be using containerised storage facilities?
“A common mistake some firms make when they don’t use containers like we do is storing the same household belongings in two different areas of a warehouse, this can increase the amount of time it takes to get items out of storage, can risk damage and can often lead to some of your belongings accidentally ending up in someone else’s house. You don’t have this problem with containerised secure storage“.
With containerised storage units, you see your furniture loaded into these containers and labelled in front of you – they’re clipped up and sealed airtight so there’s 0% chance of anyone else getting your belongings accidentally.
“It’s the safest form of storage you can get” Nathan explained.
With Falconer, you not only gain your own secure storage with 24-hour CCTV in a heated facility, but you also have your belongings securely stored by experts who will save you money in the packing process.
To get a free no-obligation quote for storage units in South Wales, simply contact us here.
Written by Aled Nelmes for Falconer Removals.
