Container storage Vs Self storage
 

The Beginnings
In the mid 1960's, Texas saw the first self-storage facilities as we know them today. Becoming immediately successful, development of facilities spread quickly to the West Coast and then throughout the United States and Canada, with facilities now being constructed in Australia and Europe.

What is Self Storage?
Self Storage is defined by The Self Storage Association of UK and Europe as the provision for customers of space for the storage of furniture, chattels, paper and other goods (subject to certain restrictions) where the storage space offers all of the following characteristics:

• The customer has exclusive use of the storage area.

• The storage area can be secured to prevent access except by the customer.

• The storage area is in a fixed location and is never moved while in use.

• Access to each individual storage area is without the use of ladders.

• The customer has unrestricted access to the storage area during site opening hours.

• Transfer of goods into and out of the storage area can be completed by the customers themselves and without use of machinery.

Is Self Storage for me?
There are various factors that will help you determine the suitability or not of Self Storage:

• Do you require frequent access to your goods?
  One of the primary advantages of self storage over containerised storage is ease of access. The whole point of self storage is that you are allowed to access your goods whenever you want. If a self storage facility has limited opening hours(i.e. closed weekends), you're not getting a good deal and should look elsewhere. If you are constantly visiting your unit then self storage is definitely the best option, otherwise you will not be getting value for money and would be best advised to use containerised storage. Don't be brainwashed into believing that self storage is the answer for everybody - it isn't. We can guarantee access to your containers within 48hrs.

• How long do you plan to store your goods for?
  If the answer is long term then you could be better off with containerised storage, especially if you require a large space. If you need to access certain items more than others(i.e. clothing, documents, bedding) another option is to place these in a small self storage unit which you can have access to whenever you want, and store the rest(i.e. furniture) into containerised storage. This way the savings will be considerable. Ask our sales representative about our long term discounts.

• Are you ready for the hard work involved in moving?
  If you have spare time and somebody to help you do the packing, wrapping, loading, unloading and stowing, then self storage might seem to be the right answer, but remember that many self storage units are multi-storey requiring the use of elevators; also they have long corridors to access the units. In these cases, you'll need to establish how much extra effort will be needed for you to get your items from vehicle to unit. Many people are under the misconception that if they want to store goods in a containerised warehouse, they have to hire the moving company to do the collection and delivery - not true. You are welcome to hire a van or use another company to bring your goods into our warehouse. Our prices are on display and there are no hidden extras. Containers are placed next to the vehicle - there is no distance to walk.

• What is the nature of your goods?
  If you're storing commercial goods that require you to be constantly in and out of the self storage unit day in day out, then self storage is definitely for you. You have the freedom to come and go as you please without having to make appointments. However, if you are storing furniture and household goods it is unlikely that you will be wanting to access them every weekend.

• Are you looking for the most cost effective solution?
  If you're under the impression that self storage is the same price as containerised storage then think again. A typical self storage unit of 3m2(the equivalent in size to our standard 7m3 container) is well over double in price. Also take into account that an average person hasn't much experience in stowing a consignment and will end up renting a unit larger than is actually required. Also there will be a need to have a small aisle within the unit -more wasted space- unless you are planning to empty half of it every time you want something.

Self Storage facilities in Malaga province
There are numerous well organised, clean and professional self storage establishments along the coast. We strongly suggest that you visit any facilities before the moving day, enquire about the terms & conditions of storage, available insurance cover and, of course, the storage rates.