Top Features To Look For When Renting Storage Units in Belfast

Whether moving to a new home, decluttering, or scaling your business, renting a storage unit in Belfast is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to make more room. But, with countless  storage facilities in the city to choose from, finding ‘the one’ isn’t as simple. To ensure you make the most of your storage hunt, looking for certain essential features and amenities is crucial. We’ll be going over what you’ll need to look out for, what to avoid, and how to properly rent a self storage unit that fits your space needs.

Why Do People Rent Self Storage Units in Belfast?

Belfast’s residents and business owners will deal with many challenges when it comes to storage space. This is where self storage units come into play. The biggest problems you might come into contact with (and that self storage can solve) would be:

• • Lack of Space: Many residents in Belfast live in apartments or small houses with limited storage space. Self storage units offer a convenient solution for storing items that are not frequently used but still have valuable or sentimental worth.
  • Moving: During the move to a new home or while relocating to a different city, you’ll often need temporary storage for your belongings. Renting a self storage unit in Belfast can be a convenient and cost-effective way to keep possessions safe, as it offers a secure location to store furniture and personal belongings during the moving process.
  • Renovations & Remodelling: When going through home renovations or remodelling projects, you may need to clear out furniture and other items to create space and protect them from potential damage. Self storage is a great option, with many facilities offering a wide variety of units for households to guard their furniture and belongings against dust and damage during these projects, guaranteeing they return to a pristine home once the work is completed.
  • Decluttering: It’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in your home or office. Self storage for decluttering provides an excellent way to temporarily store items you don’t want to part with but don’t currently need.
  • Seasonal Storage: Seasonal items like holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, and winter gear can take up a lot of space in a home. Self storage allows people to keep these items safely tucked away until needed.
  • Business Storage: For businesses and entrepreneurs, self storage can be a cost-effective way to store inventory, equipment, documents, and supplies without the need for expensive office or warehouse space.
  • Vehicle Storage: If you have a valuable car collection or a prized vehicle without a safe parking spot for it, long-term vehicle storage can help.  Self storage units protect from rain, snow, sun, and other weather conditions. This can boost the lifespan of your vehicle and stop issues like sun damage, rust, and water damage.

7 Essential Features To Consider When Renting Self Storage in Belfast 

1. Ideal Location and Easy Accessibility 

The first (and most critical) factor to consider when renting a storage unit in Belfast, or anywhere in Ireland for that matter, is location and accessibility. Choose a conveniently situated facility, ideally close to your home or business, to reduce travel time and expenses. You should also keep an eye out for storage facilities with easy access from main roads and highways so that you can reach your belongings quickly and efficiently.

2. Security Measures 

The safety and security of your belongings should be a high priority when selecting a storage unit. Look for facilities with robust security measures, such as 24-hour video surveillance, mobile security patrols, and perimeter gates. You’ll sleep better at night knowing your items are protected from theft and unauthorised access.

3. Plenty of Size Options 

Your storage needs will change over time, so it’s essential to find a facility that offers a variety of unit sizes. Whether you need a small locker for a few boxes or a larger unit for furniture and appliances, having flexible size options allows you to pay for only the required space. 

Avoid underestimating your needs, as an overcrowded unit can lead to potential damage and difficulty accessing your items. On the other hand, overestimating how much space you need can lead to you paying an unnecessarily high monthly price for excess space you aren’t using. It’s always best to contact a self storage expert to make sure you choose the best option.

4. Well-Maintained Facilities

A well-maintained storage facility is a good sign of professionalism and their commitment to customer satisfaction. When visiting potential storage providers, pay attention to the property’s cleanliness, organisation, and overall upkeep. A clean and tidy environment reduces the risk of pests and protects your belongings from dust and dirt.

5. Flexible Rental Terms 

Life can be unpredictable, and your storage needs will most likely change over time. Look for a storage facility in Belfast that offers flexible rental terms. Month-to-month or short-term leases provide you with the freedom to adjust your storage requirements with your needs (even if they change suddenly) without being tied down to a long-term contract.

6. Pest Control 

Pests, such as rodents and insects, can wreak havoc on your stored belongings. When assessing a storage facility, ask about its pest control measures. If they can show clear signs they take this seriously, then you can rest assured about how well they will protect your items and keep them in excellent condition.

7. Customer Reviews and Reputation

Before you make a final decision, go have a look at the storage facility’s customer reviews and reputation. Online platforms and social media can give you incredible insights into how past and current customers were treated. Positive feedback and high ratings are a sure sign of a reliable and trustworthy storage provider.

How To Rent a Self Storage Unit in Belfast

If you’re looking for personal or business self storage in Belfast, The Self Storage Centre offers a variety of unit sizes, flexible leases, and a number of great extra amenities to save you time and hassle. You can rent a unit by following these four simple steps:  

• • 1. Pick a store
    2. Select your unit size
    3. Organise your items and their transport for self storage — if you need help with packaging materials, we have you covered
    4. Move your belongings over on the date you agreed upon

Not sure how much space you need? Or have any storage queries? Get in touch today, and speak to one of our self storage experts so we can help you find a suitable space for your needs. Also, new customers for Belfast are eligible for a 50% discount!

Belfast branch telephone number: 028 9083 7647