Self Storage FAQs

If you’ve got a lot of items to store, you’ll want to make the most of the space you have in the storage unit you’re renting. Don’t worry, there are a lot of tips and tricks for packing your storage space to the brim – take a look at our handy guide on How to Maximise Your Storage Unit Space!

A storage unit can be very useful for all businesses, used to store excess products, furniture and file archives. That said, a business cannot use a storage unit explicitly as working space.

To make the most of your hired unit, it’s important to keep everything well-ordered; this makes retrieving your belongings later on an easy task. When you pack and organise your self storage well, you can ensure that your belongings will be safe too, labelling boxes with ‘fragile’ will stop you from stacking heavy objects on top and thus, keep your possessions in one piece.

The best way to pack and organise your belongings in your storage unit is to use sturdy, reinforced boxes, bubble wrap for fragile items, a label machine for rooms (i.e. kitchen, living room, bedroom). Always stack wisey (i.e. heavy boxes at the bottom, lighter boxes on top) because this will help to make the most of your space.

For more information, we’ve created a handy guide on how to pack and organise for self-storage complete with animated illustrations, so take a look!

Do I need boxes for self storage?

Boxes will protect your belongs and keep everything well organised within your storage unit, not to mention boxes will help you to shift goods to and from the facility with ease. They will help you perfect the art of stacking and allow you to make the most of your rented space. In short, boxes will be required.

Can I have shelving in my storage unit?

Yes, simply ask for it and a friendly member of staff will sort this out for you.

All goods kept in store must be insured at all times. You may either insure your goods through Vanguard Open Cover Policy or provide us with proof of your own insurance.

Vanguard’s Open Cover Policy provides cover on a “new for old” basis with the exception of clothing and household linen. When taking out insurance it is important that you do not under -insure. The sum insured needs to reflect the cost of replacing your items as new today. Moving forward you will regularly need to check that the insured value is still relevant. The contents of your unit may have changed and the value insured may need to be revised.

If you opt to use your own insurance we will ask you to provide us with a copy of your policy. In this instance, we will not be providing any insurance for your goods and we are not responsible for the cover you have arranged. We recommend that you regularly check the validity of your policy and make sure that the insured value is still relevant. Please be mindful that the contents of your unit and their value may have changed over time.

Please speak to a member of the team if you have any questions.

The price you are quoted includes VAT and is the price you will pay for storage on a weekly basis.

This price does not include a padlock or insurance. We can provide a padlock or you are welcome to bring your own. Insurance is mandatory, again we can provide cover under our Open Cover Policy or you are welcome to provide us with proof of your own cover.

The price of storing with Vanguard is determined by the size of the room you require, but our smallest starts at less than £10.00 per week. Take a look at our storage prices calculator to get a quote.

To help you get best value we will always recommend that you take up the smallest room to meet your needs. If circumstances later change we will happily offer you options to upsize, downsize or add extra rooms. Remember that flexibility is a key part of our commitment to you.

We ask you to provide us with seven day notice prior to your departure. We will then refund any unused storage and insurance charges.

You can stay for as long as you like – we’re always happy to provide long-term storage if you need it.

The minimum rental period is one week.

Not necessarily, but if you have a particular size in mind please give us a call in ahead of your visit and we will keep it on hold for you. If you no longer require the unit, please let us know.

You can move in immediately, provided you have the relevant documentation needed to complete and sign your contract. Two forms of ID are required one of which must be a photo ID (passport or driving licence) and the other a utility bill that is less than three months old.

Two forms of ID are required, one of which must be a photo ID (passport or driving licence) while the other must be a utility bill that is less than three months old. Both of these together must be provided with payment for the first rental period.

Yes, you will need your own lock to ensure that you are the only person with access to your storage unit. If you do not have your own lock, Vanguard stocks a range of locks at each of our stores and can provide you with one.

When you rent a self storage unit, you will have your own lock and key or PIN code access – so only you can access your belongings. What’s more, there will be staff on site who will be able to detect suspicious behaviour in and around the facilities. Alongside that, there’s a full alarm system and CCTV in operation around the premises.

Self storage companies are always thinking about the new, improved security measures to ensure customers only ever have a positive experience when renting. Self storage services give commercial and domestic customers confidence – whether they’re relocating offices or leaving their home to travel for a year – secure storage offers maximum reassurance and protection of your possessions whilst you are not there.

What kind of security is in Vanguard’s stores?

At Vanguard we take the security of your goods very seriously. All of our sites have 24 hour CCTV located on every floor and at each entrance and exit. Every storage unit has its own security alarms and building access is granted only with your unique PIN Number. Finally, your unit will be locked with your own lock, for which you are the only key holder.

Our smallest space is a locker, suitable for a few suitcases, and our largest room is about the size of a large double garage and could accommodate the full contents of a home – and we have plenty of size options between the two.

We refer to room sizes in square feet, and our storage space estimator will assist you in selecting what size is right for you. Alternatively, our team will be happy to advise you.

• Domestic customers usually store things from their home – ranging from a few items to their entire home’s contents. Whether you’re moving abroad, downsizing, renovating or simply need the space – self storage if suitable for all.
• Lifestyle storage is also a very popular reason for customers to turn to self storage – this type of storage refers to items such as sports equipment (such as skiing gear) that may take up a lot of space at home but might only be used at certain times of the year.
• Storage of student items between terms is common, students will store a whole range of items with us including bedding, kitchenware, books, bikes and furniture.
• Business storage, is used to house stock, equipment and archives.

What can’t I store in a storage unit?

There are a few items that we prohibit, for safety reasons, such as flammable or explosive items, food, humans or pets, stolen goods, illegal substances and firearms but these aside – it’s your space so you decide.

Self storage is a system that people use to store their possessions. You can choose from almost any size of storage room. You bring your goods or possessions to the store, lock them in the room and come and go as you please during opening hours. You are the only key holder. Self storage offers commercial and domestic customers the space they need should there not be enough room currently or a place to securely hold goods whilst a building is vacant.

Why use self storage/why rent a storage unit?

People turn to self storage for a number of reasons including:

• Moving homes
• Separation
• Downsizing
• Out of term-time for university students
• Relocating abroad
• Travelling
• Hobby/sporting equipment
• Trade equipment for those self-employed (i.e. tools and machinery)

Commercial storage is used for:

• File archives
• Seasonal stock
• Event equipment
• Office furnishings

Vanguard is a family owned business which has been trading since 1964 with an impeccable record. Please go to our About Us page for more information our other businesses and a brief history.