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How to choose the perfect domestic storage unit for your needs

A photo showing a Vanguard employee helping a customer take some boxes into a storage unit at one of Vanguard's self storage branches.

Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or in need of temporary storage, making the right choice of self-storage is crucial. Selecting the perfect storage unit requires careful consideration of your specific needs, as you will need to evaluate factors like security, unit size, and rental terms to make an informed decision.

In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to choose the perfect domestic storage unit for your specific needs.

Our tips for choosing the perfect domestic storage unit

With Vanguard Self Storage, you can store your treasured belongings safely and securely if you simply don’t have space at home. We have a range of flexible storage solutions available, with units varying in size from small 10 sq ft lockers, suitable for the odd box or two, to large 150 sq ft units suitable for the contents of an entire house – check out our guide to storage unit sizes.

In order to choose the right domestic self-storage unit, you will need to understand what your needs are. Here are a few common situations in which you might benefit from a domestic storage unit:

You’re moving home

Moving home is a hectic time, and so the more streamlined you can make the process, the better. Any non-essential items in your home can be packed up and stored in a secure unit until you’re ready to move in, ensuring your first days in your new home are less stressful.

Storage is also an advantage if you need to declutter your home prior to selling. By decluttering the spaces and only keeping decor to a bare minimum you can present your home to potential purchasers looking its absolute best.

With flexible access to your belongings available, robust security and clean, welcoming facilities, there’s no company better suited to store your belongings for moving house than Vanguard Self Storage.

You’re renovating

You can also use one of our secure storage units to store your furniture and electrical appliances during renovations. This will ensure none of your valuables get damaged in the process, so you can take your time renovating your home and move all your furniture and appliances back in when you’re ready.

Feel free to visit one of our self-storage units in London, Bristol, or Manchester for a warm welcome and guided tour of our facilities.

You’re travelling

Many of our customers come to us looking for long-term storage while they’re travelling. Thanks to our flexible contracts, you can rent our storage units for as long or as little as you need. So, with our expert, secure storage services, you can get back to the most important thing of all: enjoying your travels!

We have over 55 years of experience and are widely reputed to have the most customer-friendly storage services at the best rates across Bristol, London and Manchester. To find out more about how our family-run business can help you while you’re travelling, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

You’re the proud owner of a collection

Collectibles: for some it’s a hobby, for some, an investment. But whether you collect to resell or for your own personal pleasure, it’s crucial you keep your items safe, especially if you plan on holding them for decades.

Any items can be collected, but the most common collectibles are those which increase in value over time. Read our guide to self-storage for collectibles to explore some of the most commonly collected items and the best ways to protect them from theft, damage and deterioration.

You’re going to university

If you’re moving to university and your home is far away, chances are you will need to lug a large amount of items back and forth between term times. Student self-storage is the solution to avoiding this hassle, allowing you to store all your prized belongings in a safe and secure unit until you’re ready to move back in your student accommodation.

Our safe and secure great value student storage units are ideal for storing and protecting your belongings until the new academic year.

Extra tips to determine what domestic storage unit you need

  1. Determine your requirements
    Understand your needs by assessing the sizes, quantities, and any special requirements for the items you will be storing away. This will help you determine the amount of space you’ll need in your unit.
  2. Pick the right unit size
    Selecting the right unit size is crucial to avoid paying for unnecessary space or having insufficient room. Take accurate measurements of your items and consider the layout of the unit to ensure it allows for easy access and efficient storage organisation.
  3. Find an accessible location
    Location plays a vital role in your storage unit selection. If you frequently need to access your stored items, choose a facility that is conveniently located near your home or workplace. Research the opening hours of your chosen facility to ensure you have flexible access to your belongings.
  4. Evaluate security
    Ensuring the safety of your stored belongings is paramount. A well-secured facility will provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that your items are protected. All our branches feature 24-hour CCTV, burglar alarms and robust unit security including individually alarmed units, individual pin codes and fire detection systems.
  5. Check reviews
    Before finalising your choice, research the storage facility’s reputation by reading online reviews or seeking recommendations from trusted sources. At Vanguard, you can expect the most customer-friendly storage service at the best rates, as proven by our hundreds of 5-star reviews.
  6. Understand rental terms
    Flexibility is key, and that is why all our storage units are available on both short-term and long-term basis. Carefully review the rental agreement, including the terms, conditions, and any associated costs and clarify any uncertainties with the storage facility staff to ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial obligations and policies.

Why choose Vanguard domestic self storage

Whether you need to store a couple of boxes or an entire household’s worth of treasured belongings, Vanguard Self Storage are here to help. We offer customer-friendly storage services for domestic customers, going above and beyond to guarantee your complete satisfaction whilst offering competitive prices.

Unlike many of our competitors, for instance, we offer a Man and Van service to help you move your belongings into storage as effortlessly as possible. Our friendly staff will meet you to help transport your goods to our storage facilities in Bristol, London or Manchester. We’ll come at a time that’s convenient for you, and handle your goods with the greatest care. You can take advantage of our Man and Van service for free at selected branches too.

Our secured facilities also boast access control systems, CCTV, intruder and fire alarms, and locked storage units, so you can rest assured your belongings are always safe with us.

At Vanguard, we’re proud to offer some of the very best value domestic storage units in Bristol, London, and Manchester, with eight branches and counting. We offer a first-class experience, tailoring our storage options to meet your specific requirements, so you can sit back and relax knowing your belongings are safe with us.