GETTING IT RIGHT
We know that if you have never arranged storage before, then getting it right can be a challenge. We help you work smarter: saving you time, money and effort even - if you are a regular user of storage facilities for household items or business goods.
Important Things to Consider
Cost
- Are the free storage offers as good as they seem? Take the time to work out the costs over a 12 or 26 week period. A lot of storage companies will hook you with cut price opening deals that seem too good to miss. The reality is that the average weekly cost will be higher than Big & Red’s.
- Are you being charged for 24 hour access? This is free with Big & Red.
- Are you being charged for Insurance cover? This is free with Big & Red up to the value of £5,000.
- Compare the full price including transportation, insurance and access costs.
- Make sure the prices you are quoted include VAT. Every price that we quote will be the price you pay!
Effort & Accessibility
- Consider the self storage effort of rooms vs mobile sheds. With the crates (sheds on wheels) you don't need to arrange separate transportation of your items to the storage facility.
- You probably don’t need access to all of your items 24/7. So why pay more for storing your things in rooms when a lot of it would be cheaper and easier by crate.
- Look at the small print regarding notice periods with other providers. Some companies have a minimum of 4 weeks on self storage rooms. We won’t penalise you for vacating your room when you want to.
Service
- Will the level of personal care and attention be as professional as it is at Big & Red? See what people have to say about us.
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CALL NOW and ask for Andy, Iain or Lauren for a no-obligation chat about your particular needs and priorities or Request a CALL BACK today. Our promise to you is that if we don't think we can help you we will say so. |
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20 Top Tips for self storage
- Use bubble wrap or packing paper for any fragile items (we stock this).
- Be careful if you wrap your delicate items in newspaper (the print comes off).
- Use boxes to pack small items, bags are not easily stacked and can rip.
- Pack plates on their ends wrapped in packing paper.
- Only use good quality packing materials. Cheap boxes can collapse (we stock good quality professional remover cartons).
- Make sure boxes are properly filled, as partially filled boxes will collapse if heavy items are placed on them.
- Do not overfill your boxes - remember you have to lift them.
- Clearly mark your boxes with its contents and room.(we stock marker pens)
- Clean your garden equipment prior to storing and don’t forget to drain fuel from any petrol driven items.
- Hang you cloths in wardrobe boxes. It makes for easy transportation, keeps clothes dry, crease free and off the floor.
- Cover polished and other furniture in blankets for protection when moving and in store.
- Utilise your space - pack smaller items in hollow spaces (wardrobes, sideboards etc).
- Avoid placing heavy objects onto soft furniture or mattresses. It stretches the material and may not recover.
- It is recommended that sofa and mattress covers should be used and taped down for protection against dust
- White goods should be cleaned prior to storing. Defrost fridge and freezer, not forgetting to leave doors open to aid ventilation whilst in store
- Electrical items, if possible store in their original packaging and remove batteries, if fitted.
- If dismantling furniture use a small bag to keep all the bolts and screws together and attached to the relevant item.
- Keep all your essential items in one handy box on the day of move (handbag, mobile, keys, wallet, credit cards, medication)
- When stacking a unit, try to pack the bulkier items first and then pack around them with the smaller items.
- Pack the items you may need to access into the unit last
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
General
What is Self-Storage?
Self-storage is a simple storage solution. With Big & Red you only pay for what you need. It’s safe, secure, clean and flexible.
If you are moving home, need extra storage space or a growing business; we have a range of units from 10sq ft to 20,000 sq ft.
Who can use self-storage?
Anybody and everybody. Everybody needs storage at sometime; from archive storage to christmas decorations we will have a unit to suit your needs.
How much space do I need?
Please feel free to use our online space calculator or alternatively call our reception team for a no obligation discussion. We would be pleased to help you work out not only how much space you need but also the best combination of rooms vs crates depending on your accessibility needs to all or part of your items.
Can I look at the units before I rent?
Yes, just call into our branch and our staff will be more than happy to give you a guided tour to show the various options available.
Crates and/or Rooms
What big is the mobile storage crate?
Comparable to a garden shed. The external dimensions are 7ft 2” (L) x 5ft 2”(W) x 7ft (H). Approximately 245 cubic feet . The same as a 37 square foot room. You can use as many as you need.
Do I qualify for FREE collection and delivery?
We offer free collection and delivery on crate number 3 and over. (Charges apply to the first crate at £46 incl VAT and the second crate at £23 incl VAT). This is great value for money given the fact that you dont need to organise any other transport.
How does Mobile Self Storage differ from Traditional Self -Storage?
Mobile self storage is essentially a wooden shed on wheels that we deliver to your premises in a trailer. We leave the trailer in a convenient spot outside your premises. You load it then we return for it and take it back to our secure warehouse for storage. When you wish to have your unit returned, just call or e-mail us and we will return it to your specified location. Additional benefits are no additional van hire costs, and not running backwards and forwards to load and unload, saving you time, effort and money.
Packing, Unit Loading
Can you help me to load the Mobile Storage Crate?
Yes. We offer a crate and room loading service to help you get the best use of your rented space. Please ask for more details of this service at the time of booking.
Do you undertake removals?
Not for Self storage, however we are happy to assist with loading with crate storage. Please ask at reception about our competitive price structure
Do you provide packing materials?
Yes, we offer a wide range packing materials that can be purchased from our branch reception.
What about my hanging clothes?
We can provide portable hanging wardrobes, just transfer your clothes from your wardrobe onto the rails of the portable wardrobe; usually two portable rails will be sufficient for one single wardrobe.
What if I have heavy/bulky items?
We provide a range of pallet trucks, trolleys free of charge. Fork lift service available at an extra cost.
I have a delivery/collection; do I have to be there?
No, just let us know that you are expecting a delivery and we will receive your delivery for you, we will even
lock your delivery into your unit for you, (providing we have your permission and you have a key on file)
Is there anything that I cannot store?
You cannot store any illegal items, inflammable or perishable goods. If you are storing anything that requires fuel, then it must be drained of fuel prior to storing.
What is the best way to utilise my space?
It’s better to plan your storage space, place the items that you may need close to the front. Use uniform sized cartons (it’s better to use a good quality as you don’t want a collapsed box, quality boxes can be purchased from reception) Fill the boxes, but don’t overload them, remember you still have to lift them. Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes, remember that space inside wardrobes - this can be filled with smaller items. Make an inventory of your boxes and mark breakables with “FRAGILE” tape.(Available at reception.
What is the best way to pack my breakables?
It is best to wrap individually. Plates are best stored on edge and not flat. Cups and bowls can be wrapped and placed inside each other. Packing paper and Bubble wrap plastic can be purchased from our reception. Remember to use good quality cartons! (also available at reception)
Access & Security
What does it cost to obtain access to my effects?
Nothing, you can access your goods as often as you like with nothing extra to pay.
Can I access my crates and rooms 24 hours per day 7 days per week?
The rooms are accessible 24/7 (even when the office is shut). The crates can be made accessible in our main warehouse during office hours with 2 hours notice.Our branch is open 6 days per week. Monday to Friday 7.30am until 6pm and Saturday 8am until 4pm.
Are there parking facilities at the storage centre?
Yes, our storage centres have free parking spaces outside for your convenience.
What about locks?
You can bring your own padlock to lock your unit; alternatively padlocks can be purchased from reception starting at just £7.50.
Who holds the key(s) to my storage unit(s)?
You are the sole keyholder to your unit whether it is a room or a crate; unless you wish to nominate another authorised representative, we can hold a key on your file should you wish.
Booking
If I decide to rent a unit how much notice do I need to give you?
None, you can choose to rent immediately or you can reserve a unit at a cost of £20 per reservation.
What paperwork is needed and do I need legal advice?
We ask that you complete a simple license agreement and declaration with our branch manager. You do not require a solicitor.
What is the minimum rental period?
You can rent your unit from a minimum of one week, for as long as you like, all we ask is one weeks notice of vacation.
Do I have to extend my household insurance cover?
We can provide insurance cover free of charge upto the value of £5000.00. Should you wish to have additional cover you are more than welcome to source your Insurance. Most household insurance policies will allow you to transfer cover to your stored items, subject to notice.
Do I have to pay any additional costs (electric, rates etc)?
All you have to pay is the monthly unit rental and insurance, no other charges will be made for electric, rates, service charge etc.
How can I pay?
We have a number of payment options. We can take all major credit/debit cards either in person or over the telephone, cash, cheque, or direct debit. A direct debit form can be completed at the same time as our license agreement.
Business
I have a business with too much stock can you help?
We can provide a full range of sizes for your requirements, you can even change the size of unit should your needs alter. If we don’t have a stock unit big enough we have the capacity to build one to your exact specification in our main warehouse from 251 - 20,000 sq feet !! Please ask for a quote tailored to your exact needs.
I need warehouse space and also an office.
No problem! We have a range of larger sized units and also office space. We can offer fax and photocopying service, even a mailbox should you need one.
Service & Support
What if I experience a problem?
Our staff are there to help, if you have any problems please do not hesitate to speak to one of our team. Andy, Iain or Lauren are waiting to receive your call.
