Main self-storage companies
There are about half a dozen larger storage companies and a large number of smaller local companies. The larger companies have many branches but the local companies are usually cheaper and have more flexible deals.
Safestore is a large operator with 90 stores nationally and a low price guarantee. They have a lowest price guanteed but irritatingly don't advertise prices on their website. They have a nice discount for students: www.safestore.co.uk/student_storage/default.aspx
Access self storage also make you contact them before they will give you a price but at least they have a free phone number. They also have a useful "box shop" where you can buy cardboard cartons online or you can buy boxes, tape and padlocks at their depots. Their box shop is at: www.accessstorage.com/box-shop/
Lok'n Store is distinctively orange and has 21 stores, mostly in the South East of the UK (Northampton is about as far North as they go and Portsmouth about as far West). They have a blog on thier website but it is mostly just advertising pieces and people haven't bothered to comment much on it. They are a quoted company and have a good reputation. Their insurance scheme is typical with a charge of £1 per week for each £1,000 of goods covered: www.loknstore.co.uk/insurance.asp
Big Yellow has a strategy of building stores next to main roads and hence is well known. When they launched they used TV advertising and have amanged to become the generic brand. A quoted company, they have grown fast and their centres are newly built- there are now almost 50 of them. Their virtual tour is fun and gives an accurate impression of a very clean facility with good CCTV coverage, but they are a bit more expensive than some recently quoting £61 per week for an 80 sq ft unit. Their gallery is at: www.bigyellow.co.uk/gallery.php
Shurgard. This is an American company with red and cream colours and an entertaining lighthouse at most of its locations. They have a good introductory offer of £1 for the first monoth provided you stay for at least 2 months. Their website has a useful map but they are centred on London and the South East. Their operations extend to half a dozen european countries and storage units in the USA. Shurgard have 20 self storage centres and details are at: http://www.shurgard.co.uk
Dulwich Storage. This is a local south London storage facility and offers containerised storage which is easily accessible. Prices are significantly below those of the chains. Parking is easy and loading is straight from the car or van - no corridors or lifts. No frills but clean, friendly and cheap. A website which is up-front with prices - see www.dulwichstorage.co.uk
Admiral self storage. If you are in the midlands this is a nice company to work with storage centres in Walsall and Birmingham and they have clear up-front prices at: www.admiralstorage.co.uk/how%20much%20space.html
