Self-Storage - What is it?
Have you ever wondered what self storage actually is? Who uses it and for what? Here we explain everything you need to know about self storage.
What does self-storage mean?
Self-storage - also spelled "self storage" - means "to store things oneself". It usually refers to the act of renting a storage space for people or companies to store things. The tenant stores and removes his things independently. In the meantime, he has access to his stored goods. At the same time, self-storage is the rental storage or the offer where people in need of space can rent a storage room. The storage rooms are usually separated, not visible storage compartments - also called storage boxes, which only the tenant can enter.
How does self-storage work?
Rental period
In comparison to renting a flat, self-storage units can also be rented at short notice and for a limited period of time. Many self-storage operators offer storage rooms for as little as one week.
Booking
Storage compartments can be booked online, by phone or on site. In most cases, an advance payment must be made and/or a deposit paid. Some providers also require a copy of identification to verify the identity of the tenant.
Storage
The storage space tenant has access to his storage box after signing the contract. In some self-storage facilities, access is limited in time. This means that storage is only possible during the day. Depending on the provider, the customer must bring his own padlock for the storage compartment. In other self-storage facilities, access works electronically, for example via a code.
Rent a storage facility: it's that easy with placeB
Booking with placeB is super easy. The best way is to book online. Customers then have immediate access to their storage facility around the clock - without a deposit, signing a contract or copying an ID card. To do this, they download an app onto their smartphone, which they can use to open all the doors to their storage box. In the app, by the way, they can also give other people access authorisation to their storeroom, view the invoices, book other storage sizes, cancel the contract and much more. Find out here how self-storage works at placeB:
Who is Self Storage for?
Self Storage is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to create more order and space in their private or business life. Anyone can use Self Storage! Families, couples, singles, students, but also entrepreneurs, sole traders, SMEs or large companies. We show you a few examples of use here:
Self Storage for private individuals
There are numerous reasons for storing things or renting a self-storage compartment:
a) Temporary storage during a move or renovation
If someone is moving into a new flat or house that is not yet fully ready for occupancy, they need temporary space to store furniture. There are many people who use self storage for just that! Or maybe the living room at home is being renovated? To ensure that nothing happens to your favourite furniture and other things during the renovation work, they can be placed in a self-storage compartment. Self storage is an ideal solution, especially for bulky furniture that cannot be stored in other rooms!
b) Long-term storage during a stay abroad
Planning a world trip, sabbatical or expat stay? If someone is going abroad for a few months or years, they don't necessarily take all their belongings with them. Perhaps they will sublet their flat or even give it up altogether. Then they need a storage room. A self-storage unit is a safe and clean solution. By the way: placeB customers can give their relatives or friends access authorisation for a limited time. This allows them to enter the storage room if a stored document or other item is suddenly needed.
c) Long-term use as a cellar
If space is tight, self-storage is a cost-effective alternative to a larger flat. Especially in the age of dense construction, it makes perfect sense to store only what you need on a daily basis within your own four walls. Things that you only use seasonally (sports equipment, Christmas decorations, winter clothes, etc.) can be stored well in a self-storage box nearby. The same goes for collections, hobby equipment or the like. If you rent a storage room as an additional cellar, you should make sure that access is guaranteed at all times. Don't let the spontaneous ski weekend go down the drain because the storage room where the skis are kept is closed.
Self-storage for companies
Not only private individuals can make ideal use of self-storage, but also companies. Business customers use rental storage as an archive to store everything from documents to Christmas lights. Many companies also use self-storage to supplement their own archive selectively, e.g. to compensate for fluctuations in space requirements. In principle, the company's own stock is filled first, but if the space is no longer sufficient, the required space can be rented very flexibly in a self-storage facility. Of course, exactly as much and for exactly as long as necessary. It couldn't be more efficient.
What can you put in a self-storage facility?
No, you can't store your mother-in-law. But you can store almost anything else. The rooms are all dry, clean and secure. They are therefore well suited for storing all kinds of things. As a general rule, you can store anything in most self-storage facilities that you have common sense about. Toxic, explosive, perishable, illegal, living, non-odourless or dangerous goods are not allowed.
Selfstorage explained in a nutshell
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Self-storage refers to an action in which someone rents a storage space in order to store things. The rented storage space is usually a separate, not visible storage compartments, which only the tenant can enter. Colloquially, self-storage is also understood as rental storage, where people in need of space rent a storage room.
