Shipping Container Storage: An Honest Guide from a Self Storage Owner

What we have learned since moving into self storage

Written by Steve McLoughlin, Director of Alliance Self Storage
Steve has operated drive-up self storage sites on the Wirral since 2017 and has helped thousands of domestic and business customers. Alliance operates SSA UK-approved storage facilities in Moreton and Birkenhead, inspected in 2023 and 2025.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Alliance did not begin as a self storage company. We originally worked in transport and haulage, and storage gradually became part of the service we offered alongside it.

Over time, I realised that haulage was not where my real passion was. Much of the work involved dealing with large, faceless companies. Self storage was different. It brought us into contact with real people, often at important or stressful times in their lives.

Some customers are moving home. Others are dealing with a bereavement, clearing a property, renovating or trying to create more space. Many are starting a business or have reached the stage where that business is growing faster than the room available at home.

We made the full move into self storage in July 2017. Since then, one thing has remained constant: our job is to make storage as simple and stress-free as possible.

Customer service is a huge part of that, but security comes first in the background. A CCTV camera might look like just another camera to a customer. To us, it is one of the most important parts of the business. We invest heavily in monitoring, access control and new technology because customers are trusting us with belongings that may be valuable financially, emotionally or both.

We have also learned that people often keep their units for far longer than they originally expected. Once they experience the convenience of being able to drive directly to their own unit, they begin to see how useful that extra space can be.

This guide contains the advice we give our own customers every day. It is based on what we have genuinely seen work—and occasionally what we have seen go wrong—rather than information copied from other storage websites.

In this guide

Does shipping container storage get damp?
What makes a good quality storage container?
Is drive up storage better than indoor storage?
How secure is shipping container storage?
What should you check before booking?
How should you pack a storage unit?
How much storage space do you need?
Storage for moving home
Storage for businesses and tradespeople
What cannot be stored?
StoreProtect and protecting your belongings
Frequently asked questions

1. Does shipping container storage get damp?
This is probably the question we are asked more than any other.

There is still a common belief that anything stored inside a shipping container will eventually become damp or mouldy. That reputation normally comes from old, damaged containers placed directly onto wet ground, with little ventilation and poor maintenance.

A modern one-trip container that is properly positioned, ventilated, inspected and used correctly is completely different. We have operated drive-up self storage since 2017 and have never seen furniture ruined by damp inside one of our storage units.

Container storage is not climate-controlled, so belongings still need to be prepared properly. However, in our experience, the condition of the container and what the customer puts inside it make the biggest difference.

What causes condensation inside a shipping container?
Condensation happens when moisture in the air meets a colder surface and turns into water droplets.

The steel walls and roof of a shipping container can become colder than the air inside, particularly overnight. If there is too much moisture trapped inside the unit, small droplets can form on the colder metal surfaces.

That moisture does not normally appear from nowhere. It is usually brought into the container through damp belongings, wet equipment, appliances containing trapped water or a poorly maintained unit that allows water to enter.

This is why ventilation, correct positioning and making sure everything goes into storage completely dry are so important.

How Alliance reduces the risk of damp and condensation

All Alliance storage units are one-trip shipping containers. We keep them clean and well maintained, repainting them when necessary rather than allowing them to deteriorate.

Each standard unit has approximately 12 ventilation points, allowing air to move through the container rather than becoming trapped.

Our units also have 30mm bamboo flooring, treated and sealed underneath to help protect against damp and pests.

We do not simply place the containers onto wet or uneven ground. They sit on concrete pads and are raised by at least 25mm. Even this small clearance helps create airflow beneath the container and keeps the floor away from damp ground.

Our containers are raised on concrete pads to keep the floor away from damp ground and allow airflow underneath.

Every unit is inspected at least once every three months. When a customer leaves, we fully clean the container and check the doors, seals, handles, floor, vents and lock box before it is rented again. If the inside needs repainting, we do that as well.

Paperwork stored in shipping containers for over 15 years
A business based on one of our sites has stored paperwork inside shipping containers for more than 15 years.

The paperwork was originally stored inside an older container and was later moved into a new one-trip container supplied by Alliance. During the whole period we have personally known about it, the paperwork has remained dry and usable.

Paperwork is one of the belongings people are most concerned about storing, so this gives us a very good long-term example of what properly managed container storage can achieve.

We also have many customers storing sofas, mattresses and other soft furnishings without experiencing damp problems.

The most important rule: put everything into storage dry
A high-quality container cannot remove large amounts of moisture brought in on wet belongings.

Washing machines can retain water inside the drum, filter, pump and hoses. They should be drained properly and allowed to dry before being placed into storage.

Fridges and freezers should be completely emptied, defrosted and dried.

We recommend leaving the doors slightly open while they are stored so that air can circulate inside and mould or unpleasant smells do not develop.

Garden furniture, tents, inflatable equipment and anything used outdoors should also be completely dry. An item may feel dry on the surface while still holding moisture in folds, seams or fabric.

Covers can be used to protect sofas and mattresses from dust and accidental marks, but the furniture itself must be dry before it is covered.

Alliance’s Best Tip: If it goes in dry, it should come out dry.

In a sound, properly ventilated and correctly maintained container, belongings that enter completely dry should remain dry under normal storage conditions. Always drain appliances and dry outdoor equipment before closing the unit.

The only significant condensation we have personally seen
The only significant condensation we have personally seen inside one of our units involved bouncy castles.

The equipment was regularly used outdoors and sometimes put back into the container while still wet from damp grass. That moisture was carried into the unit with the equipment and then became trapped inside.

The container had not created the water. The water had entered with the wet bouncy castles.

This is a useful real-world example because it shows why even a well-ventilated storage container cannot compensate for large amounts of moisture being brought inside.

How to prevent damp in a storage container

Choose a clean, sound and properly ventilated unit.
Check that the container is raised off the ground.
Make sure doors and seals are in good condition.
Put only completely dry belongings into storage.
Drain washing machines and their hoses.
Fully defrost and dry fridges and freezers.
Leave appliance doors slightly open.
Dry tents, garden furniture and outdoor equipment thoroughly.
Avoid blocking all the ventilation points.
Report any sign of water ingress to the storage company immediately

A reputable storage company should be able to explain how its containers are ventilated, what they sit on and how frequently they are inspected. It should also be willing to show you the actual site and unit before you book.

2. What makes a good-quality storage container?
Not all shipping-container storage is the same.

From a distance, two storage sites can look very similar. Both may use shipping containers and both may describe their units as clean, dry and secure. The real difference is often found in the condition of the containers, how they have been positioned, how they are maintained and the security surrounding them.

A good storage company should be able to explain exactly what type of containers it uses and what it does to keep them in good condition. It should also be happy to show customers genuine photographs or videos of the actual site and units being offered.

At Alliance, all our storage units are one-trip containers. This means they have normally completed only one journey carrying goods before being converted for self storage. We chose one-trip units because they give customers a cleaner, newer and better-maintained space than old shipping containers that may have spent many years at sea.

The condition of the container matters

A storage container does not remain in good condition simply because it was new when it arrived.

Doors, handles, seals, vents, floors and lock boxes all need checking. Paintwork also needs maintaining so that small areas of damage do not develop into larger problems.

We inspect every Alliance unit at least once every three months. When a customer leaves, the unit is fully cleaned and checked before it is rented again.

We inspect the doors, handles, seals, ventilation points, floor and lock box, and repaint the inside or outside where needed.

This is important because customers often store with us for much longer than they originally planned. A unit should remain clean, secure and easy to use throughout the whole storage period, not just look good on the day someone moves in.

A strong, properly protected floor

The floor is one of the most important parts of a storage container, but it is something customers do not always think to check.

Our one-trip units have 30mm bamboo flooring. The underside is treated and sealed to help protect the floor against damp and pests.

The floor should feel solid, clean and level when you walk across it. Customers should be cautious of units with damaged flooring, soft areas, strong smells or signs that water has previously entered.

A strong floor is particularly important for business customers storing tools, machinery, stock or heavy shelving. The combined weight of stored items can soon add up.

Ventilation and correct positioning
A quality storage container should have proper ventilation and should not simply be placed directly onto damp or uneven ground.

Each standard Alliance unit has approximately 12 ventilation points to help air move through the container.

Our containers sit on concrete pads and are raised at least 25mm above the ground. This keeps the floor away from damp ground and allows air to circulate underneath.

Ventilation and positioning work together. A well-maintained container can still be let down if it is badly placed, and a raised container can still develop problems if the ventilation points are blocked or damaged.

Doors should be secure and easy to open

Shipping-container doors are extremely strong, but older or poorly maintained doors can become difficult to use.
A customer should be able to open and close the unit without struggling with seized hinges, badly aligned locking bars or damaged seals.

Our containers are fitted with easy-opening handles, and the doors and locking mechanisms are checked regularly. This is particularly helpful for customers who may not have the strength or experience to operate traditional shipping-container doors.

The rubber door seals should also be in good condition. Damaged or missing seals can allow wind-driven rain and dirt to enter the unit.

A proper lock box and heavy-duty padlock
The type of lock fitted to a storage unit can make a significant difference to its security.

Our units have steel lock boxes fitted around the locking point. These help shield the padlock and make it much harder to reach with cutting equipment.

Customers can use their own suitable lock or purchase one of our heavy-duty padlocks. However, we prefer customers to use the locks we supply because they fit properly inside our lock boxes.

From speaking with other self storage operators through the Self Storage Association, we have repeatedly heard that units fitted with cheap padlocks on exposed door handles are more vulnerable than units using a suitable heavy-duty lock protected inside a lock box.

We occasionally provide one of our locks free of charge because we would rather know that the unit has been secured properly than see a customer rely on a cheap or unsuitable padlock.

Make sure you are looking at the actual site

Before booking outdoor storage, we recommend visiting the site or asking the company to send a current video of the actual unit being offered.

Look for genuine photographs of the containers, access roads, perimeter, entrance and security arrangements. Be cautious if a storage company relies heavily on stock photographs, computer-generated images or pictures that do not appear to show its real facility.

A good operator should be proud to show customers the site and explain how the units are maintained. If the photographs avoid showing the inside of the containers, the condition of the doors or the ground they sit on, it is reasonable to ask why.

Alliance’s Best Tip: Do not judge a storage unit by its fresh paint alone.

Check the floor, vents, door seals, handles, lock box and what the container is sitting on. A coat of paint can make an old unit look better, but it does not correct poor ventilation, damaged flooring or badly maintained doors.

A quick quality checklist

Is it a modern, sound container?
Is the inside clean and free from strong smells?
Is the floor solid, clean and undamaged?
Are ventilation points fitted and unobstructed?
Is the container raised away from damp ground?
Are the doors easy to open and close?
Are the door seals complete and in good condition?
Is a protective steel lock box fitted?
Is a suitable heavy-duty padlock available?
Does the operator carry out regular inspections?
Can you see genuine photographs or video of the actual site?
Are you able to view the unit before booking?

A storage company should be able to answer these questions clearly. Customers are trusting the operator with belongings that may have significant financial or sentimental value, so there should be no need to hide the condition of the units or the way the site is managed.

3. Is drive-up storage better than indoor storage?
This is one of the biggest debates in self storage, and we are obviously going to be slightly biased because we are passionate about drive-up storage.

For most of the customers we deal with, particularly people moving house, tradespeople and businesses, we believe drive-up storage is the easier and more convenient option.

The biggest difference is simple: you can park right outside your storage unit.

That may not sound like a huge advantage until you are moving the contents of an entire house, unloading heavy furniture or visiting the unit regularly for tools and stock. Instead of carrying everything through reception areas, corridors and lifts, your vehicle can be just a few feet from the unit door.

That can save a significant amount of time and effort.

The biggest advantage is convenience

Moving house can already be a long and stressful day. The last thing most people want is to unload a removals van onto trolleys, take everything through corridors or lifts and then move it again into the storage unit.

With drive-up storage, the van can normally pull straight up to the container and the belongings can go directly from the vehicle into the unit.

The same applies when you need something later. You can drive to your unit, open the doors, collect what you need and leave. For customers who visit regularly, that convenience can make a massive difference.

Alliance’s Best Tip: Think about how often you will actually visit your unit.

If you are storing tools, business stock, bikes, household items or anything you may regularly need, being able to park directly outside can save a surprising amount of time.

Drive-up storage can also reduce removals costs
One cost people moving house do not always consider is how long the removals company will spend unloading into storage.

K&L Removals, who have moved hundreds of Alliance customers over the years, tell us that they can often charge around 20% less when delivering into a drive-up storage site compared with an indoor facility.

This is a general estimate rather than a guaranteed saving, because every move is different. But the reason is straightforward: loading and unloading takes time, and the distance between the removals van and the storage unit can make a big difference to how long the job takes.

When the van is parked immediately outside the unit, the team can normally unload much more quickly.

https://www.kandlremovals.co.uk/

Drive-up storage is particularly useful for businesses
Around half of our customers are businesses, and this is where drive-up storage really comes into its own.

Builders, electricians, plumbers and plasterers may be visiting their units several times a week. Other customers use their units for stock, equipment or seasonal items.

Being able to reverse a van up to the unit, load what is needed and get back on the road makes the storage space much more practical.

It also gives tradespeople somewhere secure to store expensive tools rather than leaving everything inside a van overnight, where tools can be an obvious target for thieves.

For business customers, our biggest piece of advice is still the same: fit good shelving. Being able to see and reach stock or tools quickly makes the unit far more useful.

What about cost?
Drive-up storage can also offer very good value, particularly when customers need a larger amount of space.

Some indoor storage companies advertise heavily discounted introductory prices for the first few weeks or months. That can be attractive for very short-term storage, but customers should always check what the normal price will be once the introductory period ends.

Our approach has always been to keep pricing straightforward and competitive, particularly on larger units. If you expect to need storage for more than a few weeks, compare the actual longer-term cost rather than simply choosing the biggest introductory discount.

We have also learned that customers often stay in storage for much longer than they originally expected, so the price after the promotional period can become more important than the initial offer.

When might indoor storage be a better choice?
We rarely recommend indoor storage because drive-up works so well for most of our customers, but there are situations where an indoor facility may make more sense.

If you only need a very small locker, for example to store a few boxes, an indoor facility may offer smaller spaces than a drive-up site.

Some indoor facilities also provide services such as reception areas, parcel handling or postboxes, which may be useful for certain businesses.

If you are storing items that genuinely require controlled temperature or humidity, you should look specifically for a facility designed to provide climate-controlled storage rather than assuming that either normal indoor storage or a shipping container will provide those conditions.

For somebody needing a tiny amount of storage for only a few weeks, an introductory offer at an indoor facility could also make financial sense.

For larger household storage, regular business use or anyone who values being able to park immediately outside their unit, we believe drive-up storage is difficult to beat.

Not all drive-up storage sites are the same

The main disadvantage with outdoor storage is that standards can vary considerably between operators.

A modern, well-maintained drive-up site using one-trip containers is very different from a yard containing old shipping containers that have simply been given another coat of paint.

Before booking, we recommend visiting the site or asking for a current video of the actual storage unit you will be using.

Check the condition of the unit, the floor, ventilation, door seals, locking system, ground underneath it and the security around the site.

Also ask who monitors the CCTV and how customers access the facility.

A good drive-up storage company should be happy to answer those questions and show you exactly what you are paying for.

Alliance’s Best Tip: Compare convenience as well as price.

A storage unit that costs a few pounds less each month may not actually save you money if your removals company spends hours carrying belongings through corridors and lifts, or if every visit to the unit takes much longer than it needs to.

Drive-up storage vs indoor storage at a glance

Drive-up storage

Park directly outside the unit.
Very convenient for moving large furniture.
Excellent for regular business access.
Quick loading and unloading.
Often good value for larger units.
Ideal for tools, stock and equipment.
Usually not climate controlled.
Loading is exposed to the weather unless the site has covered areas.

Indoor storage

Parking is usually away from the individual unit.
Furniture may need to be moved through corridors or lifts.
Can be useful for very small lockers.
Some sites offer reception, parcel handling or postbox services.
Fully sheltered loading may be available.
Some specialist facilities offer climate-controlled storage.
Regular access can take longer depending on the layout.
Pricing can vary significantly once introductory offers end.

4. How secure is shipping container storage?
Security is one of the most important things to consider when choosing any self storage site.

A shipping container is made from heavy-gauge steel and is naturally difficult to force open, but the container itself is only one part of the security. The standard of the site, the locks being used, how access is controlled and, most importantly, whether somebody is actually monitoring what is happening all make a huge difference.

At Alliance, security is our number one priority. Customer service comes very closely behind it, but customers are trusting us with possessions that may have significant financial or sentimental value, so security has always been one of our biggest areas of investment.

A CCTV camera might look like just another camera to a customer. To us, it is one of our biggest defences. We continually review the systems we use and invest in newer technology rather than fitting cameras once and forgetting about them.

CCTV is only useful if somebody is watching it
A storage company saying it has CCTV does not necessarily tell you very much.

The more important questions are who monitors it, when it is monitored and what happens if something unusual is detected.

Modern CCTV systems can distinguish between different types of movement, including people and vehicles, and can alert a security team when activity needs checking.

At our Moreton site, CCTV is monitored 24 hours a day by DSOC, a specialist monitoring company. At our Birkenhead site, we have a security team physically on site 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends and Christmas Day.

Depending on the situation, an alert can result in us being contacted, somebody being challenged using the site tannoy or the police being called.

We deliberately do not publish detailed camera positions, detection areas or response procedures because that information should remain part of the site's security.

24/7 security at our Birkenhead site
Birkenhead has a security guard on site 24 hours a day.

The security team monitors the CCTV, carries out regular patrols and keeps an eye on any movement around the facility. The main gates are closed at 7pm when customer access finishes, but the security team remains on site throughout the night.

Even seemingly harmless activity can generate attention. Wildlife moving around the site has triggered alerts before, which gives some idea of how closely activity is monitored.

We have also had two people climb over the perimeter fence in the past. The security team spotted them immediately, challenged them and they left the site without reaching or interfering with any customer storage unit.

Since we moved fully into self storage in 2017, we have never had a customer storage unit broken into or subjected to an attempted break-in.

Phone-controlled access at Moreton
At Moreton, customers access the site using their registered mobile phone.

We deliberately chose not to rely on fobs or shared PIN codes. Fobs can be lost or passed to somebody else, and PIN numbers can easily be shared.

Instead, each customer's telephone number is registered with our gate system. When the customer arrives, they simply call the gate from their approved number. The system checks that the number is authorised and opens the gate.

Customers can also ask us to register additional telephone numbers where needed.

This makes access simple for the customer while also giving us a record of who has entered and left the site.

The lock on the unit matters
The padlock is another part of storage security that is sometimes overlooked.

Our containers have steel lock boxes fitted around the locking point. A lock box shields the padlock, making it much more difficult for somebody to reach it with tools.

Customers are welcome to use their own suitable padlock, or they can purchase one of our heavy-duty locks when signing up.

In practice, we prefer customers to use the locks we supply because we know they fit correctly inside our lock boxes.

Through conversations with other self storage operators and members of the Self Storage Association, one thing we hear repeatedly is that cheap padlocks fitted to exposed container handles are a weak point. That is why we would rather see every Alliance unit secured with a suitable heavy-duty lock inside the protective lock box.

We have even given customers locks without charging for them on occasions. For us, making sure the unit is secured properly is more important than making £25 from a padlock.

Security should work in layers
Good storage security should never depend on one thing.

A strong container is useful, but it should also have a suitable lock. CCTV is useful, but it is much better when somebody is actively monitoring it. A secure perimeter matters, but access through the main gate also needs to be controlled.

We look at security as several layers working together:

Strong steel storage containers.
Protective lock boxes.
Heavy-duty padlocks.
Controlled customer access.
Secure site perimeters and gates.
CCTV covering the facility.
Active monitoring and security response.
Regular reviews and upgrades to the technology being used.

None of these measures on their own can guarantee that a crime will never happen, but using several layers makes a site much less attractive to somebody looking for an easy target.

Alliance’s Best Tip: Do not just ask whether a storage site has CCTV.

Ask who monitors it, when it is monitored and what happens if suspicious activity is detected. There is a big difference between cameras that simply record an incident and a system designed to identify and respond to one while it is happening.

What should you look for when viewing a storage site?
When visiting a storage facility, take a few minutes to look beyond the unit itself.

Check whether the perimeter appears secure, how customers enter the site and whether the gate is normally left open. Look at how the storage units are locked and whether padlocks are protected by lock boxes.

Ask about CCTV monitoring rather than simply counting how many cameras you can see.

You should also feel comfortable asking the operator how security is managed. They may quite rightly avoid giving away sensitive details, but they should still be able to explain the overall systems they have in place.

Security questions worth asking before you book

Is the site perimeter secure?
How is customer access controlled?
Is there a record of site access?
Is CCTV monitored or simply recorded?
Who monitors the CCTV?
What happens when an alert is generated?
Are the storage-unit padlocks protected by lock boxes?
What type of lock is recommended?
Is somebody on site overnight?
How regularly is the security system reviewed or upgraded?

5. What should you check before booking?
Self storage can look very similar online, but the standard between sites can vary a lot.

Before booking, we always recommend looking beyond the price and the headline offer. A cheap storage unit is not good value if the site is poorly maintained, difficult to access, badly secured or the unit itself is not suitable for what you want to store.

If possible, visit the site before booking. If you cannot visit, ask the company to send you a current video of the actual facility and the type of unit you will be using.

A good storage operator should be happy to show you exactly what you are paying for.

Are the photographs genuine?
Start by looking at the photographs on the website and Google Business Profile.

Do they clearly show the actual site, storage units, entrance, access roads and security setup?

Be cautious if a company relies heavily on stock photographs, computer-generated images or pictures that do not appear to show the real facility.

We believe customers should be able to see the actual site before they book. If an operator is proud of the facility, there should be no reason to hide it.

What condition is the storage unit in?
Look inside the unit, not just at the outside.

Check that the floor is clean and solid, the doors operate properly, the seals look sound and there are no obvious signs of water ingress, heavy rust or damage.

Also check whether the unit has proper ventilation and what it is sitting on.

A fresh coat of paint can make an old container look much better, but it does not fix damaged flooring, poor ventilation or badly maintained doors.

How is the site secured?
Do not simply ask whether the site has CCTV.

Ask whether the CCTV is actively monitored, who monitors it and what happens if suspicious activity is detected.

Check how customers access the site. Is there a secure gate? Does everyone use the same PIN? Are fobs used? Is access recorded?

Also look at the perimeter and the way the storage units themselves are locked.

Good security should work in layers rather than relying on a single camera or padlock.

What access do you really get?
Storage companies often advertise convenient access, but check the actual opening hours before you book.

Think about when you are likely to need your belongings. A household customer moving home may only need occasional access, while a tradesperson or business may need to visit several times a week.

Also ask whether access hours change at weekends, bank holidays or over Christmas.

Make sure the access arrangements genuinely suit how you intend to use the unit.

How easy is loading and unloading?
This is particularly important if you are moving house, storing bulky furniture or running a business.

Check how close you can get your vehicle to the unit. If it is an indoor site, ask how far the unit is from the loading area and whether you need to use lifts, corridors or trolleys.

With drive-up storage, check that there is enough space for your car or removals van to reach the unit comfortably.

The distance between the vehicle and the storage unit can make a surprisingly big difference to how long loading and unloading takes.

What will the price be after any introductory offer?
Promotional prices can be useful, but always ask what the normal rate will be afterwards.

A very cheap first month does not necessarily mean the storage will be cheaper over six months or a year.

Ask:

What is the normal monthly price?
How long does the promotional rate last?
Can the price increase during your storage period?
How much notice is required before leaving?
Are there any administration, access or lock charges?
Is protection included or charged separately?

Compare the total likely cost rather than just the headline offer.

What size do you actually need?

Customers often think they need more space than they really do.

Ask the storage company to help you estimate the size, but also think about how well your belongings can be stacked.

Strong shelving, decent boxes and using the full height of the unit can make a huge difference.

A good storage operator should help you find the smallest suitable unit rather than automatically trying to rent you the biggest one available.

What are the terms for leaving?

It is worth checking the notice period before you move in.

Some customers expect to use storage for a few weeks and end up staying for months or even years, so flexibility becomes important.

Ask how much notice you need to give, whether you are tied into a minimum term and how your final payment is calculated.

You should understand this before signing the agreement rather than discovering it when you want to leave.

What protection applies to your belongings?

Ask what happens if your belongings are damaged or lost while in storage.

Do not assume that a storage company's own insurance automatically covers everything inside your unit.

Check whether you are being offered insurance, contractual liability protection such as StoreProtect, or whether you are expected to arrange your own cover.

Read the limits, exclusions and declared-value requirements carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Is the operator a member of the Self Storage Association?

One useful check is whether the company is a member of the Self Storage Association UK.

SSA UK operator members are required to meet industry standards covering areas including the facility, security, operating procedures, customer contracts and protection of stored goods.

Both Alliance sites have been inspected as part of our SSA UK membership, including inspections in 2023 and 2025.

We think membership is useful because it gives customers another level of reassurance that the operator is working to recognised industry standards.

Alliance’s Best Tip: Visit the site before you book.

Five minutes looking around a facility can tell you far more than an online advert. Check the actual unit, the ground it sits on, the lock protection, the entrance, the perimeter and the general condition of the site.

Quick checklist before booking self storage

Are the website photographs of the actual site?
Can you view the unit before booking?
Is the unit clean and well maintained?
Is it properly ventilated?
Is it raised away from damp ground?
Are the doors, seals and floor in good condition?
Is CCTV actively monitored?
How is customer access controlled?
Are suitable lock boxes and heavy-duty locks used?
Can you park close to the unit?
What are the genuine access hours?
What will the normal price be after any introductory offer?
Are there any additional charges?
How much notice is required when leaving?
What protection applies to your belongings?
Is the operator an SSA UK member?

6. How should you pack a storage unit?
Packing a storage unit properly can make a much bigger difference than most people expect.

The biggest mistake we see is customers assuming they need more space when they really need to use the space they already have better.

Before you start loading, get rid of anything you already know you do not want. There is no point paying storage costs for months or years for items that will eventually be thrown away.

Once you know what you are keeping, think about the order everything will go into the unit. The items you are least likely to need should generally go towards the back, while anything you may need regularly should stay closer to the front.

Use the height of the unit
One of the best ways to save space is to use the full height of the unit.

Our containers are around eight feet high, and strong shelving can completely change how much usable storage space you have.

We discovered this ourselves when we moved from a 160 sq ft unit into a 64 sq ft unit. By fitting heavy-duty shelving and using the height properly, we managed to fit around 90% of the contents of the larger unit into the smaller one.

That included six bikes, inflatable kayaks and equipment, skiing gear and a large car roof box.

Alliance’s Best Tip: Do not pay to store empty air.

If you are running out of room, look upwards before paying for a larger unit. Good shelving can often give you far more usable space than you expect.

Use strong shelving
For long-term storage, we recommend using decent heavy-duty shelving rather than cheap lightweight shelving.

The weight of boxes, tools or stock can add up quickly, and thin shelving can start to sag over time.

Good second-hand shelving can be a better option than cheap new shelving. Facebook Marketplace is often worth checking, and we have also used heavy-duty shelving from Costco ourselves.

Put the biggest items at the back
If you are moving house, start with the largest and bulkiest items.

Sofas, large furniture and other awkward items are usually best placed towards the back of the unit.

Where suitable, a sofa can often be stood carefully on its end to save floor space.

Once the larger items are in position, boxes and smaller belongings can be packed around them.

Heavy at the bottom, light at the top
Always put heavier boxes and stronger items at the bottom.

Lighter boxes should go above them so they are not crushed.

Mattresses and other bulky but lightweight items can often be placed safely towards the top once the heavier items are secure underneath.

Use proper boxes and label everything
Good boxes make stacking much easier and safer than loose bags or weak cartons.

Try to use similar-sized boxes where possible because they stack more neatly.

Label each box clearly before it goes into the unit. We recommend writing the contents and the room it belongs to on more than one side of the box.

What you unexpectedly need six months later will nearly always be in the box at the back with no label on it.

Leave yourself a route into the unit
If you are likely to need access while your belongings are in storage, leave a small passage down the middle or one side.

It may feel like you are wasting space at first, but it can save you from having to unload half the unit later just to reach one box.

If there are particular items you know you may need, keep them near the front or beside the access route.

Prepare appliances properly
Washing machines should be fully drained and allowed to dry before going into storage.

Fridges and freezers should be emptied, defrosted and completely dry, with the doors left slightly open so air can circulate.

This helps prevent mould and smells developing inside the appliance.

Protect furniture and fragile items
Covers can be useful for sofas, mattresses and other soft furnishings to protect against dust and accidental marks.

Mirrors, pictures and fragile items should be packed securely and positioned where they are not likely to be knocked or have heavy boxes placed against them.

If something is especially valuable or delicate, it is worth taking extra time to protect it rather than squeezing it into the last available gap.

Shipping Container Storage: An Honest Guide from a Self Storage Owner

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