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: October 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do not overpack the unit
A tightly packed unit may look efficient, but if items are unstable or boxes are leaning against the doors, it can create problems later.
Make sure stacks are secure and that nothing is likely to fall when the doors are opened.
If you genuinely need more space, it is better to use a second unit than to create an unsafe stack.
Alliance’s Best Tip: Pack for the storage period you might have, not just the one you expect.
Customers often plan to store for a few weeks and end up staying much longer. Pack the unit so you can still find and reach things if your plans change.
Quick packing checklist
- Clear out unwanted items before moving into storage.
- Put rarely needed items towards the back.
- Use strong shelving where possible.
- Make use of the full height of the unit.
- Put bulky furniture in first.
- Stand suitable sofas on end if safe to do so.
- Put heavy boxes at the bottom.
- Put lighter items above.
- Use strong, stackable boxes.
- Label boxes clearly on more than one side.
- Leave a small access route.
- Keep frequently needed items near the front.
- Fully drain washing machines.
- Defrost and dry fridges and freezers.
- Leave appliance doors slightly open.
- Protect soft furnishings and fragile items.
- Make sure stacks are stable and safe.
7. How much storage space do you need?
Choosing the right size storage unit can be difficult if you have never used self storage before.
One of the most common things we see is customers thinking they need more space than they actually do.
It is understandable. When the contents of a house are spread across several rooms, cupboards, a garage and a shed, it can look like an enormous amount of belongings. Once everything is boxed properly and stacked efficiently inside one storage unit, it often takes up much less space than expected.
From our experience, a well-packed 160 sq ft storage unit can accommodate the contents of many three or four-bedroom homes. The key words there are well packed. The way the unit is loaded can make a huge difference.
Do not automatically book more space than you need
If a customer tells us they think they may need two units, we will often suggest starting with one.
Where availability allows, we can hold another unit nearby while they start unloading. If everything fits into the first unit, great — the customer has saved themselves the cost of renting a second one.
If they genuinely need more room, we can allocate the additional unit very quickly.
We would much rather help somebody use one unit properly than rent them space they do not actually need.
Alliance’s Best Tip: Start with the smallest space you realistically think will work.
Good stacking, proper boxes and using the full height of the unit can save a surprising amount of floor space. If you are unsure, speak to the storage company before automatically choosing the next size up.
Think about cubic space, not just floor space
Storage units are normally advertised by their floor area, but you are also paying for all the space above your head.
Our units are around eight feet high, so there is a lot of usable storage space vertically.
This is why shelving and sensible stacking are so important.
We experienced this ourselves when we moved our own belongings from a 160 sq ft unit into a 64 sq ft unit. After fitting heavy-duty shelving and making much better use of the height, we managed to fit around 90% of the contents of the larger unit into the smaller space.
That included six bicycles, inflatable kayaks and equipment, skiing equipment and a large car roof box.
It completely changed how we looked at storage space.
Clear out before you calculate your storage size
Before deciding how much storage you need, work out what is actually worth storing.
If you already know that an old sofa, broken furniture or boxes of unwanted belongings are going to be thrown away eventually, there is little point paying to store them first.
Customers who have been with us for a long time sometimes ask to move into a larger unit because their existing one is full.
Quite often, once they go through everything, dispose of things they no longer need and reorganise the unit with shelving, they discover they already have enough room.
Paying for storage should be about keeping the things you genuinely want or need — not paying every month to postpone a trip to the recycling centre.
How you pack makes a huge difference
Two customers can put exactly the same amount of belongings into completely different-sized units simply because one has packed more efficiently.
You can make better use of the space by:
- Using strong, similar-sized boxes that stack safely.
- Putting heavy boxes at the bottom.
- Using shelving for smaller items, stock or tools.
- Making use of the full height of the unit.
- Standing suitable furniture on end where it is safe to do so.
- Putting bulky items towards the back.
- Filling sensible gaps without making stacks unstable.
- Keeping frequently needed items close to the front.
- Leaving a narrow access route if you expect to visit regularly.
Think about how you will use the unit
The smallest possible unit is not always the right answer.
If everything fits but you need to unload half the unit every time you want a box from the back, a little extra space may be worthwhile.
A house mover who is storing everything for four weeks and will only open the doors again when moving out can normally pack much more tightly.
A business customer visiting several times a week may be better leaving wider access between shelving and stock.
Think about whether the unit is simply somewhere to hold your belongings or whether you will actually be working from it and regularly accessing things.
Do not choose a size based only on a room count
Storage size guides often say that a particular unit is suitable for a certain number of bedrooms.
These guides are useful as a starting point, but every household is different.
One three-bedroom house might contain relatively little furniture, while another could have a garage, loft, shed, garden furniture, bikes and years of possessions.
Instead of relying completely on a bedroom count, tell the storage company what you actually need to store.
Photos or a quick video can also help an experienced storage operator recommend a suitable size.
Alliance’s Best Tip: Ask for advice before booking a bigger unit.
If you are between two sizes, speak to us. We would rather help you pack the smaller unit properly and save you money than automatically recommend the larger one.
Quick storage-size checklist
Before deciding on a unit size, ask yourself:
- What am I definitely keeping?
- What can I sell, donate or dispose of first?
- Can the furniture be stacked safely?
- Can suitable items be stood on end?
- Will shelving help?
- Am I using the full height of the unit?
- Do I need regular access?
- Do I need an aisle through the unit?
- Will I be adding more belongings later?
- Am I choosing extra space because I genuinely need it or simply because I am unsure?
If you are still uncertain, show the storage company what you need to store and ask for advice. An experienced operator should be able to help you choose a suitable unit rather than simply trying to sell you the largest space available.
8. Storage for moving home
Moving home is one of the main reasons people come to us for storage, and it is also one of the most stressful times to get the size, packing and access wrong.
Some customers only need storage for a few weeks between completing on one property and moving into the next. Others end up storing for several months because a purchase falls through, renovation work takes longer than expected or their plans simply change.
The biggest thing we have learned is that making storage easy on moving day can take a lot of pressure out of the process.
Drive-up storage can make moving day much easier
When you are moving the contents of an entire house, the distance between the removals van and the storage unit matters.
At a drive-up site, the removals vehicle can normally park directly outside the unit. Furniture and boxes can go straight from the van into storage rather than being loaded onto trolleys, taken through corridors or carried in lifts.
That can save a considerable amount of time on what is already usually a long day.
K&L Removals, who have moved hundreds of Alliance customers over the years, tell us that they can often charge around 20% less when goods are going into drive-up storage compared with an indoor facility because less time is spent carrying and moving the belongings between the vehicle and the unit.
Every move is different, so this should be treated as a general estimate rather than a guaranteed saving, but it shows why access can have a real effect on the overall cost of moving.
Clear out before moving into storage
Moving house is one of the best opportunities to decide what you genuinely want to keep.
There is very little point paying somebody to move an item into storage, paying to store it for several months and then paying to move it again if you already know you no longer want it.
Before moving day, try to:
- Sell anything worth selling.
- Donate usable items you no longer need.
- Recycle or dispose of broken and unwanted items.
- Separate anything that will definitely be needed during the storage period.
The less unnecessary stuff you move, the smaller the storage unit you may need and the lower your removals costs can be.
Alliance’s Best Tip: Do the clear-out before the removals van arrives.
Paying to transport and store something you already know you are going to throw away is wasted money twice.
Label boxes properly
When everything is packed into a storage unit, boxes that looked completely different around the house can suddenly all look the same.
Label each box clearly with both the contents and the room it belongs to.
Instead of simply writing:
"Kitchen"
something like:
"Kitchen – kettle, mugs, plates and toaster"
is much more useful if you unexpectedly need something.
It is also worth putting labels on more than one side of the box so you can still read them after everything has been stacked.
Keep important items close to the front
Before loading the unit, think about what you might need while your belongings are in storage.
Things such as:
- Important documents.
- Children's belongings.
- Seasonal clothes.
- Tools.
- Work equipment.
- Cleaning supplies.
- Bedding.
- Kitchen essentials.
should not be buried behind an entire house full of furniture if there is a reasonable chance you will need them.
What you suddenly need always seems to be at the back of the unit.
Leaving a small access route through the middle can save a huge amount of work later.
Put large furniture in first
For most house moves, we recommend putting the largest and bulkiest items towards the back of the unit first.
Suitable sofas can often be stood carefully on end to save valuable floor space.
Large furniture can then be used as the starting point for arranging boxes and smaller items around it.
Heavy boxes should stay lower down, with lighter belongings stacked above.
Mattresses and other lighter bulky items can often be positioned safely towards the top once the heavier contents are securely packed underneath.
Make sure appliances are completely dry
Washing machines should be fully drained before they go into storage.
Fridges and freezers should be emptied, defrosted and completely dried, with the doors left slightly open while stored.
This is particularly important if your belongings may remain in storage for longer than planned.
A move that was supposed to take four weeks can easily become four months, so pack everything as though it may stay there longer than you expect.
Do not automatically book two units
Customers sometimes arrive convinced that the contents of their house will require two storage units.
Where we have availability, we often suggest starting with one and holding another nearby while they unload.
If everything fits into the first unit, the customer saves the cost of renting the second one.
If they genuinely need more room, we can allocate the additional unit very quickly.
A well-packed unit can hold much more than people expect.
Think about access during the move
Not every house move goes exactly to plan.
Completion dates can change, builders can run late and temporary accommodation can last longer than expected.
Before filling the unit completely, think about whether there is anything you could realistically need during that period.
If there is, keep it near the front and leave enough room to reach it.
Using a removals company familiar with the storage site
A removals company that has used the storage facility before already knows how to access the site, where vehicles can park and how the units are laid out.
We have worked with K&L Removals since 2017 and they have moved hundreds of Alliance customers.
There is no obligation to use them, but we recommend them because we know the standard of their work and they are very familiar with both our storage sites.
Customers are also welcome to use their own removals company or move everything themselves.
Alliance’s Best Tip: Pack for the move you might have, not just the move you expect.
House moves change. Completion dates move, chains break and renovations run late. Pack and organise the unit so you can still reach important belongings if your storage period becomes longer than planned.
Moving-home storage checklist
- Clear out unwanted belongings before moving day.
- Choose the smallest suitable storage unit.
- Use strong, stackable boxes.
- Label boxes with the room and contents.
- Put rarely needed belongings towards the back.
- Keep important items near the front.
- Leave an access route if you may need to visit.
- Load bulky furniture first.
- Put heavy boxes below lighter ones.
- Use the full height safely.
- Drain washing machines completely.
- Defrost and dry fridges and freezers.
- Leave appliance doors slightly open.
- Consider the loading distance when choosing a storage site.
- Pack as though your belongings may remain in storage longer than expected.
A little planning before moving day can make storage much easier to use and can save both time and money.
9. Storage for businesses and tradespeople
Around half of our customers are businesses, and drive-up storage can be an extremely practical way to create extra space without taking on a larger commercial property.
We have customers ranging from general builders, electricians, plumbers and plasterers to wedding planners, sound engineers and businesses storing printed products and stock.
For many small businesses, the biggest advantage is flexibility. They can rent the space they need now and increase or reduce it as the business changes.
Why businesses use self storage
Businesses normally come to us for one of a few reasons:
- They have outgrown the garage, spare room or home office.
- They need somewhere secure for tools and equipment.
- They have more stock than usual.
- They have seasonal items that are only used part of the year.
- They need temporary space while moving premises.
- They want additional storage without committing to a larger industrial unit.
For a growing business, storage can provide useful extra space without taking on the cost and long-term commitment of another commercial property.
Drive-up access makes a big difference
For businesses that visit regularly, being able to park directly outside the unit is one of the biggest advantages.
A tradesperson can pull up in a van, collect the tools or materials needed for that day's jobs and get back on the road.
A business holding stock can load and unload deliveries without carrying boxes through corridors or waiting for lifts.
That can save a lot of time when the unit is being used several times every week.
Keeping expensive tools out of vans overnight
Tool theft from vans is a major concern for tradespeople.
Builders, electricians, plumbers and plasterers can carry thousands of pounds' worth of tools and equipment in their vehicles, and leaving everything in the van overnight can make it an attractive target.
A drive-up storage unit gives tradespeople somewhere convenient to unload valuable tools at the end of the day and load them again when needed.
The storage unit should not replace sensible business insurance or tool insurance, but it can reduce the amount of expensive equipment left unattended in a vehicle overnight.
Alliance's Best Tip: Make the unit part of your working day.
If you are going to use storage regularly for tools or stock, organise it so that you can pull up, find what you need and leave quickly. A well-organised unit should save you time rather than create another job.
Shelving is probably the best investment a business customer can make
For business storage, our biggest piece of advice is to fit shelving.
Without shelving, stock and equipment tends to spread across the floor and valuable space above it is wasted.
Good heavy-duty shelving lets you use the full height of the unit and makes it much easier to organise tools, materials and stock.
We normally recommend proper commercial or heavy-duty shelving for long-term use. Good second-hand shelving can often be better value than cheap lightweight shelving that may start to sag once it has been loaded for months.
Label shelves and boxes clearly so that anybody authorised to use the unit can find what they need quickly.
A real example of a local business growing with storage
A local business that started with one storage unit at Alliance.
As the business grew, it expanded into two units and then three.
It has since grown again and moved into an industrial unit of its own.
That is exactly the kind of business journey we enjoy being part of. Storage gave the company flexible additional space while it was growing, without forcing it to move into larger premises before it was ready.
Self storage will not be the right long-term solution for every growing company, but it can provide a useful stepping stone between working from home and taking on dedicated commercial premises.
Storage for sudden increases in stock
Businesses do not always grow in a straight line.
A large order, seasonal demand or an opportunity to purchase stock at a good price can suddenly create a need for more space.
Short-term storage can allow a business to take advantage of that opportunity without permanently increasing its property costs.
Once the extra stock has been sold or the busy period has passed, the storage can be reduced again.
That flexibility is one of the reasons many businesses stay with us longer than they originally expected.
Think about access before choosing a site
A business customer should think differently from somebody storing the contents of a house.
If you are likely to visit several times a week, ask:
- Can I park immediately outside the unit?
- What are the access hours?
- Will those hours suit the way my business operates?
- How quickly can staff get in and out?
- Can authorised staff members access the site?
- Is access recorded?
- Can deliveries be managed easily?
- Is there enough space around the unit to load a van safely?
A slightly cheaper unit can quickly become frustrating if every visit takes much longer than it should.
Keep the unit organised as the business grows
One of the easiest mistakes is allowing a business unit to become a dumping ground.
Stock arrives, tools get put down wherever there is space and eventually nobody knows what is actually inside.
Regularly review what is being stored.
Get rid of obsolete stock, broken tools, empty packaging and anything the business no longer needs.
If the unit becomes full, reorganise it before automatically moving into a larger one.
We regularly find that shelving and a good clear-out can create much more space than expected.
Do not store prohibited or dangerous items
Business customers need to pay particular attention to what is being stored.
Fuel, gas bottles, hazardous chemicals and other items that create a significant fire risk should not be placed into a standard self storage unit.
If you are unsure whether a product or material can be stored, ask the storage operator before bringing it onto the site.
We would much rather answer the question beforehand than discover an unsuitable item later.
Alliance's Best Tip: Treat your storage unit like a small warehouse.
Use proper shelving, keep an inventory where practical, label everything and remove stock you no longer need. The more organised the unit is, the more useful it becomes to the business.
Business storage checklist
- Choose a site with convenient vehicle access.
- Check that the access hours suit the business.
- Use strong shelving.
- Label stock, tools and equipment clearly.
- Keep frequently used items near the front.
- Make use of the full height of the unit.
- Keep access routes clear.
- Review old stock regularly.
- Remove obsolete or damaged items.
- Avoid leaving expensive tools in vans unnecessarily.
- Make sure staff who need access are properly authorised.
- Check how site access is controlled and recorded.
- Do not store prohibited or hazardous materials.
- Review whether the unit is still the right size as the business changes.
For many small businesses, self storage is not simply somewhere to leave boxes. Used properly, it can become a flexible extension of the business without the cost and commitment of taking on larger premises.
- What cannot be stored?
Most normal household belongings, furniture, tools, stock and business equipment can be stored safely in a self storage unit.
There are, however, some items that should never be placed into storage because they create a fire, safety or contamination risk.
At Alliance, the main rule is simple: do not store anything dangerous, illegal or likely to create a risk to the site, other customers or their belongings.
Fuel and flammable liquids
Petrol, diesel and other fuels should not be stored inside a self storage unit.
This also applies to containers of fuel kept for machinery, generators, garden equipment or vehicles.
Even relatively small quantities can create a significant fire risk.
If you are storing equipment that normally contains fuel, make sure it has been drained appropriately before it comes into storage.
Gas bottles and pressurised cylinders
Gas bottles should not be stored in our units.
This includes items such as LPG, propane and butane cylinders.
Pressurised and flammable gases can create a serious risk if they leak, are damaged or are exposed to fire.
If you are unsure about a particular cylinder or pressurised item, ask us before bringing it onto the site.
Paint and hazardous chemicals
Paint, solvents, thinners and hazardous chemicals should not be stored where they could create a fire or contamination risk.
Tradespeople in particular should check what is left inside toolboxes and vans before moving equipment into storage.
Products that are perfectly normal to carry for work may not be suitable for long-term storage inside a unit.
Batteries and items that create a fire risk
Some batteries can present a significant fire risk, particularly if they are damaged, incorrectly stored or left connected to equipment.
Customers should not store batteries or battery-powered equipment where doing so creates a fire risk.
If you are unsure about a particular battery, vehicle battery, power-tool battery or piece of equipment, speak to us before putting it into the unit.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes
Motorbike storage depends on which Alliance site you are using.
At our Moreton site, we cannot allow motorbikes to be stored due to our insurance requirements.
Motorbike storage is permitted at our Birkenhead site, subject to our normal storage terms and the bike being suitable for storage.
If you need to store a motorbike, speak to us before booking so we can make sure you are allocated a suitable unit at Birkenhead.
Food and perishable goods
Food should not be stored in our units.
Apart from the obvious problem of food deteriorating, it can attract insects and vermin and create smells or contamination.
This is particularly important for business customers who may be using their unit for stock. If the goods are perishable or require a controlled temperature, a standard self storage container is not the right place for them.
Anything wet or likely to cause mould
This is slightly different from a prohibited item, but it is worth repeating.
Do not put wet furniture, damp outdoor equipment, wet tents, bouncy castles or other moisture-filled items into storage and then close the doors.
Allow everything to dry properly first.
A good storage container cannot remove large amounts of moisture that have been brought inside with the belongings.
Alliance's Best Tip: If you are unsure, ask before you store it.
It is much easier for us to answer a question before an item arrives than to discover something unsuitable after it has been placed inside the unit.
If you are storing business equipment, chemicals, batteries or anything unusual, tell us what it is and we will advise whether it can be accepted.
Fire safety is everyone's responsibility
We invest heavily in CCTV, monitoring, security and maintaining our storage units, but fire prevention also depends on customers following the storage rules.
One prohibited item inside one unit can potentially put far more than that customer's own belongings at risk.
This is why we take restrictions on fuel, gas bottles, hazardous products and other fire risks seriously.
Quick checklist: items to check before storing
Do not place the following into an Alliance storage unit without first confirming that they are permitted:
- Petrol, diesel or other fuel.
- Gas bottles or flammable pressurised cylinders.
- Paint, solvents or hazardous chemicals.
- Batteries or equipment presenting a significant fire risk.
- Food or perishable goods.
- Anything likely to attract pests or cause contamination.
- Wet or damp belongings that could introduce significant moisture.
- Anything illegal or unsafe.
This is not intended to replace the full Storage Agreement. Our terms contain the definitive rules governing what can and cannot be stored.
If you are unsure about any item, contact us before bringing it to the site.
11. StoreProtect and protecting your belongings
Security is our number one priority, but no storage company can honestly say that nothing could ever go wrong.
Fire, storm damage, water ingress, theft following forcible entry and other unexpected events are all reasons why customers should think about how their belongings would be protected while they are in storage.
At Alliance, we offer StoreProtect.
What is StoreProtect?
StoreProtect is not an insurance policy that Alliance sells to the customer.
It is an enhanced contractual liability arrangement provided through our Storage Agreement and StoreProtect Addendum.
When StoreProtect is selected and you declare the value of your belongings, Alliance agrees to accept a higher level of liability for qualifying physical loss or damage while your goods are in storage, subject to the terms, limits, conditions and exclusions of the agreement.
Alliance maintains its own Customers' Goods Liability insurance through specialist self storage broker Basil Fry & Company to support the contractual liabilities we accept.
Why is the declared value important?
When arranging StoreProtect, customers are asked to declare the full replacement value of everything being stored.
That means thinking about what it would cost to replace the contents today, rather than what you think the belongings might sell for second-hand.
It is easy to underestimate how quickly the value adds up.
Furniture, televisions, appliances, clothing, tools, bikes, sports equipment and boxes of household belongings might not seem individually expensive, but the replacement cost of an entire storage unit can become significant.
It is therefore important to give an honest and realistic value.
Alliance's Best Tip: Do not guess the value of a full storage unit.
Take a few minutes to think through the contents properly. Imagine having to replace everything in the unit following one incident and work from there.
When does StoreProtect apply?
StoreProtect applies while qualifying belongings are inside the storage unit, subject to the agreement.
It does not ordinarily protect belongings while you are transporting them to or from the storage facility or while you are loading and unloading them yourself.
If you are using a removals company, ask them what protection they provide while your belongings are in their care and during transportation.
This is another reason we recommend using a reputable removals company rather than assuming the storage company's arrangements automatically cover every stage of the move.
StoreProtect does not replace sensible storage
Protection should never be treated as a substitute for packing belongings properly.
For example, problems caused by mould, mildew, atmospheric conditions, gradual deterioration or belongings being put into storage wet may not be protected in the same way as sudden physical damage caused by a qualifying event.
That is why the advice throughout this guide still matters:
- Put belongings into storage completely dry.
- Defrost and dry fridges and freezers.
- Drain washing machines.
- Pack fragile items properly.
- Use strong boxes.
- Do not store prohibited items.
- Tell us if you notice anything unusual with your unit.
Good storage practice and appropriate protection should work together.
Is StoreProtect compulsory?
We recommend that customers consider suitable protection for their belongings, but StoreProtect is not compulsory at Alliance.
Our online booking system currently includes StoreProtect during the booking process. If you do not want StoreProtect, contact us and we can remove it from your booking.
If StoreProtect is removed, different liability terms will apply under your Storage Agreement, so make sure you understand those terms and consider whether you have suitable alternative protection for your belongings.
What is not covered?
StoreProtect is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions, so it should never be described as covering absolutely everything.
Certain belongings and types of loss may be excluded or restricted.
This is particularly important for:
- Cash and certain financial items.
- Valuable precious metals or stones.
- Perishable goods.
- Items requiring a controlled environment.
- Illegal or dangerous goods.
- Weapons and explosives.
- Mould, mildew and some atmospheric damage.
- Wear and tear or gradual deterioration.
- Certain electronic data and documents.
The full Storage Agreement and StoreProtect Addendum should always be read before relying on the protection provided.
What should you do if something happens?
If you discover damage or loss, contact us as soon as possible.
Do not dispose of damaged belongings before speaking to us, as photographs, receipts or other evidence may be needed.
Where appropriate, we will help explain the next steps and how the matter should be reported.
Alliance's Best Tip: Protection is there for the unexpected, not the preventable.
Choose a good-quality storage unit, pack properly, keep everything dry and follow the storage rules. StoreProtect then provides an additional level of protection for qualifying events that are outside your control.
For full details, limits and exclusions, always refer to the current Storage Agreement and StoreProtect Addendum.
12.Frequently asked questions
Do shipping containers get damp?
A well-maintained, properly ventilated shipping container that is raised off damp ground should not automatically suffer from damp problems.
At Alliance, our one-trip units have around 12 ventilation points, 30mm treated bamboo flooring and are raised on concrete pads. The most important thing customers can do is make sure everything goes into storage completely dry.
Can I store furniture in a shipping container?
Yes. We have many customers storing sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables and other household furniture.
Furniture should be clean and completely dry before going into storage. Covers can be used to protect soft furnishings from dust and accidental marks.
Can I store mattresses in a container?
Yes.
Make sure the mattress is completely dry before storage and consider using a suitable protective cover. When packing the unit, mattresses can often be positioned safely towards the top because they are relatively lightweight.
Are shipping containers waterproof?
Modern shipping containers are designed to keep weather out, but the condition of the individual unit matters.
Before booking, check the roof, doors and seals and look for signs of previous water ingress. A reputable storage company should regularly inspect and maintain its units.
At Alliance, our units are inspected at least every three months and are also checked and cleaned between customers.
How secure is shipping container storage?
The steel container itself provides a strong physical barrier, but good storage security should work in layers.
Look for controlled access, a secure perimeter, CCTV monitoring, protective lock boxes and suitable heavy-duty padlocks.
At Alliance, Moreton has 24/7 specialist CCTV monitoring and phone-controlled access. Birkenhead has a security team physically on site 24 hours a day, supported by CCTV and regular patrols.
How much can I fit into a 160 sq ft storage unit?
A well-packed 160 sq ft unit can accommodate the contents of many three or four-bedroom homes, although every household is different.
Good boxes, shelving and using the full height of the unit can make a huge difference.
If you are unsure about the size you need, speak to us before automatically choosing a larger unit.
Should I use shelving in my storage unit?
For many customers, especially businesses and anyone storing long term, shelving is one of the best investments you can make.
It allows you to use the full height of the unit and makes belongings much easier to organise and access.
We moved our own belongings from a 160 sq ft unit into a 64 sq ft unit and managed to fit around 90% of the contents into the smaller unit after fitting heavy-duty shelving.
Should fridge and freezer doors be left open in storage?
Yes.
Fridges and freezers should be fully emptied, defrosted and completely dried before they go into storage.
Leaving the doors slightly open allows air to circulate inside and helps prevent mould and unpleasant smells.
Can washing machines go into storage?
Yes, but they should be completely drained first.
Water can remain inside the drum, pump, filter and hoses, so allow the appliance to dry properly before placing it into the unit.
Is drive-up storage better than indoor storage?
For many household, business and tradesperson customers, we believe drive-up storage is more convenient because you can park directly outside the unit.
That can make moving furniture, tools and stock much quicker.
Indoor storage may be a better choice if you only need a very small locker, require specialist climate-controlled storage or want services such as parcel handling or a postbox.
The best option depends on what you are storing and how often you need access.
Can businesses use shipping-container storage?
Yes. Around half of our customers are businesses.
We have customers including builders, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, wedding businesses, sound engineers and companies storing stock and equipment.
Drive-up storage works particularly well for businesses because vehicles can normally park immediately outside the unit.
Can I store tools in a container?
Yes, subject to the normal storage terms.
Drive-up units are popular with tradespeople because expensive tools and equipment can be unloaded from vans and stored securely rather than being left in vehicles overnight.
For business storage, we strongly recommend using heavy-duty shelving to keep tools and equipment organised.
Can I store a motorbike?
This depends on the Alliance location.
Motorbikes cannot be stored at our Moreton site because of our insurance requirements.
Motorbike storage is available at our Birkenhead site, subject to the normal storage terms. If you need motorbike storage, contact us before booking so we can make sure you are allocated a suitable unit.
What items cannot be stored?
Examples include fuel, gas bottles, hazardous chemicals, certain batteries or equipment that creates a fire risk, food and perishable goods, illegal items and anything likely to cause infestation or contamination.
There are additional restrictions within our Storage Agreement, so if you are unsure about a particular item, ask us before bringing it onto the site.
Do I need protection for my belongings?
We recommend that customers think carefully about how their belongings would be protected if an unexpected incident occurred.
Alliance offers StoreProtect, which is an enhanced contractual liability arrangement rather than an insurance policy sold directly to the customer.
StoreProtect is subject to declared value, limits, terms and exclusions. Customers should read the current Storage Agreement and StoreProtect Addendum before deciding what protection is appropriate.
How long can I keep a storage unit?
Many customers originally expect to store for a few weeks or months and end up staying much longer because they find the extra space useful.
Alliance offers flexible storage rather than expecting customers to know exactly how long they will need the unit from day one.
Check the current Storage Agreement for notice requirements and the terms applying to your booking.
Should I visit a storage site before booking?
Where possible, yes.
We recommend viewing the actual site and unit or asking the operator for a current video if you cannot visit.
Check the condition of the container, ventilation, flooring, doors, lock protection, access arrangements and general security.
A storage company should be happy to show customers exactly what they are paying for.