Self storage has become a very popular option for storing your goods when you are "in between" houses or have an excess of goods you don't want to part with but cannot store at home . Domestic self storage is the lower cost, DIY solution, where you supply the "umpff" .... by moving the goods to be stored yourselves (or arranging a removals or delivery service to assist) and we, the Storage Warehouse, supplies the storage space.

The type and amount of storage space you require will depend largely on the type of things you are storing, how much you want to store and whether you need access to the stored goods.

Smooth Store offer 2 main storage options to try and fit the bill!

Our traditional Container System has been the removals industry's favourite storage method for many years. It is based on a standard wooden crate or container measuring 5 foot wide by 7 foot deep by 7 foot tall. The container floor space is 35 square foot and the volume is 250 cubic feet.

Correctly filled these will hold the contents of an average bedroom (the boxed possessions as well as the main furniture). An average 3 bedroomed semi will require you to hire 4 or 5 storage containers, a one bedroomed flat is usually 2 containers. (see big list here).

Once filled the storage container can be easily fork-lifted and stacked one on top of another, saving warehouse floor space and making this a very good value storage option - some would even call it the cheap storage solution. Clients are sometimes anxious that moving the container may cause problems to the goods inside. But this is not the case as long as customers make use of the free coverings we provide to protect items and stack items securely to minimise movement. The crates are handled very carefully with our forklift truck and the warehouse floor is extremely smooth.

You may access the storage containers by arrangement. There is no charge for access during our normal business times and we guarantee access within 24 hours. Same-day access will be willingly accommodated if we have a suitably trained staff member at the warehouse to get the storage container(s) down.

Accessing items in these units may not be very easy, as if something is located right at the back, everything in front must be taken out to get to it. We allow clients floor space around any storage units they are opening for this reason.

Most of our domestic storage clients only want to access there storage if they have accidentally packed items they later require or something changes and they need access to equipment they thought they would not need. If you feel some items are more likely to be required then it makes sense to leave them nearer the front of a container, make an inventory of what goes into each storage container you use or put all such items into one particular crate. But you do have to be a bit of the organised sort to do that!!

Access is generally required more by business clients accessing stock or similar.

This crate storage system is great but does not suit all clients, for a number of reasons. Some people just prefer the idea of their own fixed, immovable storage room, securely lockable and accessible with the minimum of fuss.

Our Steel Rooms fit this bill! TO BE CONTINUED.