Are storage units still open in the UK? Can you access yours? What safety precautions should you be taking? We’ve answered all your questions here.
When it comes to self-storage units in the UK, we’ve had a look into the announcements made by the biggest facilities across the country to keep you fully updated about the general consensus when it comes to using self-storage.
Are self-storage facilities still open?
Yes, the large majority of self-storage facilities are still open. So, if you have items stored at a storage unit, you will still be able to access them.
Most facilities have adjusted their opening hours and general policies of operation to keep their employees and all customers safe. These policies include added hand-washing facilities, automating entry and exit procedures wherever possible, intensified cleaning of commonly touched areas, and online reservations to minimize contact.
Should I visit my storage unit?
Currently, people in the UK are advised to stay home to help protect the NHS and save lives.
People should only really be leaving the house for basic necessities, one form of exercise per day, a medical need, and travelling to and from work where necessary.
Visiting your storage unit is therefore discouraged – you should only be visiting your unit if it is absolutely essential.
Can people still rent a storage unit?
The majority of storage providers are open to new customers, and have automated their systems so that units can be rented online and accessed without needing to come into contact with staff members.
Inside Self Storage reported that searches for self-storage facilities in the UK have actually increased by 21% in March versus the same month last year, according to Google Trends.
In the same article, Marc Studholme, managing director of Storage World, reported that there is currently a 90/10 split between domestic and business customers, whereas there is usually a 50/50 split.
This is likely to be because people are in need of more space in their homes due to self-isolation, although many business owners may be looking for a storage unit to get stock & equipment not currently in use safely stored away.
Thankfully, we haven’t seen any cases of people in the UK being found to have used a storage unit to stockpile toilet roll and hand-sanitize – yet!
Self-storage and insurance
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, accidents and unexpected incidents and still happen, which is why it’s important to always have the right insurance policy to protect your belongings.
Starting from just £13.49 a year, and covering theft, floods, pests, fire, and more, 99% of customers save more buying their storage insurance with us than they do with inhouse policies.