Why People Rent Storage Units & Most Common Sizes

There are over 2,200 self-storage sites in the UK, covering an impressive landmass of 55.5 million sq ft. But, if you’ve never used one, you may wonder what all the fuss is about. Read our guide to learn more about why people rent storage units and the most common sizes available.

What is a storage unit?

Storage units are secure spaces you can hire to store your belongings. It’s that simple. Not just for domestic use, small businesses and sole traders also leverage them for their equipment and products.

Why do people rent storage units?

There are an abundance of reasons people rent storage units. It’s not just for people downsizing!

Downsizing or moving house

By far the most common reason for hiring storage is downsizing or moving house! If you’re between moves or can’t bear to let go of furniture pieces and items that have been in your home for years, storage means you don’t have to get rid of anything you don’t want. It also means you can avoid clutter in your new abode—a win-win scenario.

Relocating offices

Not just for domestic use, businesses can also use storage units for their office equipment and documents with secure, GDPR-compliant archiving. If you’re moving offices and need space for your equipment while you get settled, or you’re downsizing but don’t want to get rid of furniture straight away, storage could be an ideal, affordable solution.

Students and gap years

For students, you can save money by placing your belongings into storage, rather than renting a room through the summer. It’s particularly useful if you don’t have access to a vehicle to transport your belongings if you’re heading back to your hometown for the summer. For gap years or semesters abroad, it’s also a great way to securely stash away your personal items without having to give them away or take up space in a reluctant friend’s house!

Accommodating for life events

Having a baby or having a relative stay for a while? A storage unit is a great way to declutter and make space for your new arrival or guest. If you don’t have a loft, spare room, or lack cupboard space at home, a storage unit could be the ideal place to stash away bulkier seasonal items. Think Christmas decorations, garden furniture, or even ski or hiking gear.

Storing excess business equipment and inventory

Working as a sole trader or having excess stock from your e-commerce business venture? A storage unit is a safe and secure space to stash away your equipment or stock. With storage providers, such as 1st Access, you can get 24/7 access to your storage unit, making it a suitable option for busy business owners.

Storing collector items and hobby paraphernalia

If you’re an avid collector of items, such as board games, DVDs, books, antiques, toys, or decor, you may quickly lose space in your home for these items. However, if you’ve invested a lot of money and sentiment into these items, that doesn’t mean you want to part ways with these items. Instead, why not place them into storage? They’re out of sight, safe and sound until you want to use them again or sell them on for a profit.

What are the different sizes of storage units?

We have a unit size for every purpose, from a house move or office relocation to small-scale storage for on-the-side business operations and hobbies. The most popular self-storage options available include:

25 Sq Ft Storage Unit: Quarter of a garage.
75 Sq Ft Storage Unit: One-bedroom apartment.
125 Sq Ft Storage Unit: Two-bedroom home.
150 Sq Ft Storage Unit: Three-bedroom home.
175 Sq Ft Storage Unit: Four-bedroom home.
200 Sq Ft Storage Unit: Five-bedroom home.

Could you benefit from renting storage?

Once you’re confident of the unit size you require, you can fill out the quick and easy online form on our website to get your free, no-obligation quote. 1st Access has all the storage facilities you need right in the heart of Peterborough. Plus, we offer a move-in and move-out service, so you don’t have to worry about getting your items from A to B.