Self-storage is an increasingly fashionable concept, given the flexibility and autonomy it offers clients. In this sense, it’s an option that can prove ideal from a functional and financial point of view, by rationalizing costs in relation to actual use.
The term Self Storage is short for Self-service storage. It therefore implies a degree of autonomy for the client, who is free to manage their storage in the way that suits them best, when it suits them best and with high levels of privacy.
In the Self Storage concept, most operators can access the space any day of the week and at any time of the day. Generally, contracts involve a minimum period of one month, which is of course renewable, but there is great flexibility to adapt to the client’s specific needs. The aim is to provide total flexibility for the end user, both in the duration of the contract and in the storage capacity of the space itself.
Self-storage can serve private or family needs, but it can also be an excellent option for corporate businesses. This is precisely why operators offer a wide range of options in terms of the capacity and type of storage space.
What to look for in a Self Storage unit?
- Security – Look for an operator who guarantees maximum security, not just for your unit in particular, but for the entire storage space. It should be equipped with video surveillance and alarm systems. Your unit should also be “watertight” with an exclusive access system.
- Cleanliness – A good operator must ensure that the access space is constantly sanitized, well lit and adequately ventilated.
- Personalized service – The concept of Self Storage is very much about individualizing the storage space, which, during the contract period, is ours exclusively. But unexpected situations can always arise. Make sure that your supplier is always available to help you.
- Location – Of course, location will be a determining factor. Look for a warehouse that makes sense from this point of view, which you can access quickly and easily.
- Accessibility – It’s important that the warehouse space has good access, both externally and on internal circuits. Make sure there is equipment to transport the boxes or even direct access from the vehicle to the box door. When it comes to storage, the logistics process is the most important issue.
- Service hours – Also look for an operator that guarantees full access at all times. This can be important. Basically, while you are renting the space, it is yours and you should be able to manage it in the best way, both in terms of storage options and the times you want to do it. That’s why at Perfect Space we guarantee 24/7 access, i.e. at any time of the day, every day of the week, including Sundays and public holidays.
High flexibility
Flexibility is one of the fundamental requirements for a business like this. In addition to variability in terms of space capacity and price, operators also diversify their offer, responding not only to more traditional demand, but also to certain market niches. This is the case with Perfect Space, which in Lisbon has a specific service for storing bicycles, for example.
Self-storage spaces, precisely to respond to different usage profiles, come in a wide variety of types. They can range from a mere 1m3 locker to large-capacity boxes of around 70 square meters. In this way, different needs are covered and customers can decide which solution is best for them.
Guarantees for the user
Although we are talking about a very flexible and autonomous model, each market operator adopts the best practices for this sector of activity. At Perfect Space, for example, all assets are covered by multi-risk insurance of up to 5,000 euros at the time of contracting.
In addition, it is also the operator’s job to ensure the physical security of the space. It must be equipped with internal CCTV circuits (surveillance cameras), as well as anti-intrusion alarms.
Each Self Storage unit must be locked at all times and only accessible by individual key/access code. In some cases, biometric systems using fingerprints or palm reading are already being used, but these solutions are still not very common in Portugal.
This characteristic of autonomy and privacy of space is one of the key points that distinguishes traditional storage from a Self Storage model. In the former, the warehouse staff have some level of access to the stored goods. In Self Storage, management is autonomous on the part of the client and the operator can only access the private space in specific cases, usually in court or in a security emergency.
Specific needs for a business
In the business field, there is often a need to extend company space, even temporarily. This is where the concept of Self Storage comes into its own, as it can be ideal for responding to an unexpected influx of parcels, for example, without permanently compromising storage costs.
The great advantage of Self Storage is that space is allocated on a non-permanent basis, i.e. avoiding fixed costs. The concept is especially important for companies that need flexibility at this level, not least because they can easily scale up or down their rented space at any time.
Storage units can be constantly adapted to real needs, promoting operational efficiency and rationalizing costs, something that is absolutely crucial in the business world. From this point of view, self-storage can and should be an option to consider when managing your company.
Most common reasons for renting a Self Storage unit
Self-storage can be used in a variety of situations. Here are some of the most common:
- Moving house – This is an obvious scenario. Self-storage can be essential for those times when you need to store your belongings temporarily until your new home is ready.
- Home remodeling – Self Storage can help during a house move, but it can also be fundamental during a remodeling phase, during which we need storage space.
- Household growth – Whether it’s a birth, the return home of one of the family members or even an elderly person we’re going to look after, it may be necessary to store some belongings that we don’t want to get rid of permanently.
- Small houses – The shrinking space of houses is a major trend in the real estate market. If we live in a small apartment, we may need to store some things that aren’t so essential, but that we want to keep until we find a larger apartment.
- Business storage – We don’t always have the size of office we’d like, not least because the current rent situation doesn’t help either. Perhaps you can save on rent and allocate some things to a Self Storage space, such as equipment, tools, files, stocks, etc.
- Operational flows – Still in the business sphere, and if we are in a particularly dynamic phase in terms of orders, it may be necessary to use additional warehouse space on a temporary basis.
- Academic – As we know, both students and teachers often move away from their hometown and seek residence only for the school term, taking a break in the summer. Self-storage can be the ideal solution for storing our things during this period.
Is Self Storage expensive?
For a company, opting for Self Storage can be an opportunity to rationalize costs and promote operational efficiency, responding to specific needs that arise during a certain period of time.
Obviously, storage space comes at a cost, but given the flexibility on offer from operators, the truth is that by adapting the size and profile of the warehouse itself to real needs, this choice can prove to be very effective financially.
The same is true in the private sector. Operators offer different types of warehouses, both in terms of capacity and type. With a sufficiently diverse offer, it will be easy to find a suitable and, from that point of view, budget-optimized option.
At Perfect Space, we’re happy to talk to you and give you a free quote. We have flexible, modern and functional spaces at affordable costs, with all the conditions for access, security and logistics. And you can also take advantage of our campaign for new customers, where the first month of storage is free.
Talk to us without obligation. Our friendly team will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sign a contract to access a Self Storage unit?
Yes, but you will have a lot of flexibility in this matter. You can enter into a contract for a minimum period of one month, which can be renewed automatically, or you can agree to a longer period from the outset, if that suits you.
Do I need to take out insurance?
At Perfect Space, the customer benefits from multi-risk insurance for a maximum of 5,000 euros. If the stored goods are worth more than the amount covered by the insurance, the customer must take out an insurance policy for the stored goods or products at their own expense.
How can I pay?
At Perfect Space you can pay using the following methods: MBway, ATM reference or direct debit.
Is there a minimum time to rent?
Yes, at Perfect Space we sign contracts for a minimum period of one month. This is important for our internal organization and allows us to provide a better service to clients, with more orderly, organized and functional spaces.
What can’t I store on Perfect Space drives?
You’ll have a lot of freedom when it comes to the type of things you can store, but there are some exceptions: motor vehicles, perishable goods, explosive or corrosive materials, toxic, illicit products or those that could cause damage to third parties or the property, flammable or eminently dangerous materials, products that are not properly packaged, counterfeit products or those whose trade is prohibited, goods and products that are likely to release odors or spills that could cause damage or inconvenience to other users, as well as any type of vehicle with a combustion engine.