Self-Storage Units vs Container Storage: Which Do I Need?

Whether you’re decluttering your home, moving into a new place or just need some extra space, finding the right storage solution is key. Your choice for household storage will typically come down to a self-storage unit or container, with both bringing their own benefits. But which one will be best suited to your needs? As storage experts, we explore the key differences between self-storage and container storage, helping you to make an informed decision on which will be right for you.

What is container storage?

As the name suggests, container storage is when your items will be stored in a container, usually a large wooden crate held inside a warehouse. This container will usually be sealed once your belongings are inside and won’t be unsealed until you’re ready to have your items back.

How does container storage work?

At Britannia, we aim to make container storage as straightforward as possible for you. Our team can come to your property with your container and professionally wrap and pack your items. We’ll provide you with an itemised inventory, so you know exactly what’s in your container, and then seal it. We’ll then take the container to our local storage warehouse, where it will be safely put away and not touched again until you request your items.

Container storage is mainly used when you don’t need to access your stored belongings, such as if you’re moving abroad temporarily. We can arrange access for you if needed, although some notice will be required so we can move your container from the stack to make it accessible to you.

What are the benefits of container storage?

Container storage is a great solution when you have a lot of items that you need storing and don’t need to access them, such as whilst you move home or if you’re moving abroad. Our house storage containers hold approximately 7 cubic metres / 250 cubic feet, so there will be plenty of room for everything you need to store, including sofas, dining tables, sports equipment and more.

At Britannia, our containers are always stored inside, in a secure warehouse that’s kept clean and dry. Our storage has 24/7 monitored security systems and CCTV, so you can rest assured that your belongings will be safe while they’re stored with us. Plus, you’ll know that your container will be kept sealed until you’re ready to receive your belongings, and with the itemised inventory, you can keep track of everything in storage.

Container storage is a cost-effective way of storing your belongings, whether you need long-term or short-term storage. At Britannia, we can manage the entire process for you, so you won’t have to lift a finger.

What is self-storage?

Self-storage is when your items are stored in a unit which you’ll have regular access to. Typically, with self-storage you’ll pack your items into the unit yourself and will be able to retrieve or add items whenever you need.

How does self-storage work?

With self-storage, you’ll first need to decide on the size of the unit that you need. At Britannia, our self-storage units range from small lockers to 500 square foot rooms, so we can cater for all needs. A typical small 10 sq ft room is roughly the size of a large cupboard, whereas a 500 sq ft unit would be able to accommodate nearly all storage requirements, including the entire contents of a home.

Britannia self-storage units can generally be accessed during the day from Monday to Saturday, although some branches offer 24/7 access, so you can get to your unit whenever you need. When you request a storage quote from your local storage branch, we’ll let you know the opening hours so you can plan.

You can bring your own car or van to the self-storage warehouse and load or unload your unit as needed. You’ll have your own key or access code to your unit, so can come and go as you please during opening hours.

What are the benefits of self-storage?

Self-storage is ideal if you need items out of the way at home but will need regular access to them. This might include sports equipment, gardening equipment or garden furniture. It is also perfect for businesses who often use self storage for stock or archiving. At Britannia’s storage facilities, you won’t need to book ahead to access your belongings – simply turn up when it suits you during opening hours.

Our self-storage locations have extra-wide access, with large storage trolleys and pallet trucks available free of charge, all to make moving your items into your unit as quick and stress-free as possible.

We take a flexible approach to our self-storage, with no long-term commitment required. If you need to upsize or downsize your unit, simply let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

In addition, every Britannia self-storage facility is protected with state-of-the-art security measures, including CCTV, alarms, and extra precautions against fire, giving you peace of mind that your items will be well cared for.

Do I need self-storage or container storage?

Which type of storage you need will come down to whether you want to be able to regularly access your items. If you do, self-storage will usually be the best option. If you want your items stored for a period and won’t need to get to them, container storage could be the better solution.

If you’re unsure about which type of storage is best for your needs, the team at Britannia will be happy to discuss your requirements with you and help you find the best solution. Whichever storage you choose, you’ll know that your items will be kept safe and secure in Britannia’s storage depots, protected by CCTV and fire detection systems.

For more information about our storage options, please call 0845 600 6661 or contact your nearest office. Alternatively, you can request a storage quote.