Our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Storage Solution

When it comes to finding the right self storage solution, many people picture warehouse-style units or traditional lock-ups on industrial estates – but there’s another option that’s often cheaper, more convenient, and just as secure: container self storage.

By storing your belongings in robust, weatherproof shipping containers, you get 24/7 ground-level access, straightforward loading and unloading, and peace of mind knowing your items are safe. 

At The Space Program, we’ve been helping customers make the most of self storage since 2002, combining flexibility, affordability, and security in a way that other self storage providers can’t match.

What Is Container Self Storage?

Container self storage (Sometimes called containerised self storage) does what it says on the tin – Where you store your items in a shipping container, rather than in crates or units within a warehouse. 

We use containers made from COR-TEN steel, which will never rust through and can’t catch fire – These containers were originally designed to keep electronics products dry when being shipped overseas, so whatever the weather your stuff will stay safe and dry.

What Are The Benefits of Container Self Storage with The Space Program?

There are many good reasons to choose container self storage, and even more to choose The Space Program

Cost:
Taking a Space Program self-storage unit for your self-storage needs is much cheaper than other self-storage options, as we have less overheads than a storage warehouse and we pass those savings onto you.

Plus if you need to access your container outside working hours, the Space Program team makes it easy. You’ll get your own access code so you come and go whenever suits you, 24/7. So if you forget something, you don’t have to fit in around someone else’s opening hours.

Security:
Since opening our first Space Program location in 2002 we’ve held an unbeatable security record across all of our sites. This isn’t by accident, security is our top priority, so that our customers can sleep well knowing their stuff is safe with us.

Across all of our sites we have comprehensive security systems, with: 24/7 monitored CCTV, floodlights around all containers, and security gates that ensure only customers have access to the site. Our containers are also incredibly secure, using locks that are heavy-duty padlocks that are saw-proof and pick-proof.

Sizing Options:
Depending on the individual location, our self storage containers come in a variety of sizes, from cosy 40ft² units which have a similar capacity to a transit van, all the way up to giant 320ft² containers which have the capacity of a large lorry.

We have a container size guide on our website which will help you to work out how much space you’ll need for your storage – Meaning that you can make sure you’re only paying for the space you need.

Flexibility:
At The Space Program our minimum contract length for self storage containers is 14 days, which gives our customers a great level of flexibility, if their plans change or they end up needing to move to a larger container in the near future.

Not only are our contracts incredibly flexible, but with the unmatched level of accessibility we offer to our customers, so is your storage. With your 24/7 personal access code, you can pick up or drop off your stuff whenever works best for you, rather than being beholden to our business hours.

Self Storage Containers vs Crates

Crates are a very simple self storage option, where you bundle up your possessions into crates which are then taken by a removals company to be stored at a storage facility until you need them.

Advantages of Crate Storage:

• The removal company will do everything for you, from packing to transport.
• For very short term storage, like when moving house, crate storage can be cost effective

Disadvantages of Crate Storage:

• Outside of very short term storage, crate storage is not a cost effective option.
• With crate storage you have less accessibility to your items, which can be inconvenient if your plans change or you need access to your possessions. 
• In cases where you do have access to your crates, you’ll need to remember what is stored in each crate if you want to retrieve a specific item.

Overall, crate storage can be a good option in certain circumstances, like when moving to a new home or between long term storage options, but it’s not ideal for most people’s storage needs.

Self Storage Containers vs Warehouses

Self storage warehouses are another excellent option for self storage, in fact we think it’s such a good option that we have our own indoor storage facility at our Tewkesbury Space Program location. With an indoor self storage facility you’ll have an assigned unit within a multi-level indoor facility to store your items, giving you similar storage options to container storage..

Advantages of Warehouse Storage:

• Indoor storage means that you don’t need to worry about being caught in the rain when loading/unloading your unit.
• Warehouse storage companies are often “full-service” and provide everything you need to pack and transport your items.
• Much like with container storage, self storage warehouses put a premium on security, meaning your items will be safe and secure.
• Most indoor storage warehouses will provide trolleys, lifts and other accessibility aids to make it easy for you to move your items to and from your unit.

Disadvantages of Warehouse Storage:

• While The Space Program Tewkesbury’s Indoor Storage facility offers 24/7 access, other warehouse storage companies don’t always offer this, meaning you may be beholden to their operating hours to access your storage.
• While still cost effective compared to other storage solutions, warehouse storage is usually a tad more expensive than container storage, due to the overhead costs like climate control and lighting that’s required for a warehouse facility.

Overall, warehouse & indoor storage are both good options for self storage, but it’s important to find a facility operated by a good company that offers any extra benefits you may want, like 24/7 accessibility.

Self Storage Containers vs Lock-Ups

Lock Ups are like a crossover between a storage warehouse and container storage. Creating self contained storage rooms in an open air facility on an industrial estate, like what you’d see on storage wars. 

Advantages of a Lock-Up:

• Much like with The Space Program, most lock-ups give you a high level of accessibility to the site whenever you want.
• Lock ups are typically on the cheaper end of storage options, like container storage this is due to the low overhead costs of a lockup facility.

Disadvantages of a Lock-Up:

• As lockups are typically outdoors, they may not be waterproof if there is any structural issues with the lock-ups themselves.
• Security can also be an issue with lock-ups as they’re typically smaller operations than other storage solutions, meaning they can’t invest in security as heavily as other services.
• Most lockups don’t offer contracts as flexible as The Space Program does for our container storage, meaning you may be tied into long-term contracts.

Lock-ups can be a good self storage option for people looking for a barebones option to store their possessions, but it is incredibly important to find an operator who is trustworthy to ensure a good storage experience.

What’s The Best Option For Self Storage?

While we could let our bias show and say that container storage from The Space Program is the best option for you, we know that other storage solutions have their uses and it really comes down to what you want out of your self storage when deciding what’s right for you.

If you value flexibility, accessibility, security and a budget friendly cost, then container based self storage from The Space Program will likely be the best choice for you and your storage needs.

Beyond just offering storage, we also offer a range of extra services across our locations, including forklift support at our Weston facility, an indoor storage facility at our Tewkesbury location, secure sign and store services, and business clubs at our Weston, Bristol South, Tewkesbury & Swindon facilities.  

If you want to speak to a member of our team and find out if container storage from The Space Program is right for you, fill out the contact form below and we’ll be in touch.