Brighton is considered to be one of the most expensive cities to live in the UK. If you are moving here or are already living here, it is important for you to find ways to minimise your expenses.
From planning your budget to eating out less and living below your means, there are many ways for one to save money while living in a city like Brighton. However, one surefire way of doing this is by downsizing.
Read How To Save For Your Dream House now!
If you are not so sure about how downsizing can help you save on your living expenses in Brighton, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will be talking about downsizing and how a storage facility is vital when you are downsizing. Additionally, we will also be discussing how to find the best self storage unit in Brighton for this house move.
What Is Downsizing and How Is Self Storage Important When You Are Downsizing?
Downsizing is when you move into a smaller home for the following reasons:
- You are trying to simplify your lifestyle,
- the upkeep of a larger house is becoming too challenging for you,
- there are fewer members in your household and as already mentioned,
- the expenses are becoming too challenging to deal with.
You may be wondering, “How can I afford to get a smaller home when I’ve got a lot of things I want to take with me to my new house?” Well, this is where self storage comes into play.
There is no doubt that you will have to get rid of a few things when you choose to downsize. However, rushing this kind of decision may lead to a lot of regret down the road. Fortunately, you can avoid this by temporarily keeping your items in storage and taking your time in sorting through your things.
Moreover, a self storage unit is helpful even after you have sorted through your stuff and decluttered. To make the most out of the limited space in your new, smaller Brighton home, you may choose to keep non-essential items, memorabilia, and seasonal items like holiday decorations, winter wear, summer garden furniture, and sports equipment in a self-storage unit.
Do you have a child on the way? Here’s how you can child-proof your home.
How Can I Find The Best Self Storage Unit in Brighton?
It is also crucial for you to find the self storage unit that best suits your lifestyle, budget, and needs as well. Here are some tips on how to find the best self storage unit in Brighton:
Find Out If You Are Saving Money or Spending More By Using A Storage Unit
The first thing you need to find out is if the storage unit you are eyeing is affordable. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up paying for a self storage unit that is more expensive than rent for a bigger house.
When looking at the prices of your prospective storage units, always keep in mind that storage costs are usually computed based on:
- The size of the unit
- The amenities or services you choose to avail
- The demand for storage services in your area
Some storage facilities will also take into consideration how long you plan on keeping the unit. Facilities often provide discounts for customers who plan on doing long term storage rentals.
Ensure That The Location of The Facility Is Convenient For You
Will you be storing items you will need to access easily? If so, then you will want to go with the one closest to you, even if it costs you a little more. Don’t need to access your storage unit frequently? Then there won’t be a problem with you choosing the storage facility that is cheaper, but farther from your location.
Also, take into consideration the time it will take you to get to the storage facility and how much it will cost you in transport fares or fuel.
Examine Storage Unit Conditions, Features, and Accessibility
It would also be important for you to check out the state of the units into which you will be moving your belongings. Here are some things you will want to check for:
- Are the units clean and free of mould and mildew? How about animal and insect infestations?
- How is the structure of the facility? Are there any noticeable structural damages?
- Is there enough illumination in the units and hallways?
Aside from this, it is also essential for you to check for the accessibility of the units and the amenities offered in the facility. To do this, you may ask:
- Are parking spaces available? More importantly, are they located in a convenient spot for those who are unloading heavy items?
- Are their loading docks available within the facility?
- Are drive-up units available? How about temperature-controlled ones?
- Is there a ramp or a lift for units on an upper floor or will you have to lug your items up the stairs?
- Are there tools or equipment (i.e., carts, furniture dollies, etc.) you may use to make your self-storage move-in easier? Are there people who can assist you with this?
- Do they offer collection services? Is insurance already included in the package?
These things can be answered with some online research or a phone call. However, it would be best to get these answers yourself by conducting an in-person ocular of your prospective storage facility.
Find An Appropriately-Sized Unit
Do not simply go for the largest or most spacious unit. Examine the volume of the items you will be storing and try to find a unit that is appropriately sized. A storage unit too small will cause a lot of hassle and a lot of stress in the long run, while a unit too large will cost you more than what is necessary.
Remember that most storage facilities will be amenable to upgrade or downgrade the size of your unit as needed. So, you won’t have to worry about running out of space or having too much of it later on.
Make Sure You Are Choosing A Secure Self Storage Facility
Check for the security measures implemented by your storage facility. Here are some security measures you will want to be on the lookout for:
- 24/7 CCTV Coverage
- Well kept (clean, uncut, rust-free) perimeter fences and gates
- Security personnel
- Fortified storage unit doors
- Fire alarms and smoke detectors
Also, remember that storage facility staff are prohibited from asking for a copy of your padlock keys or your storage unit lock codes. DO NOT give either to anyone that you do not trust.
Research On Customer Feedback
Lastly, you will want to make sure that your prospective storage company’s current and former customers are happy with their services. You may check out their website and third-party review sites for feedback from their clients.
Alternatively, you may ask them yourself when you go and conduct an in-person ocular.
Now that you know exactly how to find the best Brighton storage unit, your downsizing will definitely go a long way! Meanwhile, if you need more tips on how to make your house move stress-free, here are some tips you could check out!
This is a collaborative post.