A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Storage

People use our storage units for all sorts of reasons, and it’s not always about a major life event. The most common situations we see are people who are moving house, renovating, running a local business, or simply trying to get their garage back.

When you’re trying to sell your house, for example, you can move half your belongings into a unit a month or two beforehand. It makes the house look bigger and tidier for viewings. It also means the actual moving day is less of a panic because you’re only shifting the essentials. If there’s a delay in the property chain, you know your belongings are safe with us instead of stuck in a van or cluttering up a relative’s house.

The same logic applies to renovating. Trying to paint a ceiling or sand a floor with a room full of furniture is a nightmare. It’s so much simpler to move the contents of that room into a local unit for a few weeks. Your furniture stays clean and protected, and your builders have a clear, safe space to work.

We also have a lot of local business owners who use our units. Online sellers store their stock here because it’s far cheaper and more flexible than renting a dedicated warehouse. Plus, local tradespeople like plumbers and electricians use our units to securely store their tools and materials, with pallet storage also available for bulk deliveries. It’s just a straightforward way to get more room for your business without being tied into a long, expensive commercial lease.

And sometimes, people just want to be able to park their car in their garage again, or finally clear out the spare room to turn it into a proper office. Storing the things you don’t need year-round, like the lawnmower, garden furniture, or boxes of Christmas decorations, is an easy way to do that. It’s not about getting rid of your belongings, it’s reassuring to know it’s somewhere safe and out of the way for when you need it again.

How Do I Choose the Right Storage Unit Size?

It’s hard to picture what our storage unit sizes actually mean in the real world. So, the list below gives a simple, practical example for each one, like whether it holds the contents of a garden shed or a full 3-bedroom house.

One thing to keep in mind is that all our units are 8ft high. That’s a lot of vertical space, so if you can safely stack your boxes, you can often save money by choosing a smaller unit.

Here is the list of our units we have available here at All Boxed:

Small Units (For boxes, student storage, and decluttering)

These smaller units are perfect for when you just need to store a few items, clear out a room, or pack things away between university terms.

• 10 sq ft: Holds the contents of a car boot. Roughly 3 sports bags.
• 20 sq ft: Holds the contents of a small room. A single bed, suitcase, small TV, and 6 boxes.
• 25 sq ft: Holds the contents of a small room. A single bed, 2 suitcases, large TV, and 6 boxes.
• 35 sq ft: Holds the contents of a home office. A dismantled desk, office chair, filing cabinet, and 6 boxes.

Medium Units (For 1-2 bedroom flats or home renovations)

Our medium-sized units are the most popular choice for people moving out of a 1-2 bedroom flat or needing to clear a large room for renovations.

• 50 sq ft: Holds the contents of a large room. A king-sized bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and 18 boxes.
• 60 sq ft: Holds the contents of a studio flat. A sofa, double bed, wardrobe, and 20 boxes.
• 75 sq ft: Can typically hold the contents of a 1-bedroom flat.
• 85 sq ft: Holds the contents of a standard small garage. Bicycles, garden furniture, a BBQ, and 30 boxes.

Large Units (For 3-4 bedroom houses or large business stock)

For bigger house moves or for businesses needing to store stock and equipment, our large units provide plenty of space.

• 100 sq ft: Can hold the contents of an average 3-bedroom house.
• 125 sq ft: Can hold the contents of a large 3-bedroom house.
• 150 sq ft: Big enough for a 4-bedroom house plus the contents of a garage.
• 185 sq ft: Our largest unit, ideal for a 4-bedroom house plus the contents of a garage and a garden shed.

How Much Does Self-Storage Cost?

If space is becoming a daily headache, or if your business is growing faster than your square footage, then yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Especially if you prefer something local, secure and fuss-free.

Not everyone needs storage, and we’ll always be honest if we don’t think it’s the right fit. But if you’re weighing it up, we’re happy to chat it through and help you figure out what works best for you.

Got questions? Give us a ring or drop by one of our sites in Calne, Chippenham or Melksham, we’ll show you around and let you get a feel for the space.

The Main Factors

Here at All Boxed, the quote for a storage unit is generally based on three main factors. The first is the size of the unit itself; larger units have a higher monthly rate than smaller ones. The second is the facility location, as prices can vary slightly between our sites in Chippenham, Calne, and Melksham. The third is the duration of your stay, as longer rental periods often have a lower effective weekly rate.

What Your Quote Includes

The monthly price covers the complete service for your unit, not just the physical space. This includes all security measures like 24/7 CCTV, your personal 24-hour access, and all site maintenance that keeps the facility clean and dry. There are no extra charges for these standard services.

What Isn’t Included

Two additional items you will need are a padlock and insurance. You provide your own padlock, which ensures you are the sole keyholder for your unit. You will also need to ensure your goods are insured while they are with us. This is a standard requirement in the storage industry that protects your belongings, similar to a home contents policy.

The Best Way to Get a Price

As our rates and availability can change, we provide quotes directly rather than publishing a fixed price list. To get an exact price for the size you need, the best approach is to request a current quote. You can use the online tool on our website for a price, or call our office to speak with a member of our team.

What Am I Not Allowed to Put in a Storage Unit?

To keep our facilities safe for you and all our customers, there are a few important rules about what you can’t bring into a storage unit. These restrictions are mostly common sense and are in place to prevent any risk of fire, pests, or damage, ensuring everyone’s belongings are protected.

Here is a clear list of the main things you are not allowed to put in your unit:

• Food or perishable goods, unless securely packed or protected.
• Birds, fish, animals or any other living creatures.
• Combustible or flammable materials or liquids such as: gas, paint, petrol, oil or cleaning solvents.
• Firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition.
• Chemicals, radioactive materials or biological agents.
• Toxic waste, asbestos or other materials of a potentially dangerous nature.
• Any item which emits any fumes, smell or odour.
• Any illegal substances, illegal items or goods illegally obtained, including counterfeit goods, illicit (smuggled/counterfeit) tobacco, illicit alcohol, unlicensed medicines, unsafe goods (including toys, electrical items, cosmetics, fireworks).
• Compressed gases.

If the items you need to store don’t fall into any of these categories, you’re good to go.

What to Expect on Your Self-Storage Move-In Day

Moving your belongings into storage doesn’t have to be complicated. At All Boxed, we’ve streamlined every step of the process to ensure your move-in day runs smoothly, whether you’re storing a few seasonal items or furnishing an entire home. Here’s everything you need to know about your first day with us.

Before You Arrive: Quick Preparation Checklist

A little preparation goes a long way toward a seamless move-in experience. Before heading to our facility, ensure you have these essentials ready:

• Booking confirmation: Having this handy speeds up the check-in process
• Photo ID: Required for security verification and account setup
• Your own padlock: You’ll be the sole keyholder to your unit, giving you exclusive control over access to your belongings

This simple preparation ensures we can get you settled into your unit quickly and securely, so you can focus on organizing your items rather than handling paperwork.

Arrival and Check-In

When you arrive at any of our convenient locations in Chippenham, Calne, or Melksham, you’ll immediately notice the difference. Our facilities offer ample parking directly adjacent to the main entrance, eliminating the hassle of carrying items long distances.

When you arrive, head over to reception. Our friendly team will be there to welcome you and get you all set up. We’ll quickly handle the paperwork, give you your unique access code, and then show you to your unit so you know exactly where to go. It’s a quick and simple process, so you can start moving in right away.

Moving In

We know that moving day can be hectic. That’s why we’ve made our move-in process completely simple. From the moment you arrive, we’ll guide you through every step so you can get your belongings safely stored and get on with your day.

Once you have your access code, you can start moving in whenever you’re ready. The heavy lifting is easy with our free trolleys, which you’ll find located throughout the facility. They’re sturdy and designed to make moving your biggest items feel effortless.

We’ve made our facilities easy to use. Our wide corridors and clear signage mean you’ll spend less time navigating and more time getting organized. We also have plenty of ground-level units to make loading and unloading your items a breeze.

Securing Your Unit

The final step is to secure your unit with your personal padlock. By using your own lock, you are the only one with the key, giving you complete control over your belongings. That personal security works hand-in-hand with our robust 24/7 CCTV and secure fencing, so you can leave with total peace of mind.

When you leave, you can be confident that your belongings are protected by your own lock and our facility’s security.

What’s the Best Way to Pack a Storage Unit?

Where Do I Start When Packing My Unit?

Plan your packing before you start loading. Place your heaviest and largest items, like sofas or washing machines, at the back of the unit and on the floor. This creates a stable base to build upon. We recommend using strong, similar-sized boxes because they are much safer to stack, which helps you take full advantage of the 8ft ceiling height in all our units.

How Should I Organise the Unit for Easy Access?

As you pack, leave a narrow walkway down the centre of your unit. This is essential if you need to access items from the back without having to unpack everything first. As you stack, make sure every box is clearly labelled on the top and at least one visible side with its contents. This will save you a huge amount of time later.

How Do I Keep My Belongings Safe and In Good Condition?

To ensure your items stay in great condition, cover furniture and mattresses with dust sheets. It’s also important to leave a small air gap between your belongings and the unit’s walls to allow for air to circulate. Crucially, you must make sure every item you store is completely dry before it’s packed away to prevent any risk of mildew.

Your Questions Answered

To finish up, here are some of the most common questions we get from customers.

Which areas in Wiltshire do you cover?

We have modern, secure facilities providing self-storage in Chippenham, Calne, and Melksham, serving customers from all across the county.

I’m still not sure on the storage size I need. Can All Boxed help?

Of course. Our team is always happy to talk through what you’re storing and recommend the right size. You can also try our online Storage Size Calculator for a quick estimate. Don’t worry if you get it wrong, you can always switch to a bigger or smaller unit later on.

What’s the difference between your indoor units and container storage?

Our indoor units are individual rooms located inside our main buildings, which is perfect for frequent access and storing sensitive items like documents or electronics. Our container storage units are located outside with convenient drive-up access, which makes them ideal for very large, bulky items.

Do All Boxed only store household items, or can you store vehicles too?

We store much more than just boxes and furniture. We offer dedicated and secure car and vehicle storage for everything from classic cars that need protection over winter to company vans that need to be kept off the street.

What’s the best way to get an exact price?

Our prices are live and depend on current availability, so the best way to get an accurate cost is directly from us. You can get an instant online quote in just a few minutes, and if you’ve already decided on your unit, you can book online today.

I have more specific questions. Where can I find the answers?

We’ve answered dozens of common queries on our main Storage FAQ’s page. If you can’t find what you need there, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you have all the information you need, getting started with self-storage is easy. From understanding unit sizes to mastering the move-in day, this guide has given you the tools to make the process simple.

At All Boxed, we’re not just providing a unit; we’re giving you a solution for more space, less stress, and complete peace of mind. Our team is always ready to assist you in finding the perfect fit.

When you’re ready to reclaim your space and simplify your life, getting started is easy. You can get an instant online quote in just a few minutes, or if you prefer to speak to a person, please get in touch with our friendly team. We’re always happy to help you take the next step.