Whether you are moving home, renovating, heading to university, running out of space, or simply need somewhere secure to keep important belongings, self storage offers a practical and flexible solution. However, if you have never used self storage before, you may be wondering exactly how it works.
At Purdie Worldwide, we provide secure short and long-term storage solutions designed to make storing your items straightforward and stress-free. In this guide, we explain the self storage process step by step and what you can expect when using a storage facility.
What Is Self Storage?
Self storage allows individuals and businesses to rent a secure storage unit for a set period of time. Instead of keeping everything at home or in the office, you can safely store belongings in a dedicated facility until you need them again.
Storage can be used for:
- Moving house
- Decluttering your home
- Home renovations
- Student storage during holidays
- Temporary storage between property purchases
- Business stock and equipment
- Archive and document storage
- International moves
One of the biggest benefits of self storage is flexibility. You only pay for the space you need, for as long as you need it.
Step 1: Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
The first step is selecting a unit that matches the amount of items you need to store.
At Purdie Worldwide, our self storage units range from 16ft² to 500ft², making them suitable for everything from a few boxes to large-scale business storage requirements.
Typical storage sizes include:
| Storage Unit | Suitable For | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|
| 25ft² | A few boxes, suitcases, seasonal items or student belongings | Find Out More |
| 35ft² | Small furniture items and household goods | Find Out More |
| 50ft² | Contents of a small room or flat | Find Out More |
| 75ft² | Larger household furniture and appliances | Find Out More |
| 100ft² | Contents from larger homes | Find Out More |
| 300ft² | Business stock, equipment or large storage requirements | Find Out More |
If you are unsure which size you need, our team can help recommend the most suitable option.
Step 2: Pack Your Belongings Properly
Good preparation helps protect your belongings and maximise your storage space.
Before storing your items:
- Use sturdy boxes
- Label everything clearly
- Wrap fragile items securely
- Disassemble large furniture where possible
- Use protective materials such as bubble wrap
- Keep heavier items at the bottom
At Purdie Worldwide, we also offer a range of packing supplies from our onsite shop, including:
- Large and medium moving boxes
- Archive boxes
- Garment carriers
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape and tape guns
- TV and bicycle boxes
Using the correct materials can make both storage and unpacking significantly easier.
Step 3: Move Your Items Into Storage
Once your unit is ready, you can move your items into the facility.
Some customers prefer to bring items themselves, while others choose a collection service to save time and effort.
Purdie Worldwide offers collection services for customers who would prefer us to handle transportation, helping remove some of the stress often associated with moving large or multiple items.
Step 4: Your Items Are Stored Securely
Security is one of the biggest concerns when choosing a storage provider, which is why quality facilities put robust systems in place to protect stored belongings.
At Purdie Worldwide, our storage facilities include:
- HD CCTV coverage operating 24/7
- Over 50 cameras monitoring facilities
- Controlled access systems
- Secure warehouse environments
- User identification through unique access controls
Whether storing household possessions, business inventory, or important documents, security measures help ensure your items remain protected.
Step 5: Access Your Storage Unit When Needed
Unlike placing items in long-term inaccessible storage, self storage gives you access when you need it.
Our secure facilities can be accessed during working hours, allowing you to:
- Add more items
- Remove belongings
- Retrieve important documents
- Rotate business stock
- Collect seasonal items
This flexibility makes self storage useful for both personal and commercial customers.
Self Storage for Businesses
Self storage is not only for household items.
Many businesses use storage facilities for:
Document Storage
Secure document storage can help reduce office clutter while keeping important records safe and organised.
Purdie Worldwide offers bespoke archive storage boxes and even document collection services using our emission-free delivery vehicle.
Stock and Equipment Storage
Businesses can also use self storage to hold:
- Seasonal inventory
- Marketing materials
- Tools and equipment
- Office furniture
- Excess stock
For growing businesses, storage often provides a more cost-effective option than moving into larger premises.
How Long Can You Keep Items in Storage?
One of the most common questions is how long you can use self storage.
The answer is simple: it depends on your requirements.
Self storage can be used for:
Short-term storage
- Moving home
- Student holidays
- Renovation projects
- Temporary relocations
Long-term storage
- Business archives
- Overseas assignments
- Downsizing
- Long-term decluttering
At Purdie Worldwide, our minimum storage period is three weeks upfront, with flexible options available beyond that.
Why People Choose Self Storage
Self storage has become increasingly popular because it offers:
✓ Extra space without moving home
✓ Flexible rental periods
✓ Secure facilities
✓ Convenient access
✓ Protection for valuable items
✓ Business and personal storage options
Whether you need somewhere for a few boxes or the contents of an entire property, storage provides a simple way to create additional space when you need it most.
Choose Secure Self Storage with Purdie Worldwide
At Purdie Worldwide, we combine secure facilities, flexible unit sizes, and decades of experience to make storage simple.
From small personal units to larger business solutions, our team can help you find the right space for your requirements. We also offer collection services, packing supplies, and enhanced protection options to make the process even easier.
Get in touch today for a self storage quote and discover a secure, flexible storage solution that works around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boxes for self storage?
No. Purdie Worldwide offers a range of packing supplies, including boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and specialist packaging materials.
Can I access my items whenever I want?
You can access your storage unit during working hours (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, excluding Sundays), making it easy to retrieve belongings, add items, or access anything you need at a convenient time.
Is self storage secure?
Yes. Modern storage facilities use security measures such as CCTV, controlled access systems, and monitored premises to protect stored items.
What should I avoid putting into storage?
Items such as hazardous materials, flammable goods, perishable foods, and illegal items should not be placed in storage units.
Can businesses use self storage?
Absolutely. Businesses regularly use self storage for document archiving, stock management, equipment storage, and additional workspace needs.
Can you collect my belongings for storage?
Yes. Purdie Worldwide offers a collection service, helping save time and reducing the effort involved in transporting items to storage facilities.
