Sharing Is Caring – Good Practices for Shared Storage

So, you’ve got stuff and you need to store it. Maybe it’s not enough stuff to justify renting a whole unit by yourself, or perhaps you’re finding the cost prohibitive. Or maybe you and your mates do absolutely everything together and storage is no exception?

The solution? Shared Self Storage. 

Let’s take a quick look at why it’s got so many benefits to offer:

Cost

Splitting the rental fee is a great way to make things more affordable, but it could also mean accessing a larger unit than you could afford alone.

You might not need the whole unit for yourself, but by going in with a friend, family member, colleague, fellow hobbyist etc you can split the space according to requirements so everyone gets their fair share without having to fork out for unused space.

Having Each Other’s Back

More eyes make for safer storage. Also, increased comings and goings can discourage theft and increase general awareness of safety overall.

The More the Merrier

If everyone who has access to the unit works together, then it can be really helpful. Forgotten your fob? It’s okay, Barry has his. Anne needs something urgently from the unit but she’s away? No worries – Jane can pop in and pick it up. Cooperation can mean so much convenience.

Optimal Admin 

When the admin is shared, the workload can be halved. Team Storage means that there’s wider awareness of essential admin info – like renewal dates, direct debits and, of course, those passcodes!

If everyone takes charge of their own section, tidiness and organisation can be optimised, and collaboration on storage ideas can lead to creative and practical storage ideas and usage of space.

Best Behaviour

You’ll be more inclined to be aware of what you store when there’s other parties involved. This leads to a reduced risk of hoarding and storing unnecessary items. Group efforts can be a really great way of focusing the mind and making sure you only store what you really need. 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Along with all of the other benefits, a problem shared is always a problem halved – like decision making, admin queries, finding solutions and – if managed correctly – it can mean there’s always someone to help out if needed. 

Good Fences Make Good Neighbours

The phrase ‘managed correctly’ does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s really important, if shared self storage is going to work, that rules and boundaries are in place from the outset. Let’s look at some of the dos and don’ts that make Sharing Self Storage really work. 

DO

Set Clear Physical Boundaries

Establish exactly how much space everyone gets – mark allocated areas with tape, for example, to clearly avoid impinging on someone else’s storage area.

Set Clear Financial Boundaries

Go over the rental agreement together in advance, highlight all of the costs and agree – in writing – on who pays what and when. Set up direct debits or standing orders to ensure payments are made on time and keep renewal dates firmly circled in the calendar – maybe allocate one person to take responsibility for that sort of admin and you’ll avoid the old ‘but I thought you were doing it?’ aggro if problems arise.

Keep the Unit Organised 

Label everything clearly so everyone knows who owns what. Arrange the unit neatly, incorporating walkways, for example, for clear access to everyone’s belongings. Keep your area neat and tidy and don’t disturb anyone else’s section when accessing the unit. Always be respectful of the property of others – don’t stack your items on top of theirs without asking first and always ask if you need to move something.

Access All Areas

Establishing the access for everyone is key – see what we did there? From the outset, make it clear who will have keys or codes and how you’ll manage the access to the unit. Maybe everyone comes and goes as they please, or all keyholders are informed when someone needs to get in. Decide if you want the unit accessible only by the names on your agreement, or if it’s a more open situation. 

Keep Talking

Communication is so important – be open and upfront about what you’re storing. You don’t have to give the details of what’s in every box, but an idea of the sort of thing you’re storing can show a lot of consideration for your fellow renters and make sure that everything’s above board. 

Talk about how long you all want to rent the unit for? You don’t want to jump in blindly with completely different expectations for the length of the arrangement. 

Ask nicely if you need someone to move something, or, if the unit could benefit from being rearranged, talk about it with each other. 

By keeping communication lines open and polite, you’ll really be in a strong position for a harmonious arrangement and mutual help if it’s needed.

DON’T

Break the Agreement

Store what you said you would and keep things tidy and clean. Most importantly, pay on time and don’t jeopardize the situation for your co-renters.

Break the Rules

Before you store your items, make sure that you’re 100% clear on the storage rules of the facility and don’t break them. Avoid items that are flammable or hazardous, don’t store foodstuffs and whatever you do, don’t try to move in. Keep in mind that there can be legal considerations about what’s stored so if everyone’s open and honest, no one’s going to get any nasty surprises!  If everyone respects this rule, then your storage agreement – and your belongings – can be kept safe and secure.

Forget to Lock Up

It’s crucial that everyone takes extra care and responsibility in making sure that the unit is 100% secure every single time that they leave. This trust is really important.

Make a Mess

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your clean and tidy storage section but having to wade through someone else’s mess to get there. Similarly, by all means enjoy lunch on the go while accessing your unit – but remember – you’re not going to be popular if you’re the one who attracts mice or rats! Keeping things tidy and clean is hygienic, beneficial for the stored items and a much more pleasant and cooperative experience overall

Overcrowd

Don’t try to cram in more than you’ve all agreed upon. It can really cause problems in the unit in terms of access, space and safety. It doesn’t mean that you can’t add more items if you have the space – just make sure it’s clear with everyone first. And never encroach on anyone else’s allocated space without getting permission first!

Touch Other People’s Stuff

It goes without saying that you don’t have a rummage through everyone’s else’s belongings. Worse still, don’t even think about borrowing items without asking first too. Consent and respect are essential for these agreements to work.

Stop Communicating

Whether it’s from the Storage Facility itself or your fellow storers, pay attention to everything, act where necessary in a timely fashion and also keep everyone else informed and updated when you’ve got news or information to share. 

Failing to observe the Do’s and Dont’s of Shared Storage can lead to conflict, hassle and possibly even damage or loss of items and relationships.

However, done properly and respectfully, it can be a hugely satisfying solution for everyone involved and give many people access to a self storage experience that they might not have been able to enjoy solo. 

Unlock the freedom of extra space. Get in touch with Storage World today or get a quote online.