FAQs
Many questions can be answered via the sections listed below but please contact us if you require any further assistance.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Unlike the majority of our competitors Sentry Self Storage does not ask you for a security deposit equivalent to 4 weeks rental.
Many of our customers are moving house and we appreciate that this additional expense, on top of removal or van hire costs, is one that you could do without.
Are my goods insured?
Insurance is not inclusive in your rental. However, we can arrange for cover if you require. We require that all customers, for peace of mind, should arrange for insurance cover on their goods either through us or their own insurers.
How do I access my storage unit?
Once you have signed up for your storage unit and have received the keys you are free to come and go as you please.
Some customers only visit their storage unit when they fill-up or vacate their units, others visit on a regular or, in the case of some businesses, on a daily basis. Visit as little or often as you want.
The Basics
With self storage you have your own individual storage unit to which you have unlimited access, without extra charges.
It is the flexible modern way to store hassle-free.
Everybody needs a little (or large!) amount of extra space from time-to-time. From householders between house moves, and people moving abroad, to people who need to store furniture while decorating/building works are carried out. Increasingly, people are getting out of house moving chains by selling their homes and putting their goods into storage for a few months which enables them to look for a new property as a cash buyer.
Businesses need to store stock, equipment, files, office furniture etc. Self-Storage enables many businesses to free up expensive commercial or retail space. They can rent space on a flexible basis as their requirements change without getting involved in leases or making long term commitments.
These days most customers find Switch, Debit and Credit Cards the easiest way to pay. On your instructions we can arrange to deduct your 4-week rental from the card of your choice. Alternatively, you can pay by BACS or Standing Order direct to us. Some customers prefer to pre-pay for 12, 24, or 48 weeks, which means they can relax about remembering payments and can take advantage of the discounts offered.
Please note that unlike most storage companies we do not ask for a upfront security deposit to be held by us until the end of the rental.
- We have 22 convenient locations, with new locations opening near you across the south.
- Most locations offer drive-up access – No queuing for lifts or wasted effort moving goods down corridors.
- 24 hour / 365 day access at most centres – Access your goods at your convenience.
- Family Business since 1988 – You are dealing with a friendly local company
- Competitive pricing – We try to beat all competitor’s quotes
How should I pack...
All my belongings?
Completely fill all boxes and tape them up, and pack heavy items such as books in small boxes - label boxes and keep a list of the contents.
Articles of clothing?
These can be bought from us at a variety of our sites.
Books, files & documents?
Sentry sell professional archive boxes for this application.
How should I store...
China & Glass
Put the heaviest items at the bottom and pad out loose spaces. Store mirrors on their edge, not flat.
My appliances?
Put computers and other electrical items in original packaging where possible
Bikes, metals & tools?
My Furniture?
Cover with dust sheets or furniture covers. Store sofas, mattresses & beds etc on end to save floor space.
What items can I NOT store?
Flammable Goods
Fireworks / Explosives
Perishable Foodstuffs
Dangerous / Illegal Goods
Getting Prepared
If you use a removal company to move your goods into storage, bear in mind that there are many different kinds of removers, from international companies to man and van operations. Decide which level of service you require from basic moving to a full packing service. Remember that if a company offers to loan you packing materials you will be expected to use them when you move out.
We are happy to supply a list of reputable companies that we can recommend. Whoever you use make sure that they have full goods in transit insurance.
You may save time and money packing items into boxes yourself. Make sure that these items too will be covered by your removers’ insurance.
Many customers pack and move their furniture into and out of storage themselves as this is often the cheapest option.
Remember that van rental companies are busiest at the weekends and may charge an inclusive rate for the whole weekend so book well in advance or, if possible, move during the week as you may well get cheaper rates.
If you are moving long distance you will want a vehicle big enough to do the move in one journey. If more local then a smaller van and several trips may be more convenient.
The biggest size truck you can drive on an ordinary licence is 7.5 tonnes, which provides about 160 sqft of storage. A tail-lift can make handling of heavy goods such as kitchen appliances easier.
For more information on unit sizes in relation to vehicle & house size please visit our Size Estimator, or call freephone on 0800 916 8722.
Plan ahead as this will take a lot of stress and strain out of the day. Fix the date as far ahead as possible and make sure you notify the gas, electricity and water companies and get your post redirected.
On the day it is a good idea to keep all your documents, keys and other valuables in one place to avoid them being packed into your storage unit.
Phone sentry self storage on freephone 0800 916 8722 who will give you advice on the size of unit you will require and recommend a removal or van hire company.
You can use our space estimator tool, or contact us and we can advise you on your likely requirements.
Sentry Self Storage can accept responsibility for Insuring your goods under their own policy backed by one of UK’s biggest insurers (This service is chargeable in addition to any storage fees). Please check to see if you are covered under any existing policy that you might have.
Storage Units
Are all Sentry units 24 hour drive-up access?
We do have indoor storage units located at Chandlers Ford, Chichester West, Southampton & Waterlooville. These internal rooms offer a wider range of sizes and are suitable for home & business goods.
How do I get all of my things into storage?
Alternatively a removals company may be more suitable to move your goods for you. We are happy to give advice and pass on their details.
How long can I hire Sentry Self Storage for?
If you only require the unit for part of any standard period - just let us know in advance and we will refund you the unused rental days when you vacate your unit.
Our storage locations are protected by a combination of CCTV, floodlighting, alarms and electronic access control to ensure the safety of your goods.
Please feel free to contact our friendly team if you require more information.
We enjoy working with our customers, many of whom have used us over many years and who often refer us to friends and family, so why not let Sentry help you !
For more details, please call 0800 389 1523
Competitive Pricing
Affordability is at our core and unlike many operators, we display our prices.
Great Security
Our locations are monitored with a combination of alarms & CCTV.
Storage Estimator
Not sure how much storage you'll need? Check our size estimator.