Storing your household goods in a container

[jimed]

Not sure if this is the right place but here goes.......

We will be away on our trip for 2 years and looking at storage options for all our gear. There is the usual storage places indoor where you can rent a unit but it is mega expensive.

I have found a site where you can rent a shipping storage container at a reasonable cost but has anyone used these for long term storage ?

I am worried as to the moisture getting in and ruining all the gear ?

Any advise would be great,

Cheers

Jim

[freeflyd]

Shipping containers are supposed to be weather proof. and they are when new or refurbished.

I looked into the same thing and found the best way was to get an international removals company to pack your stuff. They use specialized packing materials designed to protect your things against moisture. Then get them to pack it into the shipping container as they are also used to do that efficiently. We managed to get the contents of a large 3 bedroom house in a 6m container with much space to spare!

It's a little more expensive that packing it yourself, but for a two year store, it should be worth it.

[Cassie2]

Jimed,
What is the company you are thinking of? We would be interested in knowing as we have similar considerations. Many thanks.

[twowheels03]

Yes, get a Removal company to pack you as they will compress pack your things better than you could. Make sure you look at the container if you go that route - get inside and get the doors closed shut - if you can see any day light then ask for another container. Another tip is that you can buy those cilica packet things in a few sizes up to about half a kilo, bung them in with all your electrical stuff etc. Hope to have helped

[jimed]

Originally Posted by Cassie2

Jimed,
What is the company you are thinking of? We would be interested in knowing as we have similar considerations. Many thanks.

Hi guys, The company we are looking at is just a local one here in Chester but I have found this one in Cambs as it looks like this is where you are from Armourstore Ely Self Storage Services

We have been quoted £52 a month for a 10ft or £80 for a 20ft container.

Ta
Jim

[Cassie2]

Cheers Jimed - much appreciated. Will advise if we find anything different/better and look into the one you provided. Many thanks.

[Cassie2]

Jimed - your 20ft container cost seems like best value so far - £960 PA.
I can't seem to find anyone to beat it. The link provided for Ely, Cambs works out at £88.12 per month incl. VAT which is slightly more at £1,057.44 PA but reckon the guy would do a deal if we asked for 1-year period+.
Looks like uncovered storage though - like you - not sure how items might fare long-term.

Other's found of note which may be of use:

Over's in Hampshire House Removals Shipping and Storage are the speciality of Over's International, a leading UK Removal Company - provide covered warehouse storage for 2 x wooden crates approx 7 x 8 x 5.5ft but you have to bring your stuff to them. They were willing to do a deal for a year at £936 incl VAT for both crates (normally £10 per week per crate). They can come to you and pack but costs an arm and a leg.

The other best competitve we liked but based in London is SafeHouse Self Storage Ltd: Self Storage London UK - again you bring your stuff to them - but this is more like those room storage places - climate control, secure etc. lots of choice in size etc. We looked at 100sq ft - about the size of a good single garage. Their website says 6 months at £1143.96 but you get an additional 5 months virtually free at 0.99 per month. So, 11 months for £1,148.91. if you are considering 2 years - then maybe a good deal to be had. Worth checking out their offers online (e.g. buy 2 months, get one month for 0.99, buy 6 months, get 5 months for £4.95 and so on) - not sure how long this offer lasts though but comparable to long-term uncovered container storage.

With all options - ultimately we think looking at packing and bringing van to whoever we choose (possibly) - so might not make a difference regarding location of storage facility as long as reasonable distance and van hire costs(versus maybe someone coming to you and doing it all - not sure - but worth considering).

[chris251984]

Indeed, that is what we do all the time!

[Milky_Bar_Kid]

I've got several containers - the driest ones are virtually new and the rubber door seals make a tight fit with the outside of t'conhe container when full. The internal vents are taped over and hanging from the loops around the ceiling of the container are extremely efficient dessicant containers with a large reservoir underneath to collect any moisture - they're called absorbopole or absorbpole or something similar. They are fantastic - I'd suggest four to six for a ' container. Books and papers are very sensitive to extra moisture - so if you don't go this route - make sure you bag up all your books with small dessicant bags inside. MBK

[900fantrider]

Hi, Ive used containers for my old carpet business from 1996-2009 and also after splitting up with my ex had all my worldy goods in one for a couple of years and never suffered any damage from damp or anything. But when I first put my bikes in one in the winter they attracted condensation the first night so put cheap dehumidifiers in and wrapped them up in removal sheets & WD and that cured it!
I used AB Containers in Hull (they have10`,20` & 40`) and I think when I finally left them last year I was paying late £70`s/early £80`s but they did a cheaper option if they can put into a stack for long term. At one point I bought a container and had it stored and that worked out a lot cheaper!
good luck