Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann
Are you moving and need to store your furniture temporarily? Do you have a lack of space at home and need an extra storage room? Then a storage box, also known as “self-storage”, might be just the thing for you! Especially in larger cities such as Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Basel or Winterthur, space is in short supply. That’s why every extra cubic meter of storage space counts. However, before you rent a self-storage box, there are a few things you should consider. We have put together a short guide to renting storage boxes for you!
- Storage box or warehouse?
- Calculate the correct size
- Compare offers beforehand
- Read the small print
- Personal tour
- Additional services
1. Storage box or warehouse?
The first and most important point you should clarify in advance is what type of storage space you need. You should ask yourself: What do I want to store and for how long ? Even though warehouses are mostly rented by companies and self-storage storage boxes are mostly rented by private individuals: Everyone has different needs that determine which storage option makes the most sense.
Warehouses, storage containers or larger storage compartments offer more space than storage boxes and are suitable for storing a larger number of items of furniture or bulky goods. Larger sports equipment such as rowing boats or kayaks and seasonal storage items (e.g. outdoor furniture) can also be stored there. You can even store all your household contents in your personal storage unit if you move abroad for a while, for example.
As the rental of storage units is usually linked to a minimum rental period, it makes sense if you want to store your belongings for a longer period of time and do not need constant access.
Self-storage boxes, on the other hand, are generally smaller in size and can also be rented for a short period (e.g. one week). As a rule, you do not have a notice period here, as there is no classic rental agreement.
This storage option is best suited if you only want to temporarily store a small part of your household goods or are only looking for storage space for a short, limited period of time.
2. Calculate correct size
Many (new) customers make the mistake of renting an oversized or undersized storage box. To avoid this, it is important to determine the space requirements as precisely as possible beforehand.
The storage space size is usually specified in cubic meters (m3). Before you rent a box or storage unit, you should definitely think about all the things you want to store and how big they are. It’s best to make a list and roughly calculate how many square meters or cubic meters of storage space you will need.
You should measure the longest or largest item you want to store in order to know the minimum width or length of the storage box.
The following table serves as a guide for calculating the desired size:
| What should be stored? | Required size storage box |
| Some boxes | 1 m3 |
| A few pieces of furniture | 2 – 6 m3 |
| 1 room | 7 – 10 m3 |
| 2 room apartment | 11 – 16 m3 |
| 3 room apartment | 14 – 22 m3 |
| 4 room apartment | 20 – 30 m3 |
| 5 room apartment | min. 25 m3 |
Tip: Sometimes it can make sense to rent several self-storage boxes. You can fill one box to start with and then rent a second one if required. You may need one box longer than the other and can therefore save costs.
3. Compare offers beforehand
There are now numerous self-storage providers in Switzerland, so it is definitely worth comparing prices beforehand. Don’t be afraid to ask about discount offers (e.g. for new customers or long-term tenants), you can often save a lot!
In order to be able to compare the costs objectively, you need to look at the offers in detail.
Pay attention to the following things:
- Storage box dimensions: Length, width & height of the box on offer.
- Opening hours: The longer the better! Many self-storage companies, such as placeB offer 24/7 access to your personal storage box.
- Accessibility: The warehouse must be quick and easy for you to reach (ideally even without a car). So be sure to check the self-storage locations first!
- Security: How are your items protected? Is there video surveillance? Is there an access code for the storage box?
- Insurance: Are your items insured? If not, does your warehouse offer insurance?
Tip : At placeB one of the largest self-storage providers in Switzerland, you get a 50% discount on your rent for the first month. If you rent your storage box for at least one year, you will receive 15% off the entire rental period.
4. Read the small print
As is so often the case in life, the devil is often in the detail. Therefore, make sure that you read through the terms and conditions and other information again before signing the contract.
In particular, you should clarify the following points:
- Notice periods: Is there a minimum rental period?
- Terms of use: What may be stored?
- Insurance: Are my possessions insured?
- Flexibility: Can the storage box be changed? (e.g. to a larger box)
- Deposit: Do I have to pay a deposit when renting?
- Terms of payment: When is the rent due (e.g. monthly)?
5. View in person
Before you rent a self-storage box, you should definitely inspect it beforehand and check its condition.
After all, a cheap storage space is of no benefit to you if, for example, it is not heated or not heated sufficiently and smells musty. A dry, clean condition should be the minimum requirement!
You can also determine whether the self-storage unit is easily accessible and adequately secured (e.g. video surveillance, porter, alarm system, etc.).
When an employee shows you around the warehouse, let them show you 2-3 different storage boxes so that you can make a well-informed decision.
Don’t forget to measure the containers to make sure that the largest or longest item you want to store will fit inside.
6. Additional services
The small but significant difference is often made by the additional services you can book as part of your self-storage rental.
Some warehouses offer transportation or removal services, for example, as well as the rental of removal vans.
It is also often possible to rent shelves, moving boxes or packing materials.
Another important point for older or physically disabled people is accessibility. Is the warehouse located on the first floor or an upper floor? Does it have a spacious elevator and automatically opening doors?
The equipment of the containers can also be decisive: Are the boxes heated and thus protected from cold and frost in winter?
Last but not least: Does the storage facility offer disposal for a fee? Because not everything that is stored is used again. Some self-storage companies offer a clear-out service for an additional charge.
Tip: Are you planning to move and don’t know where to start? Then perhaps our Checklist for a relaxed move will help you. Click here for the article.
Image by DCStudio on Freepik
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