Disorder in the living space not only looks unattractive, but in extreme cases can demonstrably lead to psychological problems and anxiety attacks. In addition to depression, chaos at home and/or at work can, in the most severe cases, escalate into the so-called Messie-Syndrom.
Even untidy people love order. However, very few know where to start. Those who have little space often find that “creating order” only means moving unnecessary stuff from one room to the next.
Anyone who truly wants to create free space but is afraid that important items will be lost in the process looks for storage options outside their own four walls.
When do you need additional storage space?
The need for additional storage space generally arises from very everyday causes. It is up to you to determine the scope and the storage period yourself. Here are some of the most common situations in which households or private individuals suddenly discover the need for more space and outsourcing:
Moving
Every year, around 8.5 million households and private individuals move. That is 23,000 moves every day. The reasons are mostly private, but professional causes also play a major role. At the same time, moving is among the most stressful situations in the lives of those involved.
Renovation
Anyone who does not want or is unable to move often still has the desire for a fundamental change in their living situation. Many therefore reach for tools and paintbrushes to beautify their living space. Germans are masters of DIY and more than 68 percent of households in this country engage in home improvement projects every year.
However, renovation requires space. And if you are already beautifying your own home, you do not want to furnish it afterwards with furniture that has scratches, chipped corners or paint splashes because the supposedly careful covering slipped in the heat of the moment.
Family changes
It does not matter whether a change in a family is viewed as positive or negative, family changes always cause unrest. A new partner, an addition to the family or even divorce/separation will irreversibly transform everyday life forever and cause a reorganization of the household.
Anyone who has ever tried to turn two households into one knows how difficult the undertaking is. From sofa to bed, everything is available twice. Where should the surplus household goods go?
Seasonal storage
Winter/summer clothing, sports equipment such as surfboards, kayaks or bicycles, or tires are among the items affected by the change of seasons and take up a lot of space when not in use.
Expats and students
Moving out of the parental home can be associated not only with excitement, but also with tension. The room in a shared flat is smaller than the parental home and usually comes without a practical garage where bicycles or other sports equipment can be stored. In addition, you usually do not know your flatmates.
Storage offers students a way to provide their space-consuming but necessary items with a cost-effective storage place for years.
The advantages of private storage
Even if none of the above-mentioned factors apply to your individual life circumstances, storage and in particular Full-Service-Storage can lend you a helping hand in tricky situations.
Full-Service-Storage providers are service providers in the best sense of the word. With this type of storage, nothing is left to chance and seemingly insurmountable problems, including not having a car or a physique that excludes carrying heavy items, can be solved with a phone call.
High flexibility
Exceptional circumstances require special measures. Reputable storage and Full-Storage providers deal every day with the problems of households and private individuals and, based on this experience, can usually provide help quickly and without further complications.
Anyone who quickly needs a storage unit in an emergency is usually helped. Flexible arrangements can also be made regarding the rental period. In addition, you have the option to adjust the size of the storage unit as needed and either expand or reduce it.
High security
Very few private individuals or households can afford elaborate security measures, and the figures for burglary offenses in Germany are constantly rising.
Reputable storage providers have technically advanced security systems such as CCTV and video surveillance, locking systems and security guards. In addition, they maintain detailed security protocols that record visitors and access.
Fully climate-controlled storage conditions
In addition to protection against theft, burglary or vandalism, the professional storage of your items also plays a major role in storage. Pieces of furniture, electrical appliances, clothing and even shoe boxes filled with receipts that you must keep for ten years according to the Finanzamt place high demands.
Damp and cold basements, garages and attics are rarely suitable for this. Storage and Full-Service-Storage providers, on the other hand, offer climate-controlled storage units with proper ventilation in which household goods, furniture and books alike can feel comfortable.
Secured insurance coverage
If, despite all security precautions, something should still go wrong, with storage and Full-Service-Storage you have the certainty that you are also insured against damage and loss.
As a rule, the insurance coverage of your own household contents insurance also extends to external storage units, especially if these are climate-controlled and monitored. With reputable storage providers, basic insurance is also included in the rental price.
Professionally trained customer service
As already mentioned, customer service in the storage and Full-Service-Storage sector is prepared for most major and minor disasters of their private customers. Even if storage employees do not provide psychological support, they can answer important questions such as: “When can I start using the storage space?” or “How many square meters do I need to rent to accommodate my entire household?”
Full-Service-Storage providers also offer professionally trained staff who deal with your logistical problems. If you choose this type of storage service, even your heavy items will be collected from your home, transported to your storage unit in all weather conditions and stored there professionally. In addition, you can also rent sustainable moving boxes to avoid purchasing packaging material and to speed up the packing of your items.
How private storage works
Storage for private individuals and households usually begins with an online form or a phone call to a storage provider. You should already have gained a certain overview of what and how much you want to store. The first question from customer service at storage will most certainly concern the size of the required storage space. If you are unsure, you can use a storage space calculator or ask customer service for advice.
The next question will concern the planned rental period. Please note that in German major cities, where housing space is limited, storage units may also be affected by shortages. This particularly applies to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Stuttgart.
After you have agreed with the storage provider on both the rented square meters and the rental period of the storage unit, it is time for the rental contract. In this context, you will most likely be asked by your future storage space landlord to present proof of identity and confirmation of the conclusion of household contents insurance. If you do not have household contents insurance, the storage provider can also assist you with this.
Rights and obligations in private storage
Your rights and obligations in storage and Full-Service-Storage are regulated in your contract with the landlord. Therefore, you should read it carefully.
With reputable storage and Full-Service-Storage providers, your items are stored safely with regard to the climatic conditions indoors. However, this requires that you take your own precautionary measures.
Good packaging
Make sure that your items are safely and well packed in order to avoid damage during transport to the storage facility. This applies particularly to fragile items.
Prohibited items
Do not hide prohibited items in your storage unit or your storage boxes. These include:
- Hazardous materials such as chemicals, gas cylinders or containers, solvents and lubricants and fuel.
- Valuable items such as jewelry, antiques, coin and stamp collections, furs, cash and securities.
- Illegal items such as explosives, weapons, ammunition, drugs or stolen goods.
- Perishable food that requires refrigeration.
- Animals and plants
Individual storage providers may also add their own prohibited items to the list.
Rental payments
Television programs such as Storage Wars – Die Geschäftemacher are very entertaining, but only as long as your own belongings do not suddenly end up under the hammer. If, even after repeated reminders, you do not pay the rent for your storage, the landlord actually has the right to confiscate and auction the contents.
If you are forgetful by nature, you can pay the rental price for the entire rental period in advance and perhaps even receive a discount. In addition, storage and Full-Service-Storage providers also offer payment by standing order or SEPA direct debit procedure.
Why Full-Service-Storage is particularly well suited for private storage
As already mentioned, many private individuals and households turn to storage providers when a crisis has occurred and they need quick help with outsourcing their household goods and even their entire household inventory. Full-Service-Storage is particularly advantageous here because a holistic solution is offered in which your logistical problems already come to an end at your doorstep.
But Full-Service-Storage can also prove useful in everyday problems. Not everyone nowadays owns a motor vehicle or a driving license to rent a vehicle. In addition, there are unfavorable traffic conditions not only in major cities and poor weather conditions that do not invite driving. With Full-Service-Storage services, transport from your doorstep is included, in many cases even free of charge.
There are also further cost savings in storage. Full-Service-Storage customers do not have to ask their employers for time off or vacation in order to manage the storage of their household goods. Childcare is also not necessary, because with this type of storage you do not even have to leave the house.
