What can you store?

Well, just about anything! So long as it’s not living, flammable, toxic, noxious or perishable.  Our customers store everything including:

• Household furniture, including carpets, curtains, cushions etc…
• Family heirlooms and paintings
• Sports equipment and children’s toys
• Garden accessories (tables, chairs, gardening tools)
• Spare clothes and / or bed linen
• Crockery and / or other kitchen items
• Electronic equipment (stereo, TV / dvd, computer equipment etc..)
• Dry foodstuffs

Well, as we said, just about any manner of personal belongings!  Some customers access their units once every six months, others almost daily; there’s no limit or charge for the number of times you can access your own personal storage unit.

Insurance

We appreciate the importance of protecting your personal belongings in the event that the unthinkable might happen. We therefore ask all our customers to make sure they are properly insured, and we can offer to cover you under our own "AtticSafe" insurance policy if required. Click here to find out more.

What to bring with you

Before you come and see us please remember the following points:

• We only accept debit and credit cards (cheques with guarantee card) – sorry, we can't accept cash
• You will need to bring a photo ID (passport or drivers licence) AND proof of address (bank statement or utility bill) with you
• We will ask you to describe the goods that you are moving in to your room, and the value of these goods for insurance purposes
• When moving in for the first time, please do allow enough time before closing (1hr)
• You will be seen by our digital CCTV system when you arrive on site, and we will take a digital photo of you at reception to maintain on file and further enhance security
• While the units all possess individual alarms, you will need your own padlock and key... (we do offer a choice of new padlocks in store)
• To set up Direct Debit a recent bank statement or valid cheque book will be required
• Please give us a name, address and telephone number for emergency contact - this must be a different address to your own

Make a list of what you intend to store, especially larger or unusually shaped items. Note items that can fold down or be taken apart to make more space i.e. beds. This will help you get the best possible quote and enough packing materials.

Calculate the value of what you have to store and arrange insurance cover. This can be done in store and must be taken out prior to moving your goods in.

Label all boxes clearly to help when retrieving goods from your unit and unpacking.

Allow large and heavy items to form the base of the storage room with lighter items at the top.

Use chest of drawers and wardrobes to store boxes and paper work giving you extra room. Position items that you will need frequent access to at the front of the unit. (But remember to empty the chest of drawers and wardrobes before attempting to move them!).

Cover all furniture with dust sheets and remember to wrap table and chair legs to avoid scratching.

Store heavy items in smaller boxes to make for easy lifting. Store china and breakables in stronger cardboard and plastic boxes packing with bubble wrap or tissue paper.

Make sure that fridges and freezers are fully defrosted to prevent water damage and where possible leave the doors open to allow ventilation.

Clean all garden furniture before storing and make sure that your lawnmower is drained of petrol.

Purchase a padlock to secure your unit (available in store). If there will be more than one person accessing the unit (store will need notification of this) consider a combination padlock.

• Ring around for quotes from removal firms, and appoint one. Make sure they're properly insured and establish exactly what they're prepared to do.  Get them to come around and confirm the quote before accepting it.  If you need some recommendations, we’re happy to help!
• If you will be moving things yourself, ring around and book a van and some friends to help lift and carry.
• If you will be using self storage, remember to contact us to reserve a room and order your packing materials from Attic Self Storage
• Start packing any non-essential items such as out-of-season clothing, together with your best china, glassware and ornaments. Remember to make clear lists of the contents in each box, and to keep a master record
• Clear out your attic, shed, garage, storage cupboards; pack as many items ahead of time as you can
• Let everyone know that you're changing address.  This could be a long list of people so consider a standard letter and set aside a couple of hours
• Arrange to have post re-directed to your new address.  If in doubt, or if you will be in between addresses for a while, consider using our mailbox service
• Give notice to any email, broadband or television subscription services, the gym etc.. of your intention to move
• Don’t pack your passport, drivers’ licence, insurance documents, details of solicitors, banks etc as you will need these over the course of your move
• Prepare a master file containing all  the important documents relating to your move
• Contact your insurance company to arrange transfer of your home and contents insurance on the move day. Your buildings insurance should already be in place on the day you complete on your new home

• Have a dinner party and eat all that food in the freezer!
• Continue to pack any items you won't need before the move
• Arrange for someone to look after your children and pets during the move
• Contact the gas, electric, telephone and water companies to inform them of the impending move

• Double-check and confirm any bookings you've made with removal firms, van hire companies or ourselves
• Keep your vacuum cleaner and broom to hand for that last once-over
• Cancel newspapers, milk and window cleaning and settle any bills you may have overlooked
• Host your leaving party and wish your neighbours well

• Prepare your moving day 'survival kit' containing a kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, milk, sugar, teaspoons, sandwiches, snacks, biscuits, crisps, fruit, washing-up liquid, tea towels and a hand towel (not forgetting the all important toilet roll and bar of soap!)
• Pack any valuables together and carry them securely with you, rather than packing them away
• Remember to keep the master file to hand, it will contain details of all the people and companies you may need to get in touch with
• Call your telephone service provider and let them know the time you want your telephone disconnecting or transferring
• Defrost the freezer and fridge (if you intend to transport the freezer and its contents intact, put it on fast-freeze overnight)
• Make a list of useful telephone numbers for the new occupiers of your home, plus instructions for operating any appliances, central heating, etc.
• Make sure you have cash available for the unforeseen circumstances and for tipping your removal men and especially the very helpful staff at Attic
• Telephone your insurance company to double-check that your new contents cover will be in force on the morning of the move

• Telephone the gas and electric companies to give them your final meter reading
• Take a final snap of your old, empty home… before heading off to your new home!