Storage. Storage is also a secure solution to storage needs. In most cases, the storage unit you hire can only be accessed by yourself - you'll be the only authorized key holder, although you can generally nominate further key holders if you wish.

Storing.com Excellent Secure Facilities (Click to enlarge)

This term comes under the umbrella of self storage. The term applied to facilities that offer do-it-yourself, month-to-month storage space rental. They are also sometimes referred to as "Mini Storage," or, incorrectly as "Mini Warehouses". Self Storing differs greatly from warehousing because it is a landlord/tenant relationship.

Business Storage

Business opt for self storing for various reasons, the most common of which is the need to free up or to cut down on expensive office space, for use as a small scale warehouse, distribution service or as an archive. Business users are often given preferential access to general facilities - an added advantage if you use a unit as a distribution point for stock that may need to be dispatched at short notice and at odd times. The most common uses for businesses storage include:

• Archiving documents, files and paperwork.
• Freeing up office space by storing items that aren't needed on a daily basis.
• Storing office furniture and equipment.
• Storing stock, either full-time or on a seasonal basis.
• Storing office equipment and files during a move.
• As a small-scale distribution centre.
• As a store for excess stock, reps' sales samples and display or exhibition equipment
• Storing office supplies, allowing businesses to buy in bulk and gain discounts.

Personal Storage

Whatever your personal storing needs, the chances are you'll find a solution in self storing. The self storing industry has seen a boom over the past few years as individuals and families realize that this is a cheaper and more flexible solution than traditional storage.

There are hundreds of reasons why people opt for self-storing for personal use, the most common of which include:

• To simply free up space in your home.
• As a store for all or part of your personal possessions while you move house or are between houses.
• When moving from a large home to a smaller one.
• To keep personal clutter out of your home while you are trying to sell it.
• To help with space as a family expands.
• To keep valuable and personal items secure while taking an extended holiday if you're renting out your home whilst away.
• To keep collections and memorabilia in one place.
• To store seasonal items such as garden furniture or tools if you don't have a dry place or space to keep them at home.
• To store clothes on a seasonal basis - i.e. your winter wardrobe is in storage in summer and changed for your summer wardrobe in winter.
• As a space for recreational vehicles when not in use - these can include boats, motor homes, caravans, motorcycles and cars.
• For students to store their personal possessions during holiday periods when they have to move off campus. Students also take up self-storage units after graduation before they decide where they will ultimately move.
• As temporary storage for personal items whilst decorating.
• To store sports equipment and bulky leisure items such as surfboards or windsurfers, either on a seasonal or permanent basis.