Myth # 1 – Self storage is hard to find

The truth is that self storage locations have become more available in the U.A.E.

Myth # 2 – Self storage facilities have limited security

The truth is majority of self storage facilities are increasingly offering higher security such as access cards and security cameras.

Myth # 3 – Customers can only access the storage facilities within working hours

The truth is that with individual customer access cards customers can access their belongings 24 hours a day.

Myth # 4 – Self storage facilities get too hot in the summers

The truth is hot weather in the U.A.E does not affect stored items because facilities are air conditioned.

Myth # 5 – Insuring items is a long and expensive process

The truth is for a marginal extra fee, storage companies are able to offer their customers with options to insure their goods (against fire, damage etc.)

Myth # 6 – Storage companies only offer long term rental contracts

The truth is both short term and long term contracts are offered. Some companies offer monthly rates.

Myth # 7 – ” I dont have enough things to put in storage “

The truth is all types of things can be stored to reduce clutter in the home or office ( furniture, sports equipment, decorative items etc). Storage companies are increasingly offering varying sizes of storage units.

Myth # 8 – Self storage warehouses are not clean/maintained regularly

The truth is some U.A.E self storage companies uphold strict rules to keep their facilities clean and maintained.

Myth # 9 – Payments have to be made in advance

The truth is monthly payments can be made via major credit cards in most self storage companies in the U.A.E making it easy for customers to make monthly payments.

Myth # 10 – ” I have to arrange for the transportation of my items to the warehouse “

The truth is all major self storage companies will provide a removals service for their customers, via third party companies.

Do you consider balconies a storage space (ignoring the Dubai heat)?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Are bicycles and kayaks part of your summer garden decoration?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

When you go on vacation to escape Dubai’s hot summers, does your car collect so much dust that people feel the need to write obscene messages on it?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Do you use your files as a foot stool or as a tower on your office desk to     hide from collegues?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Does your garage not fit your car anymore?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Are you developing allergies from the dust building up on the things stashed under your bed?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Are you lending your friends your clothes and shoes because you have no space in your cupboards?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Have your suitcases become part of your permanent furniture?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Do your winter clothes take half of your closet space?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Are you forced to give away your old furniture for only AED100.00?

a) Yes                b) No              c) Maybe

Answers:

If you have answered Yes to most of these questions, then you need to contact a self storage company immediately.

If you answered Maybe to most of these questions, then you need to contact a self storage company immediately.

If you answered No to most of these questions, then we suggest that you go back and take a second look at your house and retake the questionnaire.

1. Decide whether you will do the packing and transport or whether you will use a removals company.
2. If you decide to pack and transport the items, make sure you buy all the necessarypacking supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, paper and a knife cutter.
3. If you decide to use a removals company, make sure you contact several companies for a survey in order to compare quotes. Surveys are usually for free in the United Arab Emirates.
4. Visit the self storage facility to make sure they can meet your storage requirements. Is the facility air conditioned? The summer months in Dubai are hot and can damage temperature sensitive items such as furniture and equipment. Is the storage facility clean? Make sure the facility is perst controlled regularly. What about access? Can you have frequent access to your possessions? Is insurance offered?
5. Are there different size storage units available? Check which storage unit is right for you. If you opt for a removals company to do the packing and transportation, have them do the survey before visiting the self storage facility. This way you would know how much space you would require and it will be easier for you to choose the storage unit.

Do:

• Clean your items before storing.
• Store frequently used items at the front of the storage unit.
• Purchase insurance.
• Disassemble all your items to save space and label all the boxes if you are    doing the packing.
• Inform the management if you come across anything strange in the warehouse.

Do not:

• Store anything hazardous such as any flammables i.e. paint or gasoline
• Store anything perishable.
• Pack alot in one box or it will be too heavy to carry.
• Allow anyone else to access your storage unit before informing the storage facility staff.