I’m currently in the process of moving abroad, and have looked into several self-storage facilities in the Edinburgh area. One of the companies called me after I requested a quote for a unit. They asked the reason for storing items, and I stupidly told them I was moving abroad, they asked how long I’d be gone (at least 5 years) and if I’d be returning to gain access to my items (no).

The quote I requested was for a personal approx. 50 cubic ft unit. They suggested that I put my items in a communal unit, but only after finding out I’d be gone for years without returning. They said only an employee would have access to the unit and that it was VERY secure. The entire way he explained it to me, it sounded incredibly UNsecure. WHY would I ever trust employees of a storage company to not go in and steal my belongings when they know I’m gone for years?

Just wondering if anyone has come across this before. I’ve never stored items in the UK, only in the US, but having a communal storage unit sounds VERY strange to me. I feel like I’m just asking for my things to be rifled through and stolen. Is this a normal thing? Also, is £10 per week ridiculously high? My previous unit in the US, which was a good size and temp controlled, was only $30 per month.

I’m not going to go through this company, obviously, and any company I do go through, I’m going to lie to and tell them I’m just moving things out of my crowded home and I’ll be going to add/remove things on a regular basis. I’d like to return in several years to ALL of my items.

Just wondering what others personal experiences have been with self-storage in the UK, so I know what to look out for and what prices to expect.