FAQs
These are some of the questions our customers ask us most often
About Us:
Why use Blue Bear Self Storage?
People use Blue Bear self storage because they want extra storage space without cluttering up their homes and businesses. Having a secure storage unit that they control themselves lets customers manage their space in a cost effective and secure manner. To understand what makes us different click here
Who are Blue Bear Self Storage?
Blue Bear Self Storage are a container self storage company. Our focus is on using the highest quality shipping containers to provide the best value self storage on the market, while ensuring we don’t compromise on any other service. So expect a trusted local self storage company with friendly staff, well maintained sites in prime locations and the highest level of security. To learn more click here
Where is my closest Blue Bear Site?
We have self-storage sites across the country. Click here to find our list of locations.
Do you do pickups or removals?
Many of our customers choose to rent a van and move themselves. If you do need a hand we can also recommend local delivery companies.
Our Containers
Are the containers built for self storage and do they have climate control?
Yes, our containers are specifically modified for self storage. Its important to remember that the vast majority of goods that arrive in the UK from overseas, come in shipping containers. These containers are, by their very nature, perfectly and purposely designed to be the ultimate weather proof storage unit.
No, the containers do not have climate control.
What size are your containers?
We have 4 sizes of units, 40 sq ft, 60 sq ft, 80 sq ft and 160 sq ft. Please click here to see our size guide.
Are your containers safe and secure?
Yes, we understand how important your belongings are to you and as a result we take security seriously. Our sites are security fenced with monitored CCTV and recorded gate opening systems. Each container is made of steel construction and we use high grade padlocks which are further protected by a lock box. Due to the measures we take to maximise security on our sites we are able to offer fantastic deals on Customer Goods Protection to add some further peace of mind.
Will my container suffer from damp?
When one contemplates that a vast majority of goods imported into the UK from overseas comes in via a container (Clothing, furniture, domestic goods, machine parts, medicine, toys, computers, mobiles and lots, lots more) you begin to understand that shipping container are perfectly designed to be the ultimate storage unit!
Our containers are modified shipping containers and completely waterproof (our insurance covers this) with vents providing continuous air flow. We have had customers storing everything from electrical equipment to furniture and never had an issue.
What we do recommend is that customers try to avoid bringing moisture into the container. Water brought in will evaporate and take some time to escape from the container. With that in mind please ensure freezers are defrosted and washing machines etc are fully drained down. Can Blue Bear insure my goods?
To add that extra layer of security and peace of mind we ask that all our customers insure or have Customer Goods Protection for their belongings. As most home insurance policies only cover goods in your home. We have worked hard to get our sites up to the standard required to offer market leading Customer Goods Protection. As such we are able to offer our customers competitive protection for the duration of their stay. We do ask that anyone who chooses not to use our Customer Good Protection provides us with evidence that their belongings have some level of cover.
Customer Goods Protection
What is StoreProtect?
StoreProtect is an extension to our standard contract that allows us to accept liability for loss or damage to your goods in certain circumstances. Our liability under StoreProtect is accepted on a new replacement basis for most goods you store. However, there are restrictions for some items, such as jewellery, watches, furs, fine art, beers, wines, and electrical items. We cannot offer StoreProtect for motorcars stored outside a unit or food/perishable items.
To benefit from StoreProtect, you must declare an appropriate new replacement value for all goods stored (known as the Maximum Replacement Value). This figure must be adequate to include all goods at all times.
If you do not opt for StoreProtect, our standard terms limit our liability for your goods to a maximum of £100. You are also required to arrange insurance at your own expense for yourstated Maximum Reinstatement Value for the duration of storage.
Do I have to insure my goods to store with Blue Bear?
Our Self Storage Agreement requires you to either: accept our enhanced liability protection under StoreProtect; or arrange insurance at your own expense for your stated Maximum Reinstatement Value for the duration of storage.
How do I calculate my Maximum Replacement Value?
We must understand the total value of all goods stored with us, even if you arrange insurance elsewhere. It is, therefore, a requirement for all customers to declare a suitable Maximum Replacement Value and to ensure it remains adequate for the storage period.
Your Maximum Replacement Value must represent the total current cost of replacing all stored property as new, except the following items where the replacement cost is calculated differently:
- household linen and clothing, motorcars, motorbikes, boats, caravans, motorhomes and any other motorised vehicle, where the Replacement Value allows for the age, quality, degree of use, existing damage and consequent market value;
- any goods which cannot be purchased new (such as antiques or works of art, for example), where the replacement value shall be the current market value; and
- documents, where the Replacement Value shall be calculated as the physical cost of replacing the documents and/or cost of reprinting, re-issue and/or reconstitution, but excluding the value of the information contained in the documents.
If you opt for StoreProtect:
If the Maximum Replacement Value you provide is less than the actual total Replacement Value of all of your property stored at the time of loss or damage, then our liability under StoreProtect will be reduced to reflect the proportion that your Maximum Replacement Value bears to the actual total Replacement Value (“Proportional Reduction”).
For example: if the total replacement value of your property is £10,000, but you have declared a Maximum Replacement Value of £5,000, our liability will be reduced by 50%. So, if £3,000 worth of Your Property is lost or damaged, our liability would be £1,500.
How to book a container?
How do I book a container?
Just apply for a price online and then give us a call on 0203 981 2900 to book – we ask that you provide the following items:
– ID (passport or driving licence)– Credit or debit card
How quickly can I book?
As long as we have a container available, you are free to move straight in; just give us a call on 0203 981 2900 and book, then off you go! To limit disappointment, we ask customers to give us a call a few days in advance as we do sometimes reach full capacity.
Do you take a deposit?
No deposit is required other than for a small number of units which have a standard key lock and not a padlock. We do expect all padlocks provided by us to be returned or a replacement fee will have to be charged.
Do I have to sign a lease?
No, simplicity is the name of the game. A straightforward storage licence is all that is required.
What items are you prohibited from storing?
There are certain items which are not suitable for storage. Please see the following list, and also refer to condition 6.3 of our Self Storage Agreement:
You must not store (or allow any other person to store) any of the following in the Unit:
- food or perishable goods unless securely packed in hard plastic or glass containers so they are protected from and do not attract vermin;
- any living creatures;
- combustible or flammable substances such as gas, paint, petrol, oil, cleaning solvents or compressed gases;
- firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition;
- chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents, toxic waste, asbestos or other potentially hazardous substances;
- any Goods that emit fumes or odours;
- any illegal Goods or substances or goods illegally obtained such as, but not limited to, illicit (counterfeit/smuggled) tobacco or alcohol and unlicensed or unsafe goods (such as toys, electrical goods, medicines, aerosols, cosmetics, fireworks);
- goods which are environmentally harmful or that are a risk to the property of any person;
- currency, deeds and securities;
- Property where the value to you cannot be assessed on a financial basis, including goods purely of sentimental value; and
- any goods which are contaminated with food or any other substance which may deteriorate, rot, become mouldy or attract vermin.
What if you want to leave early?
We cannot offer refunds if you wish to leave early, our minimum storage period is 4 weeks and our contracts are 4 weekly rolling or 26 week rolling, however you are more that welcome to vacate your unit before the end of your storage period. Just email us at info@bluebearstorage.co.uk to let us know you wish to vacate and on which day.
What is the process for leaving?
Blue Bear Self Storage require 4 weeks notice for vacating your unit (for leaving early please see the question above). Please simply email us at info@bluebearstorage.co.uk to notify us of your intention to vacate.
Questions at the start
Do I need a padlock?
No. We offer padlocks for a small rental fee or we can sell you a padlock. We require all customers to use our insurance grade padlocks.
Can I have multiple storage units?
Yes of course. Just give us a call on 0203 981 2900 and we can arrange additional containers.
What is the shortest time I can store for? The minimum period we offer is 4 weeks.
How does long term storage work
Customers who commit to and pay upfront for 26 weeks will receive 10% discounts. At the end of this period they can either renew for a further 26 weeks or move to a 4 weekly agreement. Please be aware that longer term deals are non refundable if you leave early.
Can I drive right up to my container?
Yes, you can drive right up and unload straight into our ground floor units. Please make sure you book a ground floor unit, we do offer first floor units on some of our sites but they will be clearly indicated in your quote and when speaking to our staff.
What is a first floor storage unit?
We genuinely believe that our first-floor storage units provide the best value self-storage you will find anywhere. It’s a bold statement but this is exactly why we offer them. To access the unit you will need to go up a small but wide set of stairs which has between 10 and 14 steps, less than the standard set of stairs in a house. If your items are very heavy and you simply want the cheapest option, then these units are for you!
