Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to commonly asked questions about our storage units and storage hire by browsing through our comprehensive FAQ section. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, you can get in touch via email or telephone at 0800 535 3470. Our dedicated team is here to help address any queries you may have, and ensure you find the storage solution that suits you.
Storage Hire with Bluebox Storage
Our office opening hours are:
Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Sun: Closed
If you wish to speak to a member of our team about your storage needs please contact us using our online enquiry form, by email or alternatively give us a call during our opening hours.
As we are committed to providing our customers with affordable storage hire, we periodically run different promotions and offers.
We offer a 10% discount on annual storage payment across all of our storage locations.
Bluebox Storage also offer 50% discount on annual payments for insurance over the value of £4000 cover.
To discuss any current storage promotions and insurance offers please speak to a member of our team, or for more information please visit our storage hire promotion terms and conditions page.
If you are currently using one of our storage containers, you have 24/7 access to your belongings, so you are free to access your items whenever you need.
Yes, Bluebox Storage supplies a range of boxes, locks and protective equipment for your goods. We also have a free collection service for boxes and packaging from each of our North East storage locations.
We have 9 storage units, with self storage in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Grangetown, and storage units in Darlington. For our full range of locations, and their contact details, take a look at our locations page.
The minimum rental period at Bluebox Storage is 1-month for all of our storage containers.
For more information on our policies, please see our Terms & Conditions.
There are a number of items that you are not permitted to store in any of our containers. These include:
- Non road legal bikes or Quad bikes
- Chemicals / explosives / highly flammable goods
- Unlicensed / hazardous goods
- Illegal items such as weapons, drugs, firearms, etc
- Perishable food items
If you would like to hire a storage container with us, then you must make sure to bring along a photo ID at every appointment.
Acceptable forms of ID include a Drivers’ Licence, or Passport.
Please be aware that we will not be able to make an appointment if you do not bring your ID with you.
Container Size & Storing Your Belongings
The capacity of a 20ft container is around 1,170 cubic feet or 33.1 cubic metres.
The capacity of a storage container can vary depending on the size and type of container you're using. Containers come in various sizes, with 20ft and 40ft containers being some of the most common options.
- Internal Dimensions: 10ft x 8ft (3m x 2.4m)
- Approximate Capacity: These containers can hold around 680 cubic feet or 19.3 cubic metres.
- Internal Dimensions: 20ft x 8ft (6m x 2.4m)
- Approximate Capacity: These containers can hold around 1,170 cubic feet or 33.1 cubic metres.
- Internal Dimensions: 40ft x 8ft (12m x 2.4m)
- These containers can hold around 2,350 cubic feet or 66.2 cubic metres.
The smallest storage container we offer is 10ft x 8ft which is comparable to a small garden shed or garage. Our 10ft x 8ft storage containers are perfect for when you have an overflow of items that you are having trouble storing at home.
Our 40ft storage container is able to comfortably fit the contents of a 5 bed home, along with garden equipment. This container is also great for commercial use, being spacious enough for different types of large tools and machinery.
Yes, a standard car can typically fit inside a storage container. A 20ft storage container is generally large enough to accommodate most passenger cars. You would need to drive the car into the container, and it would fit comfortably with some space to spare for additional items or storage.
However, it's important to ensure that the car is properly secured inside the container to prevent movement and damage during storage. This may involve using straps, wheel chocks, or other securement methods.
For more information about storing vehicles within one of our storage containers, please contact the Bluebox Storage team who will be able to give you expert guidance.
Standard shipping and storage containers are designed to be weather-resistant. They are constructed to withstand typical environmental conditions during transportation, including rain and saltwater exposure.
Our customers can rest assured that their belongings are safe, secure and most importantly dry within Bluebox Storage containers across all of our North East locations.
Storing a sofa in a container requires careful preparation to protect it from damage while in storage.
If your sofa can be disassembled, such as removing legs or separating sectional pieces, do so as this can make it easier to handle and store.
Consider using specific sofa covers or large plastic sofa bags to provide an extra layer of protection against dust and moisture. If the sofa has removable cushions, store them separately. For fabric-upholstered sofas, consider using mattress bags to provide additional protection and keep the upholstery clean.
As well as storage containers, we also offer boxes and packaging supplies like sofa covers and mattress covers, to give you peace of mind that your belongings will remain in good condition.
Remember, if you’re storing multiple items, leave enough space to create aisles for easy access to the sofa and other belongings.
Yes, you can store a mattress in a shipping container, and it's a common practice for those who need to store mattresses for various reasons, such as moving, downsizing, or long-term storage.
Before storing your mattress, make sure it is clean and completely dry. Any moisture or dirt on the mattress can lead to mould, mildew, and odours during storage.
To protect the mattress from dust and potential damage, it's a good idea to encase it in a mattress bag or cover specifically designed for storage. These covers can help keep the mattress clean and prevent it from getting scuffed or torn.
Store the mattress on a flat, level surface within the container. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the mattress, as this can cause it to lose its shape or develop permanent indentations.
Take a look at our packaging supplies for mattress covers and other essential protective products.
A 20ft container will comfortably fit the contents of a 2-3 bed house, and is a great option for businesses who need to store stock or office equipment.
Storage Container Price
The price of renting a storage container depends on the size you choose. Bluebox Storage offer a range of storage container sizes, starting from £90 pcm inc. VAT.
We also offer storage insurance at a small extra cost, should you wish to cover your belongings from things like accidental damage and natural disasters.
If you are still unsure what size would be best for you, get in touch with our team, or request a quote.
Including VAT, our 20ft containers are £120 pcm and our 40ft containers are £200 pcm.
Security
Shipping containers are designed to be secure and theft resistant. The level of security of a shipping container depends on various factors, including the type of container, the quality of its construction, and any externally implemented security measures, like on site CCTV.
Bluebox Storage shipping containers are equipped with strong locking mechanisms and come with a complimentary padlock to secure your items, as well as having fully monitored CCTV across all of our locations to ensure the safety of your belongings and your peace of mind.
While we do sell padlocks, as a valued customer of Bluebox Storage we supply a free padlock when you hire storage with us.
When you hire storage with Bluebox Storage you are required to use StoreProtect to cover your belongings.
It's crucial to note that the responsibility for your belongings rests with you, and due to the absence of detailed records regarding the items you store with us, our StoreProtect policy cannot comprehensively cover all your possessions. Therefore, we highly recommend taking out the coverage that we offer to give you that extra peace of mind when hiring with us.
For more information about StoreProtect, please visit our insurance terms and conditions.
Each of our locations is equipped with state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance, in well-lit areas, ensuring the security of your valuables 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.