Removals Storage vs Self Storage: Which Is Right for You?

Stranks Removals & Storage has been moving and storing belongings across Kent since 1941. When families and businesses in the county start comparing removals storage with self storage, the difference often comes down to one thing: how much of the physical work you want to hand over. This page sets out exactly how each option works so you can make the right call for your situation.

How Removals Storage Works vs Self Storage

Collection and Loading

With removals storage through Stranks, the team comes to your home, packs and loads your belongings, and transports everything to the secure warehouse in Ashford. You do not hire a van, you do not carry boxes, and you do not make multiple trips. With self storage, you are responsible for hiring a van, loading it, driving to the unit, unloading, and returning the van. For most people in the middle of a house move, that is a significant amount of extra work at an already demanding time.

Containerised Storage vs Open Units

Stranks stores your belongings in individual containers inside the 13,000 sq ft Ashford warehouse. Your container holds your items only, it is not mixed with another customer’s goods, and it is kept in a controlled indoor environment. Many self storage facilities offer open units that tenants access directly, which can suit people who need frequent access to their items but may not suit a full household load that simply needs to sit safely for weeks or months.

Access During Storage

Self storage typically allows you to visit your unit during opening hours, which suits people who need to retrieve individual items regularly. Removals storage with Stranks is better suited to situations where you need your belongings kept securely and returned in full at the end of the storage period, rather than frequent partial access. If you know you will need to retrieve specific items partway through, discuss this with the team at the point of booking.

Security

Stranks’ Ashford warehouse is a purpose-built, secured facility. Your belongings sit in individual containers inside a building the team manages directly. Self storage facilities vary considerably in their security setup, from simple padlocked units to those with CCTV, individual alarms, and staffed receptions. When choosing, look at what the facility actually offers rather than assuming.

Pricing

Self storage pricing is usually quoted per unit per week or month. The headline rate can look low, but factor in the cost of hiring a van, your time, and any packing materials. Removals storage pricing covers collection, loading, storage, and return delivery in a single arrangement. For a full house load, the all-in cost is often comparable, and the removal of the physical effort is a genuine saving. Stranks provides clear pricing based on the volume of your move, so you know what the whole job costs from the start.

Short-Term Storage

Both options can work for short-term storage, typically a few weeks between a sale completing and a purchase completing. Removals storage through Stranks is particularly practical here because your belongings are already loaded and transported as part of the removal, so there is no separate logistics step. You do not need to organise a separate van hire at an already busy point in the process.

Long-Term Storage

For longer storage periods, Stranks’ containerised system in the Ashford warehouse provides a stable, secure environment. The 250-container capacity means the facility does not quickly fill up, and the same BAR and BS EN 12522 standards that apply to the removal apply to the storage period. Self storage can also work for longer periods, but costs accumulate on a unit basis and access arrangements can become inconvenient if you are not local.

Moving House Delays

Chain delays and completion date changes are common. If your new home is not ready when expected, removals storage means your belongings are already off-site and secured without you needing to renegotiate a van hire or scramble for a last-minute unit. Stranks handles this as part of the overall move, so a delay in completion does not mean starting from scratch with your storage arrangements.

Why Choose Stranks for Storage in Kent

Stranks Removals & Storage has been handling storage and relocations for families and businesses across Kent since 1941, with four generations of the Strank family in the trade. The Ashford depot holds a 13,000 sq ft warehouse with capacity for up to 250 containers. Stranks holds full British Association of Removers (BAR) membership including the BAR Advanced Payment scheme, and is certified to BS EN 12522, the dedicated British Standard for furniture removal services. On Referenceline, Stranks carries a 9.7 out of 10 rating from 380 reviews since 2007, with 98% of customers saying they would recommend the service.

Comparison Table

Factor	Removals Storage (Stranks)	Typical Self Storage
Collection from your home	Yes, team handles it	No, you arrange van hire
Loading and unloading	Team handles it	You handle it
Container type	Individual containers, indoors	Open or enclosed unit, you access directly
Accreditation	BAR member, BS EN 12522 certified	Varies by provider
Frequent access	Not the primary use case	Yes, during opening hours
Suitable for full house load	Yes	Yes, but logistics are your responsibility
Moving delay flexibility	Managed as part of the move	Separate arrangement needed
All-in pricing	Yes	Unit cost plus van hire plus your time

Areas We Cover Near Ashford

Stranks operates from the Ashford depot and covers moves and storage across the Kent and East Sussex area. If you are based in Hythe, Folkestone, Canterbury, Dover, or Tenterden, the team can arrange collection and return as part of a full removals and storage package.

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Proud to be one of the most highly recommended removals companies in the UK

    
 
 
         
   Julie Rhodes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team were very professional, friendly and respectful. Carefully packed our items for storage. We made a good choice with Stranks!
  
 
        
   Sarah Trigg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the third time over the years that we have used Stranks. David quoted, advised and liaised with us from the start to guide us through the process.

This move itself was annoyingly prolonged due to a long key wait. We got the keys and access at 4pm in the end. At every stage of the move, Shane, Dan, Armond, John and then the other two (Joe? and another colleague) were professional,  friendly and extremely hard working. They even kept their efforts up when they found that we had only gone and bought a town house! The boxes destined for 'bed 1' were like the hot potatoes that no-one wanted to end up with! Still, everything got moved to the right rooms without an issue.

We wanted to review and pass on our thanks to those that made a long moving experience, so much more bearable. We would totally recommend Stranks to anyone in need of removal services.
  
 
        
   Anthony Guard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely brilliant removal service from Stranks .Dan T ,Dan D and Armand were fabulous from beginning to end .Would highly recommend using this company for your home removals.
  
 
        
   Emma Witcher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I always use Stranks Removals when I move - they are so professional
This time I had Dan D & Phil moving me from a 2nd floor apartment (no lift) to a bungalow
The guys were extremely helpful and professional
I would highly recommend this company
They also have storage facilities
  
 
        
   D Stonehouse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding service from start to finish. From accommodating a very difficult long process to the team on the day, I couldn’t fault a thing. The moving guys made the day go like clockwork. Would not hesitate to recommend Stranks
  
 
        
   Esther Denny 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’d give 10 stars to the team that helped us relocate from Kent to Cornwall. They were competent, capable, professional, accommodating, friendly and very easy to work with. I hope not to have to make such a move again but I wouldn’t hesitate in using Stranks and highly recommend their services. They helped make our move a stress free experience and worth every penny we spent and more.
  
 
        
   rossoandy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Long established family business, they listen to what you need and if at all possible oblige. Sensible rates and knowledgeable caring workers. Happy to advise on the best way to get your needs sorted even recommending local man and van companies if the job is really too small for them.
  
 
        
   Hayley Pearce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stranks Removals, friendly, helpful and literally go the extra mile to help, highly recommend
  
 
        
   Sydney Colegate 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely helpful and reassuring right from the very start. The removal peeps were very polite and didn't leave until we was totally happy that everything was where we wanted it to be. Amazing service.

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What is the difference between removals storage and self storage?

Removals storage means the removals company collects your belongings, transports them, and stores them in a managed facility on your behalf. Self storage means you hire a unit, arrange your own transport, and load and unload the unit yourself. For people in the middle of a house move, removals storage removes a significant amount of additional work.

How does Stranks store my belongings?

Stranks uses individual containers in a 13,000 sq ft warehouse at the Ashford depot, with capacity for up to 250 containers. Your belongings are kept in your own container, not mixed with another customer's items, and the warehouse is secured and managed by the Stranks team.

Can I access my belongings while they are in storage with Stranks?

Stranks' storage service is primarily designed for situations where your belongings need to be kept securely and returned in full at the end of the period, such as between a house sale completing and a purchase completing. If you need to retrieve specific items during the storage period, raise this at the point of booking so the team can advise on what is practical.

Is removals storage more expensive than self storage?

The unit price for self storage can look lower, but the full cost includes van hire, fuel, your time, and physical effort. Stranks' removals storage covers collection, loading, transport, storage, and return delivery in a single arrangement. For a full house load, the all-in cost is often comparable, and the convenience saving is substantial.

How long can I store my belongings with Stranks?

Stranks offers both short-term and longer-term storage. Short-term storage is common for people with a gap between their sale completing and their purchase completing. Longer-term arrangements are also available from the Ashford warehouse. Contact the team to discuss your specific dates and volume.

Do I need to pack before Stranks collects my items for storage?

Stranks offers full packing services, partial packing, and fragile-only packing as part of the removals and storage service. If you would rather not pack yourself, the team can handle it. See the packing services page for details.