Shurgard Self Storage massive fee increases / salami tactics

topperdoggle

Hi all,

Firstly, I'm not sure if this is the right sub-forum; mods please move if not.

I'm between homes (hence the choice of sub-forum) and I've been renting a unit at a Shurgard branch in NW London since November 2022. I can't tell you the volume as I don't have the contract here but let's just say then it was 223 / month including insurance and VAT. I'm a single guy with a bunch of guitar equipment, CDs / DVDs / Blurays / books (I know), kitchen bits, computer and video game stuff etc. No sofas or other furniture.

In July 2023 it went up to 256. January 2024 to 280. I just got an email saying it's going up to 303 and this is enough for me to take action.

I have done a search without much luck, but I'd just like to know if this is how they and their ilk like to treat loyal paying customers, or generally related to increased costs in the supply chain (not sure what they might be, not like the place is heated).

My plan:
1. Call / go round there and moan. Try to negotiate. If not successful:
2. See what alternatives are in my area and move stuff. I don't need a van, it would be 5-6 (I guess) in the Golf. Just a few hours of hassle.

Any advice on how to approach the situation would be appreciated, preferably with a good hassle to reduction in monthly outgoings ration.

WellKnownSid

You’ve been renting storage for two years? Wouldn’t it have been cheaper to drive the lot to your nearest park and apply a box of matches?

topperdoggle

Perhaps, but that's not the point. Time is money and selling everything then rebuying everything would take a great deal of time, plus some of my stuff is cherished, rare etc. It's not all pots and pans. I never had a problem as they are providing me utility - until the last rise or two made me twitch too much.

So I'm really looking for insight into the "best" tactical approach from here on. I hope to move into my next place by the end of the year (long story but in a long distance, long term relationship with an Australian lady who shoud be here by then).

WellKnownSid

You've spent £5,000 so far, another £2,000 by the end of the year.  Some stuff is cherished yet hasn't been missed for 19 months.  £7,000 would have bought you a few more trips down under... 

£1,000 buys a lot of pots of pans - so ditch the pots and pans.  Sell anything that isn't cherished but has value.  Reduce your storage by 50% and you might save £1,000 by the end of the year.  Use it to buy another flight DO NOT BUY MORE STUFF...

topperdoggle

Again, thank you, I am well aware of the apparent irrationality but this is really not what I'm asking. I'm asking what's the best approach if I'm not going to get involved buying and selling stuff.

Hoenir

Without a contract your options are to negotiate ( for a fixed term)  or vote with your feet. 

RHemmings

Surely the first step is to get quotes from different companies, and see if any will significantly undercut what you are paying at the moment. 

newsgroupmonkey_

Like anything, is there not somewhere else you could go?
I know it was Buckinghamshire (and no idea where you are), but we were renting an entire 30 foot container for less than £200 a month.

ThisIsWeird

topperdoggle said:

Again, thank you, I am well aware of the apparent irrationality but this is really not what I'm asking. I'm asking what's the best approach if I'm not going to get involved buying and selling stuff.

As you say, that wasn't the question. Well done for remaining polite

Looking at it rationally, it appears you were 'happy' - or at least 'accepting' - of £280pm, even tho' the repeated increases were becoming annoying? If so, then the latest increase to the camel-breaking £303 is 'only' an additional £23 pm, and it's hopefully only going to be for a further 6 months = £138 in total. So I'd suggest deciding if that is worth the hassle of moving?
Also, as said by others, the first thing to do is to check whether there are significantly cheaper options? If not, then all you can do is try and appeal to them - "C'mon, can't you keep it at £280 for just the remaining 6 months?". If, however, there are significantly cheaper options, and you don't mind the hassle, then you have them over a barrel. Nice and calm, "It's just too high. X at Y are doing the same for only £Z. How close can you get to that?" If not close enough, then walk. With your stuff.
If neither of the above work, then don't worry about it - it's a trivial amount in the scheme of things, and life is lookin' good!
Good luck. You young b'tard!

Jaybee_16

I had a storage room with Yellow Box in north London and a similar situation, significant annual rises. Their view was "Im the branch manager, prices are set by head office" and a take it or leave it view as there were rarely any empty storage units.

Albermarle

If neither of the above work, then don't worry about it - it's a trivial amount in the scheme of things, and life is lookin' good!

As above. £23 = 5 or 6 takeaway coffees a month .

If you looked at your overall spending, I am sure you can find bigger savings elsewhere for less effort.