How to Choose Safe and Convenient Self Storage
Published 16 September 2026
When renting self storage, it is easy to compare price and unit size. But how safe and convenient the facility is to use matters just as much.
Whether you need extra space while moving, renovating or decluttering your home, or require storage for a longer period, you should feel confident about both your belongings and the facility you use.
1. Secure access to your storage unit
A good self-storage facility should control who can enter the site and the building.
At Selvbetjeningslageret AS, we use modern access control at our facilities. As a customer, you receive the information you need to access your storage unit without depending on an open reception desk.
This makes the facility both secure and convenient to use.
2. CCTV provides added peace of mind
CCTV is an important part of security at a modern self-storage facility.
When comparing storage options, you should therefore consider more than the price of a unit. Look at how the facility itself is secured as well.
The cheapest unit is not necessarily the best choice when you plan to store your belongings for several months.
3. Good lighting and a clear layout
Security is also about how it feels to visit the facility.
Good lighting, tidy communal areas and clearly arranged entrances make it easier and more comfortable to collect or deliver your belongings – even after dark.
This is particularly important on the west coast of Norway, where afternoons and evenings are dark for much of the year.
4. A clean and tidy facility is a good sign
When visiting a self-storage facility, look at more than the unit itself.
Are the corridors clean? Is the site tidy? Do the building and entrances look well maintained?
A clean, well-maintained facility says a great deal about how it is managed.
At Selvbetjeningslageret AS, we want it to be easy to see that we take care of our facilities – and the environment where our customers keep their belongings.
5. Easy loading and unloading matters more than you might think
A cheap storage unit can quickly become less attractive if you have to carry furniture and boxes a long way from your vehicle.
Look for:
convenient parking
a short distance from your vehicle to the storage area
good entrances
easy navigation inside the facility
drive-in or covered loading where available
The easier the access, the easier moving in and moving out will be.
6. You should know where to go before you arrive
Your first visit to a new storage facility should not feel like a treasure hunt.
We continually work to make it easier for customers to find the correct entrance and storage unit.
Clear instructions, photographs and video can make a big difference – especially on your first visit.
Our aim is simple:
You should know where to go, how to enter and where your storage unit is located.
7. Choose the right size – not just the lowest price
Peace of mind also means feeling confident about your purchase.
How much storage space do you actually need?
It can be difficult to picture the difference between, for example, 3, 5 and 8 m². You should therefore be able to compare unit sizes and understand roughly how much each one can hold before booking.
A good storage provider should help you find the right size – not simply the most expensive unit.
What should you look for when choosing self storage?
Price matters, but consider the whole experience.
Look for a facility that is secure, clean, well lit, easy to reach and easy to use.
Selvbetjeningslageret AS offers storage units for both individuals and businesses, with flexible rental terms and a range of sizes.
We have self-storage facilities at several locations in Bergen, Stavanger and the Haugesund area.
Find your nearest Selvbetjeningslageret facility and view available storage units and prices.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when choosing self storage?
Look for secure access, good lighting, tidy and well-maintained areas, easy loading and unloading, and clear directions to your unit. Price and size matter, but consider the whole experience.
What security features should a self-storage facility have?
A secure self-storage facility should have controlled access and effective procedures for managing who enters the site and building. CCTV, clearly arranged entrances and good lighting can provide additional peace of mind.
How do I access my storage unit?
Selvbetjeningslageret AS uses modern access control. As a customer, you receive the information you need to enter the facility and find your unit without depending on an open reception desk.
How do I choose the right storage unit size?
Consider what you plan to store and compare unit sizes before booking. The difference between, for example, 3, 5 and 8 m² can be significant. A good storage provider will help you find a size that suits your needs.
What makes loading and unloading easier?
Look for convenient parking, a short distance from your vehicle to the storage area, good entrances and easy navigation inside the facility. Drive-in or covered loading is helpful where available.
When is self storage useful?
Self storage can be useful while moving, renovating or decluttering your home, or whenever you need flexible storage for a longer period. It is suitable for both individuals and businesses.