Mailstorage

Mailstorage is a type of self storage whereby customers send items by mail (usually by the box) to be stored at a central location.
Mailstorage would be attractive to customers who may want to use a 'pay-as-you-go' storage option, whereby they only pay for what they actually store rather than having to potentially take a large storage unit and having (and paying for) a lot of empty space.
Description
Mailstorage differs from traditional self storage in a number of key ways:
:*Mailstorage allows customers to order boxes online or over the phone. Generally Mailstorage companies will send these boxes free of charge along with packing materials and tape although some will charge a small fee for this.
:*Customers pack their boxes in their office or home and these are then collected by the Mailstorage company. Again, many Mailstorage companies offer this collection service free of charge although some will charge a fee.
:*Customers pay a monthly fee per box that they store with the Mailstorage company. Some Mailstorage companies have a minimum number of boxes that need to be stored - however, others have no minimum and customers can store only one box if they so wish.
:*When a customer wants a box returned, they simply use their online Mailstorage account and typically the box will be returned to their home or office within 24 hours.
Mailstorage generally would not be seen to be viable or cost-effective for those who are wanting to store a whole house full of belongings. It is more thought of as a solution to those who want to declutter or store a proportion of their goods for a short while.
How It Works
Typically customers will sign up online with a Mailstorage company. The customer can then order boxes from the Mailstorage provider or they can use boxes that they already own. The Mailstorage company will arrange for the packed boxes to be collected from the customer's home or workplace. The boxes will then be transported to the Mailstorage company's secure warehouse where it will be stored until the customer requests to have it returned. The Mailstorage company will then arrange for the box/boxes to be returned - typically within 24 hours (if it falls on a weekday).
History
Mailstorage is a relatively new concept around the world. There are several companies in the USA who have launched over the past 3 years - namely Storage By Mail, ClutterFreeBox and Storage By The Box. In the UK, LoveSpace is the only company currently offering the Mailstorage service.
 
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