Frequently Asked Questions

Q : What happens when I order online?

A : When you place your initial order, we will process the order and calculate an order cost and e-mail this to you. When we come to collect your order, assuming you haven't changed your order, we will then give you a receipt with the final cost of the order on it. You can choose to pay by cash or cheque.

Q : Do you take credit/debit cards as payment?

A : Unfortunately, no. This is due to the high costs for taking this method as payment, meaning we wouldn't be able to operate such a low cost service.

Q : What methods of payment do you take?

A : We take cash on collection and cheques. We offer the 10% discount to people paying by cash and cheque in full. All cheques should be made payable to The Big Space.

Q : What if I decide to store more/less items after ordering ?

A : When you order, you are given a price for the amount you want to store. If this changes, it is not a problem. When we collect your items, we recalculate how much your storage will cost if your order has changed, and you will be charged the new amount. The final amount you are charged is on the receipt that you are given by the collection team.

Q : Where do you collect and deliver to?

A : If you are in a halls of residence, then we will collect and deliver to the front door or lobby area of the hall in question, and we will call you to let you know when we arrive. If you live in a private residence, we collect and deliver to the main front door of your house, and if this is in a block of flats or a tenement, then we may only deliver/collect to the main front door or reception. Essentially, we will deliver/collect to the same place that you would expect a postman to deliver to.

Q : How much weight can our boxes take?

A : All boxes have a maximum weight allowance of 20kgs. If the collection team feel that the box has been over packed, they will ask you to use another box to lighten the load. This is for your benefit – an over loaded box will damage much easier, and is more likely to tear.

Q : If I don't use all the standard boxes I order, can I return some without being charged for them?

A : If you order too many standard boxes, and find that your belongings fit into less boxes than you expected, we will take back any unused boxes and subtract them from the price of your order. However, as an extreme example, if you order 10 boxes, and only use 5, this may mean that we have to charge you for the box cost (£1.50 per box)- please don't order far far too many boxes! If in doubt, order 1 box more if you think you might possibly need it, it's not a problem to return one unused.

Q : What if I need access to my stuff before the start of term?

A : Early collection is detailed in the Terms and Conditions, which are available online. A fee is charged which reflects the extent of arrangements we need to make. Because of our storage arrangements it might be that we need to move a lot of boxes to get access to yours, and there is a transport and fuel cost involved.

Q : What if I want to store my stuff for more than just the summer?

A : If you want to store your items for more than just the summer period then this can be arranged. For example, if you are storing your items for a 15-16 month period due to taking a year out, doing a year abroad etc, we can offer a discount on our normal storage costs. Please e-mail us using the contact button to discuss your needs.

Q : Do I have to label the boxes?

A : Yes, but only with your name and next year's address (if known) on the lid, using a pen. We will label your boxes properly when we come to collect them.

Q : Why do I have to fill out an inventory form?

A : We are required by our insurance company to keep a record of what our clients have stored. If a company claims to insure your belongings over the summer, but they don't ask what is included in your possessions, they will not be insured. On our form, you need only provide rough estimates of what is in the box.

Q : I have a portable T.V. / Hi Fi System to store. Can I pack it in the original box?

A : Yes, by all means. However, a 14” TV is too big to fit in a standard box, and therefore will be charged at ’large box’ rate. See 'Prices' for more information about different box sizes.

Q : Can I store items ealier than the summer, or for a longer period than the summer?

A : Sometimes. We generally only offer storage for the summer period. However, if you need to store your items (if you're doing a year abroad, etc...) then please e-mail us to discuss your requirements from the 'Contact Us' page.

Q : Where will you store my belongings?

A : In a storage facility close to your university. Each facility is fitted with CCTV, RedCare alarm systems, security lights, and high security perimeter fencing. We do not give out the exact location of our storage unit on this website for security reasons but we can provide more information to customers on request.

Q : Why are you so much cheaper than the other companies?

A : We save ourselves a lot of money by dealing with customers online and we pass these savings on to you. Also, we only rent our storage space during the summer, unlike the other storage companies, so you are not subsidising empty storage for the rest of the year.

This list has most of the questions asked by customers on here, but if your question is not answered here, please go to the 'Contact Us' link, on the left hand side of a page and send us an e-mail.