Self-storage is the term applied to secure storage facilities that offer do-it-yourself storage space for members of the public and businesses. In essence, it’s your own tailored secure space away from home or the business.

There are several reasons to use self-storage, whether for domestic or commercial use self-storage facilities offer a flexible solution:

• If you’re moving house and you need to temporarily store furniture
• When you’re renovating your home and need to keep household possessions safe
• If you’re relocating abroad and want to store your valuables during the move
• Somewhere to put your belongings while you go off travelling
• If you find that your hobby or sports equipment is taking over the house!
• When you just don’t have enough space at home anymore

Many commercial companies use self-storage to keep:

• Archives and files freeing up precious space in the office
• Seasonal and excess stock
• Trade supplies and equipment
• Exhibition and event equipment
• Office furniture

O’Brien’s has a self-storage facility conveniently located just off the A19 at Ferry Boat Lane, Sunderland and within easy reach of the A1231 and A184.

We also have container storage solutions in Birtley, Wallsend, Sunderland and Boldon. For details of our locations please click here.

You can store almost anything – household items, business stock, furniture, and more. However, for safety and legal reasons, we do not accept flammable, explosive, perishable goods, live animals, or illegal items.

Prices start from £8.88 per week for smaller indoor units. Larger units and external container storage start from £15.00 per week. We’re happy to help you find the right size.

Our sites feature 24/7 locally viewable CCTV surveillance, a tannoy system throughout all sites, ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), gated access, secure PIN code entry, and well-lit premises to keep your belongings safe at all times. We also have contactable security available 24 hours a day, so you’re never truly alone on our sites.

For container locks, we recommend shutter-style padlocks or purpose-built lock boxes for extra security.

Absolutely! You’re welcome to visit us during office hours and we’ll show you around.

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Internal storage customers have access from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Out-of-hours access can be arranged upon request via your own personal PIN code.

We also have a goods lift measuring 2m x 2m, ideal for bulky items and trolleys to make moving easier within the building.

Container storage customers have 24/7 access, 365 days a year, via their own personal PIN code.

At O’Brien’s we have an easy in / easy out loading bay for our customers along with free trolleys and an industrial lift making moving items between your vehicle and your self-storage unit as easy as possible.

Yes, vehicle access is available for loading and unloading at all our sites. We have drive-up access to containers at all locations. Our internal storage includes a drive-up loading bay, a goods lift (2m x 2m) close to parking, and trolleys to make moving your items easier.

O’Brien’s operates out of hours access to its Sunderland self-storage facility and 24-hour access to its container storage facilities in Birtley, Boldon and Sunderland.

Yes, if your circumstances change and you need to increase or decrease the amount of space you rent from us, we will amend your contract and can offer you a free transfer of your items to your new unit.

Yes, the minimum rental period is 14 days. After that, if you leave early, any unused rental days are refunded on a pro-rata basis.

We accept direct debit, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. Payment is monthly in advance, and we’ll notify you before any payment is taken. There are no long-term contracts — stay as long as you need.

We offer bubble wrap, boxes, tape, locks, and other essentials for storing your items safely. You can either pick these up from our Sunderland Self Storage facility or, if you prefer, we’ll be happy to drop them off directly into your storage area. Click here to go to our shop.

Yes! At two of our sites, including Birtley, we offer a 24-hour collection and delivery service to help with courier issues. Internal storage access at these locations is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. When a delivery arrives, we’ll sign for it, store it safely, and text you so you can pick it up at your convenience.

We ask for as much notice as possible. Ideally, 7 days’ notice is appreciated, but we understand storage needs can change unexpectedly. If you need to leave sooner, just inform us the day your storage area is empty. Please remember to remove your padlock and notify us so we can begin the refund process.

It’s simple! Just drop us an email or give us a call to let us know your storage area is empty. We’ll confirm and start the refund process. Please make sure your padlock and any rubbish are removed, as leaving these behind can delay closing your account.

Yes. The goods in your storage unit remain your responsibility. We require your goods to be protected against loss or damage while they are in storage.

O’Brien Self Storage offers StoreReady Protection, providing protection for your stored goods during your storage period. If you prefer, you may be able to arrange your own suitable protection, subject to the requirements of our licence agreement.

Our team will be happy to explain the StoreReady Protection options available when you move in.

You can complete your move-in online from the comfort of your own home. Once everything is set, we’ll prepare your storage space and send you full instructions, including maps and access codes. If you need packing materials or boxes, just let us know — we can have them ready. We kindly ask for 24 to 48 hours’ notice to ensure everything is prepared for you.

Store only clean, completely dry items. Moisture usually comes from belongings that are already damp when packed, rather than from the storage container itself. Allow furniture, clothing and boxes to dry fully before storing them, particularly if they’ve been kept in a garage, shed or damp property.

Yes. Our storage containers have multiple ventilation points that allow natural airflow throughout the container. Combined with storing dry belongings, this helps create an excellent environment for long-term storage.

Yes. We always recommend cleaning and drying furniture before storing it. Dirt and moisture left on furniture or fabrics can lead to unpleasant odours over time, while clean, dry items remain in much better condition.

Absolutely. However, appliances should be fully emptied, drained and dried before they are placed into storage. Even a small amount of trapped water can slowly evaporate inside the container during storage.

For long-term storage, yes. Moisture-absorbing crystals or dehumidifier tubs are an inexpensive way to provide additional protection, particularly if you’re storing items for several months.

Yes. Many customers store vehicles with us. We recommend allowing the engine to cool before locking the container, as warm engines naturally release heat and moisture while cooling.

You can, but if you’re storing valuable furniture for a long period it may be better to keep vehicles in a separate container. Vehicles naturally introduce more moisture than household goods, so separate storage creates the best environment for both.

Placing old blankets, dust sheets or protective floor coverings on the container floor helps keep furniture clean and makes loading and unloading easier. You can also use furniture covers or breathable sheets to help protect valuable items during long-term storage.

If you’re storing items for several months, it’s a good idea to visit occasionally. Opening the container for a few minutes allows fresh air to circulate naturally while giving you the opportunity to check your belongings.

Yes. Every container is cleaned, swept out and checked to ensure it is dry before a new customer moves in, so it’s ready to use immediately.