Question 1

What exactly is self-storage?

Accepted Answer

Self-storage literally means 'storing things yourself'. As a private or business customer you rent a secure, dry space for your belongings, stock or documents. At Cobalt Box there's no hassle with keys or paperwork. Easy to book, intuitive to use and very affordable.

Question 2

What sizes do the boxes come in?

Accepted Answer

Our units range from compact 1 m² lockers (for archives or small items) to spacious 33 m² boxes (for a full family home). Plans changed? You can easily move to another box, so you always rent a space that fits exactly your needs. See all storage prices.

Question 3

How tall are the storage units?

Accepted Answer

Our boxes vary between 2.3 and 3 metres high — often higher than your ceiling at home, which is ideal for stacking vertically. Note: the 1 m² lockers are compact boxes of exactly 1 m × 1 m × 1 m.

Question 4

Is my box safe at Cobalt Box?

Accepted Answer

Security is both digital and physical. We use advanced access control via the app, 24/7 camera surveillance and individual sensors on every unit. Only you and people you authorise via the app can get in. We go further: every unit has its own box alarm. As soon as you unlock your box via the app, the alarm switches off. Lock the box again and the alarm is instantly armed. Any unauthorised movement or attempt to force the door triggers an immediate alert to us, and we dispatch a patrol service.

Question 5

Are the units heated or cooled?

Accepted Answer

No need. Our buildings are well ventilated and completely frost-free. Through air circulation we keep temperature and humidity stable. Whether it’s wooden furniture, electronics or important documents — everything is protected from damp and extreme cold.

Question 6

What is the maximum floor load?

Accepted Answer

Our floors are designed for heavy contents up to 500 kg/m². Do you have extremely heavy machinery or pallet storage? Get in touch on 0800 82 181 and we’ll assign you a ground-floor box with a reinforced surface.

Question 7

Is there lighting inside the box?

Accepted Answer

Our corridors have smart sensor lighting — you never stand in the dark. Most boxes get enough light from the hallways. For the deepest units we recommend a small battery-powered LED work lamp.

Question 8

How do I get my belongings to the upper floors?

Accepted Answer

No lifting needed. Our sites have spacious goods lifts. Roll your items on our free trolleys or pallet jacks straight into the lift and out at your box. No dragging up the stairs.

Question 9

Are the boxes dust-free?

Accepted Answer

Our sites are kept very clean and cleaned weekly by a dedicated cleaning crew. Still, in any storage environment some ambient dust can settle over time. Tip: cover furniture with a sheet and tape moving boxes shut. Everything stays as new.

Question 10

How much space do I really need?

Accepted Answer

The most-asked question. Don’t overestimate — people often find cubic metres hard to visualise. A 2-bedroom apartment often fits in 6 to 9 m². Use our space calculator for a realistic estimate, or read our article How much storage do I need?. Prefer to see for yourself? Book a tour and we’ll happily show you the boxes on site.

Question 11

What is absolutely not allowed?

Accepted Answer

Keep it safe for yourself and your neighbours. Forbidden: flammable or explosive substances (petrol, gas bottles, paint thinner), chemicals, perishable food (which attracts pests) and illegally obtained goods. Living beings don’t belong in a box either.

Question 12

Can I store liquids in my box?

Accepted Answer

Non-flammable liquids such as water or certain cleaning products are allowed, provided they’re professionally packaged and leak-proof. Anything that can fume, leak or stain is best left at home. A clean box is a safe box.

Question 13

What about lithium batteries and electronics?

Accepted Answer

Electronics like TVs or computers are no problem. Be careful with loose lithium batteries (e-bikes, heavy power tools). They pose a risk. Keep them in a dry, cool place and not inside your box.

Question 14

Can I as a local sales rep store my stock with Cobalt Box?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Promotional material, samples, clothing, dry packaged goods or products — our boxes are the ideal buffer. As long as your goods aren’t dangerous, smelly or perishable, Cobalt Box is your external warehouse. More on stock storage.

Question 15

Can I store my webshop stock with you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many SMEs and webshops use Cobalt Box as a scalable warehouse. Grow when stock peaks, shrink when it’s quiet. Space when you need it, without the risk of a fixed real-estate contract. Combine with last mile delivery or storage on multiple sites.

Question 16

Can I store important documents and archives?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our units are frost-free and ventilated, which is essential for paper. We recommend placing archive boxes on a shelf or rack rather than directly on the floor — this keeps airflow optimal and your documents in top condition. More info: archive storage.

Question 17

Can I store food?

Accepted Answer

No. Simple answer: we tolerate zero risk of pests or odours. Fresh food, but also dry goods like flour, sugar or rice are forbidden. That’s our guarantee to every tenant: a clean, hygienic environment for everyone’s belongings.

Question 18

Can I store paint and building materials?

Accepted Answer

Building materials like tiles, wood or dry plaster are fine — ideal during a renovation. For paint we’re strict: only unopened, sealed cans are allowed. Half-used cans are forbidden because of leakage and strong odours. A clean box is a point of honour.

Question 19

Can I work or do crafts inside my box?

Accepted Answer

No. A storage box is for keeping things, not for living or working in. Using power tools, welding or setting up a workshop isn’t allowed for safety and insurance reasons.

Question 20

What about jewellery, cash or irreplaceable heirlooms?

Accepted Answer

Although our security is top-notch (box alarm, cameras, app-controlled), we recommend a bank vault for extremely valuable items like cash or jewellery. We’re experts in space, not in fiduciary safekeeping. Sentimental heirlooms are of course welcome — as long as they’re properly insured.

Question 21

Can I store my motorbike, moped or bicycle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No restrictions for bicycles. Motorbikes and mopeds are welcome in our larger ground-floor units. For everyone’s safety we apply two strict rules: the fuel tank must be nearly empty and a drip tray must be placed under the vehicle. Safely stored, no worries.

Question 22

Can I store tools or materials for my business?

Accepted Answer

Very popular with tradespeople. See tool storage for a full overview. 7/7 access (6 AM–11 PM) — your box becomes your mobile base of operations.

Question 23

Can I install shelving or racks?

Accepted Answer

Gladly. Our boxes are 3 metres high — shelving is the best way to make full use of the space. Just place them free-standing. Drilling or screwing into the walls isn’t allowed, to keep the boxes structurally sound.

Question 24

How do I book a box at Cobalt Box?

Accepted Answer

In three steps. Pick your location, select the size you need and pay securely online. No paper contracts, no queues at a desk. Your smartphone is your key. Every box can also be opened via the keypad on the door. Your box is ready immediately.

Question 25

What additional costs come with a booking?

Accepted Answer

We love transparency. On top of the monthly rent, insurance is mandatory to fully protect your belongings. Already have your own valid policy that covers external storage? Contact us and we'll review together whether we can waive it. The price you see in the final booking step is what you pay. No surprises afterwards. See all storage prices.

Question 26

Why is insurance mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Because 'later' needs a place — and that place has to be safe. Your own home insurance often doesn’t cover external storage, or only partly. Our insurance guarantees that your belongings or stock are covered against fire, theft and water damage. Peace of mind, safety in your box.

Question 27

Can I rent multiple boxes at once?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Whether you want to separate webshop stock or you’re renovating and moving at the same time, you manage multiple units from a single account — even across different locations. The app gives you one handy overview of all your spaces.

Question 28

How do I know which box size I need?

Accepted Answer

People often overestimate cubic metres. Use our online space calculator for a realistic estimate. A 2-bedroom apartment usually fits in 6 to 9 m². In doubt? Book one size smaller — you can always upgrade. Also read How much storage do I need?.

Question 29

What is the notice period?

Accepted Answer

We keep it smooth. Notice is one month before the end of your current billing period. Want to stop? No registered letters needed — just send us an email. We close your account manually so everything is handled correctly and your deposit can be refunded swiftly.

Question 30

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Your first month and the one-off costs are paid online via Bancontact or credit card. Following months go via automatic direct debit. You never have to remember a due date and your access stays active. More details under Payments.

Question 31

What if I realise during loading that my box is too small?

Accepted Answer

No stress. Via the app you can switch to a larger box on the spot (if available). Your smartphone handles the new access and the new rent is settled or a credit note is issued. Your move doesn’t need to stop for paperwork.

Question 32

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

No, new customers no longer pay a deposit. Some existing customers still paid one. Once the box is handed over correctly, we refund the deposit to your account after a check.

Question 33

Can I rent on invoice as a business?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. For SMEs and webshops, Cobalt Box is the ideal partner. You receive a digital invoice every month for your accounting, also via Peppol. No paper receipts, just a scalable warehouse without real-estate risk. Book a no-obligation visit.

Question 34

What are the storage opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Our storage is accessible 7 days a week between 6 AM and 11 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility to come by when it suits you. *For business clients, 24/7 access is possible subject to approval and at an additional cost — contact us for details.*

Question 35

How do I get into the building and my box?

Accepted Answer

Very simple: with your smartphone. Once your booking is complete, you activate your digital key in the app. One swipe and the gate opens. Another swipe and your box is unlocked. No physical keys to lose, no codes to remember. Smooth. No smartphone handy? On the keypad at the door of every box you simply enter your personal code followed by #. See the step-by-step guide: How do I open my box?

Question 36

What if I forget my phone or the battery is dead?

Accepted Answer

No problem. The app is the smoothest route, but you’re never locked out. Both the main entrance and each individual box have a touchscreen. Type in your personal code followed by #. Need help the first time? Check our step-by-step guide.

Question 37

Do I need WiFi or 4G on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an internet connection is needed for the digital key to talk to our gates. Most of our sites have good coverage, but we recommend opening the app before driving onto the site. You can always fall back on the touchscreen code.

Question 38

Does the app work on any smartphone?

Accepted Answer

Our app is built for modern use and runs on both iOS (iPhone) and Android. As long as your phone has a recent software version, you’re ready to swipe. No hassle with outdated systems.

Question 39

This is an emergency. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

During office hours you can call 0800 82 181 for direct assistance. Is this an absolute emergency? Then you can call our emergency number: 03 375 70 60. Please note: this number is reserved exclusively for genuine, acute emergencies. Do not use it for general questions or access issues that can wait until the next working day.

Question 40

How do I pay for my box?

Accepted Answer

The first month and the one-off setup costs are paid online via Bancontact or credit card. From the second month on we use automatic direct debit. For businesses, invoicing can also be sent via Peppol. No worries, your access stays active. Smooth.

Question 41

What happens if I forget to pay?

Accepted Answer

No worries — we’ll send a timely reminder. But be aware: an unpaid invoice automatically blocks your digital key. No access to the building or your box. We regret it, but the system is strict. As soon as payment is processed, your access is restored immediately.

Question 42

My direct debit was rejected. What now?

Accepted Answer

If an automatic payment fails, we cannot retry it ourselves. You then need to pay manually via the link in our reminder email or via your account. Do this quickly to avoid your box being blocked.

Question 43

What if I have a long-term payment arrears?

Accepted Answer

We always communicate openly and on time. If you fall behind, we first send a reminder, then a formal notice and a letter, and we also call you personally. If you don’t respond to anything, we eventually hand the file over to a bailiff. Running into financial trouble? Let us know early — we’ll look for a solution together, such as a payment plan or moving you to a smaller, cheaper box.

Question 44

Can Cobalt Box clear out my box?

Accepted Answer

In the most extreme case: yes. If all reminders and legal steps are ignored, we reserve the right to clear the box. This is an absolute last resort and we communicate it very clearly beforehand. We’d much rather you use the space for what it’s meant for.

Question 45

Do I receive a monthly invoice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every month we send a digital invoice to your email. Handy for your own admin or your company bookkeeping. No paper mail.

Question 46

Can I change my payment method?

Accepted Answer

Sure. In your account you can easily update your details or link a different card. You stay in control of your payments.

Question 47

Can I pay cash on site?

Accepted Answer

No. We are completely cashless. Safer for you and for us. No fuss with change, no unnecessary risks on site. Everything runs through secure digital transactions.

Question 48

Where can I find the terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

You can read our full terms and conditions here: Algemene voorwaarden. They form an integral part of every rental agreement. (Dutch only.)

Frequently asked questions

Self-storage: all about the box

Safety & contents: what is (and isn’t) allowed?

Choose & book: sorted today

How do I get in?

Payments: clear agreements

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