How self-storage works at BOXLY — from reservation to move-out
flexible, simple, keyless
Looking for storage space and wondering how renting at BOXLY works? We explain the entire process step by step: from online reservation to app-based move-in to cancellation. At BOXLY you rent storage from one week to several years, without committing in advance to a duration — flexible, transparent, no hidden fees.\n
The BOXLY concept is based on state-of-the-art technology: instead of keys and lock passwords, you open the entrance door, lift, goods lift and your personal storage unit simply with an app on your smartphone. You can securely share access with family, friends or employees — and always keep track of who was in your unit and when.\n
In the following sections you'll find all the information about the process: reservation & booking, move-in with app, access & opening hours, viewing & advice before booking, changing storage space when your needs change, and move-out & cancellation at the end of your rental period.\n
Reservation & booking — online in a few minutes
Reserve storage from one week to several years — billed to the day, from 7 days minimum rental
At BOXLY you reserve your storage space quickly and easily online on the website. You choose your preferred location in Basel, Zurich/Dübendorf or Lucerne/Kriens, select the right unit size and pick a start date — either move in immediately on the same day or choose a future date. The minimum rental period is one week, with no upper limit.\n
Unit sizes range from a small locker (1 m³) to a mega-box (43 m³) — 22 different sizes available. Not sure which unit you need? Our size advisor helps you find the right size, or you can book a personal or phone viewing before booking. Plans can change — we're flexible: the start date can be adjusted on request, and you can switch to a larger or smaller unit at any time without additional costs.\n
Move-in & app — keyless access via smartphone
Get an SMS on move-in day, download the app, move in — no key, no code, no stress
On move-in day you receive an SMS with a link to the "Storage Smart" access app. This app is your digital key: it opens the entrance door, lift, goods lift and your personal storage unit. No lost keys, no forgotten passwords, no key handover and no key deposit. Plus: you receive all important information about your location by email.\n
What the app can do: open the entrance door, lift, goods lift and your unit, share access with family, friends or employees (simply enter a phone number), see at any time who was in your unit and when, and revoke access permissions. Available for iOS and Android, intuitive operation, high security. WiFi is available in every storage unit, so the app always works smoothly.\n
Access & opening hours — 365 days a year
Daily access 6:00–22:00 via app — 24/7 on request
All BOXLY locations are open 365 days a year — daily from 6:00 to 22:00, including Sundays and public holidays. Business customers, tradespeople and online shops can also be granted 24/7 access on request, because your business always has priority. Access works via the Nokē One smart entry system: as soon as you're within a metre of a door, the access symbols light up in the app — unlock the door, push the bolt by hand, done.\n
The process in 4 steps: 1) Download the app after SMS invitation and set it up with a 6-digit code. 2) When present at the location, the entrance door, lift, goods lift and unit symbol light up in the app. 3) Unlock the unit with a finger tap on the white area (turns red), push the bolt manually. 4) Lock: simply push the bolt closed — no app needed. Using the lift to the exit always works without the app. You can share the digital key with other people at any time via the app.\n
Viewing & advice — look at units before booking
Personal or phone tour of our locations — daily from 8 am to 7 pm
Not sure which unit size suits you? Come by in person before booking — a BOXLY employee will give you a free tour of the location by appointment, show you different storage units and answer all your questions. As a rule of thumb for a complete household: the unit area should be about 10% of your living space. Our size advisor also helps you find the right size online.\n
No time for an on-site viewing? We also offer phone guidance, daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. You open the entrance door with the app on your phone, we guide you through the facility by phone from our office and open the doors of various storage units remotely. This gives you a realistic impression of the sizes without having to travel. Schedule an appointment by phone or contact form.\n
Changing storage space — flexible adjustment of unit size
Switch at any time: no switching fee, no administrative effort, billed to the day
Life changes: the family grows, a new hobby comes along, the renovation is almost done or your business hits peak season. When you need more or less storage, you can switch to a larger or smaller unit at BOXLY at any time — no switching fee and no waiting time. A new contract or administrative effort is not needed. From the switch date, the price of the new unit size applies, billed to the day.\n
The switch is possible at any time — right after the start of your rental or during an ongoing annual rental. The only requirement is the availability of the desired unit size at the location. Even after switching, you have immediate access via the smartphone app. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, accommodating a new hobby or balancing seasonal business fluctuations — BOXLY adapts to your needs.\n
Move-out & cancellation — simple, no notice period
Cancel in writing, empty the unit, send a photo, get your deposit back — done
When the world trip is over, the renovation is finished or you simply no longer need the storage space — cancellation at BOXLY is straightforward. There is NO notice period, you can leave your unit at any time. Cancellation is done in writing by email. Condition: the unit must be emptied and swept clean. We check the vacated storage unit and make sure nothing was forgotten.\n
On the day of cancellation you completely empty the unit (including items you no longer need — we cannot dispose of them). Then take a photo of the empty unit from the doorway with your phone, close the door and slide the bolt. Send the photo to us by email. As soon as we receive the email, we cancel the rental agreement. Billing is to the day: normally you get back the deposit plus the already paid but unused portion of the rent.\n
Learn more
How it works & tips
Step-by-step guide: how to rent storage space, move in, and make the most of your unit. Plus practical tips for packing, stacking, and storing your belongings for optimal use of your unit.
Size advisor
Which unit size fits your project? Our size advisor recommends the right size based on your furniture and belongings — from a small locker box to the mega-box.
Frequently asked questions about self-storage
Answers to the most common questions about booking, access, security, rental period, and costs — quick to read before you book.
Advice & viewing
Not sure which unit size fits or need a custom size? Personal or phone viewing — together we will find the right solution.
Frequently asked questions about self-storage
You reserve your unit online, receive an SMS with access to the access app on move-in day and move in — entirely without keys. Access, size changes and cancellation all run digitally.
No. Access is entirely via the access app on your smartphone.
Yes. Cancellation is in writing by email, billing is to the day, unused rent is refunded.
Via the access app you open doors, lift and your unit. You can also share access with other people and revoke it at any time.
Yes. After online reservation you can move in on the same day.
A rule of thumb is about 10% of your living space. If unsure, the size advisor or a free viewing will help.
Yes, at any time and free of charge — no new contract, no administrative effort, no fees.
Prices depend on unit size and location. You can see current prices and availability directly online.
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