Proof of address is a recent document, such as a utility bill, that shows your name at your current home address. It's different from proof of identity, which shows who you are.
At Wigwam
Our booking FAQ asks for "two forms of ID, a photo one and a copy of a recent utility bill". The utility bill is the proof of address. The FAQ says "recent" without giving a cut-off, so use your latest bill, and ask us if yours is more than a few months old or isn't a utility bill.
Your address matters after booking too, because it's where formal notices go. Under our terms:
- you must tell us in writing about any change to your contact details "within 48 hours of any change" (clause 28);
- notices about significant matters, such as ending the agreement, changing prices or enforcing our right to sell goods, must be in writing, delivered by hand, pre-paid post or email (clause 39);
- before any sale of goods for unpaid fees, our notice goes "by registered or recorded delivery to the postal address last notified by You to Us in writing", as well as by email or social media message (clause 8).
Why it matters
Clause 39 decides when a notice counts as received: "Notices shall be considered to have been received at the time of delivery by hand, one day after sending by email or 48 hours after posting." It goes to "the most recent address in England and/or email address notified by You to Us". If we can't reach you there, notice counts as given if we serve it on the second contact named on your Cover Sheet.
So an out-of-date address means a price change, or a warning about an unpaid balance, can count as received while it sits at your old home. If you're moving house, send us your new address in writing within 48 hours of the move, as clause 28 requires, rather than waiting until things settle.
If you're between homes, a student, or living with family and don't have a utility bill in your own name, ask us before you book what we can accept instead. The same goes if you want to use a business address rather than your home: call 0800 2545585.
Related terms: Proof of identity · Change to terms or fees · Lien
Related questions: What ID and documents do I need to rent a storage unit? · How do I book my unit?