Knowing which option is right for you can be tricky with such an extensive range of storage solutions available these days.
But if your belongings are worth storing, then it’s worth doing some research to find your perfect fit.
To take the guesswork out of deciding how to keep your possessions safe and secure, we have assembled some essential information for you to think about. Be sure to find smart garage shelving solutions when packing and storing your belongings. From a simple, one-room project to a cross-country move, a professional organiser like Garage Storage Solutions can help to make your life easier.
What Is Self-Storage?
Quite simply, self-storage is your own rented space outside your home, where you can store almost anything you need to.
Most self-storage facilities offer a range of sizes to suit your needs, and prices for renting storage spaces are charged accordingly.
How Is Secure Renting Storage?
The level of security depends on the storage provider. Outdoor facilities are generally locked, and some are accessible 24 hours a day,
A trustworthy indoor storage centre will provide individually lockable containers, alarms, surveillance cameras and pest control.
With these storage centres, you are the only person who holds the key to your container. This means you can rest assured your belongings are safe at all times.
What’s The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Storage?
If you’re looking to store large items like jet-skis, kayaks, trailers or cars, then an outdoor storage yard is probably for you.
Be sure to consider whether the items you’re storing can withstand the outside elements – think temperature changes, storms and pests.
On the flip side, if you need to store furniture or other household items that you don’t have space for, an indoor self-storage unit could be the way to go. Indoor facilities are often safer, climate-controlled and keep your belongings out of the weather.
How Much Does Renting Storage Cost?
Prices vary depending on what you are looking for and how much inventory you have. Some facilities might also charge different fees depending on the states and distance from the CBD.
Other storage centres offer practical storage for just $155 per month. You can also request a quote online in just a few minutes to get pricing that’s tailored to you.
Storage unit prices vary depending on the size category the customer requires – small, medium, large or extra-large.
Furthermore, factors such as geographical location, rental period, extra add-on services and supply can also affect the cost of storage.
How Much Does Storage Cost In Major Capital Cities?
Average self-storage unit prices for medium-size units per month*
- Sydney $317.00
- Melbourne $310.00
- Brisbane $284.00
- Canberra $244.00
- Perth $189.00
*Prices are an average for each capital city and based on ground floor 3.0m x 3.0m units with no promotions or add-on service fees and to be used as a guide.
Factors Impacting Self-storage Costs.
Here are some of the factors that determine the price of storage.
Adding to that list is the consideration of whether you require a unit to have an electrical power supply, climate control, insurance, or forklift service for loading and unloading of pallets.
Typically, residential customers don’t need a powered unit, but the storage industry also accommodates commercial customers.
Be mindful that the convenience of a powered unit will drive up the cost of the team depending on the amount of consumption.
As an extension to powered units, some storage facilities also offer climate-controlled units – temperature and humidity – if you’re storing products such as electronics, wine or artworks that can be damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures.
Although many storage facilities have 24-hour camera surveillance, controlled customer access via personalised PIN codes and alarmed units, your contents are not automatically insured when they are placed into storage.
Customer Storage Insurance is an add-on option that all storage facilities offer for as little as $1.00 per month for every $1,000.00 worth of goods.
If your business storage needs only require a forklift service on the odd occasion, there’s a good chance you may not be charged for the service.
If, however, you have multiple deliveries every month, be expected to pay a nominal fee for the service.
Price For Different Renting Periods.
Most storage facilities require customers to rent their units for a minimum of one month.
The rental will continue on a month to month basis until either party provides a notice to vacate. This is usually 7-14 days in advance.
Storage facilities also offer customers a discount for rent paid in advance.
What Are Some Additional Fees In A Storage Facility?
Some storage facilities charge a one-off administration fee to complete the sign-up process. The costs can be over $20.00 for each new agreement and are non-refundable.
Other facilities also charge a cleaning fee, and this varies between storages facilities and averages out to be $15.00.
Many customers pay their rental fees by the due date, but some are not as diligent.
Late fees and possible auctions fees will be payable on top of their monthly rental payments for those not.
These fees vary from facility to facility ($15.00 to $65.00), so be sure to ask the staff when these delinquent fees are applied and the amount to be charged.
Rental increases are reviewed after a fixed term. Some facilities automatically impose an increase of up to 12% bi-annually.
On the other hand, others review their prices after 12 months and consider supply, competitor’s rates, and previous discount plans offered when deciding rental increases.
Some other fees you may be expected to pay for are rubbish removal of general waste or abandoned goods.
With CCTV cameras monitoring the storage facility, be sure you don’t get a surprise fee to pay because you left your unwanted goods behind when you vacated your unit and thought nobody was watching.
Benefits Of Self-storage.
- Cost-effective for businesses.
- I am decluttering when selling your home.
- Store seasonal items and free up garage space.
- You are keeping large items after downsizing your home.
- The base for online retailers or other small businesses.
- Business archiving for compliance obligations.
How To Choose A Self-storage Facility.
- Location and convenience – parking options, proximity to your home or place of business, knowledgeable staff.
- Match your storage needs with the facility’s offerings – car storage options, specialist units for artwork, antique furniture or wine.
- Security of the facility – PIN code access, CCTV cameras and regular lock checks.
- Accessibility – inclines and uneven surfaces, hours for customer access, goods lift for upper-level units.
What To Look For In A Self Storage Facility
On the hunt for a suitable self-storage facility to match your needs?
While you’re comparing your local storage facilities, some essential things to keep in mind will help make your self-storage experience positive.
From the services offered through to the security measures put in place, here are our recommendations of what to look for in a self-storage facility:
Accessibility
Even though you may not need access to your storage unit straight away or regularly, it’s essential to ensure that you can do so with minimal fuss when you need to use or move your belongings.
Look for a storage facility that provides generous opening hours and year-round access, which will allow you to enter your storage unit when you need to.
Services
The basic service that you’re looking for is a clean and secure storage unit. Still, complementary and additional services can go a long way to ensuring that you enjoy a positive self-storage experience. Look for things such as:
- free truck and driver use;
- the option to purchase packing supplies; and
- Plenty of lighting;
- Security – individual unit alarms;
- Contents insurance – if it’s worth storing, it’s worth insuring!
These make the process of moving and storing your belongings less stressful.
Let there be lights! Make sure it’s bright with plenty of lighting, which is especially important if you’re accessing your goods after hours.
Personality – the Store Manager and management team looking after the storage facility is critical; they’re responsible for maintaining the premises with lock audits, cleaning and being there for any assistance.
When enquiring, ask for the Store Manager and see how knowledgeable they are about their site and your needs to give you peace of mind.
Location
When you’re on the hunt for the proper storage space, it’s essential to find a convenient location for both you and your needs.
A facility close to home might be the best option if you’re storing seasonal items that you’ll need every few months.
A space close to work may be best if you’re storing excess stock, business documents and office furniture, while a spot close to your favourite fishing spot could be the best option if you’re choosing to keep a boat.
The location of your storage unit within the facility should also be factored in.
The driveway units are the most convenient, followed by those units closest to the loading areas.
Usually, you will be able to enjoy a discount for upper-level units, and this is an excellent value if you’re not accessing the team all the time or are happy to take just a little longer to load and unload your unit.
Be sure to ask if generous goods lifts are available! Garage storage wall hooks should form part of any garage makeover as they provide a clean and really easy way to lift anything from your garage floor and have it accessible via your garage wall.
Security
Even though the items you’re looking to store may not have a high monetary value, good security is undoubtedly a feature worth considering when choosing a storage space.
Not only are your belongings kept safe and secure, but you also enjoy peace of mind knowing that only you can access your storage space.
Look for features such as security cameras and individual unit alarm systems that will keep your storage unit safe and sound.
Be sure to check if the facility has CCTV security cameras and individually alarmed units.
Choice
If you’re in the market for self-storage space, why settle for a unit that is far too big or too small when you find one best suited to your storage needs?
Not everyone’s storage requirements are the same, so it’s a sensible idea to opt for a storage facility that offers a variety of spaces to choose from, and that won’t leave you paying more than necessary for unused space.
Flexibility
Although you may set out to put a certain number of belongings into storage for an extended period, life can undoubtedly interrupt best-made plans.
Without flexibility from your storage provider, you may end up paying for a space that is too big or too small or be unable to exit a contract if your circumstances change.
Be sure to read all the fine print before you decide on a storage unit to avoid unnecessary stress in the future.
Make The Most Of Your Self Storage Space
Renting a self-storage unit can save you space, money, and time. First, however, you need to follow a few simple tips to make sure you get the most out of your self-storage experience.
Don’t Store Anything Not Permitted By Your Self Storage Provider.
Self-storage units can be great for storing various things, but not everything is permitted or safe to store.
Ensure you check with your self-storage provider or read your contract to ensure you don’t store anything that isn’t permitted.
Generally, these items would include:
- perishable foods
- ammunition
- plants
- flammable materials
- animals
Don’t Let Anyone Else Access Your Unit.
Unless you trust someone or someone who needs access to your unit, don’t share your key or access code with anyone else.
Don’t Forget To Lock Your Unit.
Always make sure you lock your unit properly when leaving, whether you’re coming back in an hour or don’t plan on returning until the following week. It’s always best to keep your unit locked, and your items secure from potential thieves.
Don’t Leave Items Unprotected.
Prevent items from being damaged or broken by taking the time to pack them away properly. Use the correct storage boxes and never pack your boxes too heavy or high. Fragile items should also be stored in a secure spot and carefully wrapped in packing paper.
Essential Tips For Long Term Storage
Laying a tarp on the floor of your storage unit can be beneficial for long term storage.
Over time, moisture can seep through the concrete floor; although this shouldn’t happen, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
A simple solution to avoiding this is to lay some tarp across the floor of your storage space.
Ensure your belongings are stored away correctly.
Don’t pack your items in plastic bags; use proper storage materials such as packing boxes. It’s also best to use new cardboard boxes for long term storage rather than recycled ones.
Taking the time to pack your items properly is critical in keeping your belongings safe and avoiding unnecessary damage.
Make sure you label all your boxes or keep a detailed inventory.
This will help you remember what’s in your self-storage unit, as you may forget over time. It’s essential to do this for both short term and long term storage.
Labelling your storage boxes also helps avoid breaking fragile items as you know where they’re located in your storage unit.
Insuring your items will also be a good idea if you’re storing long term (or short term), especially if you’re moving overseas and have most of the things you own in storage.
Do some research and make sure you find a policy that covers everything you need. But, again, better to be safe than sorry!
Have someone organised to check in on your storage unit when needed.
Long term storage generally means you won’t be visiting your storage unit for an extended period.
If you ever need something from your storage unit, it’s handy to have a local person who can grab it and post it to you.
This person could also be a point of contact if there were ever a problem with your self-storage unit.
Have your rental fee set up to be directly debited each month.
If you’re travelling the world or now live in another state, you probably won’t be cancelling your storage contract anytime soon. In addition, it makes life easier for both you and your storage provider!
As a small trades business, one of your most essential assets would be your tools. Unfortunately, work tools and equipment can be pretty expensive, and your business probably relies on them.
Therefore, it’s essential to ensure your equipment is stored securely – ideally in a secure self-storage unit.
Renting a warehouse space isn’t always an option for a small business. It can become costly, and you may not find one in a convenient location.
That’s why renting a secure self-storage unit for your business is a great alternative! Self-storage is affordable, convenient and safe.
Keep Your Tools Safe
Generally, a secure self-storage unit can offer more security than your home would. This is because storage units are well secured with pin coded gates, security cameras, high perimeter fencing and more.
Storing your work tools in one of our self-storage units is much wiser than keeping them in your garage or work vehicle.
Keep Your Tools In Good Condition
It’s essential to store your work tools properly to ensure they are kept in good working condition. Throwing them on the floor in the corner of your shed is not recommended.
Instead, rent a small storage unit and purchase some portable shelving units. This will help to keep your tools organised, off the floor and in good condition.
Avoid Clutter In Your Garage
Renting a self-storage unit for work equipment is a great way to free up space in your garage or shed.
Leaving you with more storage space at home for other personal items. Storing work equipment in self-storage also helps to keep dangerous tools away from the reach of children.
Choose A Convenient Location
Storing your work tools in a self-storage unit is much more convenient than keeping them at home. Choose a conveniently located self-storage facility and grab your work tools as you need them. It beats having to jam everything into your work vehicle for the day! Are you getting frustrated by your clutter and garage organisation? Here at Garage Storage Solutions, we offer extensive professional organising and declutter service.