Self storage units generally come in three different types: drive-up access, climate controlled, and regular self storage facilities.

Self storage units generally come in three different types: drive-up access, climate controlled, and regular self storage facilities.

The cost of renting a self storage space is an important consideration to home and business owners living in the Gold Coast area. The type of items to be stored will largely determine the size of self storage unit required.

Below are the average costs for storage facilities around the Gold Coast area.

Storage unit size

Estimated average cost per month

Large cupboard space (1.5m x 1.5m)

$150

Large wardrobes (3m x 1.5m)

$170

Half garage (3m x 2.5m)

$250 to $270

Small car garage (4.5m x 3m)

$450

Single car garage (6m x 3m)

$700

What kinds of self storage units are available?

Self storage units generally come in three different types: drive-up access, climate controlled and regular self storage facilities, ideal for many different types of use.

Drive-up access

In a drive-up access facility, the unit doors open to the exterior of the building, where you can store your belongings in an outdoor environment. These are conveniently located for access all year round.

Climate controlled storage options

Climate controlled self storage facilities keep your belongings safe from extreme heat or cold with either a heated or cooled space. Packing supplies are usually available at both these locations if you need to purchase them.

Regular storage units

When you use a regular self storage unit, the area is not climate controlled, and occasionally placed outdoors.

Are my goods insured in self storage?

In the case of storing your belongings in a drive-up access storage unit, you will need to purchase renters insurance. It will cover any loss and damage that may occur if your goods are damaged or destroyed due to flooding or fire when at the storage solutions centre. The insurance company will reimburse you for those losses. Often insurance is not required for climate controlled Gold Coast storage units, but it is a good idea to check with your insurance company. The best way to keep your goods safe from damage or theft is to purchase a lock. Business storage customers are encouraged to take an insurance cover to secure any loss or damage occasioned during the storage period.

How do I know what size storage unit I will need?

When looking at self storage units in Gold Coast, or generally in Australia, you will want to start by assessing your storage needs. Measure the space that you need to store your belongings. If you have large pieces of furniture such as a couch, bed frame, or office desks that won't fit into a regular sized room, then it makes sense for you to rent extra space with more cubic feet. If items such as cardboard boxes, packing, and moving supplies will not take up more space in the unit, it is probably best to go with a smaller sized area. You also need to consider the amount of time you plan to store your belongings.

Are my goods safe in self storage?

The best way to ensure your goods are safe in a self storage facility is to purchase your own lock for the specific unit. If you use a public lock or the one that comes with the unit when it is first rented, anyone will have access to the area. Making sure you keep track of your key, and key number also ensures that no one can enter your unit without permission from you. Typically, storage facilities in Gold Coast are secure places to keep goods and belongings.

What are some tips for getting organised before storing my things?

Use boxes that can be sealed so no one will have access to your belongings. The best type of boxes are the kind where you can write on them, so if you need to know what is in each box, it is easy for you to find out. Also, label each box with the room in which it should be placed when moving day comes. You may also want to get rid of any unnecessary items before moving into self storage. That way, you won't risk having too much stuff and not enough space once all of your belongings are moved in. If possible, make two trips; one to take all of your items into the facility and another trip right before or after the move to pick up things that don't fit in the unit.

How can I save money on self storage?

There are many ways to save money when renting a Gold Coast storage unit. There are many cheap storage Gold Coast solutions available. The first way is to ask storage companies if there is a discount for reserving the unit for an extended period. Ask about any hidden fees, and make sure you fully inspect the area before signing up and paying in full for your new rental space.

Also, make sure you only buy the amount of necessary insurance, especially for business storage of valuable inventory. An insurance plan can be expensive. If possible, store items you don't need until they are needed; this will prevent having too much stuff and not enough space. Smartly packing the items removes the need for more space saving you money.

How do I end my agreement with a self-storage facility?

Notice per the terms and conditions outlined in your rental agreement. If your rental agreement does not state how much notice you need to give before cancelling, then providing 30 days' notice is the industry standard. If you do not provide the required amount of notice and continue paying rent on your unit, then you will be responsible for all future payments due under the agreement. If you want to cancel the agreement but do not want to use up all of your prepaid funds, then contact a manager at the facility about possible solutions.

How long can I keep my belongings in storage?

Most Gold Coast self storage facilities allow customers to store their items and merchandise for as long as they'd like. However, it's important to note that some storage Gold Coast facilities have specific rules regarding rentals. If you are trying to store your belongings for an extended time, you need to ensure that the rental agreement allows for this.

Are food items allowed in self storage?

Most Gold Coast storage spaces allow you to store non-perishable food items such as canned goods as long as they are stored inside a sealed container and out of direct sunlight. Many storage facilities do not allow perishables like fresh produce or frozen foods. These items can attract insects into the units, which can then spread into other people's belongings, causing damage and requiring the facility to take extra measures, which will result in additional costs.

What can't I store in self storage?

You cannot store anything illegal, unsafe, or could cause damage to other people's items in a self storage unit. Some items you cannot store include:

  • Items that are flammable or explosive

  • Asbestos, paint and other chemicals

  • Controlled substances like weapons or narcotics

How do I prepare my items before storing them in storage?

You can keep in mind several things when preparing your items before moving them into one of the many local Gold Coast self storage facilities.

First, make sure everything is clean and dry inside and out. Then buy boxes and place your goods in them so they won't shift during the move or while stored in the unit. Boxes also provide secure storage for loose items prone to petty theft or lifting.

Also, remember to label each box with what belongs inside, where it should be placed in the house (such as your living room), and a list of all of its contents. You may also want to consider a household inventory. This way, you know exactly what is in each box inside your unit and what condition it is in. For more information take a look at the Self Storage Associate of Australasia website.