Self storage units are very popular, with many people using their self storage spaces to store household items while moving house.
The cost of self storage in Sunshine Coast varies depending on many factors, such as the hire period, accessibility and access hours, additional benefits like insurance, etc. However, the single most important one is the storage size. Below are the average self storage costs around the Sunshine Coast based on storage sizes.
Storage unit size | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
Small (2m x 1.5m) (3m2) | $90 to $100 |
Medium (3m x 1.8m) (5.4m2) | $150 to $170 |
Large (4.5m x 4m) (18m2) | $450 |
Medium (3 x 3m) (9m2) | $250 |
Self Storage units are also great for seasonal storage of items such as surfboards and jet skis, which don't need to be in your family home. Some people rent a storage space at their local self storage facility when they are renovating or redecorating their homes so that they can store building materials during this time.
Most self or business storage facilities provide 24 hour keypad security, so even if you are storing your goods overnight or while you are at work, you needn't worry about their safety.
The storage units are individually alarmed, so if anyone tries to break into the unit, an alarm goes off, alerting staff members of a problem. Depending on which personal storage facility you use, they may have CCTV cameras too.
Below are some easy ways to save on the costs of self storage.
The self storage journey can be overwhelming. The first thing that you should do when looking for a place to put your stuff is to do some serious research into the local Sunshine Coast self storage facilities.
The bigger the unit, the more it costs per month. This may mean having something smaller than what you need so that you don't waste money on an extra unit that doesn't get used. You can always get a bigger unit when it is available or have multiple units in different locations, which you can then combine into one large unit at a later date. Also, self storage Sunshine Coast solutions conveniently located in some areas may cost more than storage centres in less busy surrounding suburbs of Sunshine Coast. Easy access past official hours can cost you more money.
Some self storage providers require you to have your own insurance in case anything happens in the storage facility, and in some cases, they provide this service for a price. While under their policy, if something gets damaged or goes missing from your unit, they will cover the cost of the item so long as you have paid for their insurance when renting the space.
Once you've found a couple of places that offer self storage solutions matching your budget and with the amenities you need, such as 24 hour security and CCTV, etc., it is time to get a free quote from them so that you can see which one is more cost effective for your budget. The personnel at the self storage facility can provide a detailed free quote listing a full range of benefits and related costs.
Once you have called around and found the best deal for your self storage unit size, it's time to negotiate the best prices. If you are signing up for 6 months or longer, then many businesses will allow you to get a discount on their services if you pay for a year upfront. So if you're planning on storing your stuff for a long time, then don't be afraid to ask about any discounts they can offer you because this will not only save you money but also help you pay the unit off sooner. Some Sunshine Coast storage service providers have lock in contracts clauses that deter customers from changing from one centre to another. Look out for such conditions in the contract.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people end up wasting money when they move out of their unit because they didn't pack it efficiently and couldn't fit everything in. Make sure that you are aware of what will fit into your self storage space before you start packing. Use all the available space wisely and put heavy items on the bottom. You can also ask for advice from staff members at your local or national storage facility who have a lot of storage experience in different ways to fill a unit. That's why they are there! Among the many packing tips, perhaps the best one to apply is using packing supplies, packing paper, or to buy boxes to secure loose items. Secure and wrap boxes with packing tape. Packed items also occupy less space when moving supplies and personal belongings.
Another tip is to make use of every spare centimetre of your self-storage space so that even if it takes longer than anticipated to get rid of all your stuff, you won't have wasted any money. If you've only just moved, then you likely have a lot of things lying around that will eventually need to be put in storage so take this time to get rid of anything that you haven't used in the past 6 months or longer. Poorly packed items will lead to the need for extra storage that will cost you more money in the end.
This is another question that needs to be answered before you sign up for a self storage unit. Different types of items have different requirements for being stored, so if you are putting clothes or books in your unit, then their current state will not matter too much as long as they don't get wet. You can easily check this by simply opening the door once a month or so. However, items known to damage other items such as electronic devices need to be kept at a certain temperature and humidity level because higher temperatures during summer will cause their components to melt and if humidity levels rise. Some valuables may start growing mould which means some priceless items such as family photos might need replacement. In addition, an area that gets cold during the winter months may also cause damage to your items, especially if you're going through a particularly cold winter. Therefore, it may be worth investing in a self storage unit with both climate control options to ensure that each item is kept at the right temperature and humidity level for its current state.
If you are struggling to pay your self storage bill, then it is important that you contact them as soon as possible to let them know of your financial situation and see if there's anything they can do to help. Many facilities will allow you a certain amount of time to get back on track with paying your monthly fee, but if this isn't the case for you, don't be afraid to negotiate with them. You may be able to re-negotiate your payment plan or ask for a different discount given the circumstances, so always think about asking before letting things come too far.
What happens if you forget to collect your stuff in storage? The NSW Department of Fair Trading has a handy guide to uncollected goods but check if it applies to your area.