Self storage facilities are a cost-effective and easy way to store your possessions when space is tight.
Self storage can quickly become an expensive solution if you rush into choosing storage facilities and make some mistakes along the way. In the self storage industry, choosing the wrong size of a storage unit is probably the most common mistake people make when renting self-storage solutions. Before you start looking at storage prices, you need to measure your belongings and understand how many storage unit sizes they occupy. Not all facilities have standard unit sizes, so it is essential that you find one with the smallest available unit if your items are small. The next step in keeping your storage services costs down is identifying which items will be stored together, while some things might need to be stored separately or in particular conditions. For example, keeping a collection of knick knacks requires less space than storing delicate antiques, so this may warrant investing in an individual storage unit. Again, not all facilities offer specialised units, so consider this before you sign a unit lease. It is a good idea to list all the items you plan to store and use them as a reference when looking at storage facilities. Most companies make a copy of your items for insurance purposes, but it is still a good idea to give them another list if there is ever a fire. In Sydney, the average price for a medium-size storage space unit costs $317 per month. In Melbourne, it costs $310 while Canberra costs $244 per month. The self-storage costs are lower in Perth where it costs an average of $189 for a medium storage space per month. The storage unit prices differ depending on size and location.
When you rent a self-storage unit, it is vital to understand how they work to protect your belongings. Many storage facilities have security measures like a gated entry which requires a number code to open the gate. In contrast, others allow people to walk into the storage facility without being checked in. Generally, gated access is advised but not always necessary for all units. In terms of opening hours for self-storage units, most facilities operate during business hours from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. However, some offer extended hours on weekends, depending on location. Many offer 24/7 access through a security gate or a combination lock which allows you to access the facility whenever it suits. When moving into a storage space, other than meeting the storage costs you will need to show ID and sign a contract detailing what is expected from each party involved. The manager might ask for proof of identification. You might need to give the manager a list of your stored items in case there is ever a problem with anything being damaged or missing.
Whether you are looking at long-term or short-term self storage facilities, several factors can impact the average cost associated with renting to meet your storage needs.
Storage operators' prices match the size to the cost of the storage space. The size of your storage unit is probably the most obvious factor and will play a large part in determining the storage cost. The smaller the unit size, generally, the less it will cost. The cheapest storage facilities are not usually the best due to extreme temperatures and locations.
Not all facilities offer 24/7 access to those who probably charge slightly more than those without this option.
When renting a self storage unit, you need to consider whether you want insurance included and how much extra this will add to your monthly or yearly costs. It would be best to think about whether you will need a padlock and whether this is included in the self storage cost.
Long-term storage offers a cheaper monthly rate than short-term storage because there are no additional costs involved, such as insurance or lock rental, but it does tend to be higher overall.
Some facilities offer an all-inclusive deal which includes the size of the unit, insurance, opening hours, and padlocks. These deals can work out more expensive initially. However, they often have extras that would cost extra if rented individually, so you can still work out cheaper depending on your situation.
The main benefit of using a self storage unit is that it offers a safe and secure storage solution for your belongings. They are climate-controlled units designed to be tamper-resistant and offer enough space for all the items you want to store. They also come in various sizes, so depending on what you plan to keep, they should be available for everything from artworks and documents to furniture and clothes for different renting periods. Self storage units can provide commercial customers extra security to meet their storage needs than leaving your goods at home because thieves can easily break into homes and vehicles. If you need extra space, you can move in your belonging after settling the self-storage prices. You will have access to a locked garage or shed. Storing your items in a self storage facility can reduce the risks of keeping valuable things like tools or sports equipment.
There are four main types of self-storage units on offer.
If you prefer a temperature-controlled environment for your storage operators, then look for a storage centre that offers air conditioning as standard. Customers pay the self storage prices for the temperature to be automatically controlled and monitored around the clock so you can keep all your unused items in optimum condition. You can de-clutter, and custom make a spacious home into a room that offers storage space at affordable storage costs.
If you need to store items that are sensitive to fire, like wood or paper, then look for a suitable facility for such goods. Of course, if the storage warehouses are in locations with a high risk of flooding, you will not be able to store your belongings there.
Units with overhead protection are another excellent option for storing valuable or delicate items because they are covered from most weather issues.
Vehicle access units are unique because they have their driveway entrance and spaces, so you can easily transport more oversized items for convenience. The driveways tend to come in various sizes, which can make a difference if you have a large vehicle or one taller than average.