A self storage facility allows you easy access while keeping your belongings safe and secure.
Self storage is a perfect solution where you can rent a storage locker of various sizes to provide more room for short periods to store anything from your business's archives or equipment, furniture and all those things you don't have room for at home. It's an easy way to make more space at home, whether you're moving house, setting up a new office, or decluttering. These business storage facilities are usually found in industrial estates or away from residential areas and often have 24/7 access.
There are two types of self storage insurance policies available on the market for small businesses. But it's important to note that not all providers offer both to their customers. The options are typically contents insurance and goods in storage insurance.
This will cover your stored goods against theft, and some policies might also include accidental damage. Contents insurance does not automatically come as part of a self-storage policy, so make sure you read the small print to see if it's included as an add-on or buy it separately.
This covers your stored goods up to their full value and is usually taken out on top of a contents insurance package. This means that whatever the eventual value of your stored items in the archived records after depreciation, they're still insured for the same amount as though they were new. Both types of policies are subject to terms and conditions, exclusions, and limits, so make sure you read the policy document carefully to understand exactly what your insurance covers.
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.
You can store anything from furniture and business archives to sports equipment. Business storage just like personal storage units is ideal for both indoor and outdoor storage. You can use them for vehicle storage if they have large unit sizes. They are also the best way to keep large items out of sight until you need them, so they're perfect for keeping bulky sofas, bikes, or TVs. But they also work well for more valuable personal belongings such as artwork or antiques, where larger homes mean that storage space is at a premium. You can even buy self storage insurance on top of your usual contents policy if you'd like extra protection for high-value goods.
Self storage units vary in terms of security but every company will provide some form of security with gates, fencing, and CCTV in the location. Some companies might offer higher levels of security than others; look for a company with good reviews, a high number of units with 24/7 access and CCTV in place.
There isn't a fixed period of time that you have to use your storage unit, but it's worth giving some thought as to how long you want to keep your items there. If you're storing possessions for several years or more then look for a company with flexible contract terms and avoid those with set monthly fees as these will be expensive.
Yes, it's possible to store a car or motorcycle in a storage unit if you have the space. You may need to pack it in a specific way to ensure no moving parts are damaged. Self storage companies will have tips on how to pack vehicles in their storage units, so ask them if you're unsure. They also provide climate-controlled storage, drive-up units, and outdoor storage for vehicles and motorcycles. The outdoor space enables you to find storage suitable for your vehicle including electronic gate access in specific locations.
Generally no. Most self storage facilities are lit well enough to allow you to work during the day, but they usually have restrictions on what people can use their units for. Some companies will let you store items that are being worked on or repaired, but getting permission is something best taken up with the facility manager before moving anything in.
Storage facilities usually require you to take out insurance for your stored items, so it's important to find out what the provider's own terms and conditions are. Some providers will recommend that you purchase additional insurance on top of this, so check if there are any limits or excess fees should something go wrong inside your storage unit. Bear in mind that home contents policies protect the contents of storage units up to an agreed limit; above this limit, additional insurance is needed.
Items that should not be stored in a self-storage unit include flammable materials, explosives, and illegal goods. Storage facilities will have rules about what can and cannot be stored on their premises, so it's always best to check these before signing the contract.
Generally speaking, self storage facilities invest heavily in guarding against damage to stored items. However, accidents do sometimes happen and if it's found that your belongings have been damaged while being stored there, the facility should inform you immediately so that you can make a claim for the damages.
Most self storage contracts have a clause that allows for the early release of your stored items. Storage facilities will usually charge a fee for this, so it's best to avoid going down this route unless you absolutely have to.
Yes, it's most likely that you'll be required to enter into a contract when hiring a self-storage unit. A tenancy agreement will usually run for about 12 months but can last as long as is needed; common term agreements might last for six or 18 months. These contracts usually need to be paid in monthly instalments and they vary from company to company.