Getting a storage space and moving stuff into one is a very tedious task. However, it is a necessary evil. One might opt to get a storage space due to moving houses, renovation, transit, etc. Whatsoever the reason might be, here is a list of things that you should consider while getting a storage unit.
Size of storage required
The first thing that you should do is confirm the size of storage that you will require. You can do this by simply measuring the stuff that you have to move into storage. This will also allow you to plan accordingly and downsize if required.
Create a checklist of items
After you have decided on what all items are going in storage, you now can make a checklist of all of the items. This will allow you to keep track of all your precious goods and will also act as a memory for you when you move out of storage. If something is not marked on the list then you can hold the storage space accountable.
Types of storage and what they fit
|
Type |
Size |
What will fit |
|
Small |
1m x 1.3m |
small items like suitcases, boxes and more. |
|
Mobile container |
2.4m x 1.5m |
Basic single-bedroom apartment stuff. |
|
Medium |
3m x 3.6m |
Basic two-bedroom home |
|
Large |
3m x 6.3m |
up to five bedroom home |
Storage facility guide
You should always look for storage facilities near your home. This will allow you to save on the time it takes for you to get your stuff to and back from the storage facility. List of the major storage facilities is below:
- Elite container storage
- Royal Wolf
- Storage King
- Kennards self storage
- National Storage
- Super easy storage
- Taxi box storage
- Pods
How much does storage cost?
Self storage is usually available on a monthly basis, with average prices ranging from $80 to $500 per month depending on the size of the unit. Below is the average cost of self-storage available throughout Australia.
Small unit (1m x 1.3m) – $100 per month,
Medium unit (3m x 3.6m) – $300 per month
Large unit (3m x 6.3) – $500 per month
Take note, these are just average prices. Prices may vary depending on a company-to-company basis. Prices may also vary due to multiple other factors like add-on services, the value of the land, time of the year, and more.
Get quotes
Use multiple comparison websites to get quotes for storage. This will help you get a better price with small independent franchisees that are short on demand. It will also help you get offers like “buy 1 month get the next month free.”
Take note, big brands usually have standard pricing that isn’t as flexible. This is why we recommend you check small independently owned facilities first.
Choosing the right self storage option for you
Now that you have done all the reconnaissance, you now need to make the decision on which self storage option is the best to suit all your needs. For this, you can simply answer the following questions and whichever is a fit to all, choose that one.
- Does the storage facility provide content insurance or not?
- Do you have 24-hour access to the space?
- Is the facility clean and well-maintained or not?
- Does the facility provide security to your unit from unauthorised public access?
- Does the facility provide 24/7 security monitoring, fire monitoring and control systems or not?
- Is the facility weatherproof?
- Is the facility pest-managed or not?
- Is the access to the facility big enough to allow your truck, van or removalist to load and unload stuff?
Packing all of your stuff
With your storage service sorted out, you now need to start packing up all of the stuff that you need to go into the storage space. You can get packaging material from any hardware store like Bunnings, and then start safely putting all your valuables into boxes and securing them so that nothing is damaged. Label all of the boxes and items. After all is done, you can simply make the move.