Self Storage Tips and Tricks: Save Time and Money

There are a number of reasons why people use storage. These include renovating, knock-down and rebuilds, if they're often in transit, or if they simply have too much stuff.

One of the most common reasons why people use storage is moving house. If you have time between properties or are moving interstate and your rental agreement or build completion date doesn't quite line up with your current end of lease date, putting your items into secure storage could be a good solution. We've popped together a few things to think about if you are considering putting your items in storage. 

What size storage unit do I need? 

Believe it or not, the size of storage unit you need depends on how much space the items you plan to store take up.

To make the most of your storage unit (and save money) it's best to plan in advance. Consider going through your items and decide whether or not they are actually worth storing. You don't want to be paying for storage space for items you'll never need. You can also use this as an opportunity to downsize! We've got some great tips on downsizing here. Doing this will also make moving easy, and save you money.

It's also a great idea to get a checklist together of all of the things you need to do for packing your items into storage.

Once you have done this, it's time to look at what storage size you need. Most self storage facilities have a wide range of self storage sizes. Here is a rough guide for working out what size storage unit you need. 

Kennards self storage have a huge range of storage unit sizes here.

How to calculate the storage space you'll need

If you are booking a removalist it is likely you have already broken your life down into cubic metres.

You can find a handy guide for helping you calculate your cubic metre space here.

Using the same method, you can also estimate the space you will need for the items that you are wanting to move into storage. This is the first and most important step in the process as it will determine what type of storage you need and how much it will cost. Depending on the amount of space you need you may need to decide on what is the best storage solution for your needs and budget: containerised, short or long-term storage, etc.

Self storage facilities near me - guide 

Ideally you want storage that is conveniently located with easy access so you can easily move your stuff to and from your property. There are a number secure storage solutions in your city, depending on what your requirements are. Kennards Self Storage, National Storage and Storage King have locations accross all major cities. Check them out below. 

How much does storage cost?

When looking for self storage, one of the first things you think of is how much will I pay? Most companies charge at a per-month basis and can average between $80 and goes well up to $500 per month depending on the size of the storage unit you are looking to hire.

To make it easier we've included a reference list of prices based on the average costs of storage below. Note that this varies between companies and is a guide only.

• Small unit (1m x 1.3m) - $80 to $100 monthly
• Medium unit (3m x 3.6m) - $100 to $500 monthly
• Large unit (3m x 6.3) - $500 or more monthly

There may be other individual factors that influence how much you pay, such as the length of your storage contract or any additional add-on services you agree to when you book. Location of the facility can also determine if the cost is higher or lower per unit due to market forces like population density versus demand for space in the area, and the value of the land where the facility is located pushing up rent.

Depending on the company you are considering, many smaller independent franchisee’s will happily negotiate on price if they are short on demand. You may find bigger companies have stock standard pricing that isn’t as flexible. It does pay to shop around as you will find many “buy 1 month get the next month free” types of offers.

Typically outdoor storage centres are cheaper than indoor ones but are not suitable for all items and mainly cater for vehicles, boats and occasionally office files and equipment. Customers can drive to the storage to access their belongings and can sometimes be more convenient.

What things are allowed and not allowed to go into storage?

As a general rule, so long as it is packed correctly, most things can go into storage.

Items that are prohibited are usually labelled as such, because they pose an unacceptable risk in storage.

Items that cannot go into storage are things such as foodstuffs and dangerous goods (corrosive, flammable, explosive, spontaneously combustible, toxic, oxidising or water-reactive goods). If these items are stored in your unit and cause damage it could invalidate your insurance.

It's always best to find out more detail from the company you end up choosing.

What are the different types of storage?

We've listed some of the different types of storage and where to find them below.

Containerised storage

• Elite container storage
• Royal Wolf

Self storage spaces (indoor and outdoor)

• Storage King
• Kennards self storage
• National Storage

Mobile Storage / Portable Storage

• Super easy storage
• Taxi box storage
• Pods

Storage-in-transit (short term storage)

• National storage
• Kennards self storage

Long Term storage

• National storage

Wine Storage

• Kennards self storage
• National storage

Car, Boat, Trailer, Caravan, Vehicle Storage

• Kennards self storage
• National storage
• Storage King

If you're moving interstate and you need your items held in between your current location and your new home, Muval has a number of options to assist and can organise in-transit removalist storage for up to 6 weeks. Take a look at our range of interstate removalists to book your move.

How to pack your items for self storage

If you're moving house you probably already have a bunch of packing materials, meaning you are off to a good start! Most self storage units also have a small box shop attached to them. Kennards self storage have a wide range of packaging supplies here.

To prevent your personal belongings from being damaged while in self storage, make sure you are packing them in a way that is secure. For example, fragile items such as china and breakables should be wrapped and packed into moving boxes. Bubble wrap should be avoided, especially on wooden items such as tables and chairs to prevent moisture build up and the risk of mould developing.

Labelling hacks

Moving boxes guide

Packing artwork

Preparing to move your fridge

Preparing to move your couch

Moving glassware safely

What are the best self storage solutions?

Finding the perfect storage solution depends on what you're storing and how much you care about the safety and security of your goods. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you book self storage.

• Is the facility big enough for your truck, van or removalist service to be able to easily access?
• Does the facility offer insurance or will you need to arrange insurance separately?
• Do you need 24 hour access to your storage unit?
• Is the facility dust-free and climate controlled?
• Is the facility secure from unauthorised public access?
• Does the facility have 24/7 security monitoring, fire monitoring and control systems?
• Is the area where the facility is located not prone to flooding?
• Is the facility weatherproof?
• Is the facility pest managed and free of vermin?

When you compare services, you should aim to compare similar storage solution options, whether it be business or personal - you can't compare apples and oranges - and the same is true with the different options available - they can be vastly different in nature and therefore the range of cost and services should be compared with those offering the same criteria.

Moving your goods into self storage

If you're strapped for time and needs someone else to take care of the moving removalists on Muval offer a minimum 2 hour option which will give you plenty of time if only moving a few heavy items and you can't do it yourself. Either way - you can view a range of quotes instantly online for free and book your preferred option as needed. 

All removalists on Muval are experienced in delivering or picking up from storage facilitities and they can guide you on what to do to make it stress free and easy.

Self storage checklist

You know we love a good checklist and we're sure you do too. When there is so much to think about having a handy printable guide means that you can check things off as you go! Download the checklist here.

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