Thinking about renting a self storage unit for the first time? Whether you’re moving house and need temporary storage, or you’re looking for a long term space-saving solution, putting away your belongings at a storage facility is a convenient and stress free way to go.
Whatever your reason for renting a storage unit, here are some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a self storage solution, to make the process as smooth as possible.
How much space do I need?
One of the first things you should think about when deciding on what storage unit to rent is how much space you’ll need.
If you’re not sure on the size, one way to get an idea is to put everything
into one room or garage, then measure or estimate the amount of space you’ll need. Majority of storage facilities offer a variety of sized units for rent, but if you’re unsure, the storage company can suggest a suitable size based on the types of items you plan to store. Here at Go 2 Storage, our storage units range from 2.3sqm up to 34.2sqm.
And if you need to store a vehicle or boat, for example, then hardstand storage (designated outdoor storage) is your best option.
How much does a storage unit cost?
The cost of a storage unit is based on how much and how long you store your belongings. Self storage facilities typically charge on a month-by-month basis, which is convenient if you only require short term storage. This may vary from company to company, so it’s best to check and also understand the payment methods accepted before committing.
How secure is the storage facility?
What kind of security features does the storage site have in place to protect your possessions? Depending on the facility, their level of security may differ to others. In general, facilities come fully gated with security controlled access, video monitoring, in-person surveillance and sufficient lighting.
Our Mandurah storage facility is equipped with state of the art security features including electronic access controlled gates, security lighting and 24-hour CCTV surveillance.
Are my belongings insured?
Most storage companies don’t insure your items as part of a self storage unit rental agreement, but it is advised that you add insurance cover to your belongings should the unexpected – like an extreme weather event occur.
If you already have home insurance cover, you may be able to add storage unit cover to your existing policy. Like insuring anything, the cost will vary depending on how much insurance protection you want and the value of the items you’re storing.
Alternatively, at Go 2 Storage we can offer a tailored insurance solution for your specific storage needs at a competitive price.
When can I access my storage?
When considering storage facilities, check their opening hours to ensure they provide access when you’ll need it. Are they opened on the weekend, do they offer 24-hour access or is it just open during regular business hours?
Keep in mind you’ll also want to know when the office is open. You may be able to access your unit at any time, but that won’t be the case if you need to speak to a staff member.
What can’t I store in a storage unit?
Storage units are designed to hold items such as furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, files and general household goods and business equipment. Items that are generally prohibited include:
- Flammable or combustible items
- Hazardous materials like paint or motor oil
- Chemicals
- Living things such as plants or animals
- Any type of food product or perishables
Make sure to ask the storage facility if you’re unsure about any of the items you wish to store.
There’s nothing wrong with shopping around! When comparing storage facilities, don’t forget to ask about any discounts or special rates. Some companies offer discounted rates for long term rentals. At Go 2 Storage, we make your move even easier with our complimentary moving truck for big loads, or a trailer for smaller loads for all new customers.
Ready to move your belongings?
To book your self storage unit with Go 2 Storage, or to find out more about our self storage solutions get in touch with us today.