Self Storage 101: Everything You Need To Know
Issue: Aug 2023
Business owners, students, and home movers — let us help with your stuff!
Whether it's sentimental keepsakes that are cluttering your home or excess stock, self storage can help in more ways than one.
What Is Self Storage?
Self storage is a space service (no, not like NASA) that allows individuals and businesses to rent secure and convenient storage units when they need extra space to store their stuff. These facilities are typically found in high-traffic areas, close to residential neighbourhoods and commercial centres.
Self storage is often used as temporary storage for people who have moved to a new place and need to store their belongings. They can also be used by people who need to store large amounts of items that won't fit in their homes. Self storage has also grown in popularity among business owners who want to save on space in their offices and warehouses.
What Are the Different Types of Self Storage?
Not all storage spaces are designed with the same qualities in mind. Homeowners and residents need secure space for furniture and items that they value, while businesses require scalable storage options. Here are a few of the most common types of self storage offered in Australia:
Personal Storage
As the size of homes in Australia continue to shrink, many of us need personal storage to store our belongings and household items. Personal storage allows you to free up space in your home, so you and your family can make the most of your space during quality family time. This storage solution helps you declutter the home and mind!
People typically store the following in personal storage units:
- Furniture and household appliances
- Seasonal décor and clothing
- Collectables and items of sentimental value
- Books and vinyl records
Business Storage
Companies are like tins of biscuits — they come in all shapes and sizes! That's why they need flexible storage terms since their storage space needs might change month-to-month. From small online stores to more prominent industries such as construction, retail, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and more, a self storage facility has been the saving grace of many business empires.
Examples of what is stored in business self storage:
- Inventory
- Stock
- Equipment and tools
- Seasonal products
- Documentation
- Excess bulky furniture that’s only needed for events
Vehicle Storage
Owners of large or classic vehicles often require special, secure, and convenient storage. Self storage is the ideal solution for those looking to store their vehicles during the off-season. Traditional boat storage can be expensive and inconvenient, and self storage facilities offer a fantastic alternative for keeping your boat in pristine condition during frigid months.
Vehicle storage units typically store:
How Can Self Storage Help Me?
There are many reasons why people use self storage. Some of the most common reasons include:
Personal
- Decluttering your house: If you're overwhelmed by the clutter, self storage can be a great way to get rid of some of the items you don't need. You can store seasonal belongings or furniture you're not using (but will need at a later stage).
- Extra security: Proper self storage units are very secure, with features like 24/7 security cameras, electronic access gates, and fire alarms. Knowing that your belongings are secure and protected can give you peace of mind.
- The transition between homes: If you're moving to a new home, self storage protects your possessions during the transition period, giving you more flexibility when it comes to moving days.
- Storing seasonal items: Suppose you have seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or sports equipment. Self storage can be a great way to store these belongings while you're not using them. This can free up space in your home and preserve the good condition of your belongings all year round.
Business
- Saves on business costs: If you're already renting or leasing commercial storage space, then self storage units can save you money. There are no long-term lease commitments, rates, or utility bills associated with self storage units. They also offer flexible contracts and can be more secure than your average rental space.
- Creates more office space: More often than not, there are boxes of files, stock, equipment and so forth cluttering up your office and taking up valuable space. Turn this cluttered space into a more conducive workspace by using a self storage unit to store all the materials that seem to be constantly underfoot.
- Improved security of your goods: Self storage establishments have advanced security systems in place to ensure maximum safety. Leaving valuable documents, stock items, and equipment in a self storage unit can be more secure than having them lying around the office premises.
- Convenient accessibility: Self storage facilities are suitable places for storing your goods. They are often located in easily accessible parts of town and have flexible access hours.
What Are You Not Allowed To Store in Your Self Storage Unit?
Before you get excited about the seemingly endless possibilities of your self storage unit, you need to bear in mind that there are rules.
You cannot store:
- Live animals
- Perishables
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids
- Fuel
- Toxic materials
- Electric mobility devices
- Any items prohibited by law
Why Use StorHub for Self Storage?
StorHub Australia offers local, secure and flexible storage solutions for all your personal and business needs. Our conveniently located Rouse Hill facility in New South Wales is committed to providing our customers in the Hills District with personalised service and state-of-the-art storage. We offer hassle-free storage solutions with no hidden fees and a customer-first mindset.
Contact us today to learn how StorHub can help meet your storage needs.