Is A Self Storage Unit Or Warehouse Storage The Better Choice?
As a locally owned and family operated self storage business for over 30 years in the Southern Highlands, NSW if there is one thing we know very well, it’s storage! If you need to store excess furnishings and personal belongings or need storage to operate your business then a storage facility in Mittagong is a convenient storage solution. Mittagong is the gateway to the Southern Highlands and an easy drive to Bowral, Moss Vale and the surrounding towns.
For your storage needs in the Southern Highlands there are two main types of storage:
Self storage in a professional storage facility or
Storage within a moving company’s warehouse
Here are some of the main differences so you can decide what is the best storage solution for your personal or business needs:
Self storage facility vs WAREHOUSE STORAGE
Self Storage Unit
you, or your moving company, packs your belongings into an individual lock up storage unit/storage garage
you have the only lock and key to the storage space
you have secure and direct access to your goods
the storage rental agreement is month to month so if your plans change you can end your storage agreement with two weeks written notice
self storage facility is gated for security and cameras monitor traffic
you provide insurance coverage for the value of your stored goods
Warehouse Storage
your goods are packed for you into the moving company’s warehouse
space is shared with other customers personal effects and possibly removalist trucks and equipment
your goods maybe stored in a wooden crate, pod, cage, or on open shelving
access is controlled by the moving company and advance notice is usually required should you need to retrieve anything from storage
you maybe charged a fee to access your goods
depending on where your goods are stored security could be restricted
contents insurance could already be covered by the moving company
Household storage is the number one use of self storage.
WHAT IS THE Difference in PRICE TO STORE?
The cost of self storage in the Southern Highlands varies as all local storage companies have different size storage units. Be sure to compare the total cubic space between the storage units as this is the best way to work out which company offers the best price and value for money. We go into more detail on how to compare and what questions to ask every self storage provider here.
The cost of warehouse storage with a moving company facility is comparable to self storage. The major difference is your goods will be stored in a common area shared by other customers. The moving company who moved you into their warehouse will ultimately be moving you to your new residence, so the cost of storage may be build in with your moving quote and also depend on the length of storage. It is worth checking if there are additional costs whilst in warehouse storage - such as if you need anything retrieved, whether contents insurance is required, if the assigned area is temperate controlled and what security measures are in place.
The most common type of storage in a storage facility is personal storage. This includes mostly household items such as furnishings, personal belongings, garden supplies, sports equipment, and seasonal items. Knowing what you want to store is key to accessing what size storage space you need and how much it will cost to store your goods. The contents of a 3-4 bedroom house for instance, will need a large storage space of around 60 cubic metres.
Expert tip: Unsure how much space you need? We can help you assess the best size self storage unit to suit your needs or check our handy storage calculator.
Tankar Self Storage units are built from concrete masonry.
HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO STORE?
The minimum commitment to store in a self storage facility is usually one month. It is often not easy to estimate the length of time you need to store your goods so month to month rental provides you with the most flexibility. If you are renovating or building a house for instance, there are often delays with construction. Traveling overseas or relocating for work could involve renting your house and deciding to store your more valuable house contents in storage for a fixed term. The period of rental is usually:
Short term - month to month rental
A fixed period - such as 3 or 6 months
Long term storage - 12 months or longer
If you know you will have your goods in storage for a fixed period, or in long term storage, you may be entitled to a discount on the monthly storage fee when the total period of rent is paid upfront. It is worth checking with your storage provider if they offer these discounts! At Tankar Self Storage Centre we offer our customers 5% discount if storage rent is prepaid on 6 or 12 months.
Expert tip: Protect your goods. Pack as much as you can in boxes and cover furnishings with a drop sheet to protect against airborne dust.
Warehouse storage with a moving company vary in quality.
DO YOU need ACCESS TO YOUR GOODS?
The convenience of being able to access your goods when you want to is a key thing to consider when deciding if self storage or warehouse storage is the right option for you. In the case of warehouse storage, the company that moved you will keep your goods in their warehouse until such time they move you out of storage into your new home. If you know that you don’t want any access to your goods for the entire duration of storage this could be a good option. The downside is you can’t see how the company stores your things to ensure they are kept safe and secure.
Self storage gives you the flexibility to access your things when you want to. For safety and security Tankar Self Storage Centre provides access anytime between 6AM-6PM any day of the year. We can receive packages on your behalf and don’t charge a fee for parcel management.
Expert Tip: Whether self storage or warehouse storage is best for you keep an inventory of your goods.
Storage in a warehouse facility is shared space.
THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION
How you decide to store your goods is a personal decision. There are pros and cons for using either a self storage facility or a moving company’s warehouse storage. Remember to do your research and select the company that best suits your needs. The cheapest option is not always the best option. Consider these key factors and questions to ask your storage provider:
Accessibility - who has access to my storage? when can I access my storage? is there are fee to retrieve my items?
Price - how much does a storage unit cost? are there any discounts if I pay upfront? is there a cost for signing up?
Space - how often is the facility cleaned? how are pests controlled? is the space temperature controlled?
Amenities - what security measures are in place? is there fire equipment?
We have compiled 30 Expert Tips to Save Money and Maximise Space in Storage so whether you decide to store in self storage or use warehouse storage be savvy about how you pack.
Expert Tip: To keep your things clean, use a plastic drop cloth or sheet to catch airborne dust that will settle overtime.
Tankar Self Storage Centre in Mittagong, NSW is a purpose built storage facility with storage units built from concrete masonry to ensure that everything you value is protected from the Southern Highlands climate. Call us on 02 48 721679 or email us for a quote. We are here to help make your life simpler with self storage.
Store Happy With Tankar