Your Self Storage In The Southern Highlands

Moving? renovating? downsizing? or making a major life change? These are some of the reasons why people need self storage. Self storage providers from Mittagong to Moss Vale have received more enquiries during the Covid-19 pandemic as relocation to regional areas and buying real estate in the Southern Highlands has hit an all time high. Whether you require a short term or long term storage solution it is helpful to compare the major differences between self storage facilities in the area to choose the best storage business to suit your needs.

We have compiled the top things to know in choosing a self storage facility and the key questions to ask any of the 3 Best Self Storage in Mittagong, Bowral, and Moss Vale.

Spoiler alert - the monthly rental fee is not the only cost you will need to pay to rent self storage. There are several other costs!

Tankar Self Storage Centre in Mittagong is secure, clean and dry.

1. HOW MUCH DOES A STORAGE UNIT COST?

At Tankar Self Storage Centre one of the first questions we are asked is ‘How Much Does A Storage Unit Cost? (sometimes the word ‘unit’ is replaced with ‘garage’, ‘shed’, ‘container’ or even ‘locker’ or ‘bin’). The cost of a storage space depends on the size of the garage and often the length of time intended to store.

Storage units vary in size between facilities but expect to pay over $100 per month for a small size space. When comparing the unit price be sure to compare the price against the cubic volume of space. At Tankar Self Storage Centre we measure the space of our units in cubic metres in the same way professional removalists assess the load capacity of their moving truck.

The monthly rent is just one factor to consider in comparing self storage facilities.

Research the features and benefits of each storage facility.

2. WHAT ARE extra costs to the MONTHLY storage rent?

Renting a storage unit is an additional expense to your household or business budget. Most self storage operators offer a flexible, month to month, storage agreement that can be cancelled with one or two weeks written notice. It is important before you sign the Self Storage Agreement to read it, know what your obligations are, and ask questions if anything is unclear. ‘What are the extra costs to storage rent?’ which maybe charged in signing-up, and while renting, a storage unit. Not all self storage facilities have the same structure of fees so it is important to do your research and add these charges to the storage unit fee.

Though this list is not exhaustive some of the extra charges to the monthly storage rent may include:

Administration Fee. Just like a gym membership, some self storage companies charge an administration fee (sign up fee) to complete the initial Self Storage Agreement. It will be charged whether you take out storage for the minimum length of time, usually one month, or sometime longer. At Tankar Self Storage Centre we do not charge an administration fee or account keeping fee.
Cleaning Fee. Most self storage operators charge a cleaning fee. This fee maybe requested upfront and refunded at the end of the term of storage only if the self storage unit is left in the same condition as it was rented. Consider this like the bond you would pay when renting a house. At Tankar Self Storage Centre we don’t charge a cleaning fee and trust that our customers will leave their storage unit in the same condition as they found it - swept clean, dry and clear of any personal effects.
Credit Card Fee. If you pay your storage fees via credit card the self storage operator may pass on the fees incurred by the bank for this service. Visa and Mastercard do not have as high a rate as American Express but you could be charged a flat credit card transaction or service fee each time the card is used. Those fees can add up so be sure to ask!
Reservation Fee. Most people will have contacted a moving company, packed all of their household goods, and confirmed the date in which they intend to move. If you have reserved a self storage unit there maybe a fee especially if units are in high demand and have limited availability. Check if your deposit will be put towards your first months rent or is refundable should you decide against storing with that facility.
Late Payment Fee. It is guaranteed that if your storage rent is past due you will be charged a late payment fee. The amount will vary from facility to facility. Signing up for direct debit from your bank account will ensure that your rent will be received on time and you won’t be penalised for an overdue account.
Insurance Fee. You may decide to travel without insurance but taking contents insurance is highly recommended for your items whilst in a storage centre. Contact your insurance provider to see if it can be added to your existing household contents insurance policy. Some self storage providers provide insurance coverage. At Tankar Self Storage Centre we leave it up to the storers discretion to take out insurance with their own insurance provider.
Security Fee. Like a security deposit or bond, this is payable upfront and refunded when you move out of storage only if there is no damage to the storage unit. The security fee usually varies depending on the size of the storage unit.
After Hours Access Fee. Lost your padlock key? Get locked in or locked out? Have a package delivered? Extra charges maybe charged to your self storage rent if you require after hours access or service. If the padlock on your storage roller door needs to be cut because you lost the key, a call-out fee, plus the cost of cutting the padlock, could be charged. Don’t forget if your lock is cut you will also be up for the cost of a new padlock!

Shipping containers may also be referred to as storage units.

3. WHAT is the difference IN self STORAGE FACILITIES?

Price is not the only factor in choosing the best storage facility for your needs. There is a number of other things that you should consider. It is a no brainer that self storage facilities need to be safe and secure. You want to sleep easy knowing your things are stored clean, safe and dry. But what are the other main features to compare self storage facilities?

Use this checklist when choosing Your Self Storage in the Southern Highlands.

How is the facility built? Most self storage units are built from tin like a garden shed. Storage units built from tin have no insulation so that anything stored will heat up during the summer months and be cold in winter. With the extreme changes in temperature in the Southern Highlands choose an insulated environment. Self storage built from concrete masonry, like at Tankar Self Storage Centre, will ensure that your belongings stay at a moderate ambient temperature regardless of the weather conditions. Climate controlled self storage units are used for speciality goods, like fine wine and art, that is particularly sensitive to any temperature change.
What do your senses tell you? If you smell damp or see rodent droppings it is a sure sign you will be sharing the space with some unwanted visitors. Storage units that are insulated with points of ventilation are best for air flow and minimise condensation which reduces the possibility of mold. The storage unit should be clean, dry and well maintained. Check the area around the storage unit, the roof and gutters, and if the garage door is well maintained.
Is the storage facility secure? A facility with an electronic gate and keypad access ensures there is a computer record of every person that enters and leaves the premises. Combined with onsite cameras there is a double layer of security. Expect to pay more for a self storage unit with an individual alarm.
Is the self storage unit easy to access? Ground level storage units ensure you have direct access from your moving vehicle without the need for a trolley or lift. The ability to unpack directly into your self storage unit saves time and makes packing into storage easier. Some storage units are within a large warehouse and are only accessible via a lift. Be sure to know the location of your storage unit prior to storing and if a trolley or platform trolley is required. Not all facilities provide moving equipment especially those with no onsite personnel.
Do you feel safe? The facility should be secure and welcoming for everyone! Often there is no other person onsite whilst unloading and packing into storage, so feeling safe is an important factor. At Tankar Self Storage Centre we limit the access hours to 6am to 6pm for safety and security.
Is the self storage facility industry accredited? Knowing that your self storage operator is affiliated with an industry body like Self Storage Association of Australasia (SSAA). Members stand by a code of ethics and are committed to operating their business to the highest professional standards. Tankar Self Storage Centre has been a member of SSAA for as long as we have been in operation - 30 years!
Does the self storage company have positive reviews? You probably read reviews to select which restaurant to dine, what hotel to stay, and what trade services to hire, so read the online reviews and stories of past storage customers to help choose a trusted self storage business.

Would you live in a tin shed? At Tankar Self Storage Centre storage units are built from concrete.

4. WHAT SIZE storage UNIT SHOULD I RENT?

Do you need to access your goods on a regular basis? Do you need an area to sort and organise? What type of things are you storing? Do you need to store a car with household contents? These are some questions to help decide what size storage garage to rent. By thinking of how you will use your storage unit will ensure that you rent the best size space for your needs and don’t pay for space you will not use.

Check our handy storage calculator and contact us to ensure you choose the best size storage unit. Our storage units are sized from Extra Large to Extra Small. Remember we are here to help make your life simpler with storage in the Southern Highlands.

As a reference guide for storage solutions at Tankar Self Storage Centre:

EXTRA LARGE storage garage - double, triple, and mini warehouse size garage

LARGE storage garage - about the size of a standard single car garage
MEDIUM storage garage - the size of half a standard single garage
SMALL storage garage - half the size of a MEDIUM storage garage
EXTRA SMALL storage garage - anything less than a quarter of a standard size single garage such as a storage locker or storage container

Once you have decided on the size of space you need then be sure you maxmise it. Read these storage tips to learn more. Why pay for space you don’t need!

Need space? Call to speak with one of our friendly team or Get a Quote to match the best size space for your needs. Read what our other customers ask in Frequently Asked Questions and prepare to Store Happy with Tankar!