Australians are living in smaller and smaller spaces and moving house more often than ever before. People still seem to accumulate the same number of possessions, however, so more and more people are turning to self storage as the solution for cluttered homes.

Self storage costs are determined by the size of space rented and the rental duration, so these are the two main factors to control for your budget's health. Additionally, the inconvenience of having some of your belongings at a remote site must be kept to a minimum. Here are some ways of handling these three facets of self storage.

Space

To be economical, you will want to rent the smallest storage space possible for your possessions. Take advantage of online space calculators to estimate how many cubic metres you need. Pack your belongings in boxes of the same size for the most efficient stacking. All your belongings should be boxed wherever possible, even the awkwardly shaped items.

A half-empty box containing a desk lamp, for example, is still a better use of space and easier to store than a loose desk lamp wrapped in a bin liner. Check your storage facility has fork lifts or step ladders to help pack your unit to the ceiling.

Rental duration

If you leave it until the last minute to hire your self storage unit, you can stack boxes in your own house until you are sure it is all ready to go. Ask about long-term deals and special offers for extended hire periods. You can also shop around between self storage companies as the one nearest to you may not be the cheapest.

As a rule, the longer you hire the storage for, the cheaper the monthly rate. Some facilities will require booking or holding fees, so be sure of your dates when you call to arrange your space, so no additional fees are incurred.

Convenience

Accessibility is key if you will be requiring items from your storage unit on a regular basis. Put most needed things at the front of the space and don't pack the boxes too heavy if you will be moving them a lot. Remember to label everything in detail. Don't just write 'kitchen items' on a box, list the contents, like 'blender, utensils, measuring jug' for example. Check with your storage centre what their access hours are, not all are open 24/7.  

Once your goods are safely stored, you will be able to enjoy knowing they are secure yet within reach whenever you need them.

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