Are you in need of extra space to store your belongings? Wondering about the cost of self storage?
Whether you're streamlining your living space, transitioning between homes, or simply seeking a short term, temporary storage solution, self-storage facilities present a convenient option. If you're looking for economical self-storage alternatives in Sydney, your search ends here. This article will guide you towards identifying the most budget-friendly self-storage facilities in your vicinity and provide insights into pricing.
Real Estate Value and Amenities Influence Storage Costs
When considering the price of self-storage, it's important to recognize its correlation with real estate value and amenities. Typically, storage prices parallel the cost of real estate – facilities situated closer to urban centers tend to command higher rents, while those farther away are often more affordable. Like any other property-based business, this is due to the alignment of property rates and taxes with property value, interest rates and other financing costs.
Consequently, the cheapest storage option may not necessarily be the one nearest to you or the most suitable for your needs. Pursuing the lowest price might mean being open to travelling some distance. Conversely, opting for convenience might come with a premium, especially for facilities in close proximity to your home. Of course, the dynamics vary depending on the suburb in which you reside.
Understanding the Range of Self-Storage Choices
Self-storage facilities come with a variety of unit sizes and configurations to accommodate diverse requirements. Here are some common types you might come across:
Standard Units: These units are the conventional storage spaces available in a range of sizes, starting from compact spaces as small as 1 cubic metre lockers to 2.25 square metre closets and all the way up to larger room-sized units. The cost varies, depending on factors such as size, location, and amenities.
Did you know that over 75% of storage users over-estimate the size of the unit they need. You’ll be surprised at how much you can fit into even a quarter-sized garage. Read below for the storage size guide.
Climate-Controlled Units: For those needing to store items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as high value electronics, artwork, or antiques, a climate-controlled units may be suitable. In Australia, we don’t necessarily have the large temperature fluctuations of other countries where climate-controlled storage is more important. Also, our energy costs are much higher which usually means climate-controlled options in Australia are usually limited to specific wine-storage or art storage facilities.
Modern self-storage facilities have good ventilation and insulation, creating a stabilized climate for storing household furniture and business goods. Storing wine in these modern insulated and well-ventilated facilities with concrete floors should be OK.
Drive-Up Units: Ideal for convenience, drive-up units enable you to park your vehicle right in front of your storage space. This simplifies the process of loading and unloading heavy or numerous items. These units usually have a premium attached to them given the added convenience and high demand from business users like plumbers, carpenters, electricians or builders who need to access their materials regularly.
Container Storage: Certain facilities offer container storage. This may entail a portable container being delivered to your location, filled at your convenience, and subsequently transported to the storage facility. The alternative is a fixed container, offering the convenience of driveway access much like the drive-up units. Ventilation and/or insulation may be limited so be sure to consider what you’re storing and whether a less stable climate will be appropriate. Make sure you understand the risks involved in moving your container. Mobile storage is often moved via truck and stacked in a warehouse facility so there is much more risk of damage to your goods and access is not on-demand.
Vehicle Storage: If you require storage for vehicles like cars, boats, or caravans, certain facilities provide dedicated outdoor spaces to securely accommodate such items. For added security, large drive-up units offer the addition of individual alarms and being under cover. Wherever you intend to store your vehicle, be sure to take note of the security features at the facility and advise your insurer of where you’re storing it.
Average Price for Self-Storage in Sydney
The cost of self-storage in Sydney can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as location (both the suburb and where the unit is located in the facility), unit size, amenities, and rental duration. Here's a general overview of the approximate price range per month across metropolitan Sydney:
Small Storage Units
- Storage Lockers (1m x 1m x 1m): $80 -$150 per month
Lockers are perfect for university students needing a secure place to keep their valuables.
- Cupboard size (1.5m x 1.5m): $100 to $300+ per month
These units are suitable for storing a few boxes, small items of furniture or seasonal belongings.
- Quarter Garage (1.5m x 3m): $120 - $380 per month.
Equates to about the size of an average size room. Ideal for storing the contents of a one-bedroom apartment.
Medium Storage Units
- Half garage (3m x 3m): $250 - $675 per month
This generally fits the contents of a 2-bedroom home or apartment or large lounge room.
- Three-Quarter Garage (3m x 4.5m): $350 - $1,100+ per month
These units can easily accommodate the contents of a 2-3 bedroom house
Large Storage Units (3m x 6m and above):
- Single Garage (18-20m2): $600 - $1100 per month
Ideal for a 3 or 4 bedroom house. Also suitable as a car space depending on the vehicle width and driveway accessibility. For businesses, it holds the equivalent of 8-16 pallets if they are stacked or the tools, equipment and supplies regularly used by tradesmen.
- Oversized Garage – Over 20m2: $1000 - $2450 per month
About the size of one and a half garages. Holds the contents of a 4 to 5 bedroom house. This extra-large storage units holds about 20 pallets, with space for a central aisle depending on the configuration.
It's important to note that these prices are approximations and can vary as a result of the specific location of the storage unit, the storage facility and the additional services provided. These prices are valid as March 2024.
Selecting the Right Storage Facility
When you're looking for the most economical self-storage facility, remember these vital considerations:
- Location – how often will you be accessing your goods? Opt for a facility that's conveniently situated to minimize travel time and associated costs.
- Security – does the facility provide individual unit alarms and CCTV? Ensure that the facility boasts robust security measures such as surveillance cameras, controlled access systems, and a well-lit premises.
- Lighting – has the facility invested in bright lights so you can find your goods?
- Cleanliness: a clean and well-maintained facility plays a crucial role in safeguarding your possessions from dust, pests, and potential damage.
- On-site management – is there an on-site friendly manager who will check security and keep the facility clean?
- Access – do you have access 365 days? Can you access it after hours and/or on demand? Verify the facility's access hours to ensure they align with your schedule and requirements.
- Customer Reviews: reading reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insights into the facility's overall quality and customer service.
- Special Offers: many facilities offer promotions to new customers, which could include initial rent discounts or complimentary use of moving trucks and trailers.
Contact Rent a Space Today
Our friendly self storage experts are ready to help you find a tailor-made solution that exactly suits your storage needs. Their experience will help you select the right storage solution, and save you money by ensuring that you are only paying for the size you need.
Our commitment to provide secure and clean storage units ensures that your goods and furniture remain in excellent condition while in storage. With 18 locations (more coming soon) across NSW and ACT, we will help you find a facility that suits your needs.
Call us on 02 8758 0000 or obtain an Instant Quote through our user friendly website and one of our storage experts will be in contact with you to help find the perfect storage solution for you.