What to Look for in a Self Storage Facility

On the hunt for the right self storage facility to match your needs? While you’re comparing your local storage facilities, there are some important things to keep in mind that will help make your self storage experience positive. From the services offered through to the security measures put in place, here are our recommendations of what to look for in a self storage facility:

Accessibility

Even though you may not need access to your storage unit straight away or on a regular basis, it’s essential to ensure that when you do need to use or move your belongings, you can do so with minimal fuss. Look for a storage facility that provides generous opening hours and year-round access which will allow you to enter your storage unit when you need to.

All of Rent a Space’s storage facilities are accessible from 6am to 9pm, 365 days a year. Whether you need to tend to your storage space in the middle of the week, on the weekend or even on a public holiday, you’ll enjoy generous access to your space.

Services

The basic service that you’re looking for is a clean and secure storage unit, but complementary and additional services can go a long way to ensuring that you enjoy a positive self storage experience. Look for things such as:

• free truck and driver use;
• the option to purchase packing supplies; and
• Plenty of lighting;
• Security – individual unit alarms;
• contents insurance – if it’s worth storing, it’s worth insuring!

These make the process of moving and storing your belongings less stressful.

Let there be lights! Make sure it’s bright with plenty of lighting which is especially important if you’re accessing your goods after hours. Personality – the Store Manager and management team looking after the storage facility is extremely important; they’re responsible for maintaining the premises with lock audits, cleaning and being there for any assistance. When enquiring, ask for the Store Manager and see how knowledgeable they are about their site and your needs to give you peace of mind.

A variety of complementary and additional services are available from Rent a Space. Make the most of the Free truck and driver move-in service, insure your belongings and purchase packing supplies that will have your belongings organised and secured in no time at all. Some of our Senior Store Managers have proudly served our customers and the team for over 10 years. We’re a proud family-owned and managed self storage company serving Sydney since 1979.

Generously sized and well lit Loading Bays are important. Think about unloading your goods in the evening or in the rain and you’ll be truly appreciative of a self-storage facility who has considered you when designing their facility.

Location

When you’re on the hunt for the right storage space, it’s important to find a location that is convenient to both you and your needs. A facility close to home might be the best option if you’re storing seasonal items that you’ll need every few months, a space close to work may be best if you’re storing excess stock, business documents and office furniture, while a spot close to your favourite fishing spot could be the best option if you’re choosing to store a boat.

With 16 storage locations servicing Sydney and Canberra, Rent a Space provides plenty of choices when it comes to finding the perfect facility for you. From Western Sydney through to the Sutherland Shire and the Northern Beaches, there’s no shortage of convenient storage options available.

The location of your storage unit within the facility should also be factored in. There are driveway units which are the most convenient followed by those units closest to the loading areas. Usually you will be able to enjoy a discount for upper-level units and this is great value if you’re not accessing the unit all the time or are happy to take just a little longer to load and unload your unit. Be sure to ask if generous goods lifts are available!

Security

Even though the items you’re looking to store may not have a high monetary value, good security is certainly a feature worth considering when choosing a storage space. Not only are your belongings kept safe and secure, but you also enjoy peace of mind knowing that only you can access your storage space. Look for features such as security cameras and individual unit alarm systems that will keep your storage unit safe and sound. Be sure to check if the facility has CCTV security cameras and individually alarmed units.

At Rent a Space, security is an issue that isn’t taken lightly. Every Rent a Space storage unit is individually alarmed, every storage facility has security CCTV cameras and access to storage units is only available to the owner via their own pincode which disalarms the unit and the storer’s own lock. We also sell suitable padlocks and combination locks to use.

Choice

If you’re in the market for a self storage space, why settle for a unit that is far too big or too small when you find one that is best suited to your storage needs? Not everyone’s storage requirements are the same, so it’s a sensible idea to opt for a storage facility that offers a variety of spaces to choose from and that won’t leave you paying more than necessary for unused space.

Whether you’re wanting to store just a couple of bits and pieces or the entire contents of your home, Rent a Space offers a variety of storage units, from locker size spaces through to units as large as a double garage.

Flexibility

Although you may set out to put a certain number of belongings into storage for an extended period of time, life can certainly interrupt best made plans. Without flexibility from your storage provider, you may end up paying for a space that is too big or too small, or be unable to exit a contract if your circumstances change. Be sure to read all the fine print before you decide on a storage unit to avoid unnecessary stress in the future.

At Rent a Space, it’s easy to upgrade or downsize your storage space and there is no lock-in contract that won’t leave you out of pocket if your circumstances do change.

Interested in finding the perfect storage solution for you? Speak to the storage experts at Rent a Space. We have a range of storage units to suit both your needs and budget.

Well Maintained

Your first impression of a self storage facility is important; it will very quickly tell you how much care is taken to maintain the facility and to keep it secure, clean and bright. The Store Manager is extremely important; not only are they a representative of the brand but they're the one you'll be interacting with the most when you're in and out of the facility. You may not need them often, but when you do, you want to be assured that they know what they're talking about and will ensure your stay is a convenient one. They usually have very handy hints on how best to store and protect your goods and helpful contacts to ensure your move is a convenient one.