Choosing the right self-storage facility is crucial as it ensures that your belongings are safe and secure. A good facility – such as Titan’s car storage at Bibra Lake – will provide adequate security measures, such as 24-hour surveillance and access control, to protect your possessions from theft or damage.
Additionally, finding the right facility means that you can have easy access to your belongings whenever you need them. The location and operating hours of the facility can affect how accessible your stored items are. Moreover, a suitable self-storage facility will provide a range of unit sizes and features to meet your specific needs. This will help you avoid paying for unnecessary space or not having enough space to store all of your items properly. Ultimately, choosing the right self-storage facility can give you peace of mind and ensure that your belongings are kept safe and accessible.
Whilst Titan does not offer self-storage, it does offer car storage and boat storage facilities for Perth and Fremantle and understands the principles of self-storage requirements and what you should consider when choosing as self-storage facility.
SELF-STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS
- Location: Consider the proximity of the facility to your home or business and accessibility.
- Security: Check the security measures, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and on-site personnel.
- Unit size and accessibility: Make sure the facility has the right size unit for your needs, and if you need drive-up access or ground floor units.
- Climate control: If you plan to store temperature-sensitive items, look for facilities that offer climate-controlled units.
- Price and payment options: Compare prices and payment options, including any promotions or discounts, to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
- Customer reviews: Read customer reviews to get a sense of the facility’s reputation and customer service.
- Access hours: Consider the facility’s access hours, and whether they meet your needs for getting to your stored items.
WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT, LOCATION OR PRICE?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If you need quick and easy access to your belongings, the location may be more important to you. In this case, choosing a self-storage facility that is conveniently located near your home or workplace may be a higher priority.
If you are working with a limited budget, the price may be more important to you. In this case, you may be willing to choose a self-storage facility that is a bit farther away or not as convenient, if it offers lower rates.
Ultimately, the choice between location and price will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. Some people may prioritise convenience and choose a more expensive facility in a convenient location, while others may prioritise cost savings and choose a less expensive facility that may be a bit less convenient. It’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a self-storage facility.
CALCULATING THE RIGHT SIZE UNIT FOR YOUR THINGS
When estimating the right unit storage space for your belongings, consider the following steps:
Make a list: Make a list of all the items you plan to store, including their sizes and quantities.
Measure your items: Measure the largest items, such as furniture and appliances, to get a better idea of how much space you’ll need.
Consider stacking: Consider stacking items, such as boxes and containers, to maximise space.
Use storage space calculators: Many storage facilities have online storage space calculators to help you estimate the right unit size based on your list of items.
Tour the facility: If possible, visit the storage facility and take a tour to get a better sense of the unit sizes and how they compare to your items.
Consider storage options: Consider storage options, such as shelving, to maximise space and organize your items.
Choose a slightly larger unit: It’s better to choose a slightly larger unit than what you think you need, as this will give you some extra space for future items and make it easier to access your stored items.
CAN I VIEW THE FACILITY FIRST?
Yes, you can usually ask to view a self-storage facility before renting a unit.
Most self-storage facilities allow potential customers to tour the facility and view available units. This can be a good opportunity to see the unit size options, the condition of the facility, and the security measures in place. You can also ask the facility manager any questions you may have and get a sense of their customer service.
It’s important to view the facility before making a decision, as it will help you choose the right unit size and determine if the facility meets your storage needs and expectations.
SUITABLE FOR SELF-STORAGE
Almost any household or business items can be stored in a self-storage unit, as long as they are legal and not perishable. Some common items stored in self-storage units include:
Furniture: sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, and other large items.
Electronics: televisions, computers, and other electronics.
Appliances: refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances.
Clothing and textiles: clothes, bedding, and other textiles.
Sports equipment: bikes, skis, golf clubs, and other sports equipment.
Seasonal items: holiday decorations, outdoor furniture, and other seasonal items.
Documents and files: important papers, business records, and other documents.
Tools and equipment: power tools, lawn equipment, and other tools and equipment.
It’s important to note that some items, such as hazardous materials, firearms, and illegal items, are not allowed in self storage units. Check with the storage facility for a list of prohibited items.
UNSUITABLE FOR SELF-STORAGE
Self storage facilities typically do not allow the following items to be stored:
Hazardous materials: chemicals, explosives, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials are not allowed in self-storage units.
Perishable items: food, plants, and other perishable items are not allowed in self-storage units due to the risk of spoilage and attracting pests.
Illegal items: stolen property, illegal drugs, and other illegal items are not allowed in self-storage units.
Live animals: live animals, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed in self-storage units.
Weapons: firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not allowed in self-storage units.
Combustible items: gasoline, propane tanks, and other combustible items are not allowed in self-storage units due to fire hazards.
It’s important to check with the storage facility for a list of prohibited items, as rules can vary from one facility to another. Storing prohibited items can result in the forfeiture of your storage unit, as well as fines and legal penalties.
WHAT ABOUT ANTIQUES?
Antiques can be stored in a self-storage unit, but it’s important to consider their unique storage requirements. Antiques can be delicate and valuable, so you want to make sure they are stored properly to minimize the risk of damage. Consider the following when storing antiques in a self-storage unit:
- Climate control: Antiques are susceptible to damage from temperature and humidity fluctuations, so consider storing them in a climate-controlled unit to protect them.
- Proper packing: Properly pack antiques in sturdy boxes, using padding and wrapping to prevent scratches and other damage.
- Avoid stacking: Avoid stacking boxes or other items on top of your antiques, as this can cause damage to delicate items.
- Label items: Label boxes and containers containing antiques to make it easier to locate them later.
- Insurance: Consider purchasing insurance to protect your antiques from damage or loss while in storage.
It’s also important to consult with a professional appraiser or antiques specialist for specific advice on how to best store your antiques in a self-storage unit.
CAR STORAGE
As experts in car storage in Perth and Fremantle, this is a matter on which we can talk with some authority.
When storing a car or vehicle in a self-storage unit, consider the following factors to ensure it is stored safely and properly:
- Climate control: Consider storing your car or vehicle in a climate-controlled unit to protect it from temperature and humidity fluctuations.
- Size of unit: Make sure the storage unit is large enough to accommodate your vehicle, with enough room for you to easily walk around it.
- Proper preparation: Clean your vehicle thoroughly and remove all personal belongings before storing it. Fill the gas tank to at least a quarter full to prevent moisture build-up and consider disconnecting the battery to prevent discharge.
- Covering: Cover your vehicle with a high-quality car cover to protect it from dust and other debris.
- Secure unit: Make sure the storage unit has good security features, such as a secure lock and surveillance cameras, to protect your vehicle from theft or damage.
- Insurance: Consider purchasing insurance to protect your vehicle from damage or loss while in storage.
- Maintenance: Check on your vehicle periodically and start it up every few weeks to keep the battery charged and maintain its condition.
It’s important to check with the storage facility for specific guidelines and restrictions, as some facilities may have restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be stored and requirements for how they should be stored.
If you are interested in car storage in Perth or car storage in Fremantle, contact us at Titan storage today.
