The Current State of Australia’s Self-Storage Industry

Posted on May 24, 2013 by nsadmin

Removalists ServicesThe self-storage industry began in Australia in the 1970s but it was not until the late 80’s that it began to experience substantial growth. Today, there are in excess of 1,000 self-storage facilities ranging in size from small 10 unit sites, through to multi storey 1,000+ unit centres across the country.  The industry also now offers a range of specialised storage solutions, including climate controlled storage, document storage and vehicle storage. With this strong history of development, what is the current state of Australia’s self-storage industry?

With over three and half years of data, a study conducted by Urbis BSI in April 2012 uncovered some interesting trends in Australia’s self-storage industry. According to their figures, self-storage has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of Australia’s commercial real estate industry over the last 35 years.

Last year alone Australia’s self-storage industry recorded growth of almost 20 per cent. Unlike in the US, where one in 10 families rent a private storage unit, only one in 25 Australian households currently use self-storage facilities. However, the Australian industry continues to show strong growth, while the US industry is showing signs of maturity.

The trending growth of the self-storage industry can be attributed to a number of social and economic factors. Currently, self-storage is used primarily by domestic clients looking to store personal items and clear space within the home. This trend can be largely attributed to the ageing baby boomer population, who now comprise around 25 per cent of the population.

Baby Boomers grew up in financially conservative times, yet are now living in an era of affluence. Their parents instilled in them the need to save; yet today’s world is one of upgrades and obsolescence. This shift from an age of scarcity to an era of abundance has resulted in an accumulation of possessions. Baby boomers have accumulated so much in their lifetime that they simply don’t have the room to store it all. This has resulted in the rapid rise in demand for self-storage facilities.

The growth of the self-storage industry is due not just to the accumulation of possessions but also to changes in housing costs and living densities. Housing density has accelerated in Australia over recent decades. Floor space is getting smaller while at the same time, housing costs have risen. In 2012, housing prices were almost twice what they were in 1970 in real terms. Many adults choose to delay their home purchase and stay longer in the parental home.  This all means more people under the one roof and an increasing need for space saving solutions.

National Storage is one of Australia’s largest self-storage providers, delivering customised storage solutions for domestic and commercial clients for over 10 years. As Australia’s self-storage industry continues to grow, so does the list of National Storage locations across most major cities.

So, whether you’re a business or household in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, National Storage can take care of all your commercial and self-storage needs. For more information about Australia’s self-storage industry or for a National Storage location near you, visit the website or contact a friendly customer service representative.

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Benefits You Can Get From Commercial Storage in Melbourne

Posted on May 14, 2013 by nsadmin

There are many benefits that a business can get from commercial storage. There are security features, accessibility features and versatility features that make it the ideal option for businesses in Melbourne and across the country.

Business and commercial storage is its own separate niche Commercial Storageof storage and it’s geared toward businesses specifically. It’s different from personal storage in that it’s not the typical type of storage unit you may be thinking about. Company’s often have a variety of services that are specifically tailored to a business. Most of these commercial storage companies dispatch and receive goods for you, which makes your company’s operations a lot smoother. They’ll also be more cost-efficient and responsive. You’ll find you have a lot more space to work with. Commercial storage can greatly assist with problems like inventory overflow, seasonal storage fluctuations and bad stock management.

Storage centres like National Storage have commercial storage units that are safe, secure, high-quality and purpose-built for 24 hour security monitoring, so you can be sure your goods will be fully protected and safeguarded. You are the one that locks the unit and you hold the only key. Your business is even more important than your personal possessions and that’s why good business and commercial storage solutions should always have 24 hour security monitoring your space. Since you’re the only one that has the key, you know that no one else can get into your storage space and mess with your items.

This is not just some empty space that you’ll be putting your important business items in. This is a commercial storage solution. A solution means that it offers an answer to your business problems. Good storage solutions should also have the option for climate and humidity control. These kinds of storage units can hold unique items like antiques, fine art, confectionary and pharmaceuticals. If you are looking for additional peace of mind, then you can get storage insurance as well.

Insurance is a great option if you’re worried about the goods being stored in your storage unit. If it’s worth storing, it’s worth insuring. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your livelihood.

Trailer and truck hire also makes it much easier to move the goods into your storage unit. If you have a business, you probably have a lot of goods and you’re going to want move them all in trailers and trucks, instead of having to rely on just whatever your employees have, or your own company trucks, which could be limited in size or number.

If you are looking for storage solutions for your business in Melbourne that ticks all the boxes, look no further than National Storage. Visit them online for more information.

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5 Important Things to Consider Before Renting Car Storage

Posted on May 4, 2013 by nsadmin

Car StorageCar storage in Sydney and car storage in Brisbane are something you might want to look into if you need a car storage system in one of these cities. Vehicle storage is a big issue, as these are expensive items you’re storing. You might be storing a bike, caravan, boat or car. Heck, you could even be storing a recreational vehicle. Whatever your vehicle storage needs may be, a good storage company like National Storage can handle them.

Recreational vehicles

When we get a recreational vehicle, we enjoy having it nearby so we can take it out when we like. The bad part of this is that we sometimes think we need to park it down on our lawn, up the drive or on the road. Another problem is that the vehicle is never nearly as secure as we’d want it to be. If it’s parked on the road, it’s even less secure. Wouldn’t it be smarter to have your recreational vehicle parked in some secure place that you can check whenever you’d like? In the storage industry, there is outdoor storage that is often called “Hardstand”, drive-up storage or internal storage. All of these options are much more secure and safe for your vehicle.

Cars

Storing a car in a storage unit is a great idea, especially if it’s a car that’s very valuable or the storage is going to be something for the long-term. Most of the storage centers out there have storage units suited for storing a car. The alternative is hardstand storage or outdoor storage, which is particularly good for short-term storage.

Boats

Boats are pretty expensive and they’re usually very hard to store safely on your own. If your boat is currently on a trailer, then why not consider going with something like hardstand storage? It’s flexible, you can rent it month-to-month and you can go in and out whenever you want. Places that have hardstand storage space offer people access during hours that will allow for early morning pick-up and late night drop-offs.

Before you’re considering renting vehicle storage, think about these 5 things.

  1. Make sure the unit is enclosed and dry. There are a lot of factors that could contribute to your car deteriorating while it’s in a storage unit, like changes in dirt, moisture, weather, dust and temperature. You can safeguard the vehicle by having it stored somewhere that’s dry and enclosed.
  2. Cover your car with a vehicle cover while it’s in a storage unit.
  3. Take the battery out of the car. Most of the problems with car storage have to do with electronics. Use a battery trickle charger or anything that can stop the battery from charging once it’s full.
  4. Have a full tank of gas because rust can form in the gas tank if moisture gets inside of it.
  5. Clean the terminals and wiring of the battery, this will help to prevent corrosion.

For more information, talk to the storage experts at National Storage.

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Tips on Using Self-Storage Units in Brisbane

Posted on April 28, 2013 by nsadmin

Life can be messy. Sometimes, part of living life to the fullest is learning to go with the flow and embrace the chaos. But just because your life might be a bit unorganised, doesn’t mean your house has to be. Your home should be a welcome respite from the anarchy and confusion of the outside world. This means having a space that is clear of clutter and free from unnecessary mess.  If you want to get your home in order, here are some tips on where to start.

To keep or not to keep?

It’s normal to accumulate a certain amount of clutter over the years. Take a moment to assess what possessions you want to keep and which are just space wasters. Important or significant items can be kept but old uni books and clothes from the 90s are better off going to your local St Vinny’s.

Once you’ve gone through and thrown out any excess clutter, you can start taking inventory of the items you need to keep on hand and which can go into storage. While your college football jersey may have sentimental value, it’s likely to take up valuable space in your closet. Valuable or sentimental items are certainly worth keeping, but you might want to consider personal storage solutions to free up space around the home.

Take an inventory of your possessions

Once you’ve decided which items are staying in the home and which are going into storage, take the time to make a detailed inventory list. When storing items for long periods of time, it is important to take records for your own personal reference. A simple inventory list of stored items will make it easier to reference and locate things later. It is also a good way of keeping track of your valuable or sentimental possessions.

Pack it properly

You can save a lot of time and money by correctly preparing and packing your valuable storage items. Wrap all fragile items separately and ensure all electronic equipment is clean before packing. By using the right boxes and packing techniques you can avoid accidental breakages and unnecessary damages to your valuables. Large plastic boxes are ideal for long-term storage, particularly if you want to dive into them from time to time. Otherwise your storage provider will sell a range of boxes and cartons that, when full, can be sealed with packing tape to provide a tight seal.

Consider your self-storage requirements

Depending on the nature of your storage items, you may require special storage conditions. There are a variety of personal storage options available – from refrigerated containers through to extra high security lockers.

By taking the time to follow these few simple steps you can be on your way to a clutter-free home, leaving you more space to deal with life’s little messes. For more information about self-storage services in Brisbane, contact a National Storage warehouse near you.

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10 Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Storage

Posted on April 21, 2013 by nsadmin

Vehicle storage is a common but often mysterious form of storage. Unlike normal self-storage, there is a lot more to worry about when storing your classic car or family caravan. If you are looking at storing your car, boat, bike or recreational vehicle at somewhere like National Storage, below are just 10 frequently asked questions about vehicle storage that may help.

1. What sort of vehicles can be stored at National Storage?

National Storage offers storage for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, boats, caravans, motorbikes and recreational vehicles. They have internal, drive-up and outdoor, also known as “hardstand”, vehicle storage available. Vehicles need to be going order in order to be stored at National Storage.

2. Will my vehicle be safe?

National Storage implements a number of security measures, including locks, a PIN code system, 24 hour camera surveillance and physical surveillance. That said, national Storage cannot give an iron-clad guarantee of vehicle security, particularly if vehicles are stored in hardstand areas.

3. Do I need a drain pan for my car?

It is recommended to purchase a drain pan to be placed under your vehicle. This is to collect any oil or fluids that may leak from the car. Drain pans are available at all good auto parts stores.

4. Do I need to insure my car while it is in storage?

Insurance cover for vehicles is your responsibility. It is recommended you continue your regular car insurance as most companies will cover it while in storage. You should check your policy for more information, particularly if you own a classic car.

5. Vehicle maintenance – what is required while in storage?

Although it may not be used, you should ensure your car still has regular maintenance, as lack of use can also cause problems. Dependent on the type of vehicle you are storing, the length of time you are storing it and your personal preferences, this should typically be an annual job. It is also recommended that you maintain the registration on your vehicle.

6. How long can I leave my vehicle in storage?

National Storage does offer long term vehicle storage. To enquire about how long you can rent a space, call the company on 1800 650 423.

7. Does the battery need to be disconnected?

Usually, yes. When a battery is not in use and is discharged, sulphate crystals can form on the battery plates. This hinders the flow of electricity and can cause battery failure. Disconnecting it while in long term vehicle storage can prevent this.

8. What kind of security is in place?

As mentioned previously, National Storage has a number of security measures in place for all of their storage facilities. This includes 24/7 camera surveillance and enclosed areas, which can only be accessed via a gate access code (PIN) unique to you.

9. How big is the space my vehicle will be stored in?

This depends on where you store your vehicle and what kind of vehicle is being stored. National Storage has unit sizes between 1.5m by 1.5m all the way to 8m by 3m. External hardstand spaces are also available in most locations and their sizes tend to be more flexible.

10. Should I buy a cover for my vehicle?

This depends on your personal preference. A cover can reduce dust and grime from clinging to the vehicle, particularly if stored outside, preventing damage from lack of use.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered, or would like to get a quote for vehicle storage at one of National Storage’s facilities across the country, call them on 1800 650 423 or fill in a contact form online.

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Storing Items in Self Storage Can Save You Money

Posted on April 14, 2013 by nsadmin

Self Storage

Some residents in busy cities like Sydney and Perth are hesitant to arrange for self storage services because of doubts on the security of the items and the costs involved. To curb your fears and anxieties about considering the service, here are some financial benefits you can get, including the estimated amount of money you eventually save.

Space begets costs

Do you have any room in your house with too much clutter to the point where you can’t move freely inside? Chances are more than 50 per cent of the items inside the room haven’t been used in a really long while. If you place furniture and appliances in storage, you can make more space available for new purchases. This can save you on the maintenance costs for valuable equipment and electronic appliances. Some of the most common reasons for malfunctions involved accidental bumps or movement of the equipment. This can be avoided if you assign a room specifically for fragile items.

Dirt and grime

It is always ideal to rearrange furniture in your house to ensure that you always get to observe which areas and corners of each room may need more attention when cleaning. If too many items are stacked in one corner, it can be too much of a hassle to move them one at a time. The dirt that accumulates can eventually house insects and suddenly you have another problem to worry about. The costs involved with pest control and other services can just snowball right before your eyes, so make sure you manage the space in your house well. You can do this by making arrangements with National Storage, who can provide secure, clean storage in capital cities around Australia.

Prolong the life of your stuff

Items kept in storage are protected from elements that may otherwise shorten their usable life. A good example is when your winter stuff is kept in self storage until you need it in the later weeks of May. You might have barbecue grills that are only useful during spring and summer. Keep them in storage and you get to maintain their quality.

The facilities at National Storage are secure and safe. In addition, you get to keep your own key, so you can count on getting back your items when you need them. You may look into specialised storage facilities as well, all of which are available at www.nationalstorage.com.au.

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Moving Interstate? Here’s a Checklist of Things You Needs to Consider

Posted on April 7, 2013 by nsadmin

Capital cities like Perth and Adelaide have gained popularity as ideal locations for changing residences in Australia. Moving to another state can be an emotional and physically daunting task for anyone. However, you can cushion the stress and effort involved if you follow some basic tips and suggestions to help in making the transfer a smooth process and a more manageable one.

Practice efficient packing methods

You’ll find it easier to pack your items and furniture if you employ a good system of categorising and labelling your stuff. Start with an inventory of every item you have. You can go from room to room and put everything on a checklist. Sort the items according to size and whether the piece is fragile. Vases and items with glasses are usually included in the fragile list. You can then pack them in boxes, where you get to arrange the contents more economically because of similar sizes. These boxes will then be labelled according to the number of pieces per item and where they are supposed to be placed.

Handling heavy furniture

Couches and cabinets occupy too much working spaces, so you need to be strategic with how they are placed in the vehicle. It would be ideal to wrap them in plastic or felt blankets so that you don’t lose the quality of their finishes and the designs. Attach rubber stoppers to the corners in order to protect the walls during transfer.

During the move

In the moving van or truck, the heaviest items should always be placed on the bottom. Work your way to the top until the boxes with fragile items are safely put atop the load. Check the drawers and make sure there aren’t any items inside that may cause damage.

Consider pre-packing services

Perth Storage

National Storage offers pre-packing operations to handle your items before the move. This is ideal if you are planning on selling your house. You can work on a schedule to ensure that prospective buyers or renters can visit while your items are stored in the facilities. You may learn more about other storage services in Perth and Adelaide offered by National Storage.

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Affordable and secure storage of household items at National Storage

Posted on March 24, 2013 by nsadmin

Renting self storage spaces is a practical choice for homeowners who are in need of extra space to place valuables like large items of furniture and electronic appliances. However, there are many providers who offer unsecure and expensive units. Fortunately, you can save money and keep your valuables safe from burglars with National Storage, a storage solution specialist in Australia.

No fixed lease terms

Compared to other providers, National Storage ensures that you will not be subjected to expensive fixed lease terms. You are allowed to rent the space until you need your items back or when you’ve found a new home to move into. This can be a great opportunity to save money for other household expenses.

Insurance for your belongings

When an item is stored at a self storage facility, it may not be covered by your household insurance. Fortunately, National Storage offers a cost-effective coverage for your items kept in one of their spacious units.

Access to unit

Many storage specialists claim that only you can have access to your unit. However, in reality, this may not always be the case.  With National Storage, you are guaranteed there will be no mishandling of belongings, as the storage unit’s keys will be given only to you and you will be responsible for moving your goods into the storage centre. Other people can only enter your unit if you give them the key and your PIN to enter the storage centre.

No extra fees

If you frequently access your valuables, you may be surprised of the additional fees you have to pay. With National Storage, you will not be charged any extra costs to access your unit. In fact, you have permission to enter your unit whenever you please.

National Storage is the perfect partner to satisfy your needs. They offer secure and climate-controlled storage in Sydney Western suburbs and other districts around Australia. To know more about their services, you can reach them by dialling 1800 650 423 today.

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Maximising self-storage space

Posted on March 14, 2013 by nsadmin

Self Storage West SydneyTo store extra, unused or old household furniture and appliances such as televisions and dining sets, self storage in West Sydney are usually the “to go” guys. Most homeowners are not aware of how to fully maximise the space available in units, resulting in disorganised systems and difficulty in finding items. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer from the same concerns by following these preparatory tips and suggestions.

Determine the total space needed
In order to efficiently utilise the area, be sure to determine how small or large the storage space should be that you might need. Also, consider the possibility of adding more belongings in the future. Keep in mind that choosing a larger unit can be a wiser investment, especially when your family keeps growing.

Efficient packing
The first thing you need to do is to place your belongings inside a container. Make sure you label each box and put like or associated items in. For instance, all electronic gadgets should be stored all together, separated from kitchen fixtures. Don’t forget to cover fragile items with cushion or bubble wrap.

Organising boxes
Never attempt to put heavy boxes on top of other packages, as the weight of large items can damage valuables underneath it. With that in mind, always place the heaviest pieces on the bottom of the stack. As you go up, the load should be lighter. Also, avoid stacking the boxes in a tower-shaped pile. As much as possible, use the available floor area first.

Use furniture as containers
Another clever trick you can consider is to place small items inside the drawers of cabinets and other larger items of furniture. This will not only allow you to have extra space, but you can also save money meant for more boxes.

Storing furniture
Beds, tables and bookcases can take too much space. However, if you disassemble your furniture, you can place it in a smaller area and even have extra room for other items.

No matter how small or large your unit is, keep in mind the suggestions above to help you maximise the available space. When it comes to self storage facilities, consider National Storage. They are a trusted provider in West Sydney, offering you secure and spacious units to store your household valuables, including furniture such as coffee tables and cabinets. Call them on 1800 650 423 and talk to one of their professional staff today for more information.

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How to prepare items for storage

Posted on March 4, 2013 by nsadmin

So you want to store some bulky items for summer, or maybe your books are overflowing and you need a little more space. You want to get some personal storage, but you’re unsure how to safely pack your items so they won’t get damaged while they’re away from you. Check out the tips below for packing and storage solutions to keep your valued items safe.

  • Buy some cartons, tissue paper, bubble wrap, packaging tape and other packing items. Make sure you know how much you need to pack and get a little extra just in case something doesn’t fit like planned, or you find something else to store.
  • Wrap fragile items appropriately. This means putting plates in poly foam and glasses in glass socks. Or if you don’t have these storage items, wrap them all in plenty of tissue paper or bubble wrap. Put padding in empty spaces and don’t put anything too close to the box walls. Mark the boxes they go in with “Fragile”.
  • Put linen and clothing in vacuum bags and wardrobe cartons. Use naphthalene or mothballs to keep away mould and damage. Do not store furs or anything irreplaceable.
  • Pack books flat so the spines don’t warp or bend and don’t overfill boxes as they will get heavy and difficult to carry. Don’t put books or other heavy documents and files in boxes with fragile items.
  • Keep furniture off the floor when storing. Cover them with protective plastic or furniture covers. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic. Mattresses should be stood on one end to maximise space and be appropriately covered.
  • Label every box so you know exactly what is in them.
  • Do not store anything that is irreplaceable. Do not store used tires, perishable items, flammables of any kind or items that produce odours. Use your common sense and if you are unsure about storing it, don’t.

For more handy hints on preparing your items for storage, or other storage solutions, look up Australian storage company National Storage online. We have storage solutions for all your items from vehicle and personal storage to records management and wine storage.

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