Stuff is one of the most fascinating things in the universe. No one is entirely certain where Stuff comes from; all we know is that generally it starts off with a tiny seed of Stuff that grows by such small increments over the years that you are astounded to discover your entire home has been overrun. There are various solutions to a Stuff infestation, but most commonly include the use of self storage. Whether you’re considering self storage in Manly, storage in Wynnum West, or renting a self storage unit here at Fort Lytton Self Storage, there are a few things to consider before you do anything else.

 

Space

 

The first thing you need to determine is how much self storage space you will need. It’s best to start this process with a clean-out. Go through the stuff you’re considering for storage and discard anything that you don’t need or want to keep. The more you can discard, the more efficient and affordable your storage solution will be.

 

Our storage spaces range from 3 meters by 3 meters ($180 per month) to 6 meters x 3 meters ($330 per month). As a general rule of thumb, the 3 by 3 space will hold one room’s worth of belongings, while the 18 square meter space usually accommodates a larger home’s worth of stuff. If you have a boat or other vehicle that you’d like to get out of your driveway or garage, we also offer hardstand and container storage for those possessions.

 

Type of Stuff

 

The next consideration is what, exactly, are you storing. The list of things you are not allowed to store is not very long – hazardous, illegal, perishable, environmentally harmful or explosive goods – but many of the items you might put into self storage will require preparation or special handling. Delicate items should be carefully wrapped and boxed to protect them. Appliances should be cleaned thoroughly and stored with the doors fixed ajar for ventilation. Any items with fuel or oil should be drained completely before storage.

 

Security

 

A consideration for any self storage facility is the security of your items. Here at Fort Lytton Self Storage we protect your storage unit with several layers of security, including the lock on your unit itself, individual unit alarms, and closed-circuit cameras, among others. Your storage facility should not rely simply on a perimeter gate and lockable units, as gated entries are susceptible to tailgating attacks and locks can be picked or cut off if there is no surveillance inside the facility itself.

 

Insurance

 

Always remember the key word in ‘self storage’ is self. The items you place into self storage remain your property and your responsibility. We take the security and safety of your possessions very seriously, but it is wise to have insurance on them while you have them in storage to protect yourself against any eventuality. Your current insurer will most likely be able to discuss this with you but in any event, it may be a good idea to speak to a few different agencies to find the best rate and level of cover to suit your circumstances.