Self-storage is a cost-effective, flexible alternative for storing personal and business items – but getting the most value from it takes a little planning and organisation.
In the interests of making sure our customers have the best experience possible, we offer some expert tips for saving money on self-storage.
Don’t clutter up your storage unit
Make sure you don’t have anything in your storage unit that you don’t need to store. Adding a few miscellaneous items could mean you end up having to rent a bigger unit.
Pack carefully
Spending the time to pack properly can keep you from wasting a lot of space – in turn, meaning you can rent a smaller storage unit – and make it a lot easier to find specific items when you need them again.
For expert advice on packing, consider our:
- ultimate guide to packing for packing your boxes and items
- guide to packing a storage unit for optimum use of space and convenient access.
Make sure you’ve got the right size unit
It can be tricky to judge what size unit you need. If in doubt, contact a local storage facility to find out exactly what sizes are available and which would best suit your needs. Renting a unit that’s bigger than you need can waste money.
For an idea of unit sizes, try our guide on what size storage unit you might need.
Don’t take out longer than necessary leases
Find out what terms are available for leasing a storage unit and don’t sign any lengthy contracts. If you’re not sure how long you’ll need to store your items, try to find a facility that allows month-to-month leasing of storage space.
Rent a unit that’s easily accessible
You never know when you might need something that’s in your storage unit. Find a facility that is as close to your home or business as possible, and that’s easy for you to access. This can save you time and petrol costs.
Consider sharing a unit with a friend or family member
If even the smallest size unit is too big or your storage needs fall somewhere in between two sizes, consider sharing a unit with a friend or family member. Paying half the cost of renting a big storage unit might be cheaper than paying in full for a smaller unit.
Keep an eye out for specials
Specials may not always coincide with the time when you need a storage unit but it’s worth asking your chosen storage facility if there are any specials or promotions on.
Consider valet storage
An alternative to traditional storage, valet storage involves paying a monthly fee for each box of items (or per individual bulky item) you store, rather than renting a fixed-size storage unit. The storage provider collects your boxes or items from your home or office and returns them when you need them back again.
This way, you pay only for the space you need, and you don’t need to worry about travelling to the storage facility. This is a good option if you don’t have a car or have only a small volume of items to store.
Our sister company SpaceBox offers affordable valet storage in most major cities around South Africa.
Self-storage units at XtraSpace
XtraSpace offers secure, affordable self-storage units at branches across South Africa.
Our simple, flexible terms mean you won’t get locked into long, expensive contracts – when you no longer need your storage unit, you can cancel at any time with 30 days’ notice.
Our branches offer a wide range of storage unit sizes to choose from, ensuring that you won’t end up with a unit that’s too big or small for your needs.
If you’re looking to save money on storage in South Africa, contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you.