There are a lot of reasons to rent a storage container. Perhaps you’re in the process of selling your house and want to create the illusion of a spacious home… so you need somewhere to put all your stuff! Or perhaps you’re doing a short-term project like a home renovation and want to keep your precious items safe while works are underway. Whatever the reason, renting a storage container may be the solution you’ve been looking for and it’s probably cheaper to rent than you think.
In this article, we’re running through what is container storage, how much it costs, tips and tricks to maximise the service and more.
Related article: Five mantras to get you in the mood to declutter
Related article: Home improvements to make before moving into your new home
Why rent a storage container?
We gave a couple of examples in the intro of this article but there are many times when renting a storage container may be the perfect solution to your storage problems!
Before we delve into that though, you may be curious to know what is shipping container storage?
Shipping container storage is a novel solution for repurposing steel containers, initially designated for maritime transport and for personal or commercial storage use. They are durable, secure, and resistant to weather conditions. This makes them ideal for protecting personal items from various environmental factors.
Popular reasons to rent a storage container:
- downsizing: when moving from a house into an apartment, or a family home into a townhouse, downsizing always comes with storage challenges! Perhaps you’re not ready to get rid of sentimental or heirloom items just yet, or simply need a bit of extra time to work your way through all your stuff. This is when renting a storage container can give you the time and breathing room to take the stress out of downsizing
- renovating: anyone who has lived through a home renovation will tell you it’s messy business! Keep your precious items safe by placing them into a shipping container for safe and secure short-term storage
- storing seasonal items: if you’re the sort of person who really gets into the festive spirit, shipping storage can hold all your boxes of Christmas decorations. Similarly, if you’re big on water sports in summer, large container storage can securely store your sports gear and equipment in the off season
- needing extra storage: say goodbye to cramped living areas and overflowing cupboards. This solution is also popular for general household items that you don’t need on a day-to-day basis.
Whatever the reason, storage containers offer convenient, versatile and secure temporary storage for your belongings.
How much does a storage container cost?
The most googled questions about storage containers is How much does a storage container cost? And we get it, the practical benefits of this service are obvious but is it worth the price?! Thankfully, this storage solution is cheaper than you probably think. For example, self storage Melbourne can start from as little as $1.10 per day for a 6ft shipping container which is generally large enough to store the goods of 2 standard bedrooms.
There are many sizes of storage containers available, including 8ft, 10ft and 20ft, and naturally the cost increases with size. Costs also vary depending on the type of service you need. For example, if you were to hire a shipping container for your backyard, where you pack and store your own items, it would be less expensive than if you were to hire a company to come to you and pack and store your items offsite.
Other factors that can affect the cost are hire duration, short-term rentals may have higher monthly rates, and additional costs such as security fees.
Before committing to a rental, it’s essential to request quotes from multiple suppliers and inquire about any potential hidden fees.
Top tips when renting a storage container
Portable storage options, such as a 10ft shipping container, are versatile and budget-friendly. These can be conveniently delivered to your doorstep, making it easy to pack and store items that won’t fit in your home.
Make the most of your storage container rental with these expert tips:
- Choose the right size: assess your needs carefully to select the appropriate container size. Remember to leave room for easy access and organisation.
- Opt for climate control: if you’re storing temperature-sensitive items like electronics or documents, consider renting a container with climate control to protect your belongings from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Secure your belongings: invest in quality locks and security measures to safeguard your belongings from theft or damage. Additionally, consider adding insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
- Organise strategically: maximise space and accessibility by organising the space with shelving, storage bins, and labeled boxes. Keep frequently accessed items near the front for easy access.
- Maintain regular access: schedule regular visits to your storage container to assess and rearrange your belongings as needed. This helps prevent clutter buildup and ensures everything remains in good condition.
We hope this article has answered your shipping or container storage questions. Do you have more questions? Pop it below and we’ll get back to you asap. Or do you have any other organising tips and tricks to add? Tell us in the comments!
More tips and tricks
