Self-storage in Singapore is a great way to store your belongings when you’re short on space at home. Not only can it help you get started on a thorough spring cleaning effort, but may store your valuable items more securely than you’d find in your own home. This is because many reputable self-storage services will be manned with private security 24/7, and use measures like strong lockable containers, floodlights, and security cameras to keep your possessions safe.
Of course, if you have many items to store, or you need your possessions stored for some time, this can become expensive. It’s good to remember there cheaper means of leveraging self-storage services so that you gain the best bang for your buck, and in fact many of these companies will recommend you follow these protocols as a gesture of goodwill.
When hoping to save money on your self-storage, the following habits can be adopted to help you with such an outcome, allowing you to make the most of your storage space and your budget.
In this post, we’ll explore seven tips for saving money on your self-storage habits.
Pack items tightly
When it comes to self-storage, the more space you take up, the more you pay. However, it’s rare that you pay by how much space your items take up, as in general, storage units are split up into set sizes. If you only fill up half of one, you’ll still pay for the private storage of the entire unit.
Therefore, packing your items tightly is an essential aspect of saving money here. Use sturdy boxes and containers to maximize your storage space and don’t be afraid to stack them high. You can also use furniture blankets or towels to wrap fragile items and save space. By packing your items tightly, you can use a smaller storage unit, and in turn, save money. However, make sure you:
Select the right size storage units.
If you select a unit that’s too small, you’ll have to rent another one, while a unit that’s too large will cost you more than you need to pay. Of course, it’s unlikely that you’ll opt for the perfect size one every single time – nor should you feel bad about renting a unit with a little extra space. After all, this allows you to move in carefully and retrieve your items safely.
However, before renting a storage unit, take an inventory of your belongings and measure the space you’ll need. Most storage facilities offer a size guide to help you choose the right unit. By choosing the right size, you can save a good amount of your potential cost.
Opt for longer storage deals.
Many self-storage facilities offer discounts for customers who rent for longer periods – it makes business sense for them to have more customers stay with them throughout the year. If you know you’ll need the storage unit for an extended period, consider renting it for a year instead of month-to-month. You’ll save money in the long run and won’t have to worry about finding a new unit every month. You could also negotiate with the storage facility to get a better deal for a longer rental term, especially if you’re a returning customer. It never hurts to ask, as even a 2% discount can be worthwhile to you.
Look out for storage specials.
Many self-storage facilities offer move-in specials to, or a discount on the first few months. Be sure to ask the facility about any specials they’re currently running, and take advantage of them to save money.
Moreover, some storage services will offer different kinds of unit, for instance, some might offer climate controls, while others may have certain infrastructure within like storage boxes you can use, or tables you can sort through your inventory on.
Try off-season storage.
Seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or summer sports equipment, can take up valuable space in your home. By storing these items off-season, you can save money on self-storage. For example, store your holiday decorations from January to November and your summer sports equipment from November to April.
This way, you won’t have to pay for storage during the months when you’re not using the items, and there’s always a use. Some people worry that they’ll just forget they have items in storage, much like forgetting they’re paying for a gym membership, and then realize they hired the service years after moving away. Of course, self-storage services will remind you of your inventory from time to time, but this method can be a good plan to utilize also.
Sharing is possible.
You may need to show identifying documents when renting a storage unit, but the service won’t go as far as to make sure all of the items belong to you specifically – unless of course they’re reported stolen and law enforcement asks them to comply through an appropriate warrant. In any case, they won’t mind if you and a friend store your items together, nor will they ask different family members to use separate units.
Split the cost of the unit and divide the space according to your needs. This way, you’ll both have access to storage space and won’t have to pay for separate units. However, before sharing a storage unit, make sure that you’re comfortable with the other person’s storage habits and needs, and make a written agreement to avoid any conflicts.
Opting For The Basic Package Is Fine
Some self-storage facilities offer features such as climate control, 24-hour access, and security systems as discussed above.
While these features can be convenient, they can also add to the cost of your storage unit. If you don’t need these features, don’t pay for them. Choose a basic unit that meets your needs and save money. However, be aware that some features such as security systems might be necessary to protect your belongings and are worth the extra cost, especially if you’re storing valuables like artwork, expensive golf clubs, or private possessions you care for.
With this advice, you’re sure to utilize self-storage Singapore to save you money in the best way.
