How much do storage units cost in Auckland, NZ?

Introduction

Auckland is both the biggest and most densely populated city in New Zealand. This will be no surprise to many of the 1,500,000+ inhabitants who frequently look around thinking, “I wish I had more room.”

For many, the answer to this lack of available space is self storage.

It offers an easy and affordable solution that allows you to put your items in a safe, secure unit for as long as you need. Self storage centres usually allow you to drive up to the front door of your unit and quickly load up any items you wish to store.

The concept began in the United Kingdom in the late 1800s when banks began using vacant stables as warehouse space to store the valuables of wealthy people while they travelled. The idea was widely commercialised in the 1960s and has now expanded to all corners of the world.

Self storage prices in Auckland vary from centre to centre, and the cost of storage is often the starting point for anybody with items to stash away.

In this guide, we will look at some of the elements that affect storage centre costs and provide valuable tips for reducing these whenever possible. The more information you have, the better you will be able to get the best unit for you at the right price.

Factors influencing storage unit costs

It is not just the size of your storage unit that you need to consider; here are some of the other items to add to your checklist before booking.

Rental duration

Most contracts are on a rolling monthly basis, and the longer you keep your unit, the more you will pay. Sometimes, there are discounts if you pay a full year’s rental in advance, as is the case with TITAN Containers.

The location of your storage centre

Generally, storage centres located in city centres have slightly higher rental fees than those in the suburbs or the countryside.

Type of storage unit (standard versus climate-controlled)

When you shop around, you may find that some centres offer included or optional extras, such as air-conditioning.

Security and safety features

Some self storage centres resemble Fort Knox; others look like your Uncle Pete’s backyard. First-rate security features are often reflected in the rental price.

Common cost considerations and additional fees

Doing your homework before deciding on a centre is always a good idea, as your efforts will help reveal hidden costs. Here are four that sometimes feature in the final bill:

Deposits and upfront costs

Ask if your storage centre requires you to pay a deposit when you make your booking – or one or two months’ payment in advance.

Insurance

Most self storage centres do not provide insurance, though this can be bought from a third-party supplier. If you have valuable items to stash away, make sure you are comfortable with the quotes you receive before booking.

Admin fees

These are not common, but some centres charge an additional fee to process your booking.

Access and cost implications

Some self storage centres are open 24/7, while others only open during standard working hours. The latter pose significant problems for anybody wanting to access their goods outside of these times. If checking up on your goods means you will have to take time off work, this hidden cost should be considered.

Add-on services that may affect the final price

In many cases, moving goods from your home or business premises to a safe storage space will incur additional fees beyond the actual storage costs. Here are some of the fees to consider:

Van hire

If the items you are putting into storage are too big for your car, hiring a van may be the best solution. These are typically available Auckland-wide at under $100 a day.

Collection and delivery services

If you can’t hire a van big enough or don’t fancy the idea of lugging your items across the city, start getting some quotes in from removals and transport services. These can range from a few hundred dollars for somebody with a small truck to several thousand for serious removal businesses.

Online account access

Occasionally, self storage companies add a small monthly fee for allowing you to manage your account online.

Money-saving tips to help you choose the right storage unit

All the information provided so far will help you start adding up the total price of moving your goods into self storage. But there are ways you can lower these costs, too.

Throw out your old junk

This is a surprisingly obvious but often overlooked tip. Many people think, “Oh, I’ll just stick this in storage,” without considering whether or not they actually want or need those items. The fewer the goods, the less storage space you will need to hire. Auckland City Council has lots of valuable advice on how to get rid of unwanted items.

Consider sharing a unit with a friend

Larger self storage units are almost always cheaper to rent than two smaller ones with the same total capacity. If you and a friend need 15m³ each, hiring a 30m³ cubic unit between you will usually be more affordable.

Calculate the correct size for your needs

Overestimating the amount of space you need can be a costly mistake. Use a pen and paper or even an online 3D tool to work out how much space you need.

Ask about seasonal discounts and offers

Many self storage centres attract new clients by offering special deals. Check out Facebook and the local newspapers, or simply call a couple of centres to see what offers they currently have available.

Pack and stack for maximum efficiency

This links back to calculating the correct size of unit for your needs. Loosely packed storage units with acres of space are a poor use of your finances.

How to choose the right storage unit

Now that you have a clearer idea about self storage prices in Auckland, it is time to start thinking about how to choose the best centre (and unit) for you.

Evaluate your storage needs

What exactly are you looking for? The closest one to you may not have a unit available in the precise dimensions you want. Prioritise your must-haves and steadily work through the list.

Consider both cost and security

For most self storage customers, security is important – and well worth the money. But sometimes, a bargain-basement storage unit with poor security may suit your needs. At the other end of the scale, a centre boasting prison-level security features may be worth seeking out. Every self storage customer is different!

Don’t underestimate convenience

People sometimes choose a storage centre many kilometres from their home or workplace because it is the cheapest. This may be fine if you only plan on visiting once a year, but in all other cases, it will likely be a poor decision, especially if you chose it over a marginally more expensive centre in your neighbourhood.

Always check the small print

No one likes contracts, but reading the booking terms and conditions before signing will ensure there are no nasty surprises.

Summing up

As you will have seen, the burning question is not so much “How much is storage in Auckland?” but “How much is the best storage in Auckland for me?”

Everybody has different requirements, and it is only by taking an overview of the entire process that you will arrive at the right decision.

Arguably the best way to try and work out which is the best storage centre for you is to consider the total value you would receive instead of just looking at the price. If it is convenient, secure and run by a well-respected team of professionals, this may be exactly what you are looking for – regardless of the cost.

Our #1 tip for anybody looking for self storage options in Auckland is to research the available choices well in advance.

This will ensure you have a broad understanding of the various features you may come across and will also give you the best chance of securing the ideal unit for you.

We are happy to share our wisdom with anybody who is new to self storage, and we look forward to hearing from you if you would like further information.