Big Box Self Storage Blog

What is a Caravan Storage?

26/03/2019 by Shane Kennedy

A caravan storage is where you keep your caravan between trips. It's the resting place for your caravan when you're not using it.

Caravan storage is the best option for caravan owners for multiple reasons. Let's run through the main ones.

1.Space

Caravans are large and they take up space. Not everyone has a garage, carport or driveway that's big enough to accommodate a caravan. And if you do store your caravan at home, it can be inconvenient to move it when you need to use the space it occupies. In contrast, a caravan storage is purposely designed for storing big, bulky vehicles such as caravans.

2.Security

A caravan storage facility keeps your caravan safe and secure. How? At Big Box Self Storage on the Gold Coast, we use the following top-level security measures:

Strong perimeter fencing to prevent unauthorised access to the premises
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) which operates 24/7 and is fully recorded
Excellent on-site security lighting
PIN code access for clients.

3.Protection from the elements

The Gold Coast has a fantastic climate. However, if you leave your van exposed to the elements, there is a risk of damage. Rubber fittings, in particular, can be severely degraded and even destroyed by prolonged exposure to the sun.

If you put a cover over your caravan, strong winds can loosen it and any flapping will scratch and damage the paintwork of your van.

If you park your van under a tree, there is potential for damage from falling tree branches. There is also the problem of bird droppings, which can be difficult to remove if they become hardened. When you keep your caravan in a secure caravan storage, you can avoid all of these nature-related problems.

4.Convenience and flexibility

It's important when you choose a caravan storage, that the storage options suit your particular needs, whether short, medium or long term. A good caravan storage will provide convenient and flexible storage solutions for your situation.

5.Peace of Mind

One of the biggest advantages of using a caravan storage facility is that it gives caravan owners peace of mind. When your van is in safe and trustworthy hands, you have one less thing to worry about.

Tips for Storage

If you have decided to use a caravan storage facility, then make sure you prepare your van appropriately. Here are some quick tips for storing your van.

Clean the fridge and cupboards

Remove all food items from your fridge and cupboards and clean them. To prevent mold, mildew and nasty odours, leave fridge and cupboard doors open.

Clean the toilet

Empty and clean the caravan toilet.

Empty the water tanks

Drain all water from the water tanks. Before going on the road again, use clean water to flush out the tank systems.

Gas

Check the policy of your caravan storage provider - some places don't allow storage of gas bottles for safety reasons.

Would you like to put your caravan to bed for a while? If you've got any questions about caravan storage, our friendly staff at Big Box Self Storage will help you. Call us today to find out more about our cost-effective, highly secure caravan storage options.

What is Boat Storage?

19/03/2019 by Shane Kennedy

For most people who own a boat, sailing is not an all-weather, all-year-round affair. During the more inclement months, boats are often left moored, or towed away to be stored in a shed or similar building. Unfortunately, both these options can have a number of disadvantages, which is why using secure, bespoke storage for boats is becoming increasingly popular. Take a look at the benefits which using purpose-built storage that shields your boat from the elements and theft can bring:

Protection from the Weather and the Water
Almost inevitably, a boat with a hull that's submerged for months at a time is going to need plenty of TLC to keep it in usable condition. The bottom of the boat will need to be scraped to remove weed or water life which has begun to grow on it whilst it has been stationary. In addition, prolonged contact with the water may have begun to weaken joins and joints, meaning that waterproofing and similar repairs will be required. Not only does this have a cost implication, it also requires additional inconvenience and time, as well as the need to potentially move your boat several times. In comparison, a boat in dry storage is protected from the vagaries of the water: if the hull is in good condition when the boat is stored, it will remain so until needed again.

No UV light!
Sunlight is well-known to accelerate the deterioration of a wide range of materials. From causing paint to chip and fade through to weakening wooden fixtures and causing ropes to degenerate, for boats, just like humans, unnecessary exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Indoor boat storage solves this problem, ensuring the boat is safe from UV damage when not in use.

Added Security
Boat storage consists of a suitably sized area that's protected from the elements. With enhanced security measures in place, the chances of anyone taking your boat when you're not around to look after it are very low. The boat storage we provide not only features lockable storage, but the facility is also protected by good external lighting, gating, on-site security personnel and CCTV monitoring. All these measures are designed to keep your boat safe. With protection far in excess of what most people are able to put in place, if you want your pride and joy in safe hands, storage is the way to go.

Flexible Terms and Easy Access to your Boat
When you use boat storage, you can come and go as you wish, removing your boat when you need it. We offer a selection of storage options, tailoring rental to suit your specific requirements. Whether you've got limited space at home to store your boat, are taking a break from sailing and want to make sure your boat is well looked after or are looking for a cost-effective boat storage solution that's also safe and weatherproof, our storage facility is an optimal solution. Suitable for boats of almost any size, please get in touch to find out more.

Booking Storage Boxes Online has Never Been Easier

28/02/2019 by Shane Kennedy

Have you realised you are in need of a storage solution?

Not sure what the next step is? Here at Big Box Self Storage, we ensure that booking storage boxes online is as smooth as possible. Our comprehensive website makes it quick and easy to book your storage space.

Why Book your storage box solution with us online?

For multiple reasons: it's quick, it's convenient, and you're able to work around your own schedule.

Our online booking system is designed to be straightforward. We ask for all the information we need which means there's no beating around the bush, whether you're looking to enquire, looking for a quote, or ready to book your storage box unit.

Unlike other methods of booking, you'll easily be able to let us know what your requirements are whenever it is convenient for you. One of our staff at Big Box Self Storage will email you in a timely manner and ensure that your needs are met. There's no need to spend time travelling to our location or making time out of your busy schedule during business hours to give us a call.

If you're looking for a quote for a storage unit, one of our friendly team members will be more than happy to assist you in getting an accurate quote and reserving your storage box unit.

All we need is your contact details, location, and the amount of space you might need. Just fill out the contact form here and one of our staff will be in touch. Alternatively, if you prefer to book over the phone, you can opt to call us between 7:30am and 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday, or 10am to 4pm on Sunday on 1800 244 269 (1800 BIGBOX). You can also opt to fill out our contact form and we will give you a call within working hours.

Are you ready to reserve your self-storage unit?

Once you've confirmed your storage unit, you will need to pay on or before the day you move in. We accept a variety of payment methods to make things smooth and easy for you.

If you're looking for self-storage packing boxes, visit our box shop where you can easily purchase storage boxes online. Simply select the boxes, wrapping materials, locks, pre-packed bags, and packing tapes you're after before filling out your details. We offer free delivery for orders over $30 to the surrounding suburbs of Labrador. If you'd prefer to come in and browse our wide range of storage materials in person, we are easy to find at 207 Brisbane Road.

If you've got any questions, don't hesitate to contact us here. Our enthusiastic staff will guide you through the process as efficiently as possible. Big Box Self Storage goes the extra mile to ensure that booking your storage boxes online is quick and easy. Book your storage box with us today!

Who Needs Self-storage Units and Boxes?

20/02/2019 by Shane Kennedy

Self-storage has a multitude of uses and can solve a range of problems. Units come in a range of sizes and are designed to be safe and secure, ensuring that regardless of what you store, from furniture and appliances to clothing and toys, sports gear or electronics, your belongings are safely behind lock and key.

Self-storage is simple and convenient, providing a solution that makes more sense than relying on relatives and friends to store your things. After all, you can't always guarantee that your friend's garage will remain dry or locked at all times. Self-storage offers 24-hour access, seven days a week, and comes fully insured. We can also supply high-quality self-storage boxes to help you get the most from your space.

Let's take a look at the versatility of self-storage and three types of people who use them.

People who are moving house or going overseas

Relocation can cause logistical issues that a self-storage unit can help alleviate. A unit can be used as an intermediary point when coordinating leaving your old house and arriving at your new one.

The 24/7 nature of self-storage means that you can come and go at any time, never having to worry about opening hours, weekends or public holidays, ensuring that your storage suits you whatever your schedule may be.

Self-storage is also ideal for people who are going away for extended periods, whether on a big overseas or interstate trip or temporarily relocating. Self-storage boxes and units offer a private and secure solution to packing away your life while you head off on your adventure.

Small business owners

If you're seasonally over-stocked or can't find room for bulk shipments of new goods, then a self-storage unit is ideal. The round-the-clock access means your business will never be without what it needs and it can help improve the efficiency of your stock control.

Self-storage boxes are available to help your business keep its stored goods and items organised. These boxes come in a wide range of sizes, from standard packing boxes to cartons big enough to fit a wardrobe of clothing.

People with limited space at home

With more and more people living in apartments and smaller houses in metropolitan areas, space is often at a premium. Self-storage boxes and units are the perfect way to de-clutter your home and give yourself more room to live in.

Units are secure and dry, making them ideal for storing seasonal wardrobes, such as big coats, umbrellas and winter woollens, as well as sports gear. Keep your backyard cricket set, surfboards and pool toys safely out of the way during winter. Storing these often-expensive items in a purpose-built storage unit will also ensure that they aren't susceptible to damage. We've all inadvertently broken something trying to get it out of the way, but with self-storage, you can keep your house clutter free.

Self-storage is a versatile way to free up space and keep your belongings safe. Add in boxes and packing materials, and you have a total solution with unparalleled convenience and ease.

Cardboard Storage Boxes - What are Their Major Benefits?

06/02/2019 by Shane Kennedy

Storage boxes have been touted as an efficient storage system for many years. Cardboard has proven to be the most efficient over wooden or steel storage boxes. Cardboard is extremely durable and sturdy, easy to manufacture, transport and store, and they prevent damage to the items within a storage unit. Not only that, they're recyclable as well!

As consumers, we're acquiring more 'things' than ever before, and the need for storage is continuing to increase. So, what do we turn to when we're packing unwanted items away for storage? - a cardboard box! There are so many benefits in the good old cardboard box, here's just a few.

Versatility in Size and Storage Content

Our Cardboard Storage boxes come in various sizes, ensuring flexibility in rental options based on your needs. Depending on how much you want to pack in a box, square boxes or rectangular boxes are options when renting. We even offer storage boxes to allow clothes to hang while in storage, linen, and blankets to be folded and laid out correctly, wine etc. Storage boxes are suitable for both storing or moving the contents of your house, and contents of your work facility.

Cost-efficient

There are no 'surprise' costs that sneak up on you when renting storage boxes. The rental costs are clearly defined, allowing you to easily budget for your storage. Once a lease agreement is signed, you can rest assured there won't be any additional unexpected costs.

Depending on the location of your storage unit, the cost can vary widely. For example, a storage facility in the inner-suburbs of an Australian major city will be much more costly than a storage facility in the outer suburbs. Similarly, the price will vary between cities. Looking at Gold Coast prices, for example, rental costs are lower than those in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Whether or not there is self-access to the storage unit will also alter the rental cost.

Safety

Importantly, transporting the contents of a house or office facility can involve risk of damage to contents. For this reason, sturdy storage containers are a must. This guarantees the easiest, most affordable degree of safety for your assets. Knowing that you can safely stack, store and lock your boxes prevents stress and anxiety levels from rising - assuming they're already high based on the move alone! If you're considering storing confidential and sensitive documents, our lockable containers are a fantastic choice. Most reputable storage facilities heavily invest in security measures to ensure content safety. These include;

Security lighting and alarm protection: Exterior lighting helps to deter thieves and makes access easier for those who have authorisation to be in the facility

On-site security:

Security personnel will be on-site during business hours for added security.

CCTV monitoring:

A good deterrent for thieves, and a good method for storage companies to monitor those who may have accessed their facility illegitimately. This allows investigating any illegal behaviour easier to undertake.

Gated access:

Access through security staff or a key-code access system ensures only those with authorised access enter the facility.

These are just some of the many benefits of investing in sturdy cardboard storage boxes. Finding a reputable company is essential, and once you've found the right facility, you'll be able to safely and cost-effectively store or move your contents/assets with confidence and peace of mind.

Big Storage Space, Small Fees

25/01/2019 by Shane Kennedy

Space. It is one of the most sort-after commodities these days, but it can feel like it costs an arm and a leg to get it! We have all been there, needing somewhere to store furniture while moving or trying to figure out what to do with beloved items that no longer fit in the back room or garage at home. At that point, we are stuck with a big decision: donate/throw things away or find a way to store the items. This is where self storage is the perfect solution, not only because the units are clean and secure but also because the right option can cost you as little as a cup of coffee a day!

Big Box Self Storage removes all the fuss with no lease costs or long minimum stays, plus we don't charge access fees or excessive deposits – we are all about simple and affordable storage solutions with friendly customer service.

Want to know our secret to affordability? It's quite simple:

We help you reduce your moving costs

We offer a FREE enclosed trailer to help you with your moving needs so that you don't have to pay truck or ute hire fees. We even throw in packing blankets, fridge trolleys and ropes, which means you save money on packing materials too.

Want to purchase boxes, tape or wrap? We have all your storage needs available on-site, making us your one stop moving shop and saving you time and money.

You don't pay for access to your belongings

We offer drive-up access to your storage box, so when you decide you need that spare couch or want to dust off the surfboard, you can zip around and grab your belongings without a hitch.

Moving and storing items can be a daunting process, so we have compiled tips, tricks and expert help to ensure your items are packed safely so that you can access them with ease. Our goal is to guarantee you have the best possible experience when using our service and we know our recommended removalists take extra care when handling your possessions. We've done the work for you to help save you time and money with a little extra peace of mind.

So, when you want a reliable and affordable option, Big Box Self Storage has you covered. Contact the friendly team today by clicking here - Contact us .

Is a Storage Unit Affordable?

28/12/2018 by Shane Kennedy

There are more storage units in Australia than ever before. For consumers this is good news.

It means there's a lot of choice out there and there are affordable storage units to suit most budgets. But what should people look for in affordable storage? At the very least, they should look for facilities that are modern, clean and secure. Convenient access is another factor worth taking into account.

So How Much Does a Storage Unit Cost?

The cost of storage units is based on volume (cubic metres) and clients usually pay per month.

The location of the facility will have a significant impact on the cost. In the Gold Coast's neighbouring states - NSW and South Australia - storage unit facilities are not cheap. In fact, in the inner suburbs of Sydney, monthly rental of a 9m³ storage unit is quite costly. In Adelaide and Brisbane, the price range is marginally more cost effective than Sydney. When you look at prices in the Gold Coast area, the same amount of storage space is even more affordable in comparison with neighbouring states.

The type of facility and whether there is self-access will also impact on its cost. So, too, will the length of time you plan to use the storage unit. For long term users, lower monthly rates can often be negotiated.

Why Do People Use Self Storage Units?

Actually, there are many reasons why more and more Australians are utilising storage facilities.

Some people simply have too much stuff and not enough space for it. Others may have altered their living circumstances – the size and makeup of their family may have changed or they may have decided to relocate, perhaps temporarily or even long term. Home renovations may also necessitate putting furniture items into storage. Whatever the reason, storage units are an affordable solution to surplus possessions. Belongings are kept safe and secure and owners don't have to worry about their possessions while dealing with moving or decorating.

Can Businesses Use Storage Units?

More and more businesses are turning to storage units as a way to minimise overheads.

Storage units are ideal for bulky documents that can't be disposed of for taxation, legal or insurance purposes. Equipment, tools or out of season stock are other items that commercial operators often consign to storage. With eCommerce becoming ever more popular, many online shops use self storage units as mini warehouses.

Larger, awkwardly shaped items such as trade show equipment (banners, stands, etc.) or even scenery used in theatre productions are objects that don't need to be used all year round. Storage units are a cost effective way for businesses to store these things.

Why Choose Big Box Self Storage Gold Coast?

Are you looking for affordable self storage?

At Big Box Self Storage Gold Coast we have options to suit all storage requirements, whether personal or commercial. Our rates are cost effective and our highly convenient facilities are modern, clean and secure. Contact our friendly, helpful and experienced staff today for a quote, or to find out more.

3 Tips for Finding the Best Self-storage on the Gold Coast

17/12/2018 by Shane Kennedy

When it comes to secure self storage, Gold Coast residents are not short of options, with everything from small garage lockups to large big box warehouses available.

But how do you know if a storage provider is trustworthy?

To help you find secure self storage Gold Coast wide, we created a simple three-part checklist to follow:

1. Check References and Reviews

Checking reviews is a good way of spotting rogue traders early on in the selection process. Search the internet and build a short list of potential storage companies in your area. Now check the Facebook, Google Places and Yelp listings for each provider on your list.

Don't be discouraged if you find the odd bad review, even the most reputable establishments get bad reviews from time to time. But you should make sure that most reviews are positive and that there are no recurring themes. For example, consistent claims of things going missing is a red flag to watch for.

Once you have narrowed down your list, don't stop there. Any reputable storage provider should be able to provide you with references. So contact companies directly and ask them for a reference. Ideally, this should be from a reputable small business in the local area which can be independently checked.

2. Check Terms and Conditions

Once you have narrowed down the list to a couple of providers make sure you read their terms and conditions. Pay particular attention to the delayed or late payment section which will detail the grace period you have before your goods can be auctioned off.

This is important because some rogue storage companies have a policy of auctioning off items if your rent is delayed by just a couple of days. Make sure there is a grace period of at least a week and preferably a month before your items can be sold. This will give you time to settle the outstanding debt and secure your belongings.

You should also check daily late fees. Some rogue storage companies charge a low price upfront but have extortionate daily late fees which can soon start adding up. So make sure there are no hidden fees or nasty surprises in the contract before you sign on the dotted line.

3. Go and Visit

Finally, you should go and visit each of the storage providers left on your list before committing to space. There are a couple of things you need to look out for:

First of all, check the security of the site. Make sure there is adequate security fencing and that access to the site is restricted to key holders only. The site should also be protected by CCTV both inside and outside the facility.

If you were unable to obtain a copy of their terms and conditions prior to your visit, make sure you ask for a copy and read them carefully before committing to space. If the operator won't allow you time to take the contract home, this is a red flag and usually means they have something to hide.

Choosing a secure storage unit needn't be hard. Carry out these quick and simple checks before committing to space and you will be able to sleep soundly at night knowing your belongings are safe and secure.

How Secure is Self-Storage?

20/11/2018 by Shane Kennedy

When choosing a self-storage facility, security is the most important consideration for most people.

Having the right security measures in place gives you peace of mind that your possessions are safe from theft and burglary.

That's why most reputable self-storage facilities invest heavily in security measures to prevent unauthorised access to their premises. Many different security measures can be deployed including biometric measures, but as a minimum, any reputable self-storage company should deploy the following five security measures.

1. Secure Gated Access

Security gates should be used to monitor access to any storage facility. The exact method used varies from facility to facility. Some companies have security personnel on the gate 24 hours a day, while others use a keycode access system which helps to monitor comings and goings.

Whichever method is used, it should be capable of monitoring who is on site and when. A simple padlock on the gate is not really appropriate for a company responsible for securing your personal belongings. So when choosing a facility, make sure they have adequate monitored, gated security measures in place.

2. Security Lighting

Secure storage facilities should be well lit at all times, both inside and outside the building. Exterior security lighting helps to deter thieves and make it much easier for authorised users to access the facility out of office hours. This is particularly important if the facility is not manned 24 hours a day.

For interior lighting, storage facilities should use lights that can be turned on and off whilst people are on the premises. This significantly reduces energy costs and removes the risk of people leaving lights switched on in their storage units when they leave.

3. 24hr CCTV Monitoring

The sight of CCTV cameras is often enough to deter thieves, but they also allow storage companies to monitor the actions of people who have gained access to the site legitimately. It is not unheard of for potential thieves to rent space in a facility just so they can gain easy access to it later.

CCTV cameras should be installed in prominent positions both inside and outside the facility. Warning signs should also be put up to warn potential thieves that the premises are protected by video surveillance cameras. Ideally, such cameras should be linked to a central monitoring station where they can be viewed by security personnel 24 hours a day.

4. On-site Personnel

All storage facilities should have a member of staff on-site during business hours. This not only helps with any queries you may have about the facility, but also allows them to monitor the comings and goings of personnel visiting the site.

The facility should also be protected by security personnel out of office hours. This could be a mobile patrol but ideally, it should include onsite personnel who are able to monitor access and video surveillance 24 hours a day from a central security station.

5. Alarm Protection

One of the most effective ways of protecting a storage facility is to ensure it is fitted with unauthorised access alarms. A central monitoring station is also notified, letting onsite security personnel investigate the breach.

Advantages of properly implemented security

Choosing a storage company that deploys all of the above security measures gives you peace of mind that your personal belongings and property are safe. But there are other advantages, including:

1. Control who has access to your unit

- Pin number access control lets you decide who has access to your unit. This is useful if you are using your unit as storage for a business, allowing you to restrict access to trusted employees and restrict everyone else.

2. Keep a Record of Access to your Unit

- If multiple people are allowed access to your unit, it is important that you keep a record of access. By combining CCTV with access records, you can easily track who accessed the unit and when.

3. Monitor what is Taken

- With each secure unit protected by CCTV, you can not only monitor who accesses the unit but also what goods are removed. This is an important consideration if you have allowed other people to access your unit on your behalf.

At Big Box, we operate one of the most secure self-storage facilities in Queensland. Our Labrador facility is well lit and monitored 24/hrs a day by CCTV surveillance cameras. Access is also strictly controlled by individual pin codes, while secure fencing helps to keep potential thieves at bay.

So don't risk losing your valuable possessions by using a facility with substandard security measures. Contact the storage experts at Big Box today for a free no-obligation quotation. We not only guarantee the best price but also provide some of the best high security measures in the industry.

Why do Businesses need Self Storage?

20/11/2014 by Joe Doyle

There are many reasons why all kinds of businesses need self storage. They range from creating a territory distribution point for a sales team to a mini warehouse to store trade supplies. Let's examine some of the main benefits and reasons why businesses need and use self storage.

The benefits of Self Storage for Business:

Costs:

You pay month to month with no yearly leases required.
There is no large bond required to rent a storage space.
The rental rate for self storage is competitive with the cost of office space.
Office space is better used to generate income than for storage.
You can pay for periods in advance to receive a discount.
Some storage facilities will offer to assist you to move in your goods for free.
Shelving can be made available (at cost) to make the best use of your storage space.
A free receipt and dispatch service means you don't need to employ someone to receive deliveries.

Security:

24 hour security gives you peace of mind.
Offsite storage protects your valuable documents in case of fire.
You rent your own individual lock up space and you keep the keys.

Convenience:

7 day extended hour access to your storage provides great convenience.
Drive up roller door spaces makes using storage easy and saves time.
Having a forklift on site means you can receive pallet deliveries easily.
Pallet jacks and trolley's make moving your goods around effortless.
Some storage facilities have use of a free serviced office for meetings.
Any packaging materials you may need to ship your goods are available on site.
Document destruction can be arranged for your stored archives.

Flexibility:

You can store month to month with very short notice required to vacate.
As your business changes you can alter the amount of storage space you need.
Downsizing and up-scaling are easy with Self Storage.

What are the main business uses for self storage?

Archive storage
Sales team sample and product storage
Point of sale equipment storage
Office relocation furniture storage
Trade business storage such as plumbers, builders, plasters
Storage of imported and exported goods
Small business stock overflow storage
Seasonal demand such as Christmas stock storage
Government self storage needs
Pharmaceutical samples and sales material storage
Mobile business equipment storage
Home office storage

Self Storage offers great opportunities for small and big business alike to save money and increase productivity. Self Storage offers secure, convenient and flexible storage solutions that free up businesses to do what they do best.

For all your commercial storage needs please contact Big Box Self Storage. We will make Self Storage work for you.

If you have a specific business storage need that is different from those listed above we would like to hear it or if you would like to provide feedback on the article then please e-mail jdoyle@bigboxselfstorage.com.au

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