Big Box Self Storage Blog
Our Tips
Moving to a new country can be an extremely stressful situation. Many of us will have to deal with Visas, changing jobs, figuring out where we want to live and what we can afford. However, we all have to deal with trying to move our entire lives across the sea.
When moving from another country to Australia most of us will have to leave most of our belongings at home initially. It is extremely difficult to initially transport anything but one suitcase to your new home. There are a few ways to fit as much as you can into this case. Moving your clothing is relatively easy, simply make a pile of clothing that will be most appropriate for the time of year, and any other bits of year-round clothing, and pack them carefully into a vacuum seal bag. This is a great way to transport as many of your belongings in one go as possible.
Alongside the suitcase that you take on the plane, it can be a good idea to pack up a few choice home items and have them shipped over. This way when you find your new home you won't have to purchase all new important items and can surround yourself with a few familiar home comforts. However, this leaves the rest of your life back home and your options are to sell before you leave or place everything in storage until you can afford to have it shipped over. This is certainly one option and if you have friends or family back home that are willing to take care of your items it may make the most sense. On the other hand, this does mean that once you decide which items you need you may have spent too much finding a new home or may not want to wait the time it takes for your items to be sent from your home.
With a little pre-planning, there is another option that could make your relocation easier. Sending over your belongings ahead of time and instead paying for them to be stored locally in Australia could save some time, money and stress. By storing locally you can rest easy in the knowledge that your whole life has moved at once, together, and that as soon as you find your new home you can fill it with all of your precious home comforts. Not only can this be less expensive as you don't have to worry about first class shipping on top of storage, but means you can set your new space up quickly and easily.
Big Box Self Storage provides secure storage units which are cost dependant on the size of the unit, so if you are bringing over the essentials you won't have to pay through the nose. You can also choose a monthly rate or book the storage for a specific amount of time. This kind of flexibility gives you more options while you're finding your new house.
Why people move home - saving for a home deposit
Property prices have seen strong increases in Australia since the late 1990s, with Melbourne and Sydney seeing rises of 93.5% and 105% respectively since 2009 alone. Due to these increases, young people are finding it harder than ever before to save for that all-important house deposit. This is especially true for people who also have rent to pay! As a result, more and more children are moving back home with their parents to save for their first home deposit. But what can you do to make this transition easier?Draw up a budget
While you don't have to pay any rent (or very little rent), it's a good idea to have a strict savings budget drawn up. It allows both you and your parents to get an idea of how your savings pot is progressing. Remember, there are likely to be more savings you can make than just your rent payments, especially if you can split bills or save money by buying items in bulk. Set ambitious but realistic savings goals, so that you reach your deposit amount as soon as possible. Try and eliminate or minimise other unnecessary expenses too, such as entertainment, clothing or holidays.
Research the best starter home
While you are saving up for a deposit, it's a good idea to start researching the real estate market where you are looking to buy. You can attend open houses and spend time reviewing real estate listings to see what a realistic budget for a home is, as well as learning how to identify bargains so that you can jump on them quickly once you have approval! It is also a good opportunity to review different styles of mortgages so that can choose the type of mortgage that best suits you and learn what you need to do to get pre-approval.
Be smart about what you move back home
While you have been renting, you've probably accumulated a home worth of furniture and mementos of your life to date. It can be hard to cram all of these back into a childhood bedroom, so hiring a storage unit is a worthwhile idea. Think about which items you are eager to hold onto to go into the new house and hire storage space that allows you to keep all of your important possessions safe until you can move. Don't forget to factor the cost of this into your budget.
Set some ground rules
Adjusting to living with your parents again can be hard, especially after living independently. It is a good idea to sit down together and work out some rules that suit everyone. Obviously, if your parents are paying all of the bills, there may be some non-negotiable rules, but generally, both parties will be eager to get along. Some ideas include time limits on watching television, visits from guests, cleaning and chore rosters or rules about how to use the kitchen. By having early conversations about these expectations, there is likely to be fewer sources of frustration later on.
This article list some of the factors to think about when changing life stages
1. Adding a new family member
Congratulations! With the sleepless nights and early baby milestones of sitting, crawling and walking, come a whole new range of furniture, toys and accessories - and as your baby becomes bigger and more mobile, you may find that some of your more expensive electronics or art pieces need to be protected from your beautiful bundle of joy. Avoid the use of your consoles as pretend toasters (now with real toast!) by storing them away for this season of life.
2. Blending families
Again, congratulations! Your beautiful family of two (or three, or four...) has suddenly jumped in size. As any blended family can attest, the combining of two households carries its own challenges, one of which is attempting to find a new home for each person's things. This leaves many families with more couches, televisions, desks or kitchen items than they need. Whilst you might not want to keep all of these duplicates, off-site storage can be an effective way of holding onto the nicer furniture until the youngest children are past the notorious stages of furniture-related artistic activities.
3. Moving out
You've made it past the teenage years, and your kids are moving out. You may decide now is the time to downsize your home - with fewer bedrooms, there's less cleaning, less upkeep, but also less space. Now's a great time to do a spring clean and aim for a clean, streamlined, minimalist lifestyle. You may, however, want to keep bigger items for your children to help them out as they go through their own life stages. Moving away to university may involve living in a fully furnished apartment on campus for the first year, but many of these students decide to move out into rentals after their first year and need furniture to set up their own space. Why not save money in the long term and store their beds, desks etc for that time?
4. Grandchildren
Grandchildren are sometimes called a parent's reward for having children - all of the fun, with none of the sleepless nights. While safety standards in Australia change over time, many of the big-ticket items are able to be stored and passed on to the next generation. Not only does this save money, but it also allows for adorable photos and a connection to your children's own pasts. Alternatively, holding onto these items allows you to be set up for sleepovers and family visits whenever needed - an experience that grandchildren treasure!
For information about how we can help smooth whatever transition you're going through, connect with us. We'll be happy to discuss your needs and possible storage solutions.
Your Costs
Doing it yourself when moving to a new home, office or into a storage unit sounds appealing as you may believe you'll be saving a huge cost. Moreover, you're in charge of the timing - be it before sunrise, after your morning coffee or spreading it over several days. But there are risks associated with doing it yourself.Let's look at the 5 reasons why DIY isn't such a great idea after all.
1. It's their profession
Unless you move home or office frequently, chances are packing and unpacking are not your forte. You'll take more time to do it and incur the risk of damage to your items as you pack them away. While you might be mindful of the latter, you do not possess the knowledge or training of a removalist to ensure your items are safe and secure. You may turn to friends or family members to ask for help, but they will most likely not be experts at moving either.2. Cost of time
Removalists do it better and faster as it's their livelihood. Doing it yourself means having to take time off work, or whatever your everyday obligation maybe, to pack, move and unpack. Add to this the task of hiring a truck, borrowing one from a friend or family member. If neither is possible, you may have to make several trips in your own car, which isn't an effective use of your time. There are hidden costs to doing it yourself and they all add up.
3. Time-consuming assembling
Packing and unpacking is energy-sapping. You'll be flat out by it. Without the help of removalists, you'll need to add in assembling onto the list of things to do yourself. Friends may chip in but at the risk of things and friendship going wrong, you're probably better off not to burden your friends with the stress of moving.
4. Will you be covered
As a business, removalists will require insurance coverage. That will include the services offered to you as, the fact is, many things can happen that are beyond your control as well as the removalists and they can add to the cost of moving. There's only so much one can do to protect items from damage, theft or loss. Should unforeseen circumstances occur, you'll have the peace of mind knowing you're well covered.
5. You can do with less stress
People underestimate the stress of moving homes, offices or into a storage facility. From the physical exhaustion to dealing with uncertainties and anxieties, it's hard to imagine anyone not being drained out by the move. Feeling drained is probably not the best start to a new premise. However, when you DIY, be prepared for it. On the other hand, when you engage a removalist, you've moved a huge chunk of that stress to the professionals.
Call us on 07 5537-6633 to get a quote for your next move, you'll be surprised by the savings.
Moving House
Wide range of storage unit sizes
Free trailer service
In addition to providing a wide range of storage units, Big Box also offers you a free enclosed trailer for transportation. It comes equipped with trolleys, blankets and ropes to suit your moving needs. You can make bookings for the free trailer when you are ready to move your items into the self-storage unit.
Security features
Big Box Self Storage units utilise the latest technology so tight security measures are enforced. This includes a sturdy fence and 24-hour surveillance system. A secure pin code is issued to every client and is required for entry. The entire facility is also equipped with excellent lighting to ease monitoring.
Easy payment methods
Big Box has a Bank Transfer Facility that allows you to pay for your self-storage account directly from your bank. This not only saves on time but also eases the monthly payment process. Charges vary according to the size of the self-storage unit that you choose. In case you are unsure of the size you need, you can use the storage size estimator available on the website.
Availability of storage materials
Big Box Self Storage Gold Coast offers various materials such as cardboard boxes, packing boxes and secure padlocks to secure your possessions. All these are available in multiple sizes and at affordable prices.
Insurance cover for stored possessions.
In case of fire, theft and other risks of storage, Big Box offers insurance policies for goods in storage.
Ease of storage and access
Big Box provides various onsite tools such as forklifts to ease the storage of pallets. Drive-up access is also available for self-storage units. The storage unit is also equipped with undercover unloading and loading bays to facilitate access to your storage. You are allowed to access your storage unit 7 days per week.
Big Box provides various onsite tools such as forklifts to ease the storage of pallets. Drive-up access is also available for self-storage units. The storage unit is also equipped with undercover unloading and loading bays to facilitate access to your storage. You are allowed to access your storage unit 7 days per week.
Will Storage Cost Blow the budget?
Choosing the right size storage unit doesn't have to be a game of chance; it is possible to plan ahead. While it may add time and effort to your search, the end result makes it worthwhile. You'll be storing away your stuff as well as your worries and anxieties.In this article, we list the factors to help you choose the right size storage unit.
1. Stock-take
Aside from the number of items, consider the size, shape and form too. Simply put, your 3m long sofa when placed upright will consume less space. It's a good exercise to visualise how your items can be stored.
2. Lock-up and leave
Why are you storing them away? If it's a temporary move prior to getting a bigger home, you're unlikely to come back anytime soon other than to transport your things to your new place. If so, you are better off cramming in as many items as possible (hence, a smaller unit), then just lock-up and leave. However, if the unit is to serve as an 'extension of your home', you're likely to be coming back from time to time to either check on your items or bring them home to use. If so, ensure you have space to move around in the unit to retrieve your items.
3. Err on the large side
As with any expense, the inclination is to go as minimal as possible. Hence, you'll probably end up choosing a smaller unit only to find that, lo and behold, it's not big enough! To err on the side of caution and opt for more room is not a bad thing, and the price difference can be marginal. Make a point of finding out the price of the next size up so you can compare.
4. Don't forget the height!
We're accustomed to looking at space in terms of length and width. Rarely do we look at space from a volume perspective. The fact is there is a third dimension to consider - the height! From stacking up boxes to placing your sofa upright, you'll be surprised by how much space you have if you look at the height of the unit too.
5. Seeing is believing
Don't make the mistake of relying on pictures or videos online in choosing a unit. Just like buying a house, visit it! It helps in the visualisation exercise. In addition, you'll have a better sense of the location too.
6. Don't forget the truck!
You probably wouldn't want to leave this too late. Hiring the right size truck gives you a good gauge of the size of the unit. The size of the truck is typically one measurement bigger than your unit.
7. Price
Always attempt to get 3 quotes from 3 different companies. You are encouraged to compare their prices against the services offered. Be wary of low quotes as they aren't necessarily the best deal for you; there may be compromises, for example in terms of safety and security or the condition of the unit.
To learn more about the guidelines, connect with us. We'll be glad to discuss your needs and possible storage solutions.
Storage box lease agreement to watch out for
Storage boxes for lease are easy to come by on the Gold Coast. More and more people are downsizing to townhouses or units but just can't part with the precious items they no longer have room for. It may even be more affordable to buy or rent a smaller home plus a storage box, rather than choosing a home that's big enough for all of your possessions. If you're in need of storage on the Gold Coast all you need to do is determine what you need from a leased box and know how to find the best agreement for you.
What do you need from a storage box
The price of storage on the Gold Coast will be determined by the size of the box you lease and the length of the lease. Therefore, to make sure you're not paying for storage and items in the lease agreement you don't need, consider:
- The volume of items you need to store.
- Whether you want to store your items short term while you move to a new house for example, or as a long-term solution.
- Whether you want to be able to access your storage box at any time, as not all lease agreements allow 24/7 access.
- How far away your storage box is, and whether it will be convenient for you to drive back and forth for access.
- Whether your items have special temperature requirements, for example, wine, musical instruments, paintings.
- Whether you want a climate-controlled storage box, to avoid the mould and mildew which can be common on the Gold Coast with the change of seasons.
- Whether your items are of significant value and therefore require onsite security, live video monitoring or specific insurance.
How to find the best storage box lease agreement
Leasing a storage box means entering into a contract with the owner of the storage facility. Therefore, you need to be clear on your rights, what you do and don't have access to, and who is responsible if something goes wrong. Therefore, check your storage box lease agreement for:
- Security, alarms and surveillance to ensure your items are safe in storage.
- Protection for your items such as weatherproofing, climate-control and pest control.
- The inclusions which may be covered under the storage facility's insurance.
- Whether you need to change the locks from the previous occupant, and if that is your own personal cost.
- Whether you can negotiate a discount if you are leasing for an extended period.
- Flexible payment options to suit your budget and your cash flow.
- Any early release fees if you want to cancel your lease agreement early.
- Any deposit required, and whether that is refundable if you change your mind, or at the end of the lease agreement.
Leasing a storage box is a great way to free up space in your home. However, while your items in storage are out of sight and out of mind, you still want to know they're safe. You can tell a lot about the safety, security and reputation of a storage facility by their lease agreement, so take the time to compare and enquire before you store your possessions.
3 Categories of People Who Need Storage Boxes
Storage boxes are handy when it comes to storing equipment, office items, home supplies etc. Since all items come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, it can be hard to store and protect your items sufficiently from damage that can be caused by mishandling or bad weather conditions. Storage boxes help in storing your supplies in a location that is easy to access, as well as protecting objects from damage.
So, who could benefit most greatly from using storage boxes?
Event organisers
Planning for events such as festivals, fundraisers, fun-runs, weddings, and concerts can be chaotic. An average person can get confused with the number of equipment parts and supplies that make up a successful event. How can event organisers store equipment safely and in a manner that accommodates all supplies? This is where storage boxes come in handy, thanks to the space and organisation that they provide.
Portable storage boxes are even better because they help in ensuring that supplies, merchandise and equipment stay safe as they are transported from one event to another. Storage boxes help event organisers to focus their efforts on the success of an event, rather than wondering where the things they need are and if they're in good condition, because the safety of their equipment during storage and transit are assured by the storage boxes.
College students
Students tend to have a tough time during the end of the year when they are required to move from their dorms. Packing their furniture, mini-fridge, electronics and clothing can be quite a herculean task for both students and parents. At the same time, parents are often not over the moon with the number of items that will occupy their garage. So, what is the best solution for both instances? A portable storage box will help to pack a student's belongings from school, and also act as the storage unit for safekeeping the items. Once universities reopen, the same box can be used to deliver the items to the student's new dorm.
Homeowners
There are lots of opportunities for homeowners to undertake home renovations. During a kitchen renovation, portable storage boxes are perfect for storing small things, such as mugs, right up to larger kitchen accessories, such as blenders. Your kitchen appliances and items will have the safe storage space you need. It's easy to work around your home when you know that your home items are safely stored in a durable and convenient storage box.
Additionally, if it is hard to access your attic and you want a better way of storing your home items, you'll probably need a storage box. One of the major applications of storage boxes is that they give your home extra space. You don't have to clutter your house or garage with things like seasonal clothing, knowing your clothing is safely stored away. Storage boxes are great solutions for homeowners who like their home well-organised.
Storage Made Easy
If you have never used self-storage before you may be unfamiliar with the process. At Big Box Self Storage, we like to keep things simple by being upfront about the services we provide and the prices we charge.
1. What's included with the price?
2. What can you store in your unit?
3. Is the agreement flexible
4. What security is provided?
5. Does the price include insurance?
6. The cost of extra services or equipment
7. What happens if you don't pay on time?
Are you contemplating getting a self-storage box to store your valuables?
People tend to hold on to items or furniture they can't bear to get rid of, which makes finding secure storage at and affordable price essential.
Here are the five parameters of affordable storage boxes
Size of the storage unit
The cost you pay for a storage unit will depend on the size of the unit you choose. Therefore, you should ensure that you have taken a full inventory of your possessions beforehand to ascertain the number of items you need to store. Sizes range from 1 sq.mtr to 27 sq.mtr.
Period of storage
If you're simply looking for a temporary or short-term storage solution, most options on the market will be charged at an affordable rate. However, if you're searching for long-term storage space, it'll be prudent to choose storage units that have good monthly rates. Most importantly, make sure that your long-term storage doesn't attract more costs over time.