Storage Cost & Pricing Explained
In the course of moving homes – whether in the same locale, interstate or overseas, you may find yourself needing storage space for things that may no longer fit your new space or you currently have no use for (but you intend to keep), or seasonal items that need to be kept under lock and key for the time being.
Some people require storage because their house is undergoing renovation and they need a secure space for their furniture and other belongings, while others are getting their home staged for a sale – hence, the need to declutter.
It’s also not unusual for small business owners to get offsite storage space for their excess or seasonal inventory. This way, they are assured of the safety and security of their stocks.
Whatever your reason for needing storage space, you’ll need to find the right kind that’ll fit your requirements exactly. You also need to consider whether you need long- or short-term storage and research storage costs in your new neighbourhood or the area where you’ll be keeping your possessions.
When it comes to storage prices, it’s crucial to note that these will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the locale, duration of storage, the type of storage facility, its size and so on. So, keep an open mind when doing your homework.
To give you a fair idea of storage costs, we’ve consolidated some useful information that’ll help guide you through the process of choosing the best storage facility for your needs in this post.
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Disclaimer: The storage costs stated in this guide are in Australian dollars (unless otherwise indicated) and are indicative only, reflecting industry pricing. Please keep in mind that storage rates are highly variable, and the prices quoted here should serve as a guide only or as a general basis for your research.
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How Much Does Storage Cost?
So, how much does storage cost?
This is an important question you’d want answered right away. After all, you need to prepare a budget that can cover all storage-related expenses adequately.
In the tables below, you’ll find information on approximate storage costs per month based on unit size in the cities of Perth, Sydney and Brisbane.
Storage Cost Perth
To give you a rough idea of Perth storage costs for self-storage units, we found the following averages. Perth tends to be slightly cheaper for small units compared to other cities, however minimum storage costs are higher for medium and large storage solutions.
Small (Approx. 2-3 sqm)
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The average price range for a small storage unit in Perth is about $95 to $175 per month. |
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Medium (Approx. 5-10 sqm)
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For a medium storage unit in Perth, the average price range falls between $225 and $535 per month. |
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Large (Approx. 12-13.5 sqm)
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To rent a large storage unit in Perth, you need to prepare anywhere between $495 and $550 per month. |
Storage Cost Sydney
Storage Cost Brisbane
Important Note: The prices quoted above are for self-storage units. The figures indicate average prices per month based on the storage unit size. Costs will vary depending on whether the storage space is located on the ground floor or at a higher level. Ground-floor units are easier to access and, hence, are generally more expensive than those that are located on upper levels.
How Are Storage Costs Calculated?
While using a storage cost calculator may be useful as a tool for estimating baseline prices, there’s a range of factors that can affect total storage costs significantly.
These include:
- Size or amount of space
- Duration or rental period
- Type of storage (i.e., storage unit, container, storage pod, etc.)
- Location of the facility (proximity to the central business district or CBD; is it within city limits or located in the outskirts?)
- Level of security and surveillance technology
- Climate control
- Loading/unloading service requirements vs pickup & drop-off by customer
- Insurance
To learn more about the two most important factors influencing storage prices, please click on the tabs below.
Storage Cost by Space/Size
One of the most common ways of calculating storage expenses is by using the storage space cost as a basis.
Previously, storage rates per square foot were quite common. However, with Australia’s switch to the metric system, the typical unit of measurement used for storage space these days is set to square metres.
However, some companies accommodate the English system jargon when it comes to storage unit sizes, whilst also providing the metric system equivalent.
For example, a 5x5 (five feet by five feet) storage unit is actually 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres in the metric system, or equivalent to 2.25 square metres.
To give you a sense of what you can fit into a 5x5 unit, it’s usually described as roughly the size of a closet. You can put a twin-size mattress or a piece of furniture, clothes, seasonal items, books, bicycles and all sorts of knickknacks in it. If you’re looking to unload some office documents, you can store about 80 or so archive boxes in this small unit.
As a rule of thumb, the more orderly your system of arranging possessions in the storage unit, the more items you can fit in no matter the size of your storage space.
So, you might be wondering, how much is a small storage unit?
If you refer to the prices in the tables above (per city), the cost of a small storage unit depends on where you’re planning to rent a space. Also, what constitutes small in one place may not have the exact-same dimensions in another. Thus, when inquiring about storage cost by space or size, it’s essential to ask for the exact dimensions of the unit to get accurate information.
In Perth, for example, a 5x5 storage unit price could be anywhere between $95 to $175 per month. Also, it’s worth noting that units on the ground level tend to be pricier than their upper-level counterparts regardless of their size.
The reason is quite basic, as stated in our note above.
Ground-floor units are the most accessible ones, so they are costlier. Therefore, when it comes to calculating storage cost by size or amount of space, always ask if what’s being quoted is for a unit on the ground level or upper floor.
How about 10x10 storage unit prices, or 10x15, 10x20, 10x30 or 20x20 storage unit prices?
Again, it’s helpful to know the metric system equivalent of each as Australia is now using metric units of measurement. This way, you can give whichever dimension is most useful during your inquiry.
- 10x10: 3x3 metres or 9 square metres
- 10x15:5 metres or 13.5 square metres
- 10x20: 3x6 metres or 18 square metres
- 10x30:8 metres or 26.5 square metres
- 20x20:096x6.096 metres or 37.16 square metres
Ultimately, the amount of space you’ll require and the storage unit cost depend on what items you’ll be putting in storage.
While it’s usually difficult to imagine how much space you’ll need, you can talk to your prospective provider and give them a breakdown of the items you wish to store. This way, they can come up with a more accurate estimate of the storage unit size most appropriate to your needs.
Storage Cost by Rental Period
How much do storage units cost per month?
Aside from the size of the unit, the storage cost per month can also be affected by the rental period. Will you be needing the space for a month, two months, three months, half a year or more?
If you’re looking at renting a unit for the long term, your provider might give you a discount on the storage unit cost per month. But if you’re planning to store your items for a few days or less than a month, more expensive storage costs per week or day may apply.
So, again, storage prices per month may vary depending on the duration of your rent.
Long-Term Storage Costs
Long-term storage costs tend to be lower in general, so it helps to ask about long-term storage prices right away, especially if you’re looking at keeping your possessions in the facility for more than six months.
To give you an idea of how much you can save, the storage unit cost per year for a small 2.25-square-metre unit could be up to 20% cheaper than renting it short term. But again, what ultimately matters is your specific storage needs and budget.
Furniture Storage Prices by Storage Type
Self-storage units used to be the most common storage unit type, and furniture storage costs were generally determined by the size of the unit and duration of the rent.
However, when container storage entered the picture, the cost of storing furniture – or anything for that matter – just got more reasonable.
In looking at the storage unit type, it’s helpful to know key information about and the pros and cons of each before you make a decision.
Self Storage Unit Prices
Self-storage unit prices can be easily found especially if you’re searching online. Here are some average storage unit costs in Australia.
| Unit Size | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Storage Unit (1.5m x 1.5m) | $110 - $140 |
| Medium Storage Unit (3m x 3m) | $210 - $260 |
| Large Storage Unit (3m x 6m) | $350 - $420 |
However, that’s not to say that self-storage prices are all that you’ll find as some companies provide container storage exclusively, whilst others, like us at Relocations WA, provide both types of storage options.
When it comes to self-storage rental prices, the tables above already give a rough estimate of the cost, depending on the size.
Overall, however, thorough research may reveal that self-storage rates are somewhat higher than container storage prices. However, self-storage also comes with the following advantages:
- Available in a range of sizes – from one as small as a single locker to a unit as big as a double garage (or even larger).
- Set in purpose-built buildings or indoor locations protected from the elements.
- Temperature control and other high-tech (e.g., Bluetooth entry/exit) options.
- Onsite security, padlocked doors and CCTV surveillance facilities.
- Availability of ancillary services and supplies, such as packing items, loading and transportation services, insurance, etc.
So, while a container may come with lots and lots of space, the items you need to store may easily fit into a much smaller unit, ultimately pushing you to go for self-storage. After all, the monthly storage unit cost of renting a self-storage unit may end up to be more practical than getting container storage.
Container Storage Cost
Shipping containers typically come in a range of sizes, although 10-foot, 20-foot and 40-foot containers are quite popular.
But how large is a container in metres or square metres? More importantly, what can you fit into each container based on size?
- 10-foot: 2.831x2.350 metres or 6.65 square metres
- 20-foot: 5.898x2.352 metres or 13.872 square metres
- 40-foot: 12.032x2.352 metres or 28.30 square metres
A well-packed 10-foot container unit can easily accommodate the contents of a one-bedroom apartment.
A 20-foot container is large enough to accommodate two cars or 200 mattresses. Put simply, you can put the contents of a standard three-bedroom house in a 20-footer. If you have a high-cube (taller) 20-foot container, it can accommodate everything inside a four-bedroom home.
Meanwhile, a 40-footer is just the right size to pack up to a five-bedroom home plus a family vehicle. A high-cube 40-foot container can easily accommodate the contents of a six-bedroom house.
When it comes to container storage costs, they tend to be relatively more affordable than self-storage unit prices. Some companies charge by the day, and rates can be set as low as $4.50 per day (or even lower depending on the unit size or how long you intend to rent the unit for).
Some companies offer a fixed minimum rental rate for the first two months and then charge by the day for any days in excess.
For example, you may be asked to pay $200 (plus GST) for a 20-foot container for the first two months, and then charged $3 per day (plus GST) for the next two to six months, and then a much lower daily rate as you extend your lease.
Other factors may also affect the final storage container cost.
For example, you may want to rent the container and keep it onsite or within your premises if you have adequate space. Else, you may also decide to rent one offsite. With this option, you’ll need to factor in delivery and pickup freight costs, aside from your monthly rental fee.
Thing is, when you’re considering renting a shipping container for storage, consider how you can maximise the space. And depending on what items you’ll be putting in storage, you may need to consider safety and security features, especially if you’re considering offsite storage.
That being said, some container storage providers offer certain options that may fit the requirements of specific customers, such as:
- Steel flooring
- Lockbox
- High cube for additional storage capacity
- GPS tracking
- Container modifications (e.g., shelving, power, lighting, air conditioning, etc.)
- Container grades and shipping or transport certifications
Shipping containers also have the following basic features that may be compatible with your storage needs:
- Water, wind, pest and vermin-proof
- Wooden flooring
- Floor and ceiling lashing points for securing goods
- Secure and lockable
Again, container rental prices also vary greatly, depending on the following:
- Size
- Duration of rent
- Location (onsite/offsite)
- Additional services and features
So, before choosing between self-storage and shipping container units, weigh the pros and cons of each and always consider your storage requirements and budget.
Car, Caravan & Boat Storage Prices
For car owners, caravanners and boating enthusiasts, there may come a time when there’s no space left in their property to store their vehicles, caravans and boats properly. And for those who go caravanning or boating seasonally, it makes sense to keep these big-ticket items in a proper storage facility the rest of the year.
Other reasons to rent space for storing vehicles, caravans and boats may include a temporary move overseas or extended travel, home renovation work, or the need to free up space in your property.
If your situation is any of these things, you’ll naturally be concerned with storage rates, especially if you’re looking at long-term storage.
Car & Vehicle Storage Rates
When it comes to car storage prices, you may need to choose from the following options:
- Personal storage: This is the most expensive storage option that gives you access to your own vehicle storage unit, so you can keep your car under lock and key away from prying eyes.
- Warehouse: You’ll share a secure car warehouse with other vehicle owners. The facility provides ample protection from the elements but you won’t have private access to your vehicle.
- Yard or parking (covered or uncovered): Yard or parking storage is usually the most affordable alternative. However, it won’t provide as much security and privacy as the other options. Also, an uncovered yard or parking facility may be the cheapest choice, but it won’t provide your vehicle ample protection from the weather. Therefore, it might make sense to opt for this type of car storage only if you’re looking to park your vehicle for a day or two.
With all that said, vehicle storage rates are also affected by the location of the facility, unit size, additional services and rental duration.
The standard car storage cost per month may range from $180 (for yard storage) to $325 per month (plus GST). The final cost will depend a lot on the type of storage you choose.
Car storage costs for vans and SUVs tend to be higher, whilst long-term storage can mean discounts for you. If you plan to store your vehicle only for a few days, you can also ask for the facility’s daily rate.
Caravan Storage Cost
There are different camper or caravan storage facilities, so caravan storage costs can also vary greatly.
Some companies offer outdoor, shaded, undercover and fully enclosed caravan storage. As a consequence, caravan storage prices per year may differ by a few hundred dollars.
- Outdoor: $500-900 per year
- Shaded: $900-1500 per year
- Covered: $1300-1600 per year
- Enclosed: $1500-3000 per year
Caravan storage facilities are fenced and secured with CCTV surveillance systems and onsite personnel. They are also accessible seven days a week, with some offering wash-down bays and trickle charging services.
If you have short-term storage in mind, some companies also offer daily, weekly and monthly rates which may be a bit higher than annual storage prices, yet still reasonable.
Boat Storage Prices
For boat owners, secure storage facilities are available should you need room for your sea vessel away from your home. Boat storage prices also depend on whether the facility is indoor, undercover or outdoor, as well as the size of the boat.
To give you an idea of boat storage costs, a two-by-three-metre boat stored in a covered unit may set you back by $25 per week, whilst a boat measuring four by 2.4 metres could cost you $33 to store in the same facility per week.
Monthly and long-term rates can mean discounts for you. Also, some providers offer rates that include unlimited launch and retrievals, as well as boat wash down prior to storage.
So, to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, ask about what’s included in the rate and see if you can get discounts for longer term storage.
Why Choose Relocations WA for Storage?
There are many reasons why you might need some form of storage at a certain point in time – whether for your possessions, business inventory, files, vehicle, caravan or boat.
Whatever type of storage you need, make sure to contact us at Relocations WA.
We not only offer a range of high-quality storage options but also offer removals for regional, interstate and overseas relocation, as well as a range of moving services.
For removals and storage inquiries, please get in touch today!
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