If you have never used self storage before, the whole concept can feel a little vague. You know units exist behind those big gates, but the practical side of how you actually rent one, get inside, and get your stuff in or out is not obvious from the outside.
The reality is reassuringly simple. This guide walks you through the entire process from first enquiry to moving out, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
The Short Version
Renting a unit is reassuringly simple: work out the size, sign a month-to-month agreement, get your PIN, supply your padlock, and move in. The whole process can usually be wrapped up in a single visit.
Step One: Working Out What Size You Need
Before you book anything, you need a rough idea of how much space you are storing. Most facilities offer units from around 1 square metre (a wardrobe’s worth) up to 30 square metres or more (a full four-bedroom home).
You can either work this out by eye, ask the facility’s team, or use a sizing tool. Our free storage size calculator walks you through a list of household items and recommends a unit size in about a minute. It is the easiest way to get to a sensible starting point.
If in doubt, slightly larger is better than slightly smaller. You can always move down a size later, but trying to cram an extra bed into an already-full unit is no fun.
Step Two: Booking Your Unit
You can usually book online, over the phone, or in person at the facility. Most operators, including us, hold a unit for you for a short period once you have committed.
What you sign is a rental agreement, not a fixed-term lease. At All Secure, agreements are month-to-month with seven days notice required to move out, so you are never locked in for longer than you actually need the space.
You will be asked for some basic information, photo ID, a payment method, and details of what you intend to store. There are a few sensible restrictions (no live animals, perishables, hazardous chemicals, or illegal items), but the list of allowed items is long and broad.
Step Three: Moving In
On move-in day, you arrive at the facility, meet the team, and get walked through the site. You will be given your individual PIN code for the security gate and shown to your unit.
You supply your own padlock, which means only you ever hold the key. If you have not brought one, you can usually buy one on site in the box shop, along with boxes, tape, and protective wrap if you need them.
Some facilities offer free use of a moving truck or trailer for new customers, which can save you a small fortune if you do not already have one lined up. At All Secure we call ours the Free Moving Mate, and it has saved plenty of customers a separate hire bill.
Step Four: Accessing Your Unit
Once you are set up, your unit is yours to use whenever the facility is open. At All Secure, that is seven days a week including public holidays.
You drive up, punch in your PIN at the gate, drive in, and access your unit. At drive-up sites you can pull right alongside it. At multi-storey sites, trolleys and lifts are available. Lock up when you are done, drive out, and the gate closes behind you. CCTV monitors the whole site around the clock.
Step Five: Adjusting or Moving Out
Your storage needs may change over time. If your unit is too big or too small, talk to the facility about swapping. Most operators can move you between units when one becomes available in the right size.
When you are ready to move out entirely, you give the facility your notice (seven days at All Secure), empty the unit, remove your padlock, and you are done. Final billing is pro-rated so you only pay for the days you have used.
Step Six: The Things That Happen in the Background
While you go about your life, the facility quietly keeps things running. CCTV records 24/7. The gate logs every entry and exit. On-site managers do daily lock checks. Maintenance and cleaning happen on schedule. All of this is included in your rent.
This is the unsung part of self storage. You pay for a unit, but what you really get is an entire operation built around keeping that unit secure and accessible while you are not there.
Where to Start
If you are ready to give it a go, the easiest first step is figuring out roughly what you want to store and how much space you will need. Try our size calculator, browse our facilities, or just get in touch with the closest All Secure team and we will guide you through.
| Included in your rent | Bring or arrange separately |
|---|---|
| 7-day access during opening hours | Your own padlock (or buy one in our box shop) |
| Site security: gate, CCTV, alarms | Insurance for contents (recommended) |
| On-site manager support | Packing supplies (sold on site) |
| Maintenance and cleaning of common areas | Transport to and from the unit |
| Free Moving Mate truck for new customers | Anyone you nominate to access the unit |
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I move in?
Often same day. If a suitable unit is available and you have your ID and payment ready, most facilities can have you moved in within an hour or two.
Do I have to be there to sign up?
Most facilities can complete sign-up online or over the phone, with paperwork finalised on arrival. Check with your chosen facility for their preferred process.
What if I need a different size later?
Easy. Talk to the team and they will move you to a larger or smaller unit when one becomes available.
Can someone else access my unit on my behalf?
Yes, with your permission. You can nominate additional people who can access the unit using their own PIN, which is handy if family or staff are helping with the move.
Self storage is one of the simpler services to use once you have done it once. Talk to our team if you would like a walk-through before you commit.