Self storage units have become a familiar part of New Zealand life. You drive past them on the motorway, see the signs around your suburb, and almost everyone knows someone who has used one at some stage. But if you have never rented one yourself, you might still be wondering what is actually behind those big gates and rolling doors.
In simple terms, a self storage unit is a private, lockable space you rent on flexible monthly terms to store your belongings. You hold the only key, you decide who has access, and you can come and go whenever the facility is open. No long contracts, no fuss, no surprises.
The Short Version
In simple terms, a self storage unit is a private, lockable space you rent monthly. You hold the only key, you decide who has access, and you can use it for anything from a few boxes to the contents of an entire house.
What a Self Storage Unit Actually Looks Like
Most units are individual rooms inside a larger purpose-built facility. The smallest are around 1 square metre, about the size of a wardrobe, and the largest can comfortably hold the contents of a four-bedroom home. Walls are typically steel, floors are sealed concrete, and each unit has its own roller door secured by your padlock.
At All Secure, every site is built specifically for storage, not converted from another use. That means each facility is dry, ventilated, and properly sealed against the weather. Many of our sites also offer drive-up access, so you can pull your vehicle right alongside your unit when loading and unloading.
What People Store Inside Them
Just about anything sensible. The most common items we see include:
- Household furniture during a move, renovation, or while heading overseas
- Business stock, equipment, archived documents, and trade tools
- Seasonal items like Christmas decorations, camping gear, and ski equipment
- Cars, caravans, boats, and motorcycles in dedicated vehicle storage spaces
- Inherited furniture being held for the next generation
- Collections, hobby gear, and recreational equipment
There are a few sensible restrictions. Live animals, perishable food, flammable liquids, and illegal items are off the table at every reputable facility. But if something would happily live in your garage at home, it can almost certainly live in a storage unit.
How the Whole Thing Works in Practice
You choose a unit size, sign a short rental agreement, supply your own padlock, and move in. Most facilities, including ours, work month-to-month with no lock-in contracts and no hidden setup fees. You can scale up or down as your needs change and give notice when you are ready to move out.
Access is controlled by an individual PIN code that gets you through the security gate and into the facility. From there, your unit is yours alone. CCTV monitors the site around the clock, the gate logs every entry and exit, and at All Secure our on-site managers do daily checks to make sure everything is exactly as it should be.
| Unit size | Typical contents | Compare it to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 m² | Boxes, seasonal items, small furniture | A generous wardrobe |
| 4 to 7 m² | A one-bedroom flat or single room | A small bedroom |
| 8 to 12 m² | Two-bedroom home contents | A single garage |
| 15 to 20 m² | Three-bedroom home contents | A double garage |
| 20 m² and up | Four-bedroom homes and larger | A workshop or large garage |
Who Uses Self Storage in New Zealand
Self storage was once thought of as something you only used during a move. The reality today is much broader. Plenty of our customers keep their units for years, treating them as an off-site spare room or extra garage. Others rent for just a few weeks during a renovation or a life transition.
It is one of the most flexible space solutions in the country. You pay only for what you use, only for as long as you use it, and the facility takes care of the security side so you do not have to.
Finding the Right Unit for You
If you are not sure what size you need, our free storage size calculator helps you work it out in about a minute. From there, you can explore personal storage, business storage, or vehicle storage options depending on what you are looking to store. You can also contact your nearest All Secure facility for a no-obligation chat with one of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own lock?
Yes. Most facilities, including All Secure, require you to supply your own padlock so that only you hold the key. We sell quality padlocks in our on-site box shop if you need one.
How often can I access my unit?
At All Secure, you have 7-day access including public holidays during facility opening hours. Pop in as often as you need.
What is the minimum rental period?
One month, with seven days notice required when you are ready to move out.
Are there restrictions on what I can store?
A few. No live animals, perishables, hazardous chemicals, or illegal items. Otherwise, almost anything is fair game. Have a chat with our team if you are unsure about a specific item.
Whether you are storing for a week or a decade, the right self storage unit makes life a great deal simpler. Get in touch with your nearest All Secure facility today and we will help you find a space that fits.