Self Storage Units

Our closets, garages, and basements can quickly fill up with all our stuff. Before long we run out of space to store everything. As a result we end up facing a storage problem. This is where storage units come in handy.

In addition to simply running out of space for all of your possessions there are a plethora of other use cases for requiring extra storage. Whatever the reasons, we can unequivocally say that the best solution to your storage dilemma is to rent a storage unit.

Storage near me

There are storage facilities all across South Africa. From your one-horse town through to your urban metropolis. The major locations for storage units in South Africa comprise of the following 6 cities.

Other smaller cities where storage is also in demand include: George, Bloemfontein, Klerksdorp, Kimberley and Polokwane.

Other types of storage

Besides your traditional self storage for personal belongings, there are also specific types of storage for larger items. These include the following.

Reasons people rent storage units

There are a range of reasons why people rent storage units. For the sake of brevity we have outlined the five most common reasons below.

Moving

This is the most common reason. When people move they often need to put some of their stuff in storage. This may be because their move is not seamless and they end up staying with friends or family in the interim before they can move into their new place.

Having access to a self storage unit nearby in this case can be hugely beneficial. If the person needs to access any of their items whilst they are being stored they can do this hassle-free.

Downsizing

Relocating into a smaller home has been gaining in popularity over the last decade. Many South African’s have concerns around their safety and security in their home. Moving into a smaller house or flat in a secure complex can solve such challenges.

However, this trend presents a problem. How do you fit all those possessions that once filled a much larger home into a new, smaller space? In many instances, one solution is to get rid of all the stuff you don’t need.

This can usually address the challenge partially but not in its entirety. Unsurprisingly, most people still find that even after purging all the items they longer need, they still require extra space after they downsize.

packing boxes

Renovating

Depending on the scale of your home renovations, it’s quite probable that you will run out of space to store items which were in the rooms being renovated.

Packing all this gear up into storage containers and stacking them your garage or undercover outdoor area should be the first port of call.

If you still don’t have any space, then finding a storage unit to house these containers for the duration of your renovation is advisable.

Graduating from university

When most students finally finish their studies and write their last exams many of them will move out of their residence halls or shared houses shortly after.

With all the focus being placed studying for their finals, little thought is often given to he imminent move. This often presents a situation where these students will require self storage for the short to mid-term.

Emergencies

Unfortunately, there are those times in life where we get thrown a curveball and something unexpected comes our way. Whether it’s a death in the family, a natural disaster or even a pandemic, these situations will call for a fast and reliable solution.

For many of us, self storage provides exactly that. Looking for a storage garage in an emergency requires a fast turnaround time. Be sure to choose a storage company that delivers to the very highest standards.

How can I find a storage unit near me?

Back in the day, the best way to find a storage facility was to use a phone directory or simply drive around until you found one. Today, the most effective method is to use a website like StorageBuddy.

At StorageBuddy we have full oversight on the entire storage industry in South Africa. You’ll be able to find the ideal storage solution – one which is both close to you and cost effective. Your storage rental needs will be in safe hands. Rest assured.

Storage unit sizes

Many people don’t know how to choose the right size storage unit. We’ve created this simple sizing guide which provides key information on the most sizes of storage units.

Small storage unit (3m²)

Ideal for storing sporting goods such as bicycles and surfboards. Also great for storing small items, valuables, boxes and appliances. Very popular with students and people looking for a short-term storage solution.

3m storage units
6m storage units

Medium storage unit (6m²)

Very good for storing the contents of either a studio or 1 bedroom apartment. Ideal for storing appliances, and small furniture pieces during a move. The perfect solution when you need to reclaim that extra bit of living room space.

Half garage (9m²)

This size storage garage is most commonly used for storing large equipment, appliances, and furniture during a move. Motorbikes, mountain bikes and surfboards are often stored in this unit.

9m storage unit
11m unit

Large unit (11m²)

Perfect for storing the contents of a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. Can easily accommodate white good like fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers. Ideal for storing all your stuff during a move.

Single garage (18m²)

This unit is used commonly for storing the contents of a small home, while moving or building a new house. White goods, furniture, sports equipments, and large boxes can all fit in this storage rental unit comfortably

18m storage unit
27m unit

Extra large storage units (27m²)

Most commonly used for storing the contents of a 3-5 bedroom home and its garage contents. Great for businesses looking to store catering equipment, office equipment such as desks, computers and printers. Also suitable for cars, boats and caravans.

Storage unit amenities

Another important decision you’ll need to make is the type of amenities you would like to include when renting your unit. There are a wide array of amenities available but the most common are 24-hour access, drive-up access, climate control, storage units with electricity video surveillance.

24 hour storage access

Many storage facilities allow 24-hour, 7 day-a-week access to their units, meaning you’ll be able to access your stuff whenever you want. Naturally these storage units will come at a higher price than units without 24 hour access. Depending on your requirements it may well be worth choosing a unit with 24 hour access.

It’s important to know the difference between storage rental unit access, which are the actual hours you’re allowed to access your stuff and facility access which is the time that the storage facility is open. When selecting this option, make sure you choose the right one for your needs.

Storage Units with drive-up access

Drive-up access storage units are usually housed in single-story buildings and are accessible from the outside. This means you can seamlessly pull your vehicle right up to the storage garage in order to load and unload your belongings.

These units are particularly useful for those folks storing large items like couches, cars, boats and kayaks. These days most modern facilities house all their units inside a multi-storey building. This means you have to enter the building and often go up an elevator to get to your unit.

Though this makes for more cumbersome moving in and out of larger items it does have the benefits of being less likely to have an issue with pests.

storage near me

Climate controlled storage units

Units with climate control keep your belongings cool and dry. They also prevent them from getting too hot or too cold which could damage some items. Moreover humidity doesn’t become a problem when you have a climate controlled unit.

Humidity poses particular danger to organic materials found in furniture and clothing due to the possibility of mould and mildew. It’s therefore important so take the time to consider a climate controlled unit, particularly in places which can get very hot and humid (Durban) or very cold (Uppington).

Click and collect

This is a relatively new offering in the storage world. It was brought about as a result of customers looking for a greater degree of convenience. Some companies will bring the storage units right to your front-door. Once you’ve packed all of your items into the units they’ll come and collect them.

They will then store the units in their warehouse where you will have access to them. When you decide to take your items out of storage they will deliver the units back to your home or business. In recent years click-and-collect has proven to be a very popular office storage solution.

Storage units with electricity

Some storage units come with electrical plug points. Many renters of storage space request units with electrical access as they may need to operate a device in their unit such as an electric pump, dehumidifier or even an air conditioning unit.

Not all storage units come with plug points, so be sure to request this up front before purchasing a rental on a unit. Having this additional amenity may come at an extra cost each month.

24 hour video surveillance

This is becoming an increasingly important feature within most storage facilities. As you can imagine, storage facilities the world over are seen as easy pickings for petty thieves and criminals.

24 hour CCTV serves as an excellent deterrent for criminal acts such as theft, damage to property and even arson.

Factors influencing the price of storage units

The primary factor is definitely the size of the unit. It goes with without saying that a smaller unit will be cheaper than larger ones. However, there are secondary factors which could make the difference between and small and large storage units nominal.

Location of storage facility

Self storage tends to cost more in conurbations than in outer-lying areas. Similarly, prices are further dictated by whether a facility is in a city or on the outskirts of the city. This is also true for suburbs and rural areas.

Location of storage units

The location of the unit itself within a storage facility is also a determining factor. Interior units, units on the first floor, and units near the elevator will typically cost more than units in parts of the building that are more less convenient to reach. Storage units that are far away from an elevator or on the upper levels of the building tend to be cheaper.

Supply and demand

The last aspect many people don’t consider is the level of demand and the existing occupancy rates at facilities in a given area.

If no one is renting space at storage facility in your area, then prices will be lower as facilities try their utmost to lure renters. The converse is then also true. If occupancy is high, the cost of the remaining units will likely increase.

building at night

FAQ