A Guide to Mobile Storage in Melbourne for Long-Term Household Items

City life in Melbourne can be tight on space. If you have seasonal decorations, furniture from renovations, or inherited items, you might need a place to store them. This is where Smartbox mobile storage in Melbourne comes in handy

Understanding Mobile Storage

Running out of space at home? Traditional storage can be a pain. You have to rent a unit, haul your belongings there, and then pick them up again later. Mobile storage offers a much easier solution.Mobile storage companies bring secure containers right to your door. You pack them at your own pace, and then the company picks them up and stores them safely in their facility. When you need your stuff back, they simply deliver the container right back to you. This is perfect for busy people or those who can't handle heavy lifting.

Choosing the Right Mobile Storage Solution in Melbourne

With several mobile secure storage companies operating in Melbourne, choosing the right one for your needs is crucial. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Size: Mobile storage comes in different sizes, from small ones for holiday decorations to big ones that fit a whole apartment's worth of stuff. Think about how much furniture and belongings you need to store, and pick a unit that's big enough but not too roomy. Most companies have size guides on their websites to help you choose the right size.
• Security: Look for companies that focus on security. Features like tamper-proof locks, 24/7 surveillance, and alarmed facilities ensure your belongings remain safe during storage.
• Pick-up and drop-off storage: Consider the delivery and pick-up options offered by different companies. Some companies provide flexible scheduling, while others may have specific windows for deliveries. Choose a company that caters to your schedule and location.
• Cost: The price of mobile storage depends on how big the unit is, how long you need it, and any extras you want, like packing supplies or insurance. Shop around and compare prices from different companies. Don't forget to ask about any hidden fees before you choose one.

While Smartbox is a well-known mobile storage company in Melbourne with various unit sizes, secure facilities, and flexible delivery, it's always best to compare different options. This way, you can find the best fit for your needs at the best price.

Does the size of the storage box matter?

Absolutely! Choosing the right size mobile storage unit is crucial for a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's why size matters:

• Cost-efficiency: Renting a unit bigger than you need means paying extra for unused space. Conversely, a unit that's too small will force you to cram your belongings, potentially leading to damage or difficulty accessing items.
• Space Optimisation: By selecting the right size, you can maximise the unit's capacity and ensure everything fits comfortably.
• Packing Efficiency: A well-sized unit allows for efficient packing, minimising wasted space and making it easier to find things later.

Types of Smartbox Sizes for Your Storage Needs

Finding the right amount of storage space can be a challenge, but Smartbox offers a variety of mobile storage box sizes to accommodate your needs, from a studio apartment to a small home or office. Here are the lists of Smartbox sizes for your storage needs:

The Baby Box (up to 100 kg)

The Baby Box is perfect for office and studio living. It is designed to fit the belongings of a studio apartment into one convenient unit. It's also ideal for business and office storage, holding up to 100 kg, roughly equivalent to 160 standard archive boxes filled with paper.

The Standard Box (Sydney only, up to 1,000 kg)

The Standard Box provides ample space for a one-bedroom apartment, allowing you to store all your belongings in a single unit. It is ideal for a one-bedroom apartment and office storage. For business and office needs in Sydney, the Standard Box can hold up to 1,000 kg, which is approximately 192 standard archive boxes filled with paper.

The Classic Box (up to 1400 kg)

The Classic Box is the perfect solution for those with a one-to-two-bedroom home. It is suitable for 1-2 bedroom homes. It also caters to business and office storage needs, with each Classic Box accommodating up to 1400 kg, equivalent to approximately 256 standard archive boxes filled with paper.

The Uber Box (Sydney only, 20 cm)

The Uber box is a spacious solution for two-bedroom apartments and small homes. If you need extra space for a two-bedroom apartment or a small home in Sydney, the Uber Box boasts an impressive 20 cubic metres of storage. This spacious unit can accommodate a surprising amount of items.

Essential Tips for Packing for Long-Term Storage in Mobile Units

Packing for long-term storage requires careful planning to ensure your belongings remain safe and undamaged. Here are some essential tips to follow:

Preparation

• Declutter: Before packing, take the time to declutter your belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need or use to free up space in the mobile unit and save on storage costs.
• Cleaning and Drying: Deep clean and thoroughly dry all items before storage. Dampness can lead to mould or mildew growth, so ensure everything is completely dry before packing.
• Disassemble furniture: Whenever possible, disassemble furniture to maximise space within the mobile unit.

Packing

• High-Quality Materials: Use good-quality packing supplies like strong boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. These will protect your stuff from bumps and bangs during moving and storage.
• Clear Labelling: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and frustration when you need to access specific items later.
• Smart Packing: Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top for stability. Distribute the weight evenly throughout the mobile unit to avoid putting strain on specific areas.
• Detailed Inventory: Create a detailed inventory list of all stored items, including descriptions and estimated values. This will be helpful for insurance purposes in case of any unforeseen incidents.

Maintaining Your Belongings in Long-Term Mobile Storage

Here are the lists to maintain your belongings in long-term mobile storage:

• Some mobile storage companies offer climate-controlled storage units. This is especially important for delicate things like electronics, artwork, or wood furniture. Climate control helps keep the temperature and moisture just right, so your stuff won't get damaged by hot or cold weather.
• Depending on the storage company's regulations, you may consider using mothballs or cedar chips to repel insects from your belongings. Always check with the company beforehand to ensure these are permitted storage materials.
• Consider how often you might need to access your belongings during storage. Choose a company that offers flexible access options if you expect to need to retrieve specific items occasionally.

Great Items to Store in Mobile Storage for Long-Term

Mobile storage can hold things you don't use all the time. Here's what you can stash away safely for long periods:

• Holiday decorations, patio furniture, and seasonal sports gear: Free up space in your house and store these bulky items in a mobile unit.
• Out-of-season clothes: Pack away clothes you don't wear in certain seasons to make more room in your closet.
• Furniture during renovations: Keep your furniture safe and out of the way during home renovations with mobile storage.
• Family heirlooms or artwork: Valuable items can be stored in a secure climate-controlled unit for extra protection (if needed).
• Seasonal hobbies and equipment: Got bulky sports equipment, musical instruments, or hobby supplies? Mobile storage keeps them safe.
• Old documents and files: Don't you need those old tax papers or rarely used files right now? Mobile storage offers a secure and organised solution.

What Not to Put in Your Mobile Storage Unit

It's important to be aware of items that are prohibited for storage in mobile units due to safety concerns. These typically include items that are:

• Liquid: This includes anything from water and cleaning solutions to gasoline and paint. Leaks can damage your belongings and pose safety hazards.
• Explosive: This includes fireworks, ammunition, and anything that could cause a dangerous explosion.
• Poisonous: Pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic substances can be harmful if they leak or break. Keep these out!
• Perishable: Food items, even in jars, will attract pests and spoil over time. Avoid storing food in your mobile unit.
• Flammable: Solvents, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids can easily catch fire. These are fire hazards and are not allowed.
• Corrosive: Battery acid, drain cleaner, and other corrosive materials can damage your belongings and the storage unit itself. Leave these out for safety.
• Dangerous Items: This includes things that can easily start fires (propane tanks, gas cylinders) or melt or burn your skin (like drain cleaner).
• Illegal or irreplaceable: Don't store anything illegal or irreplaceable, like passports or family treasures. A safe deposit box is a better option for these valuable items.

Such items include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Aerosol cans (due to pressurisation)
• Cleaning chemicals (flammable or corrosive)
• Firearms and/or ammunition (illegal to store without proper permits)
• Fuels/oils (flammable)\
• Food (including food stored in glass jars) that is perishable and attracts pests  
• Insecticides (poisonous)
• Liquid bleach (corrosive)
• Live animals (prohibited by most storage companies)
• Live plants (which require light and water and are not suitable for storage units)
• Matches/candles/lighters (flammable)
• Paints/varnishes (flammable)
• Paint thinners (flammable and corrosive)
• Perishable goods (food and other items that decompose)
• Propane tanks are flammable.

Choosing the Right Size Unit

Many mobile storage companies, like Smartbox, have sizing tools on their websites. These storage space calculators will help you figure out the right unit size for your stuff. Just enter the size of your furniture and answer questions about how many boxes and other items you have. The Smartbox storage space calculator will recommend a unit size that's not too big or too small for everything.

Conclusion

Mobile storage offers a convenient and secure solution for storing a variety of household items in Melbourne's space-limited living environment. Whether you need to declutter for renovations, free up closet space with seasonal clothing, or keep treasured furniture safe, mobile storage provides a flexible and accessible option. By following this guide's tips on choosing a company, packing your belongings, and understanding what can and cannot be stored, you can ensure a smooth and successful mobile storage experience. Remember to compare prices and features between different companies to find the best fit for your needs.

FAQS

What is mobile storage, and how does it work?

Mobile storage companies deliver secure containers to your location for you to pack at your own pace. They then pick them up and store them in their facility, returning them to you whenever you need your belongings.

What are the benefits of using mobile storage?

Mobile storage is convenient as it eliminates the need to rent a truck and haul belongings yourself. It's also flexible and allows you to pack at your own pace.

What factors should I consider when choosing a mobile storage company?

When choosing a mobile storage company, consider several factors: size (opt for a unit that fits your belongings without wasted space), security (look for tamper-proof locks, surveillance, and alarms), delivery and pick-up options (find a company that caters to your schedule and location), and cost (compare prices based on unit size, rental duration, and any extra services).

What can I store in a mobile storage unit?

Great items for mobile storage include seasonal decorations, furniture during renovations, out-of-season clothes, family heirlooms, hobby equipment, and old documents.

What can't I store in a mobile storage unit?

For safety reasons, liquids, explosives, poisons, perishables, flammables, corrosives, dangerous items, and irreplaceable valuables are prohibited.

My New Header