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Mobile storage

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Whether you're in between homes or heading off on a long trip, you'll want to make sure that your belongings are safe and secure. Mobile storage can be the perfect solution for those who want to avoid the hassle of delivering their belongings to a storage facility.

Read on to learn the key points of mobile storage, including how much it will cost and how to compare services.

What's in this guide?

What is mobile storage?

Mobile storage is a modern solution to storing your things in a safe and secure way. Rather than having to load up your car and drive to a traditional storage facility, mobile storage is delivered right to your doorstep. This means you can load up the unit at your own convenience, and have it picked up and delivered to a secure storage facility at a time that suits.

man putting his stuff inside the mobile storage

Compare mobile storage now

Data updated regularly
Name Product Instant quote Offers insurance Minimum hire period Storage options Starting price
Taxibox
Taxibox
Yes
Yes
One month
Mobile storage, on-site storage, cool storage, self storage
From $129 per month
Taxibox delivers a storage unit and allows you to keep it at home or at their storage facility.
Go to site
More Info
Mooval
Mooval
Yes
Yes
One month
Mobie storage, long-term storage, short-term storage
Contact directly.
Mooval has short term and long term storage solutions in Melbourne.
Go to site
More Info
PODS
PODS
Yes
Yes
One month
Mobile storage, emergency storage, fetes and community fundraising storage
From $145 per month
Pods gives you the option to store your valuables at home or at their storage centre.
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Compare up to 4 providers

More about mobile storage solutions in Australia

There are a number of mobile storage providers across Australia ready to help you. Here are a few places to start your search:

  • Taxibox. This nation-wide mobile storage brand offers access to mobile units for self-storage, secure on-site storage and assistance with interstate moving.
  • Mooval. Mooval is a home services company with expertise in packing, moving and mobile storage along with end-of-lease cleaning.
  • PODS. PODS works across the country offering a strong range of portable, mobile unit sizes to help you with your storage needs.

How does mobile storage work?

Mobile storage works by delivering a storage container to wherever you need it to be. It can usually be left on your driveway or in your garden – whichever is more convenient for you. You can then pack the container yourself, or opt to hire professional movers who can do all of the heavy lifting for you.

When you're finished, you can book a slot for the storage company to come and pick up your unit and safely deliver it to your designated storage facility.

Find out how much mobile storage costs

It's not easy to put a price on mobile storage. Units come in a variety of shapes and sizes, designed to fit your storage needs. Your price will depend on how many storage units you'll need, how long you need to store your belongings if you need power in the unit and your location.

Here are a few rough, ballpark figures to consider:

  • Extra small 1.5m³ mobile storage container ~ $75/month
  • Small 5m³ mobile storage container ~ $100/month
  • Medium 10.5m³ mobile storage container ~ $150/month
  • Large 25m³ mobile storage container ~ $240/month.

Remember, with mobile storage units you'll also need to pay for pick-up and delivery as an additional charge. These fees may average between $75 to $150 depending on your location and the storage company you choose.

Decide how much storage space you'll need

Deciding on the size of your mobile storage container can be tricky, especially when you're ordering online.

As a general rule of thumb, small containers are best suited for studio apartments or single room storage. For a two-bedroom apartment, two small containers or a medium container of 20m³+ may be desirable. Multiple large 26m³+ containers are generally recommended for family homes with four bedrooms or more.

Both PODS and Taxibox have handy storage space calculators to help you to determine the best-sized container for your storage needs.

Compare your mobile storage options

There are a number of different service providers out there that offer mobile storage solutions, so it's a good idea to compare your options before you settle for one.

To help you along the way, ask yourself the following questions to determine the best mobile storage option for your needs:

  • How long do I need to store my belongings for? Lots of storage providers offer discounted rates for long-term storage which could bring the cost down considerably.
  • Do I want the unit kept on my property or at the storage facility? If you'd like to store your unit on your property, you'll need to find a provider that allows this.
  • What size container do I need? Most storage providers offer a range of unit sizes to choose from. However, some specialise in smaller units, while others specialise in extra-large facilities.
  • What's my budget? It's best practice to collect and compare quotes from different companies to make sure you know exactly how much you'll need to fork out.
  • Is the company a member of an accredited organisation? Looking for a company that's part of a body like the Self Storage Association of Australasia will give it more credibility in the industry.
  • Will the company offer me a free itemised quote? By providing an itemised quote, it shows a company is happy to be transparent in its pricing. Plus, you'll know exactly where you stand.
  • Can I find any customer reviews? Finding quality testimonials and real-life reviews from previous customers will give you a good idea of how a company interacts with customers and the level of service they provide.

Take a look at the finer details

Each mobile storage solution is different, so it's worth checking out their individual features to find out which is better for your needs.

Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Insurance. To be on the safe side, you may need to organise insurance to cover your belongings while they're in a mobile storage container. Some mobile storage companies provide insurance for an added fee. This will usually protect you in case of a fire, water damage, explosion, burglary and property damage. But be sure to check the policy fine print for peace of mind.
  • Security. Levels of security vary between providers. At the very least, all storage units will be fitted with a secure lock, with surveillance cameras on site. Mobile storage units with high security may also have a security guard on-site at all times.
  • Permits. In some local councils, you'll need to organise a permit to have a storage unit parked on your property. If you don't you could land a hefty fine. Find out whether your service provider can give you more information about permits, or help you to get one.
  • Access charges. You'll need to find out if your chosen company has any access charges to get to your unit. For example, will you need to pay every single time you need to get something from your storage container?

Prepare your items for storage

Taking the time to prepare your items for storage can help to maintain the integrity of your belongings. Especially if they're going to be packed away for a long time.

Here are our top tips for packing your items:

  • Store items in airtight plastic containers or new cardboard boxes
  • Refrain from using plastic bags as they can collect moisture
  • Spray items with insecticide
  • Refrain from storing any food or liquids
  • Secure any valuable items in a secure safe
  • Protect fragile items with bubble wrap, foam peanuts, newspaper or old clothing
  • Wipe down and wax wooden furniture
  • Clean leather furniture with leather cleaner
  • Cover any furniture with clean sheets
  • Wipe the inside and outside of appliances.

You may also choose to take an inventory of everything you're storing in the container. Not only will this help you to keep track of what's in the unit, but it will also help with insurance purposes if anything goes missing or is damaged.

Preparing your storage unit

  • Before you put anything into the storage unit, give it a thorough clean. Check the walls for leaks or cracks and sweep the floors.
  • If your storage unit isn't climate controlled, you may want to lay down a tarp to protect your items from any pests or the weather.

Pros and cons of mobile storage

Pros

  • Saves you the time and hassle of moving the goods yourself
  • Peace of mind that your cherished items will be stored in a secure location
  • Creates more room and less clutter in your home.

Cons

  • Can be expensive
  • You may have limited access to personal belongings
  • Delivery and pick-up fees can drive up the overall cost.

Frequently asked questions

How much is PODS storage per month?

Storing your belongings with PODS typically starts from $145 a month, regardless of whether you store your unit on your own property or in its secure storage facilities. Exactly how much you'll need to pay each month will depend on several factors, including the size of the units you require and your location.

How does Taxibox work?

Taxibox works like any other mobile storage solution. The Taxibox team will deliver your storage unit to you, wherever you are. You then pack and lock your box. Finally, you can call Taxibox to arrange a collection time. On this day they will collect your unit and deliver it to a safe storage facility.

Are mobile storage containers waterproof?

Yes. Almost all of the units you'll find advertised will be waterproof.

Can I have my storage container shipped interstate?

Delivery options differ between storage companies. Some companies such as PODS offer interstate shipping, but you'll need to double-check with the provider to make sure they can fulfil your needs.

Bottom line

Finding the right storage solution for your needs can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't have the times or means to deliver your belongings yourself. Luckily, mobile storage offers a solution to your problem. All you need to do is choose the right company for the job, and have the professionals take care of the rest.

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  1. Forrestfield Self Storage

  2. PODS Australia

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