Congratulations on taking the big step to move to a new office space or home! The idea of relocating is always a big project that requires a lot of careful planning and can appear daunting for most. If you are new to the complete coordination of moving to a new space, let us help you by highlighting some key things to take note of during your move.

  1. Always have a plan for your relocation project

Yes, everyone will always say you need to have a plan. But what should you really plan for? Here are some pointers:

a. Have a checklist 

It’s good to have a checklist where you include tasks that need to be completed. You should list all the steps, big and small, to cover every step in the process. You should also include items you plan to move, sell and donate so that you can make the necessary arrangements. If you plan to sell items, it might also take a while, so it would be good to give yourself ample time. From the checklist, if you notice that you need extra space to store your items that would not fit in your new space, you will also have time to search for self-storage facilities before your full move.

b. Make use of spreadsheets

A spreadsheet would be good for you to note down the expected cost you will incur in the entire relocating process and the various timeline, such as when you need to move out of your current location when you need to pack etc.

  1. Involve your family or team to help you 

Seek additional help if you need it for the entire relocation process. Relocating can be tough, but you can make it less stressful by engaging some help to ease the moving burden. With their help, you might also be able to cover previously overlooked things or receive some advice on how to move certain items, etc.

For an office move, it is also good to involve and engage the teammates, so they do not feel neglected. If your new office space is much smaller than the current size, your team might need to also source a secure business storage facility or warehouse to store your business documents and inventory. These moves will need more time to plan and manpower to move and pack accordingly.

  1. Take measurements of your items and your new space

Remember to measure your space prior to your move so that you do not purchase or customise furniture that would take up more space than you have. It is also good to measure your items if you need to move them using a mover or a self-storage unit. Having the right dimensions at hand helps these moving/relocation services and self-storage providers better advise you on the overall costs, storage types and moving vehicle sizes.

If you are searching for a secure storage facility to store your personal and business items, why not try Extra Space Asia Self-Storage today? We offer long-term and short-term storage services, which will come in handy for your home relocation or business needs. By storing at Extra Space Asia, you will also have access to your stored items any time, any day. Contact us at 3974 6000 today, and our friendly Customer Service consultants will be glad to assist you.

 

By: Michelle Lee

After considering the essential items as seen in the Part 1 article, it is important to now look at the various self-storage features at your preferred storage facility. That is because different self-storage facilities might provide different features and options. Thus, it is good to explore all the features and see what best fits your storage needs. It is also important to consider these features as some can come in handy when you need them. Here are five features you should look out for when choosing a self-storage facility.

  1. Self-storage’s security features

A self-storage unit is like an extension of your home. Thus, it is important that your storage unit is as secured and safe as your home so that you can be assured that your items are in safe hands even when you are not at the unit 24/7. When you visit the storage facility, you should ensure that the storage facilities come with 24 hours CCTV monitoring, Pin code or card access to the storage areas, and a security guard. These security features will help to ensure that your items are stored in a safe and secure environment.

  1. Presence of facility staff at the storage reception

It will be good to have a facility staff present at the storage reception. There are some storage facilities that come unmanned. This means no facility staff is present at the storage area reception. Thus, if you need immediate help, you might need to give the storage provider a call instead and wait for them to send you some assistance if needed.

For storage providers such as Extra Space Asia, facility staff are always present at the facility’s reception during operation hours from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm. As such, customers can just visit the storage reception any time during the operation hours if they need any assistance.

  1. Type of storage units the self-storage offers

Many storage providers will offer a wide range of storage sizes ranging from lockers to walk-ins. Thus, it is important that you let them know your storage needs so that they can show you their available units that fit your items. It is good to rent only the storage space you need so that you do not pay more than what you need.

If you are planning to store temperature-sensitive items, choose a storage facility that comes with 24 hours air-conditioning and a humidifier. This is key to keeping your stored items in good condition during your storage period. If you are a business owner, storing at an air-conditioned storage facility will also offer a comfortable environment where you can do your stock keeping and packing without breaking a sweat!

  1. Complimentary use of trolleys and ladders

These complimentary trolleys and ladders will come in handy if you need to move heavy boxes/furniture items or climb up in your storage unit to retrieve particular items. However, do note that not all storage facilities will come with these complimentary items. Thus, it will be good for you to visit the storage area you are planning to rent to find out what the mini storage company is providing for all customers.

  1. The self-storage FSD status to ensure that your items are in good hands

Did you know: that if a mini-storage unit is certified unsafe, it will seriously put your items and personal safety at risk? What’s more, mini-storage facilities that are not compliant with the fire protection regulations may close down at any time, causing inconvenience to the customers. If you plan to store your precious belongings in a mini-storage facility, here are some key pointers to note.

 

If you have more storage questions, feel free to also give us a call at 3974 6000 or simply visit any of our Extra Space Asia Self-Storage facilities located at Sai Wan and Hung Hom today!

 

By: Michelle Lee

Storage unit is a good addition for businesses when they require safe and secure storage space to store the inventory. Once you have found the right storage unit, the next step is definitely finding ways to maximise your self-storage space! Try these four ideas today.

  1. Add proper shelving in your storage units to maximise your self-storage space

As we all know, your storage rental is based on the storage space area (square feet). Thus, to lower your start-up operational cost, consider finding ways to maximise your storage space to store more items in your storage unit.

One way to do that is to utilise the vertical space in your unit, as this is one factor commonly overlooked by businesses. Invest in a good proper steady shelving that you can use for the long term. This way, you can stack your business items upwards and still be able to pick them up quickly for your customers or stock take purposes.

  1. Strategise your storage layout

When you first get your storage unit, it is a good idea to plan how you want to place your business inventory in the storage unit on paper. You should find ways to group similar items and create sections in the storage unit for specific business inventory so that you can find them easily.

For stock placement, try storing your best-selling items towards the entrance of your storage unit for quick, easy access and seasonal items towards the back or top of your shelves. Remember to keep the floor areas clean so that you can access your items safely without tripping over your items that are on the floor space.

  1. Ensure that you take stock of the items

Before you start to move all your business inventory to your new storage unit, it is important to do a checklist where you can clearly categorise your items into various categories. This way, you can follow the spreadsheet to store your items nicely on the shelving. You should note how many inventories you have now, so you can order more of your business items when the inventory count is low. Having a clear overview of your stock will also give you a good estimate of the type of storage unit you need during the initial sign-up process.

By storing with self-storage providers like Extra Space Asia, you can always choose a storage unit that fits your current storage needs and upsize or downsize accordingly at a later stage. This flexibility will be a good approach for new businesses, with various storage sizes and storage services for different needs.

  1. Use sturdy clear containers with labels

For areas where you cannot build up or install your shelving, you can try purchasing sturdier containers that enable you to store long-term too. That is because most business inventory will usually come in cardboard boxes that can develop mould or be dented when you store for a long period of time.

By storing them in sturdy containers, you can also stack them nicely in your storage unit. Add labels so that you will know what is stored in each container. If you need more packing materials, you can also purchase them easily at Extra Space Asia’s box shop, which is available at all Extra Space Asia storage facilities.

 

By: Michelle Lee

Just received the confirmation for your relocation to another country? If yes, you will need to pack everything and choose what you need to relocate, discard or donate. It can be a stressful period to pack and prepare for the relocation. This is why we have come up with 3 smart tips on how to pack and relocate everything efficiently if you only have a limited amount of time to prepare.

Pack your important document and necessary items

Packing can be a nightmare when you do not know where to begin. For starters, you should get a sturdy waterproof box that you can use for all of your important documents, such as your family passports, visa documents, and folders containing all the necessary documents. This is so when you start packing everything, you do not have to worry about losing these essential items, and you will also be assured that they are packed safely in the beginning.

Once you have packed all of these key items, you can start to prepare and pack the other items around your home either by room or by category of items.

Pack, declutter and donate your items

Before you start to pack up everything, it is vital to get enough packing materials like packing tapes, bubble wraps for your fragile items and boxes for all of your items weeks before your move. You can purchase these packing materials from online retailers, self-storage providers like Extra Space Asia, or packing supply shops.

As we all know, the more you ship, the more you would incur for the entire relocation process. As such, you should try to declutter as much as you can and pack according to what you really need so that when you reach your new destination, you will not have another headache trying to reorganise and unpack so many items. If the items are in good condition, you can also consider selling them to your friends or donating them to people who might need them.

Look for a reliable relocation service provider or self-storage provider

If you have a lot of boxes and items to relocate, it would be good to look into various relocation service providers to assist you. Relocation services can effectively help you move all your items to your new home in another country. After confirming the items you plan to move, it would be good to contact a few relocation service providers to request a moving quote before deciding on one. It is always good to read up on reviews to know that your items are in safe hands for this entire relocation journey.

However, if you are working overseas for a year or so, you can also consider using a self-storage unit where you can store all of your items. By storing at a self-storage facility such as Extra Space Asia, you will be able to access and retrieve your items any time when you are back. Your storage rental is also based on your storage duration and storage size. If you are storing for an extended period, there is also a great storage deal now where you can enjoy up to 50% off when you store with Extra Space Asia Self Storage.

Call us at 3974 6000 today to learn more about our various storage offerings. Alternatively, you can also visit our storage facilities at Sai Wan or Hung Hom today during our operation hours from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Our friendly customer service officers will be glad to assist you!

 

By: Michelle Lee

Choosing a self-storage facility can be easy, but choosing the right self-storage facility would need more thinking. There are many factors to consider before you narrow down your self-storage options. If you are new to the idea of self-storage, here are three important things to note when choosing a self-storage facility.

1.Your storage needs

Before getting a quick self-storage quote from the self-storage website or via a call, you should think about what you are planning to store and how long you will store your items. These factors will affect your storage quotation and personal requirements in a self-storage space. Therefore, it is important to make a list including these points:

2.The self-storage facility’s location

Are you planning to visit your storage unit every day or only in the rare and unlikely cases that you need your items? If you are a business owner who needs to visit your business inventory every day, a convenient self-storage location will be important. For homeowners looking for a self-storage unit to store all of their furniture and family items for home renovation or relocation purposes, you might also need to weigh the cost of moving your things in and from the storage facility on top of your storage rental cost.

Usually, a self-storage facility located in the central area or heart of the city might cost more than a location that can be a little far from the train station or busy town area. Thus, it is essential to consider the rough frequency of your visits to the storage unit.

 3. The self-storage promotional deals

It is always wise to get a storage quotation from more than one storage provider. Comparing prices will provide you with a better understanding of the average cost of renting a particular storage size at the storage facility near or far from you. Do let the storage facility advise you on the best storage promotion deal available so that you will only pay for what you need. If your preferred storage facility is not offering a good deal, you can always explore alternative self-storage options.

Lastly, once you are good with the storage quotation price, do remember to visit the storage provider to have a personalised tour and to look at the available storage units that fits your storage needs before you sign the final storage contract and make the full payment.

If you have more storage questions, feel free to also give us a call at 3974 6000 or Whatsapp us if you prefer messaging. Otherwise, simply visit any of our Extra Space Asia Self-Storage facilities located at Sai Wan and Hung Hom during our operating hours from Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 7pm, to find out more!

By: Michelle Lee

We understand that choosing the right self-storage unit can be tricky, but it is important to make an intentional decision so that you do not have to pay any additional cost for the extra space you do not need. If it is your first time renting a self-storage unit, here are three smart tips to help you choose the ideal unit.

Take note of what you are planning to store

Before getting a storage quotation, you should consider what you are planning to store. You can start by making a list of the items or number of boxes you need to use. Boxes can be stacked and piled in most cases, so if you only have a few boxes, a small walk-in or locker storage unit might just be sufficient.

owever, if you are planning to store odd-sized items or furniture, make sure you are aware of the exact dimensions (with added buffer) before you find a storage unit size. If your items are temperature sensitive, it would be important to store them in a cool and air-conditioned temperature storage unit.

Take a look at the storage size estimator 

Most self-storage providers will showcase their general storage size estimator on their website to give their customers a feel of the available storage sizes. Consider looking at the storage size estimator to get a rough sense of what storage sizes best fit your needs.

Take a look at our size estimator here for reference. Usually, the size estimator page will provide a storage size measurement and simple information such as how many boxes can the particular unit fit. If you are unsure about what storage size you need, you should always contact the storage provider for more assistance. If you need to have an estimate on the storage cost, you can also submit a web quote as seen here, and you will receive a free web quotation within 1 minute!

Visit the storage provider to have a tour around the facility

If you are unsure about the storage sizes you need, visit the storage provider to tour the self-storage facility. During the visit, you will see the various storage sizes in person and have a real feel of the storage sizing.

During your tour, ensure that the storage unit facility has certain features such as CCTV, insurance, pin code or card access to the storage unit area. These safety and security features are essential as they will give you peace of mind knowing that you have stored your items in safe and secure storage space.

For more information on choosing the right storage size, please call Extra Space Asia Self-Storage at 3974 6000 or simply WhatsApp us at 6380 6498.

Our friendly Customer Service Executive will assist you through your storage journey and find you the best fitting unit for your storage needs.

 

By: Michelle Lee

Planning to start a new business or planning to expand your home business to the next level? Like any business, whether online or operating from a physical store, business owners are always looking at ways to lower their operational costs and find a reliable storage space to store all of their business inventory. However, there’s always a question that business owners will usually ponder: Warehouse vs Self-Storage, which is a better option for their business? Let’s look at how warehouse space compares to self-storage units.

Storage Contracts – Fixed vs Flexible

Most warehouse storage spaces will allow business owners to store their goods with the intent of selling or distributing their inventory over a period of time. However, not all warehouse storage spaces will offer a flexible storage period. Some warehouses will have a lock-in contract period that the business will have to fulfil, while some might provide both short and long-term storage. Thus, it might not be a good option for start-ups to choose and sign a fixed storage contract when the business climate could be volatile.

Like personal storage, self-storage will also come in handy for a business owner. It also provides the user with an additional space to store their business items. By renting a self-storage unit, the business owner will also enjoy 24 hours access to their storage unit, where they can store and retrieve their items any time, any day. Some self-storage providers, such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, also provide customers with flexible storage periods from as short as 14 days to as long as they require, without any lock-in period or fixed contracts. This benefit allows the customers to choose how long they need and minimise their overall operational costs.

Storage Space – Huge vs Scalable over Time 

As we all know, most warehouses tend to be huge in terms of space for rent. This luxury of space might, in turn, increase the overall cost of operation for your business. If your business is just starting out, it might not be ideal, especially if you are not planning to scale the business right from the start.

On the other hand, if you were to rent a self-storage unit, you’d have the option to choose the storage size from as small as a locker to a walk-in unit size. Self-storage providers such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage will also allow you to upsize or downsize your storage size according to your storage needs. This way, you’ll only be paying for the storage size you require instead of overpaying and not utilising the full storage space.

Amenities – Purchasing it yourselves vs in the storage contract

Leasing some warehouse space might also lead to additional costs such as the need to pay for your electricity, insurance, other personnel, and even a security/alarm system for the warehouse area. As the warehouse belongs mainly to the business owner, you must ensure that everything is covered so that your items are safe and secured. By renting a self-storage unit, it might be more cost-effective over time.

Firstly, most self-storage facilities will come with basic security, such as a pin code access or smart card access to the storage area. In terms of the storage unit, it can only access by the storage unit owner as only they have the key to their own unit.

Secondly, most storage facilities will also have 24 hours CCTV monitoring system to ensure that your stored items are in good hands. Thirdly, some self-storage facilities are also air-conditioned or climate-controlled. This function will be a great plus point as businesses tend to spend a fair amount of time in the storage facility packing their business inventory in their storage unit. The air-conditioned facility will also provide business owners with a comfortable workspace.

Lastly, at self-storage providers like Extra Space Asia, there are also Customer Service Executive/Personnel who will be present during operating hours to provide any assistance when needed. They will also provide tools such as trolleys and ladders, which will come in handy should you need to move your inventory around the storage area.

In conclusion, it would be good for all budding and new business owners to weigh the pros and cons before signing a contract for either renting a warehouse space or a self-storage unit. If you have any storage enquiries, you can also contact Extra Space Asia Self-Storage at 3974 6000 today, and we will be glad to assist you through your storage journey.

 

By: Michelle Lee

Thinking of starting a side business while keeping your day job? This entrepreneurial journey can be tiring but rewarding if you’re following your passion. Most of these passion projects allow you to start working and operating from home. You’ll also be able to work at your own pace whenever you’re available. Here are 3 business ideas you can explore while keeping your full-time job.

  1. Homemade vs handmade

Are you someone who loves sewing, making handicrafts or DIY projects? If yes, consider turning your hobby into a business. By starting a homemade and handmade business, you’ll be able to create your product anywhere and sell them from the comfort of your home. This way, you’ll be able to save on office rental and the extra travelling time with your new home-based business.

Most people will usually start with word-of-mouth marketing to test if their products are viable. Once you’re ready to expand your target audience group, you can create your Facebook and Instagram page to post and interact with your customers directly. You can also create a simple website to showcase more of your items. Other options include eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce etc.

Here are some examples of homemade products you can sell:

  1. Service or expertise-related business

We understand that not everyone has a set of unique talents. However, this does not mean that the doors are closed. In such cases, you can make use of your creativity to earn some extra cash. This service does not necessarily include any products but more of a service to assist your clients. If your customers are satisfied with your work, it can also lead to a long-term working relationship where they’ll use your services over time. You’ll also be able to work from home or anywhere on the go.

Here are some examples you can explore:

  1. Content creation business

Love creating content on fashion or even food? If you have a sizable online audience on your social media platforms, YouTube channel, blog channel, TikTok platform or even podcast platform, why not find ways to monetise your following. Through the content creation business process, you might also be able to earn through commission or sponsored posts to give brands a chance to interact with your audience base. It’ll definitely take time and effort to build a loyal fan and audience base. However, if you just started in this line of business, you’d definitely need to take some time to build your following and create interesting content through photos or videos. You might be able to reap some benefits over time.

The best part of owning a home-based business is that you can control most of the factors such as when to upgrade your business, work flexibility and calling the shots on how you want to operate and sell your items. If you’re in the midst of expanding your business or in need of extra space to store your growing business inventory or documents, you can always explore the idea of storing them in a mini-storage facility like Extra Space Asia.

Most of these self-storage facilities allow their customers to visit their storage units round the clock, any time, any day. It’d also be a cost-effective storage solution for your business storage as compared to renting an office or a warehouse storage space. If you’ve any storage queries, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be glad to assist you through the process.

By: Michelle Lee

It can be hard to control the cleanliness of what we touch outside our homes, such as on public transport or common surfaces in the shops we visit. However, we can take some steps to protect our family from COVID-19 and other germs within our homes. Here are three simple tips to get us started!

Clean and disinfect the commonly touched surfaces in the home

As seen on most reports, the COVID-19 virus transmits when people breathe in air contaminated by droplets and small airborne particles. Although commonly touched surfaces aren’t considered the common way to get infected, it is good to clean these surfaces to reduce the spread of germs. High-traffic surfaces include our doorknobs, light switches, dining table and countertops. We can simply use a household detergent and water to clean these areas.

As for those highly used areas such as the bathroom, it would be good to clean the toilet and sink areas frequently. You should also remember to use different cleaning clothes on these areas so that the germs do not cross-contaminate. If you are using sprays, do read the directions on how to use them, as some would need to stay wet on the surface for several minutes to be effective.

Keep your home clutter-free 

As the infection rates increase, we recommend staying home more often. Being in a large, crowded area might pose unnecessary risks to your family, especially to kids and older members. As we spend more time at home, it would be good if we declutter our living areas to have cleaner air and more space to move around. Families can start their decluttering process by throwing away items that are not functioning or donating items that are still working well but hardly used. This will help to free up some space in the home.

If you live in a space where the space is limited, you can also try renting a self-storage unit where you can store your seasonal or festive items and those hardly used items. Storage providers such as Extra Space Asia offers a wide range of storage sizes to accommodate the various storage needs. These storage units are also accessible 24 hours, any time, any day. To find out more about Extra Space Asia storage solutions, you can contact them at 3974 6000.

Ensure that your home is well ventilated

Did you know that when you have proper indoor air quality, it can help maintain good health and comfort levels in your home? Thus, it’s important to find ways to improve ventilation or airflow in your home to prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air in the home. If it is safe to do so, you should open doors and windows as much as possible to bring in fresh outdoor air. We can also use fans to move virus particles in the air from inside your home to outside. You should also limit the number of visitors in your home and time spent inside during this time.

Besides keeping our homes clean, it is also important to maintain our personal hygiene, such as washing our hands regularly, wearing our masks, and keeping a safe distance from one another, especially in crowded areas.

By: Michelle Lee