Renting a self-storage unit is an incredible option for individuals, families, and businesses who need additional space to store their belongings. Many Singaporeans will need more storage spaces as living spaces get smaller over the years.

Regardless of the reasons, self-storage facilities are meant to make your life easier. Furthermore, it is the most convenient way to store memorable and important things to free up extra space at home. However, if your storage unit becomes messy, dirty, or disorganised, it could also invite stress into your life.

 

Why you should clean your storage unit

All storage units should be maintained, cleaned, and organised occasionally. Like your home, dust will eventually build up in your storage if you leave it unattended for a long time.

In a study conducted by the National Resources Defense Council (NDRC) in the United States, it is found that indoor dust contains numerous chemicals that can cause serious health hazards.

To prevent inhaling all the dust that has settled in your storage unit, it is important to maintain regularly, clean, and organise your storage space.

While this can be seen as a chore, here are some simple tips to make it all easier.

 

Clean your belongings before storing

It is important to clean and dry all your belongings or inventory before placing them into your storage unit. You will be surprised to find out how cleaning can help in preventing dust build-up on your belongings.

Avoid storing any dirty, smelly, or damp items, as this will put your storage space at risk for unpleasant smells, mould, and mildews.

 

Make use of plastic containers or boxes

When storing your items, make sure they are packed in sturdy containers. Sturdy containers provide a secure and sealed place for your belongings and help keep moisture and dust away from your belongings.

 

Use cover for any large items

Some items are simply too big to be placed in any plastic containers or boxes. Protect these items by simply covering them with cloth tarps. These sheets of cover will help prevent dust from building up on your belongings.

Alternatively, you can opt to use your old blankets if you do not plan to use them again. Consider wrapping all large furniture with a plastic wrapper before covering them.

 

Clean your storage at least once a year

Every year, we will engage in a spring cleaning effort towards the end of the year to prepare for the New Year. Similarly, your storage space will need to undergo spring cleaning once a year as they collect dust over time.

To keep your storage space clean and tidy, spend at least one day per year cleaning and tidying up. If you have the extra time, it is advisable to do a bit of dusting and cleaning each time you visit your storage unit.

To make things easier for you, simply keep some wipes, sprays and cloths inside your unit, and you would not have to worry about bringing supplies from home each time.

 

Revaluate your storage items

Lastly, while your storage space may seem spacious when you first walk in, it can be filled up quickly. Do not keep accumulating things without periodically going through them. You may consider donating old belongings that you do not need anymore.

Self-storage is a wonderful invention that has provided many around the world with extra space in their living area and working environments.

As useful as self-storage can be, it is natural to have second thoughts about using it, especially if the concept is new to you.

At Extra Space Asia, we are prepared to answer all your questions to give you peace of mind early in your storage journey. Here are some of the answers to the most commonly asked questions by our customers.

What are self-storage units, and what is the average size?

A self-storage unit is a space you rent to store your belongings. You can use your rented space to store almost anything you want, with the exception of a few items—contrabands, perishables, food, flammable materials and prohibited objects.

In general, storage size ranges from as small as 10 square feet to as large as you require. This range serves to accommodate the different requirements that you might face at different stages of your life.

What is the cost of renting a self-storage unit?

The answer to this question will vary based on your storage size, storage duration, storage location, and ongoing promotions. However, prices will generally range from $50 per month (subject to ongoing promotions) for the smallest unit.

To get an accurate quote, simply contact us at 6771 3100 with your requirements so we can help you select the best storage size suited for you at the most affordable price.

Is it possible to tour the storage unit before renting it?

It is absolutely possible to tour your storage unit before renting. In fact, we will highly recommend that you do so!

Just like you will not be likely to purchase a house before visiting, you are not expected to rent a storage unit without first seeing it for yourself. This ensures that the recommended storage space will fit your requirements and hold all your belongings.

Can I access my storage unit anytime I want to? 

Feel free to retrieve, access, or simply take a look at your items any time of the day, any day of the week.

If you have any other questions we did not answer in this article, please feel free to drop us a call at 6771 3100, and we’ll be more than glad to answer them!

Just rented your first self-storage unit to store your personal and business items to enjoy more space? If you are planning to access your storage unit frequently, it is ideal to store your items neatly to access them with ease.

Here are three clever ways to effectively maximise your storage unit space over the years.

Tip 1: Dismantle your big ticket items and furniture

If you have big-ticket items and furniture pieces that you plan to store in your storage unit, consider dismantling them so that they take up lesser space in your unit. Items such as bed frames and bookshelves should be dismantled and wrapped neatly to be easily retrievable when needed.

Did you know that when you rent a self-storage unit, you are essentially paying for every square foot or square metres you rent? Thus, it is always encouraged to list down all the items you plan to store first and see what can be dismantled and wrapped so they will take up less space. This way, you will rent a more cost-effective storage unit that fits your needs and budget.

However, if you have more things to store over the years, you can always upsize your storage unit easily when you rent a storage unit at storage facilities such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage.

Tip 2: Stack items or furniture to your best ability

If you have items such as chairs that can be stacked, you should try your best to stack them safely so that they will take up less space in your storage unit. Stacking also makes for a neater arrangement for easy access in the future.

For box storage, it is key to stack the ones that are heavier and bigger at the bottom so that you can retrieve them easily without straining your back. Do remember to label the boxes too, so that you do not need to open them up just to find one item. It would also help if you stacked the boxes of similar sizes so that they would not stick out in an untidy manner or fall over.

If you need some sturdy boxes, you can always purchase them at Extra Space Asia’s Box Shop.

Tip 3: Utilise the vertical space in your storage unit 

When you have a self-storage unit, shelving can be a good organisation tool to add. The shelving will be great for dividing the space into your storage units according to your needs.

If you are renting a storage unit to store all of your business inventories, it would be good to organise your items based on popularity. Or sort them in a first-in-first-out basis so that you can do your stock-taking easily in your storage unit.

With proper sturdy shelving, you will also be able to fully utilise every inch of space in the storage unit from top to bottom. By optimising your storage space, you’ll be able to save on cost, spending only on what you truly need! If you need to purchase shelving, you can also check in with our friendly Customer Service Executive or purchase them at Extra Space Asia’s Box Shop.

If you are looking to upsize or downsize your storage unit, you can always visit our reception during our operating hours and our friendly Extra Space Asia‘s consultants will be glad to assist you with your next storage unit of a different size.

 

 

By: Michelle Lee

Starting to feel that your children’s toys are taking over most of your space at home? We understand that it can definitely create a level of stress for parents who are constantly cleaning up their kid’s toys every day. As such, here are three ideas to organise toys and items neatly over time.

Choose storage solutions that can survive wear and tear

As we all know, when it comes to playing, kids might throw their items in all directions that could end up damaged in no time. Thus, for children’s storage, it would be good to purchase high-quality plastic bins as they are more durable, easier to clean and allow for labels that can help with your packing and organising process.

However, opting for durable items does not mean parents can only choose those unattractive toy boxes. To spruce it up, consider purchasing different coloured storage boxes to help categorise items and toys. For easier stacking, go for same-size boxes for that neat overall aesthetic.

Use a toy storage system that encourages kids to clean up

To keep the idea of storage fun and easy, parents can try different toy storage systems that fit their kid’s playing methods. For instance, if you have younger kids, you can use labels with pictures instead of words.

Toys that are often used should be placed at locations that are easy to retrieve and put away. For example, on lower shelves, children can reach out easily without much difficulty. For heavy toys, parents can position them on the floor area close to the play area.

It would be preferable to avoid placing all the well-loved toys together in a big box, as that arrangement would encourage children to pull out all the toys and create a mess just to retrieve one single item.

Only keep toys that are frequently used 

Toys have a way of multiplying over the years and over various occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. Year after year, parents might find themselves having to spend more time sorting through more toys. Thus, it is a good practice to narrow down your kid’s toys and only keep those that they play with frequently. This habit will also give the kids a chance to learn how to gift and share their toys with other children who might have lesser or no toys to play with.

If you find your home over-cluttered with toys and rarely-used items, you can also consider storing them in a self-storage unit with your other family items to make more space at home. These unused toys and clothing might come in handy in cases where you are still planning to have more children in the future.

We understand that it can be hard to create an organised home when you have children around, but it is not impossible to create an organised play area for your little ones. We hope these toy storage tips will help you find a toy storage system that works for you and your family.

If you need extra space at home, you can always store unused items at self-storage facilities such as Extra Space Asia. Come visit our clean and secure storage facilities located at Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng, Eunos Link, Hillview, IMM Building, Kallang Way, Marymount, Toa Payoh, Toh Guan, West Coast and Woodlands from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday, 9 am to 1pm, to learn more about our various storage solutions. Alternatively, you can also contact us at 6771 3100 today to find out more.

By: Michelle Lee

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:

• Make an inventory list of all the items you plan to store.
• Take note of how many boxes of items you plan to store.
• Measure the odd size items (height, width, and length) you plan to store.
• Identify items that are temperature-sensitive, fragile and specific things that require special care so that you can pack them accordingly.
• The period you are planning to store.

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 so that you can access your business inventory any time, any day you need to easily.

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.

If you are in need of both movers and self-storage, it would be good to choose a company like Extra Space Asia Self-Storage that provides both services so that it can save you time in coordinating too. With the newly launched e-Move service, we can assist you through your moving process. Feel free to WhatsApp 83 452 452 today to receive a quick mover’s quote or find out more about our e-Move service. You can also fill up the enquiry form here if you want us to email you the details. You can also book and secure a moving slot simply by WhatsApp.

 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 6771 3100 or Whatsapp us if you prefer messaging. Otherwise, simply visit any of our Extra Space Asia Self-Storage facilities located around Singapore during our operating hours from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm and Saturdays, 9am to 1pm,  to find out more!
By: Michelle Lee

Owning a storage unit to enjoy additional space for individuals, families and the business can be an incredible option. Sometimes, you might just want to downsize your home or office, or perhaps you’re moving to another location and need a place to store your belongings during the transition. Regardless of the reasons, owning a self-storage unit at any storage facility is meant to make your life easier. However, if your storage unit becomes messy, dirty and unorganised, you might end up more stressed. To keep your storage space clean and tidy, here are some tips on what you may want to consider working on.

Label your belongings

It can never be said enough: always label your belongings. When you first move into your storage unit, it’s easy to remember what is in every box. However, as time passes, remembering the location of each item will start to become more and more challenging. To make it easier for your future self, always label the boxes and belongings you are storing. This way, you can easier retrieve any items you need when you visit the storage facility in the future.

Clean your belongings before storing them

It is important to clean and dry your belongings before you store them in your storage unit. Do not put dirty, smelly, or damp items into your storage unit. Storing dirty, smelly or damp belongings into your storage unit makes your storage space a hotbed for pests, mould, and mildew. What is worse than this is the unpleasant and stale smell that might build up over time!

Use boxes or containers

When placing small or medium-sized items into your storage unit, make sure they are in sturdy boxes or containers. Simply putting them into plastic bags is not enough as the place will get disorganised over time. Boxes or containers help with your organisation and allow you to stack, maximising the space you can use. They will also assist in keeping moisture, dust and pest away from your belongings. If you are looking to purchase boxes for your items, you can always consider getting them from us! Our Box Shop offers a variety of storage boxes size to suit your every need. Alternatively, if you are already planning a trip to Ikea, why not look at some storage box options in-store.

Do not store perishables

Be careful of what you store! Some items are not allowed to be stored for a reason. Things like food or perishable product tend to go bad and turn mouldy. On top of that, they can even attract unwanted pests into your storage unit and damage all your belongings.

Cover your furniture

Dust is inevitable everywhere, especially in places that have been untouched for a long time. To protect your furniture against dust, make sure that they are covered with tarpaulins made of cloth. These cloth tarpaulins help to prevent dust from scattering everywhere. While you may consider using plastic tarpaulins, they tend to wear down over time and are not advisable as a cover for wooden furniture. If you don’t have tarpaulins, you can also consider using old blankets. If possible, it’ll be even better if you can wrap your furniture with a plastic wrapper before covering them with tarpaulins.

Visit your storage unit at least once a year

While we tend to just store and forget, it’s good to visit our storage unit at least once a year to allow some air in. During your visit, it is a good idea to bring along some wipes, sprays and cloths to clean and wipe down all surfaces to ensure that they are dust-free.

Re-evaluate all stored contents

Your storage unit may seem spacious when you first walk in. However, over time, items can pile up quickly, requiring you to move to an even larger unit. While this can be an option, it should not always be the case. You should not be accumulating items without periodically going through them. It’ll only make sense to get rid of things as time passes. Sort your items out into three different piles; Keep, Discard, and Donate. For those who find it hard to part with any items, you can create another pile: a Wait-and-See. By donating and discarding any unneeded possessions, we can free up more space in the storage space.

Some of the most difficult items to store in your storage unit are fragile items such as antiques, glassware and mirrors. To prevent damage during transportation and storage, you will want to pack the items in the most suitable manner possible.   Here are three tips on packing and storing your fragile items to ensure that they are protected during transportation, storage, and retrieval.  

Pack in a Suitable Box

Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and selecting the right box is of utmost importance. The three most important aspects to consider are size, type, and quality.  

Size

Always choose a box of an appropriate size to fit all your items nicely. Think twice before over packing a box with fragile items as they will get crushed during transportation and while in storage. Similarly, never leave too much ‘wiggle’ room as the items might shift around and be vulnerable to damage.  

Type

Choose the right boxes for the right purposes. For example, we have a wine box designed for the sole purpose of storing wine bottles. With specialised packing cartons, you can rest assured that you have provided your items with superior cushioning.  

Quality

Did you know that not all boxes are created equally? Boxes of higher quality usually have better cardboard strength. The durability of a box directly impacts the amount of weight it can handle. For your fragile items, consider getting boxes of a higher quality to prevent punctures or collapse during storage.

Add protective materials for extra support

It is important to use bubble wrap, stretch wrap and packing paper before putting your fragile items into boxes. These protective materials will provide additional support for the items.   Consider adding layers of bubble wrap in between your items, as well as on the top and bottom of the box to act as a cushion. This will prevent your items from getting crushed if a heavy box gets accidentally placed on top.  

Mark the Boxes as Fragile

Once the boxes are fully packed, mark them as fragile to ensure that they will be handled with care. Do remember to avoid stacking boxes on top to avoid crushing them. And if the boxes must be kept upright, mark them as such – placing some items sideways, or upside-down may result in damage.   If required, pack them separately to ensure that they are light enough to be handled with care.

Battling with your wardrobe and falling clothes every day due to a lack of space and proper organisation? Here are three ideas on how to keep your clothes, shoes, bags and accessories organised and maximise your wardrobe space.

 Do a proper spring clean of your wardrobe

Before you start organising your wardrobe, you should declutter and consider donating your clothes that you no longer use or wear. We recommend this routine every quarter if you have a small wardrobe space. This will help create more space in your wardrobe for your new clothing or those clothing lying on your floor and around your room.

Trying the KonMari folding method

If you hastily fold your clothes before putting them away in your wardrobe, not only will they look wrinkled, you will also be wasting your precious wardrobe space unnecessarily. When it comes to folding hacks, people would recommend the KonMari folding method. The KonMari folding routine includes folding your clothes into neat bundles that can stand on their own so that you will be able to see everything at one glance. Her space-saving techniques will be a lifesaver if you have many clothes but insufficient space to store everything. This folding system includes many tutorials on folding various clothing like tops, socks, sweaters etc., that you can try out.

Get creative with organising your wardrobe 

You should try organising and arranging your wardrobe based on your personality and personal habits. For example, you can organise your clothing based on colours, seasons, garment type or even the order of how you get dressed.

For those seasonal items that are bulky and take up a lot of space, you can also try using a clothing vacuum bag that will help to pack your items into tightly sealed bags and minimise the overall storage space required to store them.

If you are looking for extra space to store your seasonal items or items that you hardly use, try storing them in a self-storage unit. Some perks of using a self-storage unit include the freedom to store more than your personal belongings. This dedicated space can also be used for your collection hobby, business inventory — you can even share spaces with your family members to fully optimise the storage unit.

It is also like your home where you can access any time, any day, 24 hours. At Extra Space Asia, we also offer climate controlled and air-conditioned storage units to store your temperature-sensitive items in peace. For more storage enquiries, you can also contact Extra Space Asia Self-Storage today at 6771 3100 to learn more about our various storage solutions. Feel free to also visit any of our 11 storage facilities located around Singapore today from 9am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) or 9am to 1pm (Saturday) to learn more about our various storage solutions.

 
By: Michelle Lee