Questions to Ask Before Signing With a Storage Company

Not all storage companies are created equal. Some will keep your stuff safe, dry, and easy to access. Others… not so much. The trick is knowing what to ask before you hand over your things, or your money.

At Safestore Containers, we’ve stored everything from furniture to tools to entire house lots. Over the years, we’ve had all sorts of people come to us after bad experiences elsewhere. Locked-in contracts. Surprise charges. Containers that leak. Or yards so hard to get to they just gave up visiting.

So we put together this guide to help you avoid all that.

In this article, we go through the key questions to ask before signing up with a storage company. You’ll learn how to figure out which self storage units actually suit your stuff, what to check when it comes to security, pricing, access, and hire terms, and how to make sure the storage facility is actually fit for purpose.

Because once your stuff’s locked away, the last thing you want is regrets.

1. What size storage units do you offer?

Start here. You don’t want to pay for space you don’t need. Or worse, realise halfway through moving that you’ve run out of room.

Ask what sizes are available and get specific. Most storage companies will offer 10ft or 20ft containers. A 10ft unit can usually handle the contents of a small flat, or a few larger bits of furniture. A 20ft one is better for a full house move, trade gear, or business stock.

Get clear on how much space you’re actually getting. Ask them what fits. And don’t let anyone sell you something too big ‘just in case.’

2. Are the storage containers secure and weatherproof?

This one really matters. You’re putting things into storage to keep them safe. Not to have them ruined by a leaky roof or dodgy lock.

Ask if the containers are fully sealed. Have they been checked for rust or water damage? What kind of locks are allowed or recommended? And what kind of security is on site? Are there cameras? Is it a gated yard? Do they monitor who comes in and out?

Don’t assume all containers are equal. Some are solid. Others are one big storm away from letting the water in, or flimsy enough to break into with a crowbar.

3. Can I access my storage unit easily?

It’s your stuff. So, you should be able to get to it when you need to.

Ask how access works. Can you drive right up to the unit? Is it flat ground, or will you be lugging things down a ramp or through a narrow hallway? Are there set opening hours, or is it by appointment? Any limits on how often you can visit?

You don’t want to realise after signing that you have to book a time slot just to grab a box of clothes.

4. What are the hire terms?

Storage should work around you. Not the other way around.

Ask how long you have to commit for. Can you rent week to week? Is there a minimum term? How much notice do you have to give when you’re ready to move out?

The more flexible the hire terms, the easier it’ll be to adjust if your plans change. And they usually do.

5. What’s included in the price?

This is where it’s easy to get stung. A lot of storage companies advertise one price, then hit you with extras later.

Ask if the price includes GST. It should. Ask if there are any extra charges. For example, setup fees, deposits, admin fees, charges to access your unit, or anything else like that. Do you bring your own lock, or do you have to buy one from them?

If something sounds vague, keep pushing. You’re allowed to know exactly what you’re paying for.

6. What’s your process if I want to move out?

Don’t leave this one until the last minute.

Ask how much notice you need to give. One week? Two? What happens if you move out early? Do you get refunded for the unused time? Do they make you pay through to the end of the month?

If things are clear and simple, great. If not, that’s your warning sign.

7. Do you have customer reviews I can read?

Real reviews matter. Not just the star rating, but what people actually say.

Look for recent reviews that talk about the things that matter. For example, how easy the process was, how helpful the staff were, whether the units are actually dry and secure, and how issues were handled if something went wrong.

If the reviews are all vague or sound too good to be true without any real detail, that’s worth questioning. And if there aren’t any recent ones at all, that’s not a great sign either.

Trusted Storage Company in Auckland

A good storage company won’t dance around your questions. They’ll give you straight answers about pricing, hire terms, access, and security, because they know how frustrating it is when you don’t get that clarity.

If someone’s vague or avoids the question, that’s your sign to keep looking. Storage should be simple. You should know exactly what you’re paying for, how to get to your stuff, and how to move out when you’re done. No surprises. No nonsense.

At Safestore Containers, that’s exactly how we operate. We offer a range of self storage units, so you can choose the right size without wasting space or cash. Our sites are secure, easy to access, and looked after by a reliable and responsive team. You’ll find us in East Tamaki, Glendene, and Onehunga. So, you’re never too far from your stuff.

Need help picking the right storage unit? Get in touch or grab a free quote today.