If you are in between moves, renovating your home or just need extra space for your goods, self-storage is a great option to keep your home organised. But when booking with home movers in Singapore, you may get confused between different storage options.
Read this blog for more insights and make an informed decision when choosing between long-term and short-term storage. This blog lists all the details, benefits, and considerations to help you make the right decision. So, before hiring movers in Singapore, read on.
What Is The Difference Between Self-Storage And Short-Term Storage?
Firstly, you need to know the difference between short-term and long-term storage to understand the need for either.
Enjoy 24/7 Personal Walk-In Access
The self-storage units provide you with your own personal keycard to access the space at any time to put or remove any objects.
Short-Term Storage Offers Full Doorstep Pickups
The valet companies collect your boxes right from your home and keep them in a secure warehouse facility.
Self-Storage Requires Personal Heavy Lifting
You will need to hire a van on your own and carry the objects to the storage facility.
Valet Options Bill strictly by Box Count
Great choice for those who are downsizing their small apartments and storing just ten plastic boxes.
So, you can store your goods accordingly, whether you are moving a long distance or just seeking a temporary space for keeping your goods for a few days of renovation.
When Is Short-Term Storage Better Than Long-Term?
Having understood the distinction between the two, you need to appreciate why either of the two storage systems is used.
Perfect Solution for Renovation Delays
Opt for a brief rental period of a month or a few if the work at your new BTO (build-to-order) flat is unexpectedly taking longer.
Ideal for Temporary Rental Transitions
Ensure that your furniture remains safe for several weeks during the transfer from one lease period to another.
Saves Massive Cash on Annual Contracts
A higher price per month of short-term rentals means that you will not be bound to 12-month contracts.
Helps You Declutter Homes Step-by-Step
Remove seasonal items temporarily while preparing your current flat for sale.
Look for Monthly Rolling Flexi Options
Find a storage option that doesn’t enforce a long-term one-time payment, but rather allows you to extend your contract weekly.
Now, you can pick the facility as per your storage needs and prepare your goods and the budget for the move accordingly.
How Do I Calculate The Storage Unit Size I Need?
When you book with home movers in Singapore for storage services, you can budget the cost based on the following factors, as long-term storage can get a bit expensive.
Count Your Total Moving Box Volumetrics
Using this as a general guide, 10 typical cardboard boxes will need about 15 square feet of floor space.
Stack Items Vertically to the Ceiling Line
Go for units that have a high ceiling of 3 meters so you can store your furniture higher up and reduce the cost.
Dismantle Large Table Legs Flat
Disassembling dining tables and bed frames will make them take up 70% less space.
The cost of the storage unit also depends on the type of service you choose. But the above steps ensure that you can significantly save on the move,
What Insurance Coverage Do I Need For Stored Items?
To keep your goods in the storage, you’d need a risk coverage that is generally provided by the movers. You must take care of the following first.
Facilities Enforce Mandatory Base Insurance
For fire and theft prevention, most storage companies in Singapore charge a small amount as risk coverage.
Declare the True Value of Valuables
Make sure that the value of items you declare is realistic so you will get full compensation when accidents happen.
Check for High-Value Item Exclusions
Most of the time, the basic policy of a facility does not cover cash, priceless art, and expensive gold jewellery.
Keep an Itemised Photo Log Archive
Keep records of all items stored inside the unit to process your claims easily.
Even if you plan to pack DIY (do-it-yourself) for the storage, it’s better to seek affordable movers in Singapore, and buy a full package to ensure the safety of your goods.
FAQs
What is the procedure for moving house?
It involves decluttering, hiring movers, packing room by room, updating your address, and arranging your utilities.
Is it better to put clothes in bags or boxes when moving?
If you are moving your clothes to your new home to be unpacked soon, then you can pack them in a suitcase. But, for storage, it’s better to pack your clothes in a box and add silica packets.
What day is not suitable to move house?
Moving at weekends, Saturday and Sunday, can be costly due to the high surcharges on the move and low service availability.
How to move on a low budget?
Moving DIY (do-it-yourself), i.e. packing by yourself and hiring a moving lorry to transfer your goods, is the most cost-effective way of moving.
Are storage facilities in Singapore fully air-conditioned?
Yes, the storage units are always air-conditioned. It is a necessary feature to keep humidity low, preventing mould growth on leather bags and wood furniture.
Takeaways
Therefore, short-term storage is preferable for renovations or temporarily storing your goods for a few days or weeks. On the other hand, shipping goods internationally can take time, especially if you choose an LCL (Less than Container Load) option.
Your goods will arrive in three months at most. This is when you’d need long-term storage service, so that your goods are safe and taken care of until you can migrate and settle down.
Besides, if you are planning any long-term renovations to your new home, you can book with reliable home movers in Singapore months before the move, so that you can budget the storage service accordingly.
