Six questions to ask your self storage manager before moving in

Are you contemplating renting a storage unit?  If you are after something a wee bit more secure than this old mattress storage unit seen this morning in the news you will probably first think about three key items, location, cost and security.  

Even if you have rented self storage before, it is always a good idea when renting to look around, try something new and ask a few questions of the self storage manager.  

Is a lease required, or is my rent month-to-month?

All self-storage facilities will require you to sign a month to month lease, however, some facilities will offer a discount if you pay up front for leases in six or twelve monthly periods.

Does your self storage facility provide 24hr access?

Most storage facilities will have regular access hours, very few will have 24hr access, however for businesses and people needing 24hr access you may be able to pay an extra fee to allow you freedom in your movements.

Does your storage facility have individually alarmed units?

A properly secure self storage facility will have individually alarmed units, this means your unit is always alarmed unless you have used your pin code or swipe card on entry, immediately alerting staff of any irregular movement if you are not on the premises.  This along with CCTV and good lighting is one of my priorities when renting a storage unit as it provides me with peace of mind that everything is properly protected.

How good is the lighting?

We all know that feeling of rummaging around in the dark looking for things, always check for good lighting in your storage facility for well lit corridors and units to make moving items in and out (and being able to find them when needed) easy.

Can I move in online?

Modern storage facilities will have the ability for you to move in and pay online.  Be wary of those facilities who don't have this ability or aren't displaying prices it usually means they are wanting you to pick up that phone to sell you a unit in a sub-standard facility at a higher market price.

What additional facilities and services do you have available?

When you rent a house you want to feel at home, it should be the same at a self storage facility.  Ask about access to wifi, whether there is space to sit down and do some work and have a coffee (and access to a clean bathroom) in between sales appointments and what else your potential facility may offer.

Self Storage for Real Estate Agents

Never has a market been more competitive for real estate agents.  Houses are selling in Auckland like hot cakes at record prices but it would seem to win the right to sell, commissions are being dropped, incentives are being offered and you need a convincing package for your vendor to sign an exclusive.

Presentation, how can you present your offices at their best?

The whole deal is what it is all about, well kept presentation files, slick signage and access to home stagers or re-usable home decor to makeover a house at short notice for showings and open homes.  All of this can take up large amounts of space which unfortunately the majority of Auckland real estate offices don't have the space for.

Keeping your files safe and secure

Most real estate offices have boxes and boxes of files requiring safe, secure storage.   So with a lack of space where do real estate agents store? Usually in a reputable self storage facility. The costs are minimal, files are safe and you can still achieve a well organised space with easily accessible filing cabinets and alphabetised document boxes giving you the ability to keep your office clean and professional.  

Protect your investment, get rid of the clutter

Clutter is often the number one first impression guaranteed to turn potential clients off.  Keep all your signs, banners, brochures and promotional goodies in another part of your storage unit.  Signage takes up a huge amount of space and is easily damaged.  When you think of the cost involved in every open home with around 20-30 directional signs, lock boxes, brochures, banners and associated hardware it pays to keep as much as you can re-usable, clean and tidy.  

The extra edge

Often clients are looking for options to give them that extra edge.  Real Estate agents who can offer extra support to their clients by providing a safe secure storage unit to hold extra clutter while open homes are on can often mean the difference between a standard agent and one who is known for going the extra mile.  The additional commission when an uncluttered house sells for an inflated price more than pays for the space!

A real estate agent using self storage can also offer support to their clients looking to purchase a new home as well.  For many clients, during the transition period they will need to store their stuff and in this situation a real estate agent can refer a storage unit to the seller during that period, taking your estate service to the next level.  Having a great relationship with a self storage facility who offer cash back to realtors who bring business to them, can take the hassle out of real-estate work.  

Vehicle storage - keeping your car safe and secure in storage

Trains, Planes and Automobiles .. The quarter acre dream has passed, garages are often non-existent and you have run out of room for your polished piece of joy.  What to do?  Store it!  

What are your options?

Some self-storage and vehicle storage facilities will provide outdoor parking only, while others will provide covered space or fully enclosed units.  Look for additional facilities available for vehicles either on premise or close including wash-bays and petrol stations.  

Before you put your vehicle into storage:

Measure - I always measure my car (plus me - so I can get in and out) before I drive it into a self storage space.  A unit can often look bigger than it is, so it does pay to check that you can easily drive in and out without causing damage to your car or the unit.  

Air Conditioning - Set the air conditioning to 're-circulate'.  This will shut the ventilation system off to the outside and prevent little nasties from entering.  If you are storing in an area when this is a worries seal off the air intake and tail pipes as well, rubber gloves are great for this.  

Spic and Span - Clean both the interior and exterior thoroughly, whether stored inside or out this will help protect your first love from mildew, rust and rodents.  Silica or moisture absorbers are also great inside the car to protect from moisture and odour buildups.  A good storage facility will take measures to protect against rodents, but do make sure to check as rodents will often chew electrical wiring and anything else they deem edible inside stored vehicles.  

Fuel Systems - When storing for a long time replace all fluids including transmission fluid, oil, antifreeze, power steering and brake fluid.  A fresh tank of fuel and a fuel stabiliser are also recommended to prevent corrosion in the fuel lines.  

Battery - Either disconnect the battery or complete remove from the car (this prevents leakage).

Tyres - Ensure tyres are at there full pressure, this will avoid flat spots on a car not being driven for a long period of time.

Brakes - Dis-engage parking brakes and leave manual cars in neutral.   Use vehicle blocks to stop movement.  This will protect your brake drums from sticking.  

COVER COVER COVER - If you are storing outdoors, cover your vehicle to protect from moisture (rust prevention) and other elements.  Even if indoors a cover will also help to protect from dust and any other damage if you have other items stored in your unit.  Choose your cover carefully, it is worth spending extra money on a cover that won't trap moisture or scratch an expensive paint job.

When in storage what will be required of me?

Insurance - Your storage facility will not be covered for theft or damage to your vehicle while in storageCheck with your insurance company whether your car is covered while in storage, you may need to take out additional or different insurance during this period.  Your storage facility may also be able to provide insurance options.

Current WOF and Registration - You will be required to show a current warrant and registration (or exemption paperwork).

Your car will be required by a storage facility to be in working order and you will need to show identification and proof of insurance.

Most self storage facilities will not allow vehicles to be worked on in storage, check with your storage facility first if that is your intention.

Last but not least

Take your baby for a drive, show it some love and let it know you are coming back!

I

Don’t turn Inside Out, things to do in Auckland during the School Holidays

It is July in Auckland, what some would say is the most beautiful month of the year in the best city in the world.  When else to you get to sit with friends over long meals and a glass of wine in front of a roaring fire or rug up in layers of clothes, using all your fabulous accessories to their best advantage?

Okay okay we get it though, with the rug-rats on the school holidays, the rain pouring down and a vicious chill in the air can be rough!  But whether July brings out your best or worst we can all agree it is a unique time in the city, so wrap the kids up warm, buckle their seat-belts because it is time to enjoy all the school holiday events Auckland has on offer.

Natty Navy Knotters

At only $3.00 this is a bargain!  Catch the ferry to the Navy Museum, Torpedo Bay in Devonport (a event all of its own) and learn how to make you own Natty Navy Knotter.  Kids will learn to use the reef, half-hitch and thumb knot to make a cool Natty Navy Knotter to hang from their bag.  Afterwards they can explore the Museum and North Head.  

Be a Captain for a Day

Still in the nautical them, visit the Maritime Museum (Free for NZ citizens and residents) and become a Captain for a day.  Follow the Jack Tar trail and uncover the greatest sea captains from New Zealand's maritime history.  Gather round to hear the tall tales and create your very own Captains hat and seaworthy vessel.  For an additional charge you can also go sailing like a real Captain too!  Since you are in the city you can wander over into Silo Square and explore all the nooks and crannies for kids, the cool converted storage containers and Mum or Dad can have a well deserved coffee.

For the Science Lovers

Motat has the Science Roadshow holiday experience on, with two great live shows and over 60 interactive exhibits.  In the Discovery Dome there is so much to learn about electricity and the one I am most excited about, you and the kids can get hands-on with OZOBOTS, a brand new hi-tech robot toy, teaching the kids all about static electricity.  

And remember .... the Zoo is just down the road

The Zoo has so many experiences on these holidays one of the best in my view being a day where the kids can book in to learn how to be a Junior Keeper for a day.

For more great things to do

One of our favourite sites is Auckland for Kids which has events on every day of the holidays whether you are West, South, East or North of the Harbour Bridge.  

Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitakere Ranges, West Auckland will provide you with a wealth of things to do for the whole school holidays as well.

What ever you do, the best part about School Holidays has to be the extra time you have to kiss, cuddle and laugh with your kids and just love them.

Could you put a Property Price on these 7 Weird and Wonderful homes of NZ?

When the mood kicks in it is always great to escape out of Auckland and do a road trip.  When you take your time I have always been astounded by the scope of weird and wonderful architecture in unexpected pockets of the country.  

A home fit for a princess

When I was little I always wanted to be a princess,  with its own turret I could have pretended to be Rapunzel in Larnach Castle, a real castle right here in New Zealand.

Star Wars

My little brothers however were far more into Star Wars and this home which was feature of a recent Trademe Competition would have created a space of their own and  transported them to a galaxy far far away.  

Old Mother Hubbard could have lived here

The boot house down in Nelson is a dream come true for all the little kids who dream of living a nursery rhyme life.  A house like this deserves to be full of happy laughing children climbing all over the top and sliding down the sides!

 The life of a Gypsy

When I got a little bit older it the travel bug kicked in and I would have dearly loved one of these gypsy house trucks to live the life of an adventurer to travel the length of New Zealand.

The Hobbit Hole

Down in Rotorua we discovered a hobbit lover has built their own wonderful hobbit hole to while away the days in.  Lucky for us our son has never seen this or the star wars house or I think we would be forced to pack up a moving van and move out of Auckland in a heartbeat!

The famous Tirau Dog

It's not a house but if it ever came up for sale the Visitor Information centre in Tirau would make the most incredible house for all the dog lovers out there, whenever we drive on through I quickly distract my dog loving daughter so we are forced to stop and take the never ending doggy photos.  

Oh to live a life by the sea

Home to the poet Sam Hunt for many a year, when I used to travel regularly to Wellington for business often, I always coveted the charming boatsheds all around the Wellington Coastline.  Though years later I eventually got my wish to live by the sea in the wild west coast of Auckland, I would have much preferred on of these to a sterile hotel room any day.

Creating Space in a Small Bedroom without a SpaceX rocket!

Renovation costs in Auckland are rising and so are property prices so we need to be creative as we move into smaller spaces to accommodate our stuff.  Our bedrooms are often last on the list as they are the room seen least, but as the room we spend a great deal of time in, we really need to think about this space.  

My bedroom is my haven.  It is not particularly large but every inch is used to its best advantage.  When I was renovating I made sure I bought relaxing big space ideas into my little sanctuary.

Remove the Excess - Use a Storage Box 

The more you have in your small space the more cramped it is going to feel.  I made a tough decision to sell many items and the rest I put in a storage box or removed into Self Storage.  This instantly created an illusion of space and calm in my room.  

Choose the right furniture and storage

I was lucky enough to have the option to build my wardrobes in with drawers to negate the need for a dresser or amoire.  This was one less challenge to deal with.  However, what I found was space was created by choosing furniture that was slim but high and rectangular not curved.  Nightstands with space underneath also greatly increased the illusion of space.  Perhaps the biggest space was created though with a bed that had storage underneath.  Storage baskets are a godsend for small spaces.

Make your bed the focal point

In a small bedroom your bed will more than likely be the focal point.  Size your other furniture and decor to fit the size of your bed so your room is well proportioned.  A large mirror can also add an illusion of extra space and bring a romantic feel to the bedroom.

Make room for a reading chair

Not only does a reading chair and lamp make your room so much more relaxing, but it can be multifunctional in getting more use out of your small bedroom and for throwing the odd piece of clothing on when you just want to crawl into bed for the night!

Choose your colours and artwork wisely

I used light muted colours in my small space and bought the darker and brighter colours in as accents.  Not only did this give the illusion of a larger space but it utilised the natural light to its best advantage.  Artwork will have the same effect, so plan carefully to ensure your haven stays as just that - your haven.