Life always comes with unpredictable surprises – sometimes there’s a need to move, downsize or simply gain a bit of elbow room around home.
Other times, it’s not just about a temporary spot for your stuff – but a place where your treasured possessions can comfortable settle in for the long haul. We’re talking about long-term storage, a topic that often pairs with anxious questions.
“Will my stuff remain safe over several years?”
“How can I trust things won’t get damaged while I’m gone?”
That’s where warehouse units come in, offering a fantastic solution for secure, long-term storage. You could probably consider them the unsung heroes of the storage world – especially when you’re looking to store away things for months, or even years at a time.
We recently sat down and chatted with Nikki Manson, the super-organised and hard working manager of the Hornby and Ferrymead branches in Christchurch. Nikki gave us the inside scoop on warehouse units and why they’re such a hit with customers – she’s got her finger on the pulse of what makes these units tick, and why they’re truly a game changer for your long-term storage needs.
Hornby: Variety, Value & Ventilation – The Internal Advantage
In Hornby, Safeguard Storage offers a wide range of options – including drive-up units, external carpark spaces, and most notably their superb internal warehouse units. These internal units are particularly fantastic for long-term storage, offering an environment that’s a cut above.
“They’re super well ventilated and in a dry and well looked-after building,” Nikki explained.
“They’re great for people who want to put things away for a long time, but might be concerned about external units that might have leaks.” There’s nothing worse than thinking your prized possessions are safe, only to find them a bit… soggy.
With Hornby’s internal units, Nikki said, you can dismiss those fears with ease. She shared the perfect example of how warehouse units might come to the rescue.
“I actually, not long ago, had a customer who decided to pack up and go campervanning everywhere, so they put their entire house’s contents into a warehouse unit and went travelling for a couple of years. When they came back, everything was still in perfect condition.”
Imagine the peace of mind, knowing your entire home’s belongings were perfectly preserved while you’re off exploring the wonders of New Zealand (or beyond!). It’s like a time capsule for your goods, ensuring they emerge just as you left them.
One of the biggest advantages that the Hornby branch has to offer is the sheer variety on offer.
“Hornby has eighty odd different units with various sizes to choose from,” Nikki notes, allowing customers to find the perfect fit for their budget and belongings. It means Hornby is “better for the wallet” and can be a “cheaper alternative” if you’re looking for a specific size, or more economical option.
Nikki’s presence at Hornby is even more hands-on.
“I’m physically onsite from Monday through to Saturday – always here wandering around and getting to know the people here as well,” she said.
The facility boasts robust CCTV and a fully automated ICT system, ensuring consistent protection. “The code that the customer sets up is very specific to their unit and alarm system,” Nikki adds, providing personalised security for every customer.
“There’s a big of a community,” Nikki observes about the Hornby branch, with some customers having been there for nearly four years. This speaks volumes about the trust and satisfaction customers have with Safeguard Storage. And should their needs change, the branch is ready to accommodate.
“Hornby is good to help with transferring you if you’re needing a larger unit, or moving things around.” Flexibility is key when you’re in it for the long haul.
Ferrymead’s Powered-Up Powerhouses
Over in Ferrymead, Nikki also oversees a facility that’s a bit unique in the Safeguard Storage family.
“Our Ferrymead facility is one of the smaller ones, with only 38 units – but it’s pretty consistently booked up,” Nikki shares. And there’s a good reason for that: every single unit at Ferrymead comes electrical hook-up with power included in the monthly rate.
No hidden power bills, no faffing about with separate accounts – just simple, all-inclusive convenience.
“The power is a real draw,” Nikki explains. “It’s really handy if people want that option to charge items. Primarily, they sell more as workshops, but people often use them to store household things and charge bits and bobs while they’re stored away.”
Imagine storing your caravan and being able to trickle-charge its battery, or keeping your classic car ready for a drive without worrying about the battery falling flat. It’s like a mini-garage, but without the hassle of property taxes!
The units themselves are generous, with some boasting impressive dimensions – like the 3 x 5 x 9-metre high units. That’s enough space to make your belongings feel like they’re in a proper warehouse.
Nikki notes that the items stored at Ferrymead are wonderfully varied: “It kind of ranges from car, to boat, to caravan – there’s no one particular thing, just a bit of everything depending on what people need.” This flexibility makes Ferrymead a popular choice for all sorts of long-term storage.
Even though Nikki is based at the Hornby branch, the Ferrymead facility runs like clockwork thanks to Safeguard’s advanced systems. “It’s remotely run by myself – I sit in Hornby, and if somebody wants to do a viewing, I can ring them and show them how security works,” Nikki says. “But it’s a five-minute process to sign people up over the phone.”
When it comes to security, rest assured your treasures are in safe hands. The same robust CCTV and ICT system as Hornby are in place. Plus, all units are drive-up, making access incredibly easy – no navigating tricky corridors or lifts.
For those dedicated long-term customers, Nikki makes a point of being present.
“Generally for long-term customers, it’s down to me doing my walkthroughs so my presence is known on-site. I also like to touch-base with tenants to make sure things have been handled, if they need help with anything.” It’s this personal touch that really sets our Safeguard facilities apart.
“I hope people like seeing me! Most people stop and have a chat, but it depends if I’m mid-way to clean something,” she chuckles.
Long-Term Storage – General Tips For The Big Haul
If you’re thinking that warehouse units might be the solution you’re after, you’re making an excellent choice! Now, how do you make sure your belongings emerge from their long slumber, just as splendid as they went in?
Here’s some top tips to consider, with a bit of Kiwi common sense thrown in.
Clean & Dry Everything.
This is paramount, especially in a humid climate like ours. Anything stored that’s still damp will become a mould magnet while you’re gone. Clean all of your furniture, appliances and even clothes before you pack them.
Think of it as giving your items a spa day before their long nap – you’ll be thankful for it when you return.
Invest in Quality Packing Materials.
Forget flimsy cardboard boxes that collapse like a politician’s promise. Opt for sturdy, stackable boxes. Plastic bins with airtight lids are brilliant for items that are sensitive to moisture – like documents, books or electronics.
Label, Label, Label!
This one might seem obvious, but believe us – we’ve seen so many customers turn their entire unit upside down, trying to find that ONE BOX they didn’t label correctly.
Clearly label each box (on multiple sides) with its contents. A master list, or inventory at home (and perhaps a photo on your phone) is even better. Nobody wants to play archaeological detective when you’re finally ready to unpack… unless you’re into that sort of thing.
Protect Furniture
Disassemble your furniture whenever possible. Rap legs, arms and corners with furniture blankets or bubble wrap. For upholstered items, cover them with breathable fabric (old sheets work well) to prevent dust and allow air circulation.
Avoid plastic sheeting directly on fabric, as it can trap pre-existing moisture and create a mini swamp.
Defrost & Clean Appliances
Fridges, freezers and washing machines must be thoroughly cleaned, dried and left with doors slightly ajar to prevent mould and unpleasant odours. You don’t want to open your fridge years later to discover a new and fuzzy ecosystem.
Drain Fuel and Fluids from Machinery
If you’re storing lawnmowers or other small engines, make sure to drain the fuel and oil to prevent corrosion and fire hazards. It’s better safe than sorry – and certainly better than a surprise explosion when you to start it up again.
Pack Smartly
Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and units, distributing weight evenly. Create an aisle if your unit is large, so you can access items without having to pull everything out first.
You’re packing a unit, not playing Jenga!
Choosing the right long-term storage option can feel like a big decision, but with Safeguard Storage’s fantastic warehouse units, you can rest easy knowing your belongings are in capable hands.
Whether it’s the exceptionally dry and secure internal warehousing units at Hornby, perfect for ensuring your possessions emerge just as you left them, or the convenient and powered options at Ferrymead, these units offer the perfect blend of security, accessibility, and peace of mind for anything – from a house-full of furniture to a beloved classic car.
With Nikki and the Safeguard team’s dedication to excellent service and top-notch facilities, your long-term storage journey will be smooth sailing. So, go ahead, declutter your life or embark on that long-awaited adventure. Your stuff will be waiting, safe and sound, ready for its grand re-entrance.