Comparing Storage Options: Mobile vs Self-Storage vs Managed

Three Models, Different Trade-offs

Not all storage is the same. The right option depends on what you are storing, how long you need it, how often you need access, and how much physical effort you want to invest. This guide compares the three main storage formats available in Australia so you can choose based on facts rather than marketing.

Key Takeaways

• Mobile storage delivers a container to your door and stores it in a secure facility; ideal for moves, renovations, and decluttering when you want minimal effort

• Self-storage gives you a unit in a shared facility with direct access during opening hours; ideal when you need to visit frequently

• Managed (traditional) storage provides full-service packing, loading, and storage by a professional crew; ideal for high-value items, long-term storage, and interstate transitions

• The cheapest headline rate does not always mean the lowest total cost; factor in transport, handling, time, and insurance

• Kent offers all three formats, making it possible to choose based on your needs rather than the provider's product range

How do the three storage types work?

Mobile storage

A container (typically 8 cubic metres) is delivered to your address. You load it yourself (DIY) or a professional crew loads for you (loading service or pack-and-load tier). The container is then collected and stored in a secure facility. When you need your items back, the container is redelivered to any address.

• Capacity: Approximately 1-2 bedrooms per container

• Loading: Self-load (DIY) or professional crew

• Access: By appointment; container redelivered or specific items pulled and sent

• Starting from: $149/month (DIY self-load)

Self-storage

You rent a unit (locker, room, or garage-sized space) in a shared facility. You transport your items there yourself (using your own vehicle or hiring a van), load the unit, and visit whenever you need to access your belongings during facility opening hours.

• Capacity: Varies from 1 cubic metre locker to 20+ cubic metre unit

• Loading: You do everything yourself

• Access: Self-access during facility hours (some offer 24/7)

• Typical cost: $200-$400/month for a unit suitable for household furniture

Managed (traditional) storage

A professional crew arrives at your home, packs your belongings using specialist wrapping materials, loads everything into sealed reinforced steel containers, and transports them to a climatised facility. Items remain sealed and untouched until you request redelivery.

• Capacity: Scales to any volume; containers allocated based on your pre-move survey

• Loading: Professional crew handles everything including packing, wrapping, and loading

• Access: By appointment; specific items can be retrieved without accessing the full container

• Pricing: Based on volume after a pre-move survey; rates can be as low as 50% of self-storage for equivalent volume

How do they compare side by side?

What are the hidden costs of each option?

The monthly headline rate tells only part of the story. Here are the costs that often surprise people.

Hidden costs by storage type

When you add transport, packing materials, your own time, and the risk of damage from amateur packing, the total cost of self-storage often exceeds mobile or managed storage despite a lower headline monthly rate.

Which option is right for you?

The answer depends on three factors: how much physical effort you want to invest, how often you need to access your items, and how long you plan to store.

Decision guide