Homes put in self-storage

TASMANIA’S housing crisis has contributed to unprecedented demand for self-storage facilities around Hobart, with many families forking out hundreds of dollars a month to keep their belongings safe.

Southern Midlands Storage manager Michael Kennett said his company had experienced extremely high demand and was close to capacity.

“I’m aware there are a num- ber of people who have their stuff in storage who don’t have houses at the moment, they’re finding it difficult to get longterm accommodation,” Mr Kennett said.

“Often it’s actually now really hard for people to find selfstorage when they need it because occupancy levels are really high.”

Australia-wide company National Storage has four 300unit storage facilities around Hobart, but estimated there were just 15 available units across them.

A representative of the company said prices for a storage unit in Hobart were higher than in mainland capitals. She said demand was so high booking fees were now required.

“Over the last year and a half it’s gotten considerably worse,” she said.

Self Storage Hobart manager Bob Sincock said his facility was completely full for the first time, while Budget Box owner Chris Kumpulainen said he had also seen an increase in demand.

“It’s been pretty busy,” he said. “It’s the housing shortage I guess, and population growth in Hobart.”

Prices for storage vary depending on size, but can range from just over $100 to more than $600 a month.

TasCOSS chief executive Kym Goodes said the increased use of storage facilities could be an indicator that the current housing crisis was affecting a new cohort of Tasmanians “who despite adequate income and employment, cannot find housing.”

Shelter Tasmania executive officer Pattie Chugg said available and affordable storage was a big issue for people on low incomes, who might need to move at short notice and find themselves without a home. “Moving is costly for tenants and worse still if they cannot find a home at all,” she said. “Many can be left with nowhere to live and need to store their belongings, thus adding to their expense and stress.

“Storage fees are yet another hidden cost of Tasmania’s rental crisis.”

Ms Chugg said Housing Connect could help with storage in some cases.

Do you have a story about Tasmania’s housing crisis? Email alexandra.humphries@news.com.au