News & Updates

•    Storage vs rent increases: Upgrading to a larger apartment in Chatswood often means significant ongoing rent or mortgage increases, while self-storage offers a lower, flexible monthly cost that can scale with your needs.

•    Pay only for space you need: Storage pricing varies by unit size, lockers and small personal units cost far less than larger household units, allowing residents to choose an option that matches their budget.

•    Flexible pricing vs fixed housing costs: With month-to-month storage pricing (available live on the Chatswood centre page), residents avoid long-term financial commitments tied to larger properties and can adjust as needed.

Chatswood’s rapid growth and high-density apartment developments have transformed how locals live. While modern apartments prioritise convenience and location, they often sacrifice the storage space in favour of living space. Residents are increasingly looking for smart, affordable ways to reclaim their living areas without upgrading to a larger property.

Introducing Kennards Self Storage Chatswood - Smith Street. Opening in Spring 2026! With an introductory offer that's not just for one month! Enjoy a fantastic 30% saving below the market rate on select units.

Kennards Self Storage is a leading provider offering lockers, personal storage, household units and business storage units across Sydney’s North Shore. If you are looking for storage units, Chatswood will soon have a new addition. The new Chatswood Smith Street centre, opening in Spring 2026, adds a conveniently located storage centre to the area and expands secure and flexible storage options for apartment dwellers, downsizers and local businesses.

Why Apartment Living in Chatswood Requires Smarter Storage

As apartment sizes become more compact, internal storage is often limited to small cupboards and minimal wardrobes. This creates a common problem: life continues to expand while apartment space does not.

Many residents find themselves storing:
•    Seasonal items such as skis, camping gear or surfboards
•    Bulky hobby equipment like bikes or musical instruments
•    Extra furniture after downsizing
•    Business inventory stored at home

Over time, these items start to take over living areas, balconies and even hallways—reducing comfort and functionality.

Instead of moving to a larger apartment and increasing rental or mortgage costs, many locals are turning to nearby self storage Chatswood residents can access easily. This approach allows you to keep your lifestyle while freeing up valuable living space.

👉 View unit availability and pricing at the Chatswood Smith Street storage centre
👉 Read about the new location

Types of Storage That Help You “Upsize” Without Moving

One of the biggest advantages of self-storage is flexibility. Whether you only need to store a few boxes or the contents of an entire apartment, there’s a solution available.

1. Locker Storage

Locker storage is ideal for minimal overflow—documents, a few boxes, or small personal items. It’s the most budget-friendly option and perfect for apartment residents who need just that little bit of extra room.

2. Personal Storage Units (Approx. 1–3m²)

These compact units are ideal for:
•    Seasonal clothing
•    Sports gear
•    Small furniture
They provide a noticeable “decluttering effect” without a large monthly cost.
🔗 Explore options

3. Household Storage Units (6–20m²)

For residents needing more space, household units can store:
•    Furniture sets
•    Appliances
•    Entire room contents
This is a popular option for downsizers or those creating a “virtual spare room.”

4. Business Storage Units

Many Chatswood residents run small businesses or side hustles from home. Business storage units allow you to separate work inventory from your personal space.
🔗 Learn more

What Makes Self-Storage a Cost-Effective Alternative to Upsizing?

When comparing options, residents typically weigh three key factors:
•    The cost of upgrading to a larger apartment in Chatswood
•    Ongoing rental or mortgage increases
•    The inconvenience of relocating

Given Chatswood’s premium property prices, even a small increase in apartment size can significantly impact weekly rent or long-term mortgage commitments.

Self-storage offers a compelling alternative:

•    Flexible month-to-month rental terms – no long-term lock-in
•    A range of unit sizes – only pay for the space you need
•    Convenient local access – close to residential hubs
•    Secure facilities – modern access systems and monitoring

Pricing varies depending on unit size and availability. Smaller lockers and personal units are typically more affordable, while larger household or business units command higher rates. Importantly, you can adjust your storage size as your needs change—something you cannot easily do with a residential lease.

👉 Live pricing can be checked here

When you compare this flexibility to the fixed and rising costs of larger apartments, the “apartment upsizing” hack becomes clear: create space without committing to a bigger property.

How to Choose the Right Storage Option in Chatswood

To maximise value and convenience, choosing the right storage solution is key.

1. Identify what items need storing

Separate essentials from items you rarely use—those are prime candidates for storage.

2. Estimate access frequency

If you need regular access, choose a conveniently located and easy-to-reach unit.

3. Select the smallest suitable size

Start small—many people overestimate their storage needs.

4. Consider security and access features

Look for modern facilities with secure entry systems.

Find Storage Units Chatswood Residents Can Rely On

For apartment residents, downsizers and small business owners, self-storage offers a practical way to reclaim living space without relocating.

The new Chatswood Smith Street centre provides a modern, secure and accessible solution right in the heart of the North Shore.

You can also explore other convenient North Shore locations to suit your needs here.

This “apartment upsizing” hack allows Chatswood residents to effectively create a spare room—without paying North Shore property prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What size storage unit do I need for apartment overflow?
A. It depends on how much you need to store.
•    Locker units suit small items and boxes
•    1–3m² units are ideal for moderate overflow
•    6m²+ units can handle furniture or full-room contents

Starting small and upgrading if needed is often the most cost-effective approach.

Q. What is the best storage solution for apartment living in Chatswood?
A. Personal storage units (1–3m²) are typically the best fit for apartment living. They offer a balance of affordability and space. However, households with larger storage needs may benefit from household-sized units.

Q. When is Kennards Self Storage Chatswood Smith Street opening?
A. The Chatswood Smith Street centre is scheduled to open in Spring 2026, bringing new storage capacity to the area.

Q. What packing supplies do I need for self storage?
A. Common packing supplies include:
•    Medium or Large Heavy-Duty boxes
•    Packing tape
•    Bubble wrap
•    Furniture covers

Using proper packing materials helps protect your items and maximise space efficiency.

Q. Is self storage worth it for apartment living?
A. Yes. For many residents, self-storage is significantly more cost-effective than upgrading to a larger apartment. It allows you to maintain your current lifestyle while improving comfort, organisation and usable space.

Final Thought

In a high-demand suburb like Chatswood, space is at a premium—but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise your lifestyle. With flexible storage options and scalable pricing, Kennards Self Storage offers a modern solution to a modern problem.

Instead of paying more for a bigger apartment, you can simply store smarter—and enjoy your home the way it was meant to be used.