Cold Storage

Cold storage typically refers to protective storage, usually for perishable items such as food. The refrigerated space designed is thus referred to as a cold room.

Cold rooms are chiefly used to store foodstuffs at low temperatures, inhibiting the destructive action of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This increases the life of the goods with little loss in nutrition, flavor or change in appearance.

Do's and Don'ts for Selecting Cold Storage

Optimum space

• DO analyze the storage capacity offered vs. your requirement. The fee charged is usually per square foot of space rented, so choose an optimum sized space. The facility should ideally have different sizes of coolrooms available to suit client's needs.

Terms & conditions

• DO evaluate the terms of use closely. Some things to consider are payment options, security deposit, and early retrieval facilities.

Insurance

• DO insure the goods even if you plan to store them for a short time. If the facility offers insurance it is a good idea to opt for it. No matter how safe your belongings are, they may still be susceptible to natural calamities, theft, fire, etc.
• DO give the provider a list of products stored in the unit. Remember to inform the facility provider, every time you remove an item or add a new one.
• For an overview of insurance options please visit www.apra.gov.au/ or browse through the insurance companies at Start Local.

Climate controlled & dry guard

• DO check if these facilities are part of the package as these are usually required in any cool room.

Complimentary packing

• DO check to see if the provider is offering packaging services. This will provide you a one window solution and may reduce overheads for your coolroom.

Location

• DON'T choose a facility very far away from your location. The vicinity of the facility will help to reduce transportation costs.
• DON'T choose a facility in a prime location such as near airports, ports or industrial areas if it does not add value to your business. It will add unnecessary costs for a benefit you don't need.