You saw the ad for 茘枝角 迷你倉 self-service storage at Lai Chi Kok. It featured big, bold numbers and proclaimed, “Only $300 a month!” Before you rip open your piggy bank, let’s talk about those deceptive small charges. You might not receive what you see in Hong Kong storage.

First, there are costs for running the business. A lot of places want you to pay a fee to set up or start an account when you sign up. It may not seem like much, but it normally costs between HK$100 and HK$300. Some folks add the padlock for the first month. Some people want you to buy or rent one from them, and those branded padlocks are usually not cheap.

Next, keep an eye on your deposits. Most mini-storage firms want a deposit, which is usually the same amount as one month’s rent. That’s a lot of money up front. You can return it, but it will cost you a lot of money and take a long time to get it back unless you give enough warning and clean your house well.

Need to put things away at the last minute or when you’re busy? If you move in after hours or during busy months, there may be extra expenses. A price that seems fair at first may not be so great after all if you find “holiday” or “late night” move-in expenses disguised in the contract.

People typically overlook about insurance as another cost. Basic insurance may cover anything worth HK$1,000, but if you want full coverage for electronics, art, or papers, you’ll have to pay more, sometimes a percentage of the value of the things you claim. Not a lot of money, but it’s worth adding to your math.

Take this list with you and ask the salespeople to be fully honest about the costs. You should ask about every fee, from pest control to padlocks. You’ll be happier when the bill comes if you know more ahead of time. You won’t have any surprises that cost you money when you move in this way.