If you have a car, RV, boat or other household items you aren’t sure what to do with, you might be wondering how much is a storage unit. Much more goes into selecting a storage unit than just the price.
You want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the location and ease of access. You might also be able to save money by renting space from another homeowner. Here’s what you need to know about the many options for storage units, common costs and other considerations.
How are storage units priced?
Most storage units are priced by size, with the average price being $185 per month nationwide. If you need a smaller space to place household items, such as a unit that is 5×5 feet or 5×10 feet, you might be able to find a unit for closer to $100.
The storage unit location will also be a factor because property costs and taxes impact how much owners must charge customers. Demand is another factor that will impact prices. If storage units are scarce in your area, they will likely cost more.
What affect storage unit pricing?
Many factors impact the monthly cost of a storage unit. Here are the main factors that come into play:
- Size
- Location
- Access hours
- Term (how many months you’re agreeing to)
- Whether the unit’s climate controlled
- Availability
- Seasonality
- Insurance
- Taxes and fees
Before agreeing to terms, make sure you understand how a prospective unit stacks up to others and double-check that it includes the features you need. Shopping around or looking at alternative storage rental options could offer better rates and terms.
Advantages of storage units
Storage units can offer many great benefits, including preserving goods or vehicles until you can use them again.
- Secure storage
- Protection from extreme temperatures and the elements
- Access to your items when you need it
- Ease of transitioning without getting rid of items right away
- Temporary storage only when needed
- Long-term storage at a reduced price
Disadvantages of storage units
While storage units offer a way to maintain and protect goods when you no longer have space for them, they have disadvantages. Here are some cons to keep in mind before signing an agreement.
- Missing a payment can result in forfeiting your possessions to the storage unit owner, who may sell them quickly to free up space
- Accessing items can be a hassle when they aren’t close by, and you have to move things around in the unit to get to what you need
- You’re paying to store items you rarely use, so in the long run you potentially spend more on storage than they’re truly worth
8 different types of storage unit options
As you review prices, consider getting quotes for various types of storage options to narrow down the best deal.
- Commercial units (common sizes include 5×5, 5×10, 5×15, 10×10, 10×15, 10×20, 10×25 and 20-foot, 35-foot and 50-foot units for storing cars, RVs and boats)
- Peer-to-peer, residential space
- Vehicle storage
- Vehicle parking/storage
- Student storage
- Outdoor storage
- Temperature-controlled
- 24-hour security
3 things to consider with storage unit pricing
As you review storage rates, consider these factors that will impact the monthly price of the storage.
Storage unit location
If the storage unit is too far away from your home, accessing your items will be inconvenient and might lead you to just avoid using the items instead of traveling to get to them.
But you’ll likely pay for a convenient location because real estate near residential areas is more expensive, raising owners’ overhead expenses. Balance ease of access with the monthly costs to decide what works best for you.
Amount of storage
Storage units vary in size. When you’re reading the sizes of a storage unit, it might be hard to picture how much space you’ll get inside. Here’s an idea of what you can expect from various storage unit sizes.
- 5×5 – Walk-in closet
- 5×10 – Small bedroom
- 10×10 – Medium bedroom
- 10×20 – Slightly smaller than a one-car garage
- 10×30 – Slightly smaller than a 1.5-car garage
Type of storage
Review the features of the storage unit carefully. Look to see if it is temperature-controlled and what the security looks like on the property. These factors will help you decide if the unit is right for you. If you’ll be storing tech, such as a TV, you may prefer temperature control. But if you’re storing items like a mattress and furniture, temperature control might not matter.
If you’re looking to store a vehicle or boat, be sure that the location you choose is approved for that kind of storage because not all facilities are approved for vehicles or accessible for parking.
Finding the best storage for your needs
Thanks to technological advancements and new business models, you can find alternate storage arrangements online, such as your neighbor’s garage or spare bedroom, for easier access to your goods. Or you can go with a standard storage unit for long-term housing of items you know you won’t need for several months. Weigh the pros and cons of various storage types to find the best one for your needs.
FAQ
These units have 150 square feet or 1,200 cubic feet of storage, which is generally enough to store materials from a few bedrooms or a living room.
Yes, a 10×20 storage unit can house a vehicle as long as it is designed for car storage and the storage company allows vehicle storage.
When you don’t pay for your storage unit, the storage facility has what’s called a “right of lien,” which makes everything inside the unit theirs unless you settle the cost. Otherwise, the company will likely auction the goods to recoup unpaid fees and rerent the space to a new customer.
Sign up for a FreightWaves e-newsletter to stay informed of all news and trends impacting supply chain careers and operations.