Storage Unit Costs [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $450
Renting a storage unit costs around $240, but prices can range between $100 and $450 based on the unit's size, your location, contract duration, and if you require temperature regulation.
Whether you’re renting a storage unit because you’re moving or need additional space for your belongings, you can expect to pay an average of $240 per month. It’s not always easy to make an exact fit in the puzzle of life, which is why local storage unit companies come in handy for stashing overflow items. Let’s take a look at exactly how much a storage unit costs, and the various factors that influence your final price tag.
- Average
- $240
- Low end
- $20
- high end
- $600
Storage Unit Cost Breakdown
Several factors determine the total monthly cost of storage rental. The most significant factors relate to the type of storage and the size you need to house your possessions. Lesser but still important factors, like location, temperature control, additional safety features, and others, also contribute to the monthly price.
Types
Several types of storage facilities and units exist. Prices generally reflect needs and convenience based on the kind of possessions you're storing, ease of access, and the overall well-being of your stuff. A recent trend combining some of these factors while adding a new level of convenience is portable storage containers that are useful for long or short-term storage or moving.
| Storage Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Outdoor | $50–$400 |
| Indoor | $70–$300 |
| Climate Controlled | $250–$300 |
| Automobile | $50–$400 |
| Boat | $50–$450 |
| Recreational Vehicle | $80–$500 |
| On-Demand | $60–$290 |
| Container | $60–$300 |
Size
Another significant pricing factor is the size of the unit you rent for storing your possessions. The larger the unit, the more it will cost per month.
| Storage Unit Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 5x5–5x15 | $50–$100 |
| 10x10–10x20 | $80–$220 |
| 10x25+ | $200–$400 |
| Container | $120–$195 |
Insurance
Some renters' and homeowners' insurance policies contain provisions for covering goods kept in storage. However, many policies don't. Many storage facilities offer various levels of insurance protection at an additional monthly cost. If insurance is necessary for your stuff, expect to spend an extra $10 to $40 per month above the storage unit price.
Contract
Longer-term storage is often better than short-term storage when discussing monthly prices. Contract lengths can range from month-to-month to multiple years. Six-month and one-year terms are typical. The length of your contract can impact the overall unit rental cost. Signing a long-term contract can save between $5 and $30 off the month-to-month price.
Location
Rural storage facility units are often less expensive to rent than those located within the city or closely surrounding areas. If location convenience is less important than cost, finding a facility out of town can produce significant monthly savings.
Security Features
While most storage units are relatively safe for protecting your possessions, some are better than others. Outdoor storage facilities will have varying degrees of safety devices, such as cameras and primary access restrictions. However, indoor units and facilities advertising increased security measures will cost more.
Prep
An often overlooked cost associated with storing possessions is packing and transport. Most consumers pack, load, and transport their own items to their respective storage rental units. However, if you require assistance in making those things happen, a nearby packing company can provide the service for prices starting at around $280.
Self-Storage Vs. On-Demand and Container Storage
When consumers consider renting a storage unit, a self-storage facility typically comes to mind. Self-storage can be any type of storage, from a small locker unit to RV storage. Self-storage means the customer is responsible for packing and storing their stuff in the provided rental unit.
However, container and on-demand storage facilities are also available and operate differently, focusing on convenience. In on-demand and container storage scenarios, the storage facility delivers your goods to and from the storage facility for you.
The cost of on-demand and container storage rental is similar to that of self-storage prices. However, transporting your possessions or container to and from the facility costs between $50 and $125 per round trip over and above the unit rental cost.
Ongoing Expenses
Ongoing expenses relating to storage units are straightforward.
Rent
Renting a storage unit may incur a damage deposit and, at least, the first month's rent and other fees. After that, customers must continue to pay the monthly rent on or before a prescribed date in the contract.
Additional Insurance
While your renters' or homeowners' insurance may cover some items in storage, and the facility may offer additional insurance policies, consumers may consider adding additional insurance on highly-valued items.
On-Demand Fees
Customers who choose on-demand or container storage options should expect delivery fees of between $50 and $125 each time they wish to access their possessions.
DIY Storage vs. Hiring a Pro
Renting a storage unit is a good idea for those with limited places to store their possessions without a cost. Homeowners with room on their property may weigh the price of storage rental against the cost of installing a storage shed for long-term savings.
However, many of us don't have access to additional storage space, and renting a self-storage unit or container storage option is our best bet. To get started, contact a storage facility or moving company near you.
Ways You Can Save Money on Storage Unit Rental
Storage unit costs are highly dependent on size, features, and location. However, there are several ways to save money on storage by taking a few extra steps and asking good storage questions when shopping.
Shop around for the best deal. Checking at least three prices around town will reveal how prices fluctuate by facility.
Purge when you can. The less you have to store, the smaller the storage unit you'll need and the less it will cost.
Distance can reduce storage costs. If you're willing to bear the inconvenience of not having your stuff near you, storage units in the middle of nowhere are less expensive than those in the city.
Call for quotes instead of relying on Internet pricing. By calling your chosen storage facility, you can take advantage of deals and discounts unavailable online.
Sign a more extended contract if you can. If you need storage for a while, extended contract pricing is often much less than month-to-month options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electronics and television storage is usually acceptable in rental storage units. However, to protect the sensitive nature of those devices, consider a temperature-controlled storage unit or, at the very least, an indoor, well-protected space. If you're storing a television and other valuable items, consider purchasing additional storage insurance if something goes wrong.
A 10x10 storage unit equals 100 square feet or 800 to 1,000 cubic feet, depending on whether the ceiling is eight or ten feet tall. Eight hundred cubic feet of storage space is enough to hold the contents of a moderate living space or about two to three bedrooms—a well-packed two-bedroom apartment, for instance, would fit nicely in a 10x10 storage unit.