What Storage Unit Features Are Right for You?
What to look for in a storage unit depends on the types of items you plan to store. Most storage units offer a wide selection of amenities but the most common (and useful) ones to look for are climate control, 24-hour access, drive-up access, and storage units with electricity. All of these features will be listed under the 'Features/Amenities' section of a facility details page.
Climate controlled storage
Climate controlled storage units keep your belongings cool and dry while protecting them against extreme hot and cold temperatures, as well as humidity. Humidity is of particular danger to organic materials found in wood furniture and clothing due to the possibility of mold and mildew, so take the time to consider if you need this amenity, especially if you live in places that get very hot (like Texas), or very cold (like New York).
24-hour access storage
Some storage facilities allow 24-hour, 7 day-a-week access to their units, meaning you'll be able to access your things whenever you need to. As you might expect, this storage amenity will come at a higher price than basic units. If you’re a business owner that needs round-the-clock access to inventory, supplies, or equipment, or your family wants to use one of their recreational vehicles for an impromptu weekend getaway, 24-hour access may be an amenity that is well worth the extra cost.
Note that there is a difference between unit access, which are the actual access hours you’re allowed to view your stuff, and facility access, which is the time that the storage facility office is open. When selecting this amenity, make sure you choose the right one for your needs.
Drive-up access storage
Drive-up access storage units function like a garage door – it rolls from the ground to the ceiling of the unit – allowing you to pull your vehicle right up to the unit in order to load and unload your belongings. These units are housed in a single-story building, accessible from the outside, and are great for simple access. They have lower prices compared to indoor units, but they often lack the ability to add additional amenities such as climate control.
Alternatively, some modern facilities house all of their units inside a single building, meaning you'll have to enter the interior of a building and sometimes even go up an elevator to get to your unit. Though this makes moving in and out with large furniture more difficult, it offers an unbeatable layer of protection from theft and pests, and almost always features climate control.
Storage units with electricity
Storage with electricity means your unit comes with electrical outlets inside. We often hear people ask 'Do storage units have electrical outlets in them?' and while some storage facilities do offer units with outlets, most do not. Having this amenity will allow you to plug into the facility's power source but it will cost you extra. If this is a requirement, check with the facility to make sure the unit you’re getting has outlets included.
Security features
If you plan to store valuable items, you may want to consider a facility with additional security features, such as 24-hour video surveillance, on-site property management, or gated facilities with a keypad entry. Enhanced security features will typically have more expensive rates, but the peace of mind you get in return may be worth it.
How Much Do Storage Units Cost?
Storage unit rental rates are typically charged on a monthly basis. The price of storage will depend on a number of factors which is why you’ll typically see a range of amounts displayed throughout the year. On average, this is what you can expect to pay each month for the standard sizes of storage units.
Storage Unit Size | Average Monthly Price |
---|---|
10' x 15' | $80.65 |
10' x 20' | $77.19 |
10' x 30' | $84.99 |
Parking Unit Size | Average Monthly Price |
---|---|
15' Long | $79.56 |
20' Long | $77.17 |
25' Long | $80.04 |
30' Long | $85.01 |
35' Long | $94.44 |
40' Long | $106.98 |
How Can Self-Storage Help You?
Need a safe place to keep your personal or even business belongings? Storage units solve for a variety of space issues that people have from downsizing to seasonal needs, holding inventory and keeping collectibles safe.
If you need a temporary location to store important items, storage units will let you keep your things safe without sacrificing any extra space in your home. Virtually anyone can benefit from self-storage but these are the most common reasons people rent storage units.
Moving
The most common reason people need storage is because they’re moving into a new home or apartment. Self-storage offers a convenient, temporary way to store your things and flexible leasing plans – including month-to-month terms or short-term options – so you can move on a timeline that works best for you.
Renovating or remodeling
Restoring or refurbishing your home (or a room in your home) can go a long way toward improving your quality of life but the logistics can be a lot like a move. Where do you put all of your belongings so they’re out of the way? Using a secure storage unit during a renovation can eliminate clutter in your home and your mind so you can focus on the project. Plus, a storage unit can protect your valuable furniture, fabrics and electronics from the inevitable dust that comes with any construction project.
Seasonal storage
If you have too many seasonal items and nowhere to put them, self-storage can offer a temporary or permanent place to store items like patio furniture, holiday decorations, and sporting equipment, or overflow business inventory that requires regular access to.
Downsizing
Relocating into a smaller home has become a trend in recent years, as people either become empty nesters, attempt to save on rent, or live in a more desirable location. For the collectibles or nostalgic items you can’t part with, keep them in a personal storage unit. Self-storage allows you to store the belongings you don’t want to get rid of indefinitely in a safe, climate-controlled environment with 24-hour access.
College summers
Need a cost-efficient way to store your dorm room and apartment belongings? Instead of hauling your belongings home, short-term storage can be an ideal solution for students who need flexible, leasing plans. Smaller units, like a 5x5, are the most economical and easily affordable for most college student budgets. It’s also not uncommon for storage facilities to offer student discounts, particularly when they’re located near a campus or in a college town.
Are you a college student looking for storage? Sparefoot has you covered.
Emergencies
Unfortunately, there are times where life throws a curveball and an unexpected event suddenly disrupts your everyday living. If you’ve been hit with an unfortunate circumstance like a flooded basement or a damaged attic and you need a place to safely store your items, self-storage can provide a quick and reliable solution.
Whatever the reason, there's no solution more flexible, more affordable or more convenient than renting a self-storage unit.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?
Whether you’re looking to store the contents of an entire four-bedroom home or just your seasonal clothing, there’s a storage unit size that’s right for you. Self storage options range from small, medium and large storage units, and if you’re ready to reserve a unit, our Storage Unit Size Guide can help you determine the exact size that fits your needs.
Storage Sizes
Most people are unaware of how to choose the ight size unit. Below is a size guide we've created which lists mosts of the standard storage unit sizes from small to large units.
Small Units
25-75
SQ FT
Common unit sizes
5’ x 5’, 5’ x 10’, 5’ x 15’
Looks like:
Anywhere from a hall closet or half bathroom to a small bedroom depending on the storage unit size.
What will fit:
Small items, like bags, suitcases and boxes to the contents of a small-one bedroom apartment.
Medium Units
75-200
SQ FT
Common unit sizes
10’ x 10’, 10’ x 15’, 10’ x 20’
Looks like:
Dependent on the unit size, medium sized units look like an average bedroom to a one car garage.
What will fit:
Ranges from the contents of a one-bedroom apartment to the contents of a two-to-three bedroom house.
Large Units
200-300
SQ FT
Common unit sizes
10’ x 25’, 10’ x 30’
Looks like:
A one car garage to a two car garage depending on the unit size.
What will fit:
Ranges from the contents of a three-bedroom house to a four to five bedroom house with appliances.
How to Find Self Storage Units Near You
Sparefoot is your best source for finding and reserving affordable, convenient storage online. You can search and compare all storage unit options and prices in one place, making it simpler to move and store your stuff. Our marketplace lets you compare the most storage options nationwide and pick the best solution for your needs, whether you’re storing one box or everything you own.
Simply type in your city or zip code in any search bar on our site, and we'll show all the storage locations nearest you, complete with details like price, size, amenities, and reviews from other storage renters. Our facilities also offer exclusive discounts for our customers, like first-month free rent, which means you are getting the best price available on your storage unit.
What Do You Need to Know About Self-Storage?
Still have questions about self-storage? Here are some of the most common questions we get asked.
What is self-storage?
What are the main factors that affect the price of a storage unit?
How much does a storage unit cost?
How much does it cost to rent a storage unit for a year?
How can I guarantee I find the lowest price on storage?
Can the storage facility raise my rent?
Will there be any additional fees?
What type of contract will I be required to sign?
What is self-storage insurance and is it required to rent a unit?
Do storage facilities offer insurance?
Are storage units covered under homeowners insurance?
How much does it cost to insure a storage unit?
Do storage units have lights?
What things can I keep in storage?
What can't I keep in storage?
Cities with Self-Storage
- Akron, OH
- Albany, NY
- Allentown, PA
- Amarillo, TX
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Arlington, TX
- Arlington, VA
- Asheville, NC
- Athens, GA
- Augusta, GA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Beaverton, OR
- Berkeley, CA
- Birmingham, AL
- Boca Raton, FL
- Boynton Beach, FL
- Cape Coral, FL
- Cary, NC
- Chandler, AZ
- Charleston, SC
- Chattanooga, TN
- Cincinnati, OH
- Clarksville, TN
- Clearwater, FL
- Columbia, SC
- Concord, CA
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Daytona Beach, FL
- Detroit, MI
- El Cajon, CA
- Eugene, OR
- Fairfax, VA
- Fairfield, CA
- Fontana, CA
- Fort Myers, FL
- Frederick, MD
- Fremont, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Fullerton, CA
- Gainesville, FL
- Gilbert, AZ
- Greenville, SC
- Hollywood, FL
- Honolulu, HI
- Irvine, CA
- Irving, TX
- Jackson, MS
- Kendall, FL
- Kissimmee, FL
- Lakeland, FL
- Largo, FL
- Lawrenceville, GA
- Little Rock, AR
- Madison, WI
- Marietta, GA
- McKinney, TX
- Melbourne, FL
- Modesto, CA
- Mount Pleasant, SC
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Murrieta, CA
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Naples, FL
- New Haven, CT
- Newark, DE
- Newport News, VA
- Ocala, FL
- Oceanside, CA
- Omaha, NE
- Overland Park, KS
- Plano, TX
- Pomona, CA
- Pompano Beach, FL
- Port St Lucie, FL
- Provo, UT
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Reno, NV
- Richmond, CA
- Rochester, NY
- Salem, OR
- San Marcos, TX
- Santa Ana, CA
- Santa Clarita, CA
- Sarasota, FL
- Springfield, MO
- St Paul, MN
- St. Petersburg, FL
- St. Louis, MO
- Staten Island, NY
- Stockton, CA
- Tallahassee, FL
- Temecula, CA
- Toledo, OH
- Tulsa, OK
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Wilmington, DE
- Wilmington, NC
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Worcester, MA