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Self-Storage Solutions

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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).

    Read More About Climate Controlled Storage

  • 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.

    Read More About Storage Units with Electricity

  • 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 SizeAverage Monthly Price
10' x 15'$80.65
10' x 20'$77.19
10' x 30'$84.99
Parking Unit SizeAverage 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.

psp-unit-cards-image

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.

psp-unit-cards-image

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.

psp-unit-cards-image

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.

View the Storage Unit Size Guide

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?

Self-storage is an industry where businesses allow customers to rent extra storage space at a third-party location, usually on a month-to-month basis. Typically, you’ll rent a ‘unit’ at a dedicated storage facility, though there are some variations on that basic concept. You may also hear people refer to storage as ‘mini storage', though in recent years ‘self-storage', or more simply ‘storage', have become the preferred terms. The main benefits of using self-storage as a space-saving solution include:

  • Self-storage units usually come in one of several standard sizes and are accessible on one side via a rolling, garage-like door.

  • Units are secured either by a built-in locking mechanism or by a separate lock, or both.

  • The property will be managed by a dedicated staff, which also works to keep your stored items safe.

What are the main factors that affect the price of a storage unit?

Storage Unit Size:

The biggest factor that can affect price is the size of the unit. Smaller storage units are often cheaper than larger ones, and generally the more amenities you have, the higher the cost.

Storage Unit Location:

The location of the unit within the facility is also important. Interior units, units on the first floor, and units near the elevator will typically cost more than other storage units.

Storage Facility Location:

The location of the facility matters as well. Self-storage tends to cost more in big cities and less in rural areas. Prices will also depend on whether or not the facility is located near the city center or on the edge of town.

Storage Demand:

The last thing most people don't think about is the level of demand in the area (and the occupancy rate at the facility). If no one is renting storage in your area, then odds are the facility will mostly be empty. As a result, the storage facility is probably willing to let units go at a cheaper rate. The opposite is also true. If occupancy is high, the cost of the remaining units will likely increase.

How much does a storage unit cost?

The average price of a self-storage unit is about $90/month, which is down 2.5% from 2017. On average, the smallest units (like a 5x5) can be rented for as low as $65/month, while the larger ones (like a 10x20) can cost as much as $135/month. Prices can vary greatly so make sure you look up rental rates for local storage units.

How much does it cost to rent a storage unit for a year?

As we said, the average price per month to rent a self-storage unit is $90, which means the average cost per year would be just over $1,000. For smaller units, the cost can be as low as $600-$700 per year, while the larger units could easily cost $2,000 a year. On average, most people rent a storage unit for 14 months.

How can I guarantee I find the lowest price on storage?

Shopping around and comparing different options is the best way to find affordable storage. If you know you’ll need a longer period of time, some storage facilities will allow you to negotiate a lower monthly rate to ensure a longer tenancy. Other facilities may offer discounts for referrals, meaning if you can get a friend to also rent there, they'll cut you a deal.

Unfortunately, some facilities might not budge on the price, but may be willing to throw in a few perks for free. See what you can do to negotiate for free boxes, storage locks or a moving truck rental.

For more info, check out our blog post on how to get discounts on self storage.

Can the storage facility raise my rent?

Yes. Rent increases are common in the storage industry and depend on market prices in your area. If you're concerned about a rent increase during your tenancy, go through the lease carefully with your storage facility. Make sure you're clear on notification procedures, should a rent increase occur.

Will there be any additional fees?

An administrative fee or 'admin fee' is a one-time fee that the facility will charge at the time of move-in. This is very common and is used to offset the costs of setting up your tenant account and processing paperwork. Usually the admin fee is between $15-$25, although in some cases it can be more. Sometimes this fee may even replace your security deposit charge.

Tax amounts will vary depending on where you're renting and you’ll also need to provide your own lock for your unit, which can range from $5-$50. Additional things you may be charged for include dumpster service, electrical charges, etc.

What type of contract will I be required to sign?

Self-storage contracts will include stipulations about what you can keep in your unit, what the rules about access and usage are like, and most importantly, what happens when you're late or delinquent on your payments.

What is self-storage insurance and is it required to rent a unit?

Self-storage insurance is a type of insurance specifically for storage units and their contents. Many storage facilities require you to show proof of insurance coverage before renting and may not take responsibility if your items are lost, stolen, or damaged. If you have existing homeowners or renters coverage, check whether your policy extends to your property outside of your home or apartment. If it does not cover items offsite, you can purchase an insurance plan offered by the storage facility, but it may be cheaper to extend your current renters or homeowners policy. You do not need to buy separate insurance from the facility if your existing policy will cover your things. 

Do storage facilities offer insurance?

Yes, some facilities do offer insurance. If you do not have insurance and it's offered at the facility then you would have the option to purchase it. Note that you do not have to go with their insurance, it's merely there for convenience. If the price is unreasonable, you can find another insurance provider.

Are storage units covered under homeowners insurance?

If you have standard homeowners or renters insurance, the policy does cover items that are in storage. However, items that are in storage can only be claimed at a certain percentage of your coverage limit. Consult your insurance agent to see how much the items would be covered.

How much does it cost to insure a storage unit?

Usually insurance on a storage unit is fairly cheap, with some insurance policies as low as $2 for every $100 worth of stored items. However, the average price for insurance on self-storage ranges from $6-$24 depending on how much coverage you want.

Do storage units have lights?

Storage facilities with indoor units typically only light the hallways and not the individual units themselves. Outdoor facilities occasionally have some lighting around the perimeter but also not inside the units. If you will be visiting your storage unit at night you should bring a flashlight or headlamp, otherwise, we recommend visiting your unit during the day.

What things can I keep in storage?

There are a number of common items that can be placed in a storage unit, including: - Seasonal items

  • Furniture
  • Household goods (artwork, books, home decor, etc.)
  • Sports equipment
  • Commercial goods
  • Electronics
  • Appliances
  • Cars, boats, motorcycles, and RVs
  • Alcohol

What can't I keep in storage?

On the flipside, there are quite a few things that you can’t put in self-storage. They include: - Priceless items that cannot be replaced

  • Money
  • Live animals or plants
  • Stolen property
  • Hazardous materials
  • Noxious materials
  • Flammable materials
  • Perishable items, like food
  • Illegal drugs
  • Explosives and WMDs
  • Firearms, ammunition or weapons caches
  • Unregistered or uninsured vehicles
  • Tires
  • Furs
  • Wet items
  • People