How Much Does a Storage Unit Cost?
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A storage unit provides additional space for people who are running out of space or are in the process of moving. Monthly storage unit prices range from $20 to $450, with the national average storage unit cost at $240.
Highlights
- The typical cost to rent a storage unit ranges from $20 to $450, with a national average cost of $240.
- The main factors that affect the cost of storage unit rental include unit size and accessibility, geographic location, unit purpose, seasonality and availability, rental contract length, taxes, fees, and insurance.
- It may be necessary to rent a storage unit if someone is moving, renovating or selling their home; requires a place to store a car or a family member’s personal effects; is going through a life transition; or needs a place to store business items.
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If a homeowner or renter is running out of storage space in their home or needs a location to store their belongings while transitioning from one place to another, a storage unit might be the answer they need. But how much do storage units cost? According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, prices for storage units can range from $20 to $450 per month, with the national average at $240 per month. The cost for a 10-foot by 10-foot storage unit can run between $80 and $160 per month, while a storage rental for an RV or car can run from $45 to $450 per month depending on the size. If a customer needs a climate-controlled storage space, they can expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 per month. The exact price of a storage unit depends on the geographic location, the size of the unit, the unit availability, taxes and fees, and the types of items the customer needs to store. To find an accurate estimate of what they’ll pay, customers will want to search online for “storage units near me.”
Factors in Calculating Storage Unit Cost
How much is a storage unit? The exact answer will depend on several factors that affect the costs of storage units. Prices can differ from the national average due to location, the size and accessibility of the unit, the purpose of the unit, seasonality, availability, rental contract length, taxes, fees, and insurance rates.
Unit Size and Accessibility
Storage unit costs vary by the size of the space. Typically, larger storage units cost more to rent than small storage units, although larger units usually cost less per square foot. So how much does a small storage unit cost compared to other unit sizes? A small unit will cost an average of $75 per month, a medium unit will cost around $150, and a large unit can cost $300. Customers will want to determine what size storage unit they need to make sure they’re not paying for more than is necessary. Availability and demand for a specific size unit can also impact the overall price. Accessibility is another factor that affects storage unit prices. An older storage facility that has drive-up access usually costs less than a newer multilevel indoor facility. A location that has security cameras, 24-hour access, and employees that canvass the location may charge more than facilities that do not have those options.
Geographic Location
Storage units in a densely populated urban area will typically cost more than storage units in a more rural location. The higher price results from more demand and less available space in cities and suburban areas. To get a good idea of how much a storage unit costs in their area, homeowners can search online for “storage unit near me” to compare prices.
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Unit Purpose
While many people will use a storage unit to store furniture, boxes of books, and other housewares, others may need to store a car or an RV, or they may require a climate-controlled unit for delicate or valuable items. The cost to store a motor vehicle is different and typically more expensive than a standard storage unit, and customers can expect to pay more for a climate-controlled space.
Seasonality and Availability
The most popular time of year to buy a new house and move is from May to September. Storage units are typically more expensive to rent during those months than other times of the year because of people needing the extra room to store their belongings between moves or overflow belongings that won’t fit in a new space. Increased demand means higher prices. Customers may want to consider renting during the moving off-season to save some money. The most popular storage unit size is a 10-foot by 20-foot unit that can fit the belongings of a 2- to 3-bedroom residence. The availability and demand for this size unit can drive up the price in a specific area.
Rental Contract Length
The duration of the rental contract can affect storage unit cost. Some storage facilities will rent on a month-to-month basis, and others have a minimum rental period of a few months at a time (typically 3 or 6 months). Some facilities require payment in full at the time the customer signs the contract. Customers will want to ask all the important questions they may have regarding the storage unit before they sign.
Taxes, Fees, and Insurance
Depending on the location of the storage unit, there may be local and state taxes that are added on top of the monthly storage unit cost. Customers can expect to pay administrative fees as well. Some facilities charge a sign-up fee of around $15 to $50. Some other fees that renters may experience are late fees, locksmith fees, and cleanup fees when the unit is emptied. Storage facilities typically require insurance coverage to protect customers’ belongings, and they may ask for proof of insurance. If a customer doesn’t have homeowners or renters insurance that covers a storage unit, the facility may offer insurance that a customer can purchase and add to their monthly rental bill. These policies usually cost between $8 and $40 per month for around $10,000 in coverage.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When calculating a storage unit price range, it’s helpful for customers to know additional price factors and considerations that can increase the overall cost of the rental unit. These can include self-storage versus portable storage, full-service storage, indoor versus outdoor storage, storage unit delivery costs, whether a customer needs a climate-controlled unit, security, and car and RV storage.
Self-Storage vs. Portable Storage
For those who are in between homes and need a place to store furniture and boxes, choosing one of the best self-storage facilities may be the most practical option. Self-storage units are also useful for those who need to stash away seasonal decorations and reduce clutter or those who have a car or RV to store. For self-storage units, the renter is responsible for transporting and storing the items within the unit. Typically, self-storage units are accessible whenever the customer needs to get to their belongings. Self-storage units are less expensive than full-service storage facilities, which makes them more budget-friendly.
Portable storage units are delivered to a customer’s home for ease of access and convenience. Portable units can also be used for storage on a customer’s property or for long-distance moves. The overall price is based on how long the customer will need the unit, where it will be stored, and the distance it will travel to get to their home.
Full-Service Storage
Full-service storage companies, sometimes called valet storage or on-demand storage, will pick up the customer’s belongings and deliver them to a storage unit or warehouse. Many times, the customer can schedule the pickup or return via a smartphone app. Going through a full-service storage company is more convenient and hassle-free than a customer transporting their furniture and boxes to a storage unit on their own. Many valet storage facilities will photograph and catalog the customer’s belongings once they’re stored away. While some full-service storage companies offer competitive pricing with self-storage units, they’re typically more expensive.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage
Indoor storage units are located inside a building. The benefits of having an indoor storage space are the extra security and the option for a climate-controlled area. Customers will also be protected from the elements if they need to make a trip to their storage unit in inclement weather. Indoor units are typically more expensive than outdoor storage.
Outdoor storage units are often located behind a passcode-protected fence, so they are still secure. They’re convenient for car, RV, motorcycle, boat, or trailer storage since customers can simply drive into the unit and drive out when needed. Outdoor options are good for those who don’t need a climate-controlled option. Some storage facilities may offer the extra option of a block heater for an outdoor unit if needed.
Storage Unit Delivery Costs
Delivery fees for portable storage units cost an average of $200. Customers will want to keep in mind that for a portable unit, they’ll need a space for the unit as well as for the delivery vehicle to maneuver to unload the storage unit. The best moving container companies will drop the container off at the home and pick it up again at a predetermined time, giving the customer plenty of time to put their belongings inside.
Climate Control
If a customer needs a climate-controlled storage unit, they’ll want to be prepared to pay at least an additional $20 to $50 per month. The price difference for climate-controlled units depends on the size of the storage space. A climate-controlled storage unit ensures the temperature inside the unit stays below 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and above 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The facility also manages the humidity level to keep it below 65 percent. Temperature and humidity control is important for customers who need to store wooden or leather furniture, artwork, electronics, instruments, and antiques. Many people who need long-term storage options for valuable belongings or live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures opt for a climate-controlled storage unit.
Security
When a customer rents a storage unit, they’ll want to make sure it is safe and secure. Customers can inquire about video monitoring, security gates and doors, in-person surveillance, and if the facility provides the lock or if the customer can supply their own. Some storage facilities may also have keypad access or individual security gates, though those offering these types of features will likely cost more. Safety is also an important consideration, so customers will want to inquire about whether the storage facility has smoke detectors and fire prevention equipment (such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers), and if so, how many.
Car and RV Storage
If a car needs to be stored for a short period of time, driving it into a storage unit may be the best solution. If a customer needs a long-term solution, a space that’s dedicated to vehicle storage might be the best bet. Prices for car storage units can range from $45 to $450 depending on the length of time the storage space is needed, the size of the storage unit, and whether the area is climate controlled. Storing an RV requires a space big enough to accommodate such a large vehicle. Fortunately, dedicated storage facilities for RVs, campers, and trailers are not difficult to find, even in more rural areas.
Storage Unit Purchase
Though not all storage facilities offer this option, it is sometimes possible to purchase a storage unit rather than renting. Outdoor units tend to be the cheapest option, around $3,000 to $4,000. Costs to purchase indoor storage units are pricier at around $15,000, and these can even run up to $45,000 for the largest sizes. While they cost more up front, those looking for long-term storage options may ultimately end up saving long term if they choose to buy rather than rent.
Storage Unit Cost by Type of Unit
Storage unit costs can vary depending on the availability, size, type of storage unit, the duration of the rental contract, taxes, fees, insurance, and any additional features. The types of storage units typically available are portable, self-storage, and storage in transit units.
| Unit Type | Average Cost per Month |
| Portable storage | $90 to $250 |
| Self-storage | $20 to $450 |
| Storage in transit | Varies by moving company |
Portable Storage
Portable storage units are containers that are dropped off on a customer’s property so they can fill it on their own. The unit can stay there until the customer empties it, or it can be transported to a new location. The cost to rent a portable unit ranges between $90 per month for a 7-foot container and up to $250 per month for a 20-foot container. There are extra fees to deliver the unit, pick it up, and if needed, take it to a storage facility until the customer is ready for the unit to be dropped off again.
Self-Storage
Self-storage units typically have 24-hour access. The cost of a self-storage unit depends on the size of the unit and its location. The average cost can range from $20 to as much as $450 per month. In a rural area, a small 5-foot by 5-foot unit could be as low as $20 per month, while a 10-foot by 30-foot unit in a more urban area could run around $300 per month.
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