Storage Unit Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

Public Storage lists monthly rents from $47/mo to $282/mo depending on unit size, according to Public Storage. That is the pricing of one large chain, not an average of the whole market. Independent facilities and other chains set their own rates, and the same unit size can cost much more in a dense city than in a small town.

The figures here are best used to see how price scales with size and how much climate control adds. For rent at a specific facility, check its own listing, because storage companies adjust prices by location and availability.

Rent rises with unit size, but not in a straight line. A 10x20 unit holds roughly twice as much as a 10x10 and costs less than twice as much per square foot. These are standard, non-climate-controlled rents at one company.

Climate-controlled units hold temperature and humidity within a narrower range. They cost more than standard units of the same size, as the comparison below shows.

Climate control is worth considering for items that react to heat, cold, or humidity, such as wood furniture, electronics, artwork, photographs, documents, and musical instruments. For tools, patio furniture, and boxed household goods, a standard unit is usually enough.

Size guides vary by company, but the general idea is consistent.

• 5x5. Roughly the size of a closet, suited to boxes, seasonal items, and small furniture.
• 5x10. Fits the contents of a small room or a studio apartment.
• 10x10. A common choice for a one-bedroom apartment's contents.
• 10x15 and 10x20. Larger apartments or small houses with major furniture and appliances.
• 10x30. Whole-house contents or business inventory.

If you are between sizes, a larger unit that lets you walk in and find things is often easier to use than one packed to the ceiling.

Cost depends on where the facility sits, how full it is, and what features it offers. Urban facilities and those in high-demand areas generally charge more than rural ones, and a facility with interior access, elevators, or security features may charge more than a drive-up unit in a basic lot. Promotions can also change what you pay in the first months, so ask for the regular rate, not just the introductory one.

The table shows one company's rent for a standard 10x10 unit. Treat it as a reference point and compare it with at least two or three local facilities.

Rent is not the whole bill. Read the lease for the following charges before you reserve.

• Administrative fee. Many facilities charge a one-time fee when you sign.
• Rate increases. Rent may rise after an introductory period.
• Insurance or protection plan. Your homeowner or renter policy may not cover stored items, so check before declining coverage.
• Lock. Some facilities require you to buy one.
• Late fees. Missed payments can bring fees and, eventually, the sale of your belongings.
• Move-out terms. Some facilities require notice before you leave.

Compare several facilities in your area, since prices in the same neighborhood can differ. Choose the smallest unit that fits, pack efficiently, and use vertical space. Ask about move-in specials and whether the promotional rate applies to the whole lease. Skip climate control if your belongings do not need it. And review the cost of storage from time to time, because a long-term unit that costs more each year may add up to more than the value of what is inside.

Price is only one factor. Look at where the facility is, because a cheaper unit across town costs time and fuel every time you visit. Check the access hours, whether the unit is indoors or drive-up, and what security the facility has, such as gated entry, cameras, and lighting. Visit in person if you can, and look for signs of water damage or pests. Read recent reviews for comments on billing and rate increases, since those problems tend to appear after you move in.

Self-storage requires you to move items to a facility. Portable storage containers, such as those delivered to your driveway, remove the trips but may cost more per month and depend on local rules about placement. Self-storage generally suits long-term storage. Containers suit a move with a short gap between homes.