How to Rent a Storage Unit: Costs, Sizes, and What to Know

How Do Storage Units Work?

Storage units are rented spaces where you can securely store your belongings either temporarily or long-term. Most facilities operate on a month-to-month lease, though some require minimum terms or offer discounts for longer commitments.

Access will either be available directly to customers during designated hours (some offer 24/7 access) or managed by a full-service facility that handles pickup and delivery for you.

Do You Actually Need a Storage Unit?

Before committing to monthly costs and signing a lease agreement, first decide whether storage is even necessary. Short-term storage makes sense when you’re moving, renovating, or downsizing. Long-term storage could help when you’re facing deployment or storing seasonal items you use regularly.

However, it may be unnecessary if you can align your moving dates with the end of a rental lease or simply declutter and get rid of items you don’t need. At an average of around $130/month, long-term storage adds up quickly. Consider selling, donating, or asking family for space before committing to renting a unit.

Types of Storage Units Explained

A variety of storage unit types are available, depending on your needs and budget. You’ll need to choose the right one for your situation, whether that be self-storage, full-service, climate-controlled, indoor, or outdoor. You don’t want to end up paying for space, features, or services you don’t actually need.

Self-Storage vs Full-Service Storage

Self-storage means you handle packing, transporting, and accessing your unit yourself. It costs less and offers flexibility. It’s best for people with vehicles, those who need frequent access, and anyone hoping to minimize their costs.

Full-service storage involves the company picking up, transporting, and delivering items for you. It can cost up to 50%-100% more, but it’s ideal for high-rise residents, people without vehicles, and those storing items they won’t access regularly.

Climate-Controlled vs Non-Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled units maintain temperatures between 55°F-80°F and humidity between 30%-60%. Wood furniture cracks or warps, and electronics suffer condensation damage when excessive moisture is present. In areas with extreme temperatures or when storing moisture-sensitive belongings, climate control prevents expensive damage. 

Non-climate-controlled units can experience extreme heat, cold, and humidity fluctuations, but if you’re storing metal tools, outdoor furniture, sports equipment, and plastic containers, your items will likely stay safe. These units generally work in mild climates with durable items.

For either of these, mold and mildew can still form, especially if moisture is present on the items being placed in the unit. To help avoid this, store your items only when they’re completely dry, use desiccant moisture absorbers, and try not to move items in the rain.

Read more: Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage?

Indoor vs Outdoor Storage

Indoor units are located inside buildings with hallway access. They offer better weather protection and building-level security, but you usually need a hand truck for transport. If you are storing valuable items and want higher security, choose indoor.

Outdoor units allow vehicle access directly to your door, making loading easier, but you also risk weather exposure. If convenience matters and you’ll need frequent access or have heavy furniture, this would be your ideal choice.

What Items Need Climate Control 

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Storage Unit?

The national average is approximately $133 monthly, but prices vary based on size, location, and features. Smaller units (5×5) cost under $100, while larger units (10×30) could be $400+. Also, urban areas and climate-controlled units tend to cost more.

For detailed pricing, see our guide on how much storage units cost.

Hidden Storage Unit Costs to Watch For

Even when a listed price looks like a bargain, be careful of unlisted fees, such as setup charges, lock purchase, and late fees. If your insurance policy doesn’t cover storage, you might have to purchase protection with the facility. And if you reserve during a promotion, make note of the end date.

Extended nonpayment can result in your belongings being auctioned, so always ask about total costs up front.

What Can and Can’t Be Stored

While storage units can contain a lot of common household items, there are some restrictions. Keep in mind the exceptions are for the safety of the facility and your own stuff, so never try to sneak any prohibited items into your unit. 

Allowed

• Furniture
• Seasonal items
• Sports equipment
• Electronics and appliances (clean, dry, and unplugged)
• Tools
• Boxes
• Clothing
• Toys and stuffed animals
• Nonperishable household goods
• Mattresses (mattress bag required)

Not Allowed

• Perishable food
• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, gasoline)
• Flammable items
• Explosives
• Illegal substances
• Live animals or plants
• Tires
• Wet items

Note: Even if you rent a large enough unit to fit a car, vehicles need specialized spaces and facility permission.

What You Need to Rent a Storage Unit

To make the process as smooth as possible and prevent delays, make sure you have everything you need on hand before renting a unit. Here’s what most facilities require:  

• Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID)
• Contact information (address, phone, email)
• Payment method (credit/debit card, sometimes cash/check)
• Age 18+ required
• Insurance proof or willingness to purchase through the facility
• Your own compatible lock

Rentals typically process same-day during business hours.

What Makes a Good Storage Unit?

As mentioned earlier, there are several options when it comes to the type of storage you choose. What makes one storage unit better than another depends on your personal storage needs. 

Here are some things to consider when selecting a storage unit:

• Size: Ensure the facility offers the unit size you need before evaluating other features.
• Climate control: For sensitive items like antiques, books, and artwork, choose climate-controlled storage to prevent cracking, warping, mold, or mildew damage.
• Accessibility: Confirm the facility’s access hours work with your schedule. Most have set hours, but some offer 24-hour access.
• Security: Look for perimeter fencing, PIN- or fob-activated gates, bright outdoor lighting, and security cameras.
• Flexibility: Choose month-to-month or week-to-week rentals if you’re unsure how long you’ll need storage. Avoid facilities requiring longer terms unless you know you’ll need storage for a longer stretch of time.
• Reviews: Read recent customer reviews for recurring complaints about leaks, security, or service. Also, it’s good to note how the facility responds to criticism and bad reviews.
• Lock hasps: More lock hasps mean better security — check how many the unit door has.
• Proximity: Select a location close to home for convenient access.
• Cost: Stay within your budget regardless of other features.

For recommendations, see our guide to the best storage unit companies.

How to Rent a Storage Unit Step by Step

The process to rent a storage unit isn’t complex, but there are some details you need to know and some preparation to do beforehand. Make your experience go as smoothly as possible by following these steps:

Step 1: Decide What You’re Storing and For How Long

If you simply need to empty out your garage or the attic, this step is relatively simple. If you plan to store items from various rooms in your house, it’s helpful to put everything together in one location, like a guest room or a corner of the living room, so you can clearly see what you plan to store. 

If you’re not sure how long you might need to store your items for, below is a table of when short-term and long-term storage make sense.

Step 2: Determine What Size Storage Unit You Need

Choosing the right storage unit size can help you avoid headaches later. Rent a unit that’s too small, and you might run out of space, but if you rent one that’s too large,  you could end up paying for more than you actually need. Use the guide below to help estimate what size unit will best fit your belongings.

*The above information is intended as a rough estimate. How densely furnished a home is and how efficiently a storage unit is packed both impact the storage unit size required. 

A 1-bedroom typically needs a 10×10 unit, while a 2-bedroom needs a 10×15. Packing tightly will save you money, but it makes access to your belongings more challenging. The good news is, if you find the size you rented is too big or too small for your needs, most facilities allow size changes based on availability

Step 3: Compare Local Facilities

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to compare local storage facilities to see which one is the best fit. In addition to searching online, be sure to ask friends, family, and neighbors if they have any personal experience or recommendations to offer. 

When comparing local facilities, ask about the following: 

• What your total rental cost will be, including security deposit and admin fees
• Whether any discounts are available (e.g., veteran, senior, student)
• If there are special promotions (e.g., for longer rental agreements, paying in advance, or setting up auto-pay)
• Rules and policies regarding the use of the storage unit
• Access hours
• Security features
• Insurance requirements
• Policy on ending your rental agreement

If you have the time, we also recommend visiting the facilities in person to see the condition of both the storage unit and the facility as a whole. 

Step 4: Book Your Storage Unit

Once you’ve settled on a storage unit facility, it’s time to book your storage unit. This can be done in person or, in many cases, online. You should also look over your rental agreement to understand important rules and processes, like what happens if you want to clear out your storage early or what happens if there’s a break-in. 

Online vs In-Person Booking

Online booking can make the process more convenient and help lock in current promotions and discounts. However, you may still need to show your ID in person during normal business hours before you can access your storage unit. 

One of the main perks of showing up in person to rent a storage unit is that you can actually see and walk around the facility. This gives you the opportunity to confirm that the unit is clean and located in a convenient spot. 

Understanding Your Storage Rental Agreement

During booking, you’ll be expected to sign a storage rental agreement. This is a legally binding document that makes it all official — what you’re renting, how much you’ll pay, and the rules you’re expected to follow while using the storage unit. 

Though these agreements may differ slightly from one facility to the next, they all cover the same basic points. Here’s what to expect to see in yours:

• Renter and storage facility contact information
• Storage unit number and size
• Start date for your rental and rental terms (e.g., month-to-month)
• Required notice before moving out (typically between 5 and 15 days)
• Monthly rental rate and payment due date
• Additional fees and when they apply (e.g., late fees, returned payment fees)
• Admin fee (one-time during storage setup)
• Lock requirements and options
• Insurance requirements and options
• Access hours/schedule and restrictions
• Gate code or key card use
• Facility use restrictions (e.g., no illegal activities; no living, sleeping, or working in unit)
• Prohibited items
• Liability clause (e.g., what the facility is not liable for regarding your stored items)
• What happens if you don’t pay (e.g., late notices, fees, lockout, lien, and auction to recoup losses)
• Process for handling nonpayment
• Terms for ending the agreement and moving out
• Terms for termination or eviction
• Facility rights
• Signature and date

Step 5: Prepare Items for Storage

Regardless of which type of storage you’re using, the way you prepare your items for storage has a huge impact on how they fare. Follow these tips to protect your belongings and make the most of your storage unit: 

Organization

• Label boxes clearly.
• Keep an inventory.
• Place frequently used items near the front.
• Use shelves to keep items off the floor and maximize the space of the unit.
• Leave a walkway for easy access and maneuverability.

Containers

• Use clear plastic tubs over cardboard when possible. This helps keep out pests and moisture.
• Ensure used boxes are mildew-free.
• Pack heavy items in smaller containers to prevent boxes from becoming overloaded and collapsing.

Moisture prevention

• Store everything completely dry.
• Use desiccants.
• Avoid rainy moving days.

Protection

• Wash and bag clothing with cedar blocks to prevent pests.
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap.
• Disassemble and cover furniture with moving blankets (not plastic).
• Store mattresses in bags.

For more detailed packing guidance, see how to pack and store furniture.

Step 6: Move Your Items Into Storage

When it comes time to actually move your items into storage, these tips will make move-in day as easy as possible:

• Confirm access hours and parking locations.
• Bring your own lock.
• Ask about available hand trucks for indoor units.
• Professional movers can deliver to storage.
• See storage organization ideas for maximizing space.

Step 7: End Your Rental

When you no longer need the space you rented, and you’re ready to move everything out, there are just a few protocols you should follow. Here’s what to do when you’re ready to take back all your things:

• Provide written notice (typically 5-15 days required).
• Empty and sweep the unit.
• Remove your lock.
• Return access keys/fobs.
• Confirm cancellation with management.
• Settle outstanding payments and request a deposit refund.

Missing payments leads to late fees or lockout, and eventually, liens will be placed on your unit. After 2-3 months of nonpayment or a satisfactory completion of your rental agreement, the facility will likely auction off your items and clear the unit.

Storage Insurance, Security, and Risk

While break-ins are rare at reputable facilities, they can occur. Strong security features like fencing, gate codes, cameras, lighting, and on-site management reduce risk significantly. Most facilities require proof of insurance coverage. Some renters’ or homeowner’s policies cover storage, but verify with your provider. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase coverage through the facility.

Rental agreements typically limit facility responsibility for theft, damage, or loss unless caused by negligence, which means your insurance provides primary protection. If your items are damaged or stolen, file a claim with your insurance provider. The facility generally isn’t liable unless you can prove negligence.