How Much is a Storage Unit? Storage Unit Pricing & Costs

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If you are curious about this, you should know that the answer to this question is dependent on many different factors. From the storage unit size to the specific storage facilities you need, to the time of year you want to use one, all of this and more will affect your monthly rent.

That being said, there are always ways to save money when renting a storage unit, and you don’t need to simply accept the first quote that you receive from a storage unit provider.

Keep reading to discover how much a storage unit in the United States is. Plus, learn what the average storage unit prices in your area are.

How much does a storage unit cost?

Across the U.S., the average price of a self-storage unit is $89.12 per month. This is a slight increase on last year’s price tag of $87.89 per month, which has been caused by a huge spike in demand for storage solutions since the COVID-19 pandemic.

That being said, you can find cheaper and more expensive quotes from different storage companies, so you should always shop around to find the best deal for your storage space needs.

What affects storage unit prices?

As briefly touched on above, storage unit prices will vary depending on how much space you need. As you would expect, the larger the unit, the more expensive it will be, so if you need extra space for your belongings, prepare yourself for having to pay a little bit more than the average cost.

The size of your storage unit

When it comes to your storage options, there are several factors that will determine the storage unit cost. These are as follows:

The most popular sizes for storage units are:

For the smallest storage space, you can expect to pay as little as $45 a month, whereas the largest option can set you back as much as $200 per month.

Whether you need climate controlled storage

Climate control offers better protection for your items by regulating both the temperature and the humidity levels within the unit. As you would expect, climate controlled storage is more expensive than standard storage options but can be really useful if you have items that may become damaged from excess heat or cold.

As a general rule, if you are only storing your items temporarily, you should be ok placing them in a non-climate controlled storage facility. However, for long-term storage or for items that need strict temperatures, such as fine wines, you should invest in a climate controlled unit.

The time of year

Certain times of the year are more expensive when it comes to paying for storage, namely from May to September. This is because many people choose to move home during these warmer months, and therefore, demand is up, so storage facilities can charge more.

This may seem unfair, but it is just how it is. To avoid this, consider putting your items into storage sooner than you need and use this as a bargaining tool to negotiate cheaper rates with your chosen storage provider.

Special offers

Never just accept the first quote you are given from a storage company, as you are highly likely to be able to find a better deal elsewhere. Promotions, seasonal sales, and limited-time offers are hugely common in the storage industry, so you should always look to factor these into your monthly storage cost.

If you find a storage provider that you would like to use, don’t be afraid to tell them about cheaper deals you have seen elsewhere, as they may be willing to lower their price to secure your business.

Security and access

Amenities such as 24-hour access, CCTV, and on-site security can all affect the price of public storage, so you need to think about what facilities you need and which ones you don’t mind going without. For example, if you need car storage, you are more likely to want strong security measures to ensure your vehicle is protected from theft.

Although there has been a recent shift towards unmanned facilities that use a kiosk system to handle rentals, you may feel more comfortable to rent a self-storage unit from a company that has video monitoring and an on-site manager.

Location

Where your storage unit is located will have an impact on its monthly cost, with units in densely populated areas costing more than those in urban locations. You may also find that newer indoor storage facilities will command a higher price than older outdoor ones.

Some of the most popular and, therefore, more expensive cities for self-storage include:

  • Las Vegas, NV
  • San Diego, CA
  • New York, NY
  • Houston, TX
  • Austin, TX
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • San Antonio, TX

How to save money on storage unit prices

Whether you need to rent a storage unit in the short-term while you move to a new house or offices, or you need a long-term storage facility, there are always ways that you can save money on renting a storage unit.

  • Make sure you choose the right size for your storage needs
  • Share your storage unit with a friend or family member
  • Reuse packing materials
  • Consider the climate you need
  • Look for local storage deals online and on social media
  • Declutter before you place items in storage
  • Opt for a month-to-month contract
  • Negotiate with your preferred storage unit provider

When it comes to how much you should pay for a storage unit, you need to make sure that you are choosing a storage unit facility that fulfills all your storage needs and one that offers you a competitive monthly rate. There is little point in renting the cheapest storage unit you can find and then realizing that it doesn’t provide what you need in terms of amenities.

To make sure that you find the best possible storage unit prices, start by making a list of your storage needs and then set a budget. Once you are armed with these two pieces of key information, you can now approach local storage facilities and find the perfect storage unit for you and your belongings.

StorageArea.com offers the largest database of storage facilities in the United States, with options to suit all budgets and requirements. Simply enter your city or zip code and the date you would like to check your items in, and you will be presented with the top-rated storage facilities near you.


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