How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Storage Unit?

On This Page

Renting a storage unit is a great way to store unused, but needed, items. You can either get a storage unit with electrical hookups, climate and moisture control, and even lights and ventilation. Storage units can be used if you don't have space for things in your home. They can also be used to store items for a business. There are many reasons you may need one. No matter what you need it for, try to find the unit that has the best combination of location and price.

Some storage units are exterior buildings with no climate control, while others are housed inside a large interior structure. Climate controlled storage units are interior units that keep the air regulated at a certain temperature and humidity. It costs the storage facility more money to regulate these units. Naturally, it costs a little more to rent one of these units. Your first step is to figure out whether that's an option you need. Many times, people store valuable furniture, documents, or even electronics. Extreme climate changes can damage a variety of items. You must first decide whether you require climate control. Then, go from there.

Storage Facility Security #

Some storage unit buildings have gated security and motion activated floodlights. Newer facilities also have 24 hour camera surveillance. It's always better to have more security than less. If the storage facility gets broken into then there's a chance your locker could be at risk.

Storage Unit Prices #

The price of a storage unit depends on the size of the unit and the options. Climate control, electricity, and ventilation are just a few of the options that can increase the price. Storage units typically come in sizes:

• 5ft x 10ft
• 10ft x 10ft
• 10ft x 15ft
• 10ft x 20ft
• 10ft x 30ft

Average Non-Climate Controlled Storage Costs #

Costs of renting a storage unit vary from $35 to $50 per month for a 5ft x 10ft unit. A 10ft x 30ft storage unit can cost up to $175 per month. Lower priced units typically have lower security. These prices are for basic outdoor units with no options.

Average Climate Controlled Storage Costs #

Average climate controlled storage unit costs go up by about $25 to $30 per month over non-climate controlled units. A fully loaded, 10ft x 30ft climate controlled will cost as much as $350 per month. A smaller, 5ft x 10ft unit with all the options will cost between $120 and $175 per month.

Is it possible to buy a storage unit? #

Buying a storage unit is uncommon, but possible. It is typically done for long term reasons such as setting up a shop in a unit or using it as a family storage unit for multiple generations. A small outdoor storage unit without options can be bought for as little as $3,000 to $4,000. The same size unit located indoors with all the options can cost as much as $15,000. A larger unit may cost as much as $45,000 to purchase.

Average Mobile Storage Unit Costs #

Recently, companies supplying mobile storage units have become very popular. A company shows up on your doorstep with a storage unit, you fill it up, and they bring it away to their facility. It is a secure facility and the company usually guarantees the contents up to $100,000. The smallest unit that these companies will deliver is 10ft x 10ft. The largest is usually 10ft x 30ft. Typically, the “portable” charge is $500 to $700. This includes drop-off and delivery. Storage and transportation of these units has another charge. Costs vary from storage facility to storage facility. However, the average cost is $5 to $15 per day. Transportation charges depend on how far your storage unit is going. Companies don't charge for transportation to their holding facility, but if you hire the company to relocate the unit to another location, you are going to have to pay a transportation fee. Within 10 miles the charge is usually $3 to $7 per mile. Within 50 miles the charge drops to $1 to $3 per mile. 100 to 200 miles will cost as little as $.30 to $1.00 per mile. Anything over 200 miles will be less than $.30 a mile and can get down to $.10 a mile (depending on distance).