Alternatives to Storage Units

Alternatives to storage units overview

There are three primary alternatives to storage units to think about:

• Similar commercial storage options that offer more flexibility
• Storing your belongings in another residence
• Storing your belongings on your own property, including on-site storage units

Each of these routes has a few different options you can explore. The alternative you choose depends on your budget, the value of your belongings, your tolerance for security and ongoing access and the length of time you need storage.

Understanding how these alternatives compare is a good place to start to find the option that works best for you. For example, if the cost of a storage unit is your primary concern, you can explore the free options in the table below. If access and security are most important to you, prioritize options that allow ongoing access and don’t rely on others for oversight.

Portable storage options for short-term storage

There are two main commercial options for moving and storing individual boxes for short periods: per-box storage and mover storage. These are good options if you want or need your belongings stored off-site and have some room in your budget for paid storage. Best of all, you don’t need to do any work beyond the initial packing.

Per-box storage

Some companies, like Endless Storage and Clutter, offer per-box commercial storage, which is convenient and can be less expensive than storage units. Most charge by the box, which is flexible, especially for small moves. You pack individual boxes, sometimes provided by the company, and then employees come to pick them up and move them into storage.

You’ll usually have minimal access to your belongings, though, and while your boxes will be in a secure warehouse, you’re still relying on other people to maintain security. Plus, you’ll need to coordinate box delivery after your move, which is another step some people may not want.

Mover storage

Another option is storage offered by your movers. This is a similar arrangement in that you pack individual boxes for pick-up, but you don’t have to find, vet and rely on another company to get your belongings where they need to go. Instead, your mover picks them up and moves them to its own storage facility.

Some movers may provide access to your belongings within their storage units, but it’s usually limited. Pricing varies widely among different companies and may depend on their total storage space. Security is similar to what you’d get with per-box storage, although you have one fewer company to rely on, so it’s a bit safer.

» MORE: What size storage unit do I need?

Non-commercial storage

You also have two options for non-commercial storage: peer-to-peer storage or space sharing, and storing with friends or family. These options vary widely in cost and security. They’re often less secure than commercial storage, but are usually more affordable.

Peer-to-peer storage

Websites like Neighbor.com provide a marketplace where people with extra room can rent out storage space. It works similarly to short-term rental sites, like AirBnB and VRBO, but instead of a vacation home, you get short-term storage space.

Pricing varies widely and depends on the type of space you rent, your location, the timeline for your move, demand in your area and more. In many cases, peer-to-peer storage will be less expensive than a traditional self-storage unit, but you’re relying on a stranger for security, so it’s only a good route if you have low-value items to store.

Peer-to-peer storage also doesn’t include any packing or moving assistance, so it’s less convenient than commercial options. You may have more limited access to your belongings, as well, so low-value non-essentials are the best bet for this option.

Storing with friends or family

For those with friends or family members nearby, it may be possible to store some of your belongings in their spare rooms, garages or sheds until you’re ready for them in your new home. Of course, access to this option isn’t always available, as you need reliable people nearby who have space to spare.

This option is often free, and you’re more likely to have ongoing access to your belongings in storage. Plus, you’re relying on people you know, so security is almost always going to be better than what you’d get from a commercial storage unit provider.

Depending on the storage area, your belongings could be in a climate-controlled area with active pest control and security monitoring.

Home storage options without rental fees

Finally, you have some options to store your belongings on your own property, some of which could work for you even if you don’t think you have room.

In-home storage

One of the simplest alternatives to a storage unit is storing your belongings in your own home. This may not be an option for everyone, but it might be possible to clear out a garage, attic, or spare room and keep your belongings there until you’re ready to move.

In-home storage is, of course, free aside from the cost of boxes, so it’s the most affordable option. You also have total control over your personal property, so it’s the most secure route, with constant and unimpeded access to everything in storage. If you can make space for your stuff, the flexibility is unmatched.

Here are some tips for making room in your existing home for short-term storage:

• Invest in organizational solutions, like labeled totes and closet systems
• Make use of vertical spaces with shelving and wall storage
• Install overhead storage racks in your garage
• Declutter and donate unwanted clothes and other goods
• Consider outdoor storage options, like deck boxes
• Clear out basements and garages to make room for storage items
• Consider partially finishing the attic to add space
• Invest in dehumidification for basement and attic storage
• Use vacuum-sealed bags to compress bedding and clothing
• Make use of the space under beds and in closets

The only fees you may need to consider are delivery fees, as you’ll need your movers to move everything along with your other belongings, like furniture.

On-site storage

Storing your belongings on your property may still be possible if you don’t have space inside your home. You can rent a self-storage unit from a company like PODS or 1-800-PACK-RATS.

The provider will deliver an exterior storage container to your driveway or lawn and then pick it up and drive it to your new home when you’re ready. This gives you flexibility for packing and ongoing access to your belongings, and it’s often cheaper than a self-storage unit.

Your property remains relatively secure, as you’re the only one with access to the container, although it’s less secure than belongings you store in your living space.

Outbuilding storage

Finally, you could opt to build an outbuilding, like a shed or a detached garage, just for short-term storage. This option can be expensive, usually costing between $2,000 and $4,000 for a shed and much more for a detached garage. But it’s likely to add value to your home, so you could recuperate some of your investment.

An outbuilding gives you more security for your belongings than an on-site storage container, similar flexibility and constant access. However, it’s less convenient when it comes time to relocate, as you’ll need your movers to haul out boxes and containers manually on both sides of the move.

With both on-site storage and outbuilding storage, it’s a good idea to seal your belongings in plastic bags or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent damage from moisture, mold and pests.

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