While storage units can safeguard fragile items, they do come at an added cost and require you to do the heavy lifting yourself.
Jump to insightA storage unit can be helpful when you are downsizing, storing overflow business inventory or temporarily storing household items during home repairs or renovations.
Jump to insightThe average rental cost of a storage unit is $16.30 per square foot, but factors like storage type, size, location and rental period can all impact the price you pay.
Jump to insightPros and cons list
Storage units can be incredibly beneficial when you have too much stuff and need to declutter or you want to store fragile items. However, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages to ensure you are making the right decision for your needs.
Pros
- Cost savings
- Saves space in your home
- Flexible sizes
- Easily accessible
- Facility security
- Climate control
- Short-term rentals
Cons
- Options vary
- Must self-load
- Transportation required
- A long-term contract may be required
- Costs add up
- Storage risks
Benefits of storage units
There are many advantages to using a storage unit.
- Cost savings. Storage units can be significantly cheaper than upgrading to a bigger apartment or house. With several sizes available, you can find the right-sized unit for your things without having to move and face higher housing expenses.
- Space-saving. You can store items you don’t use frequently, such as holiday decor, sports equipment and patio equipment. This frees up space in your home.
- Flexible sizes. Storage units are available in several different sizes, depending on how many items you need to store. With this flexibility, you won’t end up paying for more space than you need. From 5’x5’ units to RV storage, many storage unit companies offer a wide selection of options to meet your needs.
- Easily accessible. Storage units are typically easily accessible through extended hours or 24/7 keycard access. This allows you to access your property when you need it, rather than being restricted to business hours.
- Secured facility. Storage units typically offer enhanced security measures. This can include gated entry, surveillance cameras and security patrols.
- Climate control. Some storage units have climate control. This helps preserve your more sensitive items that would otherwise be susceptible to the elements.
- Short-term rentals. A storage unit is an excellent solution for short-term needs. If you are between college semesters, renovating your home, waiting to close on a new house or traveling long-term, a storage unit can offer the temporary solution you need. Just be sure to read your rental contract to ensure there are no cancellation penalties.
Drawbacks of storage units
Before renting a storage unit, there are some disadvantages to consider.
- Options can vary. Available options can vary significantly from one company to another. Not all storage units offer climate control, for instance, especially if you choose a drive-up, outdoor unit. If you have sensitive items, confirm that your storage unit is climate-controlled for better protection.
- Self-loading. When you rent a storage unit, there are no professional movers, so you are responsible for packing your items and loading them into the unit. Note whether some stairs or elevators may complicate moving. From there, it will be up to you to keep your unit organized so you can find what you need when you need it.
- Transportation required. Unlike storage pods or containers, you are responsible for transporting your items to the storage unit yourself. This means you will be responsible for loading and unloading your vehicle. If you don’t have a large enough vehicle, you may need to rent one to transport your things.
- Contract. Some storage units may require a rental contract. Be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully to determine whether there is a minimum rental period or an early cancellation penalty.
- Extended rental. It’s easy to forget about your storage when it’s out of sight and payments are on autopay. However, these monthly costs can add up over time, costing you more than the value of the items you are storing.
- Storage risks. Your storage unit is still subject to certain risks, such as theft, pests, flooding and fire. Also, beware of dust and dirt that can build up over time.
Pros and cons by storage type
A storage unit is not your only option. Many storage companies also offer storage pods that come to your house and concierge storage services that handle all the packing, loading and storing for you. However, just like storage units, these alternatives have their own pros and cons to consider.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Storage units | Climate control; Protection from the elements; Extended or 24-hour access; 24/7 monitoring; Multiple sizes | Must pack unit yourself; Must transport own items; Can be more expensive; Can be more difficult to access (stairs/hallways/etc.) |
| Storage pods | Can pack at home; No transport needed; Easily accessible; Protection from the elements | No climate control; Smaller than storage units; May be against HOA rules |
| Concierge storage | Full-service packing; No transport necessary | No after-hours access; Access through staff only |
Best uses for storage units
One of the best uses for renting a storage unit includes short-term, temporary storage for various situations. Here are some of the best reasons to consider renting a storage unit.
- Decluttering
- Moving homes
- Storing seasonal storage (patio equipment, holiday decorations, etc.)
- Home repairs and remodeling
- Closing on a new home
- Business inventory
- Seasonal business items
- Military moves (deployment, relocation, etc.)
- College students (summer storage, studying abroad, internships, etc.)
| Type of Storage Unit | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-climate-controlled | |
| Climate-controlled | |
| Vehicle | |
| Covered vehicle | |
| Outdoor vehicle | |
| Business | 10’x20’ or more: $200 to $500 Warehouse: $500+ |
| Full-service (pickup and delivery) | |
| Portable |
Storage unit costs by size
The size of your rental unit significantly affects costs, with the average monthly rates higher for climate-controlled units.
| Size | Non-Climate Controlled | Climate Controlled |
|---|---|---|
Storage unit costs by location
Prices also fluctuate based on location. There is an enormous difference between some cities. For example, while the average storage unit cost is $54 in Montgomery, Alabama, residents in San Rafael, California, face average costs of $306 per month.
These are the average monthly starting prices for a storage unit with Extra Space Storage.
| City | Average Monthly Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | |
| Boston, MA | |
| Denver, CO | |
| El Paso, TX | |
| Indianapolis, IN | |
| Jacksonville, FL | |
| San Jose, CA | |
| Washington, D.C. |
Storage unit security and climate control
Before you choose a storage unit company, it is critical to ensure that the proper protocols are in place. From climate control to security measures, these added protections can help safeguard your things while in storage.
Storage unit security features
One of the perks of renting a storage unit is the added security you receive. Storage units offer different security measures to help protect your things.
- Unit locks
- Alarm systems
- Gated entry
- Fencing
- Keyless entry via keycard or PIN
- Motion sensors
- Video monitoring
- Security patrol
- Floor-only access
- Bright lighting inside and outside the unit
These measures can all help reduce the risk of theft and damage from everyday threats like fire and flooding.
Climate control
Climate control is an added benefit when you have sensitive items in storage. Instead of an outdoor storage unit or a storage pod, indoor storage units can provide temperature-controlled facilities.
This does not only mean heat and air conditioning; these climate-controlled units generally have year-round humidity control to preserve delicate belongings. This is especially important because humidity can crack, warp or break fragile items.
Instead, climate-controlled storage units provide better air quality from constant circulation. This can help prevent moisture from building up and turning to mold or mildew. Some items can specifically benefit from climate-controlled storage, such as:
- Antiques
- Fine art
- Wine
- Electronics
- Rugs
- Documents, books and magazines
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Mattresses
- Appliances
- Vinyl records
- Musical instruments
- China
- Photos
- Business inventory
- Vehicles (motorcycles, classic cars)
- Sporting equipment
From storing priceless collectibles to preserving family heirlooms, climate-controlled storage units can suit a variety of needs and usually result in only a slight markup in price.
What not to store in units
A storage unit can be invaluable in protecting your most cherished possessions, but some items should not be stored, including perishable, hazardous or illegal items. It is also a good idea to avoid anything perfumed or carrying a strong scent, as the smell can easily transfer to the other items in your unit.
Before signing your rental contract, check which items are specifically prohibited by your storage company so you can avoid problems later.
- Animals
- Live plants
- Flammable, combustible or toxic items
- Weapons and ammunition
- Perishable items, such as food
- Wet or moldy items
- Drugs
FAQ
Is it worth it to put stuff in storage?
To determine if a storage unit is worth it, calculate the replacement value of your items and compare it against the long-term costs of storage rental. While some needs may be worth the short-term cost, it is easy to pack them and forget them, incurring high costs long term.
How long can you keep items in a storage unit?
You can keep items in your storage unit as long as your contract allows and you maintain payments. Check your rental contract for exact terms and conditions regarding your rental period.
What is the average cost of a storage unit per month?
The average cost of a storage unit is $16.30 per square foot, as of February 2026. However, this can vary significantly based on factors like location, unit size and climate control.
Can you live in a storage unit?
No, you cannot live in a storage unit, nor can you store live animals or plants.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- SpareFoot, "U.S. Self-Storage Industry Statistics in 2026." Accessed March 19, 2026.
- Yardi Systems, LLC, "2026 self storage reports: Yardi Matrix updates U.S. performance." Accessed March 19, 2026.
- U & Me Moving and Storage, "Your Complete Guide to Storage Unit Prices in 2025." Accessed March 19, 2026.
- Extra Space Storage Inc., "Storage 101: Everything You Need to Know About Self Storage." Accessed March 19, 2026.
- Extra Space Storage Inc., "Top Security Measures for Storage Units." Accessed March 19, 2026.
- Extra Space Storage Inc., "Do You Need a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit?" Accessed March 19, 2026.
- Neighbor, "The Dos and Don'ts of Self Storage: What Not to Put in a Storage Unit." Accessed March 19, 2026.
