Best Storage Units in Austin, TX

Austin residents rent self storage units for many reasons. The extra space is handy for people who need more space than provided by their Downtown Austin condo, and college students at the University of Texas often rent them to store their belongings over summer break. Storage units are also useful for people who are renovating their homes or need a place to store seasonal items. Many facilities offer large, covered spaces renters can use to store boats, RVs or other vehicles.

The average cost to rent a storage unit in Austin is about $85 a month. The size of the unit is the most significant factor in determining its price.

Costs for storage units in Austin vary widely even for units that are the same size. The price to rent storage space is also influenced by:

• Facility location: Generally, storage costs more in densely populated areas like Downtown Austin, neighborhoods surrounding UT and the North Loop. Storage units tend to cost less in northern suburbs such as Georgetown, Hutto and Taylor.
• Time of year: Prices are highest in June, sometimes even $40 or $50 higher than usual, and lowest in December.
• Administrative fees: Companies often charge one-time fees to cover the cost of setting up your unit and processing your paperwork. Administrative fees in Austin generally run between $10 and $25.

There are several ways to save money when leasing a storage unit. Most companies rent units on a month-to-month basis, but you may receive a discount or free first month if you sign a long-term contract. Storage unit companies in Austin also often give discounted rates to UT students and active-duty military members.

Make sure you know when your rental fees are due — Texas law allows storage companies to place a lien on your stored goods after 15 days of nonpayment. The law also gives companies the right to sell your items at auction.

Insurance costs for storage units in Austin

If you’re storing high-value items, ask the facility about insurance options. Many storage companies sell insurance policies for units or can direct you to a business that does. Your homeowners or renters insurance policy may cover items in storage — check your policy or ask your insurance provider. The cost to cover stored items is around $10 a month in Austin.

Whether you choose to purchase insurance from a company or have an existing policy, make sure you know what it covers. Standard insurance policies cover clothes, furniture and other personal belongings damaged by:

• Theft
• Hail
• Fire
• Pests
• Other insured disasters

 Policies typically do not cover natural flood damage or mold caused by flooding. The Insurance Information Institute website has more information on properly insuring your storage unit.

When comparing storage facilities in Austin, it’s essential to decide what features you need. Start by considering the type of unit you want, what locations would be ideal for the facility and what amenities are most important to you.

Storage companies in Austin offer indoor or outdoor units. Outdoor units are similar to garages and allow drive-up access, which makes it easier to load and unload bulky items such as furniture and file cabinets.

Indoor facilities typically don’t have drive-up access and may require you to use stairs or an elevator if you have an upper-story unit. Many indoor facilities have climate control, however, allowing them to maintain a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees. Regulated temperatures protect your belongings from melting, warping and discoloring in hot, humid Austin summers. Climate-controlled units in Austin cost about 25% more than outdoor storage units.

Items that should be stored in a climate-controlled unit include:

• Antiques
• Artwork
• Instruments
• Appliances and electronics
• Important documents
• Photographs

Some storage facilities offer added security measures, including around-the-clock video surveillance, tamper-proof locks, security lighting and electronic gate access. Certain facilities have an on-site manager who monitors the facility 24/7. Make sure to ask what amenities are available when researching facilities.

Another storage option for Austin residents is portable storage containers that companies deliver to your door. Once you fill your container, the company picks it up and takes it to one of its storage facilities or a destination of your choice.