Local access is the product. Your unit is there when you need it — no pickup scheduling, no delivery windows, no waiting.
Safe and clean locations you can trust.
Search thousands of locations nationwide.
Compare rates and find the best value.
Month-to-month storage made easy.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Six options to consider. Pricing varies significantly by location — always check rates at facilities near you before booking.
| Provider | 5×5 From | 10×10 From | Best For | Key Note | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Storage | $30–$60/mo | $100–$200/mo | Availability, vehicle storage | Largest network; rate increases common after 3–6 months | 3,000+ nationwide |
| Extra Space Storage | $25–$55/mo | $90–$190/mo | Overall reliability, online experience | Most locations after Life Storage merger; clean facilities | 3,500+ nationwide |
| CubeSmart | $20–$50/mo | $80–$170/mo | Value, discounts, flexibility | Lowest avg. prices of major chains; military & student discounts | 1,500+ in 41 states |
| Safeguard Self Storage | $25–$55/mo | $90–$180/mo | Security, on-site management | Advanced security features; smaller regional footprint | Select markets |
| StorageMart | $20–$50/mo | $80–$160/mo | Budget pricing, local service | Consistently lowest rates in comparisons; no deposit fees | 200+ locations |
| Your Locally Owned Facility | Prices vary | Prices vary | Neighborhood convenience, personal service | Often 20–30% cheaper than national chains; search Google Maps for your area | Everywhere |
Pricing shown is a national starting range. Actual rates vary by city, unit size, and facility. Always check local rates before booking.
STORAGE UNIT SIZES
Boxes
Seasonal items
Small furniture
Mattress
Chairs
Small apartment overflow
1 bedroom apartment
2–3 bedroom home
3–4 bedroom home
Business inventory
Vehicles
Large household moves
How much does self-storage cost?
Self-storage costs vary based on unit size, location, climate control, facility quality, access hours, and demand. Smaller units are usually less expensive, while large climate-controlled units in major cities can cost significantly more. If you only need to store a few boxes, Micro-Move Storage may be more efficient than renting an entire unit.
What size storage unit do I need?
The right storage unit size depends on what you are storing. A 5×5 unit may work for boxes, small furniture, and seasonal items, while 10×10 or larger units are better for apartment or household contents. If everything fits into 1–10 boxes, a box-based storage option may be a better fit than a full storage unit.
How do I find storage near me?
You can find storage near you by comparing local facilities based on unit size, monthly cost, climate control, security, access hours, customer reviews, and distance from your home. The closest facility is not always the best choice if pricing, security, or access terms are poor. If you do not need regular access to your items, ship-to-storage or Micro-Move Storage may be worth comparing.
Is climate-controlled storage necessary?
Climate-controlled storage is recommended for items that can be damaged by heat, cold, humidity, or temperature swings. This may include electronics, wood furniture, documents, books, artwork, instruments, clothing, and collectibles. For basic household goods or short-term storage, standard storage may be enough depending on your location and season.
Can I access my self-storage unit 24/7?
Some self-storage facilities offer 24/7 access, but many limit access to specific gate hours. Access rules vary by company, location, and unit type. If frequent access is important, confirm access hours before renting.
Are self-storage facilities secure?
Most self-storage facilities offer security features such as gated access, cameras, lighting, locks, and on-site or remote monitoring. Security varies by facility, so it is important to compare reviews, visit the property if possible, and understand what protection is actually provided. Customers are usually responsible for locking their own unit and insuring their belongings.
What items are typically stored in self-storage?
Common self-storage items include furniture, boxes, seasonal decorations, clothing, business inventory, sporting goods, tools, household items, and college belongings. Larger units are often used during moves, renovations, downsizing, or long-term storage. Smaller box-only loads may not require an entire storage unit.
What items cannot be stored in self-storage?
Most self-storage facilities prohibit perishable food, hazardous materials, flammable items, explosives, firearms, illegal goods, live animals, plants, and anything that creates odor, pests, or safety risk. Important documents, passports, medication, cash, jewelry, and irreplaceable valuables should usually stay with you. Always check the facility’s restricted-item list before moving in.
When is self-storage better than Micro-Move Storage?
Self-storage is usually better when you have furniture, large household items, or need frequent access to your belongings. Micro-Move Storage is usually better when you only have a few boxes and do not want to rent, visit, or manage a storage unit. The best choice depends on volume, access needs, and whether your items are mostly boxable.
When is self-storage better than a moving container?
Self-storage is often better if you need long-term access to your items in one location. Moving containers are usually better when you need storage plus transportation for furniture or household goods. If you only have boxes and no furniture, Micro-Move Storage may be simpler than either option.
When does self-storage make sense for students?
Self-storage can work for students with furniture, large dorm items, or local transportation. However, many students only have boxes, bedding, clothes, books, and small personal items, which may not justify renting a full unit. For study abroad, summer storage, or students who do not know their next address, student storage or Micro-Move Storage may be more convenient.
Is self-storage good for apartment moves?
Self-storage can be useful if there is a gap between leases or if you need temporary space during an apartment move. It works best when you can transport your items to and from the facility. If you only have boxes or need delivery to a future address, ship-to-storage may be easier.
How long can I rent a storage unit?
Most self-storage facilities rent units month-to-month, though some may offer discounts for longer terms. This flexibility makes self-storage useful for temporary moves, renovations, seasonal storage, or long-term storage. Always check notice requirements, billing dates, and rate-change policies before renting.
Do storage unit prices change?
Major national chains routinely increase rates 15–25% within the first 3–6 months after a promotional rate expires. This is industry-wide practice. Ask any facility what the standard rate is after the promotional period ends before signing. Locally owned facilities and StorageMart tend to be less aggressive with increases
Do I need insurance for self-storage?
Many self-storage facilities require proof of insurance or offer tenant protection plans. Facility security does not always mean your belongings are fully insured against theft, fire, water damage, or other losses. Check your renters, homeowners, or storage insurance policy before storing valuable items.
Can I store furniture in self-storage?
Yes. Furniture is one of the most common things stored in self-storage units. Climate control may be recommended for wood, leather, upholstered furniture, antiques, or items stored in humid or extreme-temperature climates. Furniture should be cleaned, covered, and elevated when possible.
Can I store business inventory in self-storage?
Many facilities allow business inventory, tools, records, samples, and equipment, as long as the items are legal and comply with facility rules. Self-storage can work for small businesses that need extra space, but it may not provide inventory management, shipping, receiving, or fulfillment. Businesses needing those services should compare commercial storage or 3PL-style options.
Can I store a car, motorcycle, or vehicle in self-storage?
Many self-storage facilities offer vehicle storage for cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, or trailers. Availability depends on the facility, unit size, outdoor parking options, and local rules. Vehicles typically must be registered, insured, and in working condition.
Can I live or work out of a self-storage unit?
No. Self-storage units are for storing belongings only and cannot legally be used as a residence, office, workshop, or business storefront. Facilities typically prohibit sleeping, running utilities, operating equipment, or conducting regular business activity inside a unit.
What is the difference between indoor, outdoor, and drive-up storage?
Indoor storage units are inside a building and may offer better protection from weather, while drive-up units allow easier loading from a vehicle. Outdoor storage is often used for vehicles, boats, RVs, and trailers. The best choice depends on what you are storing and how often you need access.
How do I choose the best self-storage facility?
Compare storage facilities based on location, locally-owned, unit size, price, climate control, access hours, cleanliness, security, customer reviews, insurance requirements, and contract terms. Do not choose based only on the lowest advertised price because fees and rate increases can change the total cost. The best facility is the one that fits your items, access needs, and budget.
What is the cheapest alternative to self-storage?
The cheapest alternative depends on what you need to store. For a few boxes, Micro-Move Storage or ship-to-storage can be cheaper than renting an entire unit; for furniture, a shared unit, moving container, or smaller self-storage unit may make more sense. Always compare total cost, including transportation, monthly storage, access, and delivery.
When should I not use self-storage?
Self-storage may not be ideal if you only have a few boxes, cannot transport items to the facility, need items shipped to another city later, or do not need frequent access. In those cases, Micro-Move Storage, moving containers, or full-service movers may be a better fit. Self-storage works best when you have enough items to justify the unit and can manage access yourself.
Our reviews are independent and unbiased.
Thousands of real customer reviews analyzed.
Our ranking process is published and updated regularly.
We help consumers choose the right storage solution.
Answer a few questions and we’ll help you find the perfect storage solution.