Storage Cost Calculator

Self storage costs vary widely based on location, unit size, and amenities. On average in the US: 5x5 units cost $30-$75/month, 5x10 units cost $50-$120/month, 10x10 units cost $90-$200/month, 10x20 units cost $160-$350/month. Urban areas and coastal cities tend to be 20-50% more expensive than rural areas. Climate-controlled units add $25-$50/month. Prices fluctuate seasonally, with peak demand (and higher prices) during summer moving season (May-September). Always compare 3-4 facilities and ask about current promotions.

Storage unit sizing depends on what you're storing: 5x5 (25 sq ft) fits a small closet worth of boxes and small furniture. 5x10 (50 sq ft) holds a studio apartment or dorm room contents. 10x10 (100 sq ft) accommodates a 1-bedroom apartment or small office. 10x15 (150 sq ft) stores a 2-bedroom apartment or includes space for appliances. 10x20 (200 sq ft) fits a 3-4 bedroom house or a car. 10x30 (300 sq ft) handles a large house with multiple vehicles. Rule of thumb: estimate your needs, then go one size smaller to save money—you can usually upgrade if needed.

Climate-controlled storage (typically $25-$50 extra per month) is worth it for: (1) Wooden furniture - prevents warping, cracking, and mold, (2) Electronics - protects from humidity damage and condensation, (3) Documents/photos - prevents yellowing, mold, and deterioration, (4) Musical instruments - wood and leather need stable temperatures, (5) Artwork - paint and canvas are temperature-sensitive, (6) Leather goods - prevents cracking and mildew, (7) Appliances with motors - humidity causes rust and electrical issues. Skip climate control for metal furniture, outdoor equipment, and items stored short-term (under 3 months) in mild climates.

Common storage facility fees include: (1) Administration/setup fee: $15-$50 one-time, (2) Security deposit: $25-$100, often refundable, (3) Insurance: $10-$25/month (often required), (4) Lock purchase: $10-$20 if you don't bring your own, (5) Late payment fee: $20-$50 or 10-20% of rent, (6) Access fee: Some facilities charge for 24/7 access, (7) Moving truck rental: $20-$100 if using facility truck, (8) Lien/auction fee: If you default on payments. Always ask for a complete fee breakdown before signing. Many fees are negotiable, especially admin fees.

Best strategies to reduce storage costs: (1) Reserve online - most facilities offer 10-20% web discounts, (2) Ask for promotions - first month free is common, especially in winter, (3) Prepay for longer terms - 6-12 month prepay often gets 5-15% off, (4) Choose ground floor - upper floors without elevators are sometimes cheaper, (5) Avoid climate control if not needed, (6) Go slightly outside city center - prices drop significantly, (7) Negotiate - especially at smaller facilities with vacancies, (8) Military/student/senior discounts - always ask, (9) Share a larger unit with someone - bigger units have better per-sq-ft rates, (10) Declutter first - rent the smallest unit possible.

Storage insurance is highly recommended and often required by facilities. Options include: (1) Facility-offered insurance: $10-$25/month for $2,000-$5,000 coverage—convenient but often overpriced, (2) Homeowners/renters insurance: Check if your policy covers off-site storage (many do, up to 10% of coverage), (3) Third-party storage insurance: Companies like SafeStor offer competitive rates. Important: Facility insurance usually only covers named perils (fire, theft, water damage) not floods, pests, or your own negligence. Document your stored items with photos and a written inventory. For valuable items, consider scheduled personal property coverage.

Before signing, verify: (1) Month-to-month vs. long-term lease - month-to-month offers flexibility but may cost more, (2) Rate lock guarantee - some facilities raise rates after a few months, (3) Access hours - 24/7 access may cost extra, (4) Notice period - typically 14-30 days to vacate, (5) Late fee policy - understand grace period and fees, (6) Lien laws - know your state's rules on auctioning contents for non-payment, (7) Move-out cleaning requirements, (8) Prohibited items - hazardous materials, perishables, living things, (9) Insurance requirements and options, (10) Gate code/key policies. Get everything in writing and keep copies.

If you stop paying rent, facilities can auction your belongings. The process: (1) After 30-60 days of non-payment, facility sends notice of lien, (2) You typically have 14-30 days to pay or respond, (3) If unpaid, facility can schedule a public auction, (4) Auctions may be online (StorageTreasures.com) or in-person, (5) Buyers bid on entire units sight-unseen or with brief viewing, (6) Winning bidder pays immediately and must remove contents within 24-48 hours, (7) Proceeds go to facility for back rent and fees; any surplus goes to you. Prevention: Set up autopay, communicate with facility if having financial troubles—many will work out payment plans rather than auction.