How much does a storage unit cost?
Written by: StorageUnits.com Editorial Team - Updated: Oct 31, 2024
Storage facilities offer a secure space to store your belongings for a monthly fee. The cost of self-storage varies among states, depending on factors like unit demand and housing costs. The average price of a storage unit in the United States is $85.30 per month.
The top factors influencing the cost of self-storage include the unit size, location, and amenities. Read on to learn more about the cost of storage in the U.S. and tips for reducing monthly fees.
The Cost of Storage Across America
Storage costs vary depending on where you live. Hawaii has the highest, with a monthly average of $283, while Oklahoma has the lowest, at $75. Prices in other states vary greatly, for example:
- Florida: $117 per month
- California: $174 per month
- New York: $170 per month
- Alabama: $83 per month
- Ohio: $94 per month
A high population can often drive up the cost of goods in an area, including the price of storage units. If you don’t require local access to your things, consider storing them in a nearby town with lower storage costs. For example, you’ll pay an average of $246 for a unit in Los Angeles, while in Anaheim, you’ll save $126 per month.
Why Is Storage So Expensive?
Several factors influence the cost of self-storage, including size, amenities, and location. Facilities outside of major city areas offer reduced rates due to lower demand. Outdoor units, which are more prone to theft, also tend to cost less than those inside storage facilities.
Understanding the top factors that affect storage pricing will help you find the best value when searching for a unit. Discover more key elements that impact self-storage rates, including the unit size and amenities.
Choosing the Right Size Unit
The main factor determining a storage unit’s price is its size. The larger the unit, the more it will cost. The national average for a 5’x5’ unit is $36 per month, with larger sizes increasing in price:
- 5’x10’ unit: $59 per month
- 10’x10’ unit: $105 per month
- 10’x15’ unit: $149 per month
- 10’x20’ unit: $189 per month
For comparison, a 5×5’ unit can hold the belongings of a large closet, while a 10’x10′ unit can fit a full room of furniture. A 10’x20’ unit can hold the furniture for a two or three-bedroom home, whereas a 10’x15’ unit can store the belongings of an entire 1,000-square-foot house.
Factors That Influence Storage Unit Cost
Amenities like climate control and advanced security measures increase storage costs. Climate-controlled units are air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, and humidity is monitored to prevent environmental damage.
Facilities with state-of-the-art monitoring systems and round-the-clock office hours will charge more to compensate for the cost of extra staffing.
How to Reduce Storage Costs
The best way to save on self-storage costs is to choose the smallest unit suitable for your belongings. Create a list of everything you plan to store and determine the square footage required to fit all items. Storage units often have eight-foot ceilings, so you can save space by stacking items up to the roof.
Ask local storage facilities what discounts they are currently offering for new customers. Many offer promotions, such as the first month free or as low as one dollar. They may offer discounts on equipment like hand carts with the rental of a storage unit or truck. Reduced rates are often also available for seniors, students, military personnel, or members of clubs like AAA or the AARP.
Depending on the items you plan to store, you may not require costly amenities such as climate control and advanced security systems. Consider your local climate and crime rate to determine if these added features are necessary for your unit.
Other Ways to Save on Storage
When renting a storage facility, consider these additional tips to manage your monthly costs:
- Look for a facility outside of major city areas. Suburban neighborhoods or nearby cities may offer lower rates due to reduced competition and demand.
- Rent a unit between October and March to avoid elevated rates during peak moving season.
- To avoid paying extra for facility-provided storage unit insurance, check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for coverage of off-site items.
- Storage companies often charge a premium for packing supplies. To cut costs, ask local grocery or wholesale stores for free or unwanted boxes.