Recently, average storage unit prices have started to go down. Much of this is due to slower demand outside of the Covid pandemic years of 2020 - 2022 when storage facilities struggled to meet customer needs. However, it's important to note that the cost of storage rental can vary greatly depending on location and demand, so it's best to research and compare prices before making a decision, as well as considering the convenience of the solution you choose.
With regard to cost factors, the size of your chosen storage space plays a significant role; bigger spaces mean higher overall costs but usually offer more room per dollar spent. Where your storage sits geographically matters too - if it's in or near busy cities (urban areas), expect to pay more due to greater demand and higher building expenses. That is why 1-800-PACK-RAT is here to provide a flexible solution to any storage needs you might have.
Traditional Storage vs Portable Storage Containers
Nowadays, many people and businesses are looking for safe places to keep their stuff away from their main location. This is where renting a storage unit comes in handy, especially if you're moving into a new home, trying to live in a smaller space, or just need more room. But before jumping in, it's smart to get the hang of what goes into the cost for short-term use so you can pick something that doesn't break the bank.
The price tag on these units isn't fixed; it changes based on their size, location, and any extra perks or services they offer. By learning this information, you will be able to find the right fit for your needs and wallet more easily.
In our chat today, we'll explore the cost of a traditional storage unit compared to portable storage containers, including its size and type, location, and how prices might change depending on when you look and how convenience matters while comparing portable storage to traditional storage areas to show the inherent benefits you will get with portable storage solutions.
Factors Influencing Storage Unit Costs
The price you pay for a storage unit depends on several things. For starters, how big the unit is and what kind it is matters a lot; bigger ones usually cost more. Where the facility is located makes a difference too, with places in cities often having higher prices because many people want them, and they're more expensive to build. On top of that, what the facility offers, like climate control to keep your stuff at the right temperature, security measures to protect your belongings, unit availability, and easy access can also make the price go up.
With portable storage, though, you can have the unit brought to you and kept on-site for as long as you need. While a local storage area may not have enough space, have the correct number of units available, or takes a long time to get to, portable storage containers from 1-800-PACK-RAT are delivered right to your door for you to pack at your pace and keep on-site for as long as you need or kept in our secure and local warehouse facility.
Size and Type of Storage Unit
When picking out a storage unit, how much you pay will depend on its size and type. There are all sorts of sizes for traditional storage areas, from the smaller 5x5 ones up to bigger ones like 10x20 or even 10x30. As you'd guess, the bigger the unit, the more cash you'll have to shell out, and the bigger the space, the more likely you are going to be paying for more space than you need. In addition to how big it is, the type of storage unit it is plays a role in setting the price, too.
On the other hand, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable storage containers come in three different sizes: 8-, 12-, and 16-feet. You can also mix and match the containers you need to get the perfect amount of space for your stuff. The sizing, space, and weight limits of our containers are as follows:
- 8-foot container: Holds about 1-2 rooms of furniture and is roughly the same size as an 8’ x 8’ storage room. The 8-foot container can hold up to 4,000 lbs. of contents, and the outer dimensions of the storage container are 7.2’W x 7.8’H x 8.5’L, which provides 404 cubic feet of packing room.
- 12-foot container: This container holds about 2-3 rooms of furniture and is roughly the same size as a 10’ x 10’ storage room and it can hold up to 6,000 lbs. of contents. The outer dimensions of the storage container are 7.75’W x 7.5’H x 12’L, providing 620 cubic feet of packing room.
- 16-foot container: Our most popular option, the 16-foot container, holds about 3-4 rooms of furniture and is roughly the same size as a 10’ x 15’ storage room. The container can hold up to 6,000 lbs. worth of contents, which is more than most of our competitors! The outside dimensions of the storage container are roughly 7.75’W x 7.5’H x 16’L, and it provides 830 cubic feet of packing room.
Location and Its Impact on Pricing
When considering the cost of a storage unit, where it's located plays a big role. Storage units in cities usually cost more because lots of people want them, and there isn't much space to build new ones. This makes the land and building costs go up, too. On top of that, with not much room for storage facilities in these areas, prices can get even higher due to the demand.
It's also key to consider how close you need your storage facility to be based on what you're storing. If you'll be stopping by often to grab your stuff, picking one near where you live or work might make sense, even if it's pricier. But if visiting frequently isn't something you plan on doing, looking outside city limits could save some cash since options there tend to be cheaper.
1-800-PACK-RAT makes it simple by bringing the storage to you. No driving is involved on your part, and you can pack your container with your stuff on your property. When finished, you can keep it on-site for as long as needed or store it in our facility. Much like traditional storage areas, the facility's location and time of year/seasonality can impact availability and preferred delivery dates, so we suggest getting a free quote online or calling and speaking to one of our storage experts for more information.
Detailed Breakdown of Storage Unit Sizes and Costs
According to Move.org, the average cost of a storage unit in 2024 is roughly $180 per month, based on calculations gathered from over 3,800 quotes across a wide range of companies. Naturally, this price will fluctuate based on various factors, such as your location, size of the unit, length of your storage stay, availability, etc.
While traditional storage areas might seem cheap and reasonable, the initial cost to get into one doesn’t compare to the regular price you are charged once you sign with that company. You also have to take into account other costs, such as fuel driving back and forth to the storage area, the company raising rates unexpectedly, renting a moving truck if you have a lot of stuff to take back and forth, as well as the cost of your time being spent away from home and traveling back and forth.
With 1-800-PACK-RAT, many of these outlying costs are removed from the equation. An on-site portable storage unit is brought to you, so you no longer have to incur the costs of renting a truck or put miles on your personal vehicle to drive your stuff back and forth or spend valuable time at a storage area sorting through all of your stuff. While costs differ based on location and the size of the container you rent, we suggest getting an instant quote so you know how much you will be paying. You can even use our handy space calculator tool to figure out just how much storage space you need for your stuff for an even better estimation.
Working with the wrong storage company as a storage partner can make your life more difficult than it should be. From having to drive back and forth to potentially lax security arrangements to potentially being unable to access your stored stuff whenever you need to, it’s vital that your storage provider gives you what you need for your stuff and situation.
1-800-PACK-RAT gives you the flexibility to pack and store your stuff on your schedule and where you want it. If you need to access your stuff in our facility, simply give us 24-hour notice, and we will stage your container for you. Our facilities are also secure, with 24/7 surveillance and no shared hallways with other businesses. We keep your stuff safe and secure so you can have peace of mind.
While pricing is extremely important, especially when working on a budget, the advantages - especially for portable storage - are also vital. More traditional storage facilities may seem like a cheap option, but the lack of flexibility and hassles associated with them can definitely cause you headaches when compared to 1-800-PACK-RAT's self-storage method.
Seasonal Variations in Storage Unit Prices
The cost of renting a storage unit can go up or down depending on the time of year, all because of how many people want one and how many are available. Knowing about these ups and downs helps you make a smart choice when it comes to getting a storage unit.
High Demand Seasons and Price Fluctuations
During certain times, like when college students are moving in, everyone's shifting homes at once, or folks are tidying up their places by the end of the year, getting a storage unit can cost more. This happens because many people want to rent them during these busy periods.
With this in mind, it makes sense to think ahead if you're considering renting a storage unit. With 1-800-PACK-RAT, you can schedule your storage order ahead of time and have it delivered whenever you need it. Traditional storage facilities cannot compete with that and typically won’t allow you to schedule a rental far in advance, if they do at all.
Off-Season Discounts and How to Avail Them
In the quieter times of the year, storage facilities often lower their prices or offer extras to draw people in and fill those empty spaces. They might reduce the monthly fee, offer special deals, or allow customers to use more services from different companies without charging extra.
To ensure you snag these cool deals during the off-season, it's smart to think ahead and reserve your storage unit early. 1-800-PACK-RAT also offers specials all year round—be sure to check out our current offers to see what you can do to save a bit more on your order while experiencing the flexibility our portable storage containers afford.
Additional Costs Associated with Renting a Storage Unit
On top of the monthly rent for a storage unit, you might also have to pay some extra charges. These can be for needed insurance, money put down as a security deposit, and fees for administrative stuff.
Insurance Requirements and Options
Many storage facilities make it necessary for people renting space to have insurance coverage for the stuff they keep there. This is a safety net for both the person using the facility and the place itself, just in case something bad happens, like damage or loss. At some places, you can add an insurance option directly to what you pay every month for renting space. On another note, it's worth checking if your home or rental insurance plan also covers things in storage units. If that's not an option, consider getting special insurance just for your items.
1-800-PACK-RAT, for example, offers multiple Contents Protection Plans to help you find the right level of protection for your belongings. Our all-steel containers protect your stuff from the elements and mold and mildew, and our barn-style doors offer more protection than our competitors' traditional roll-up doors. We know what peace of mind insurance plans can bring. See what plan works best for your stuff!
1-800-PACK-RAT is the Best Choice for Storing Your Stuff
When determining the cost of a storage unit, consider several factors, such as its size, location, and any extra fees. By paying attention to these details, you can find a good deal on storage that fits your needs.
That is why 1-800-PACK-RAT is your best choice. We have three container sizes that can fit your storage needs. We deliver the container(s) to your location, and you can then pack them at your own pace. When you are done packing, you can keep your container on-site for as long as you need or have it picked up and stored in our secure, local facility. If you need to make a move, we will just deliver your container locally or over a long distance.
We are the most flexible storage company you will find - we work on your schedule, not the other way around. Get a free quote or call our storage experts to learn more and see how we can make your storage needs simple and affordable today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Units
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need for a One-Bedroom Apartment?
When figuring out what size storage unit you need for a one-bedroom apartment, it really comes down to how much stuff you own. For most people with a one-bedroom place, our 8-foot container can suffice. However, we have two other sizes you can use, such as 12- and 16-foot containers, if you need more space. The best part of 1-800-PACK-RAT is that we will simply bring you another container if you need additional storage. No more packing and unpacking multiple times over or moving stuff from one storage unit to another.
How Much is a Storage Unit per Month?
The cost of a storage unit per month can vary widely depending on several factors, such as location, unit size, and time of year. To get an accurate answer to "how much is storage per month" for your specific needs, get a free quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT. We will do our best to work with you to find the best solution for your storage needs and budget.