How Much Does the Average Storage Unit Cost? | Move.org
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Storage Unit?
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Jul 03, 2025
3 min read
Reviewed By Rebecca Edwards
Kurt simplifies moving with nearly a decade of research experience. His writing appears in USA Today, Slate, and Martha Stewart Living. He holds an MPA.
Storage units range from around $70 to $300 per month, depending on size, type, and availability. Average storage unit costs are about $180 per month, based on our analysis of more than 3,500 quotes. Because storage unit prices are based on demand, you can often trim costs by comparing quotes from the best self-storage companies in your area.
Average storage unit cost
The Move.org team gathered quotes from hundreds of storage facilities to determine the average storage unit cost nationwide. Small storage units cost about $60 per month, while medium storage units often cost more than double that amount at $140 per month. The largest storage units average about $260 per month.
| Storage unit size | Average monthly cost | Cheapest option |
|---|---|---|
| Small (5x5–5x10 ft.) | $60 | Extra Space Storage |
| Medium (5x15–10x15 ft.) | $140 | CubeSmart |
| Large (10x20–10x30 ft.) | $260 | Extra Space Storage |
Data as of May 2024. Storage unit prices exclude a one-time administrative fee, monthly insurance costs, and special promotions.
How much stuff can fit in a 10x10 storage unit?
A 10x10 unit (100 sq. ft.) can typically fit belongings from a one- to three-bedroom home, depending on the type of stuff you have. To decide the size of the storage unit you need, you should calculate the square footage of your belongings. It can also help to measure the length and width of larger furniture items.
Compare storage unit costs
| Self-storage company | Monthly storage unit price | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| $160 | Check Prices | |
| $160 | Check Prices | |
| $160 | Check Prices | |
| $210 | Check Prices | |
| $230 | Check Prices |
Data as of May 2024. Storage unit prices exclude a one-time administrative fee, monthly insurance costs, and special promotions.
How much does climate-controlled storage cost?
Our analysis of more than 3,500 quotes suggests that climate-controlled storage costs around $190 per month. That’s a fairly good bargain considering traditional storage units cost only $10 less. Climate-controlled storage uses heating and air-conditioning to keep your belongings within a consistent temperature range.
When do I need climate control?
The best climate-controlled storage companies recommend these specialized units for items that can be easily damaged by extreme weather conditions:
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Books
- Clothing and fabric
- Computers
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Household appliances
- Important paperwork
- Musical instruments
Fun fact: Storage unit companies say that climate-controlled storage costs more (and it does). However, trends over the last two years show minimal extra cost due to year-round online sales. So for an additional $10 monthly, you can protect your household inventory from humidity and extreme temperatures.
What is the average cost of vehicle storage?
The average cost of vehicle storage is approximately $210 per month. However, it’s helpful to know that vehicle storage spaces come in all shapes and sizes. Similarly, prices are all over the place. For example, we’ve seen units large enough for an oversized RV cost as little as what you’d typically pay for a sedan that fits inside a one-car garage. But $210 is a good ballpark figure.
Check with your local self-storage unit companies to see how much each of these units cost (and if they’re available):
- Antique vehicle storage units
- ATV storage
- Boat storage spaces
- Camper storage spaces
- Car storage spaces
- Classic car storage units
- Light truck storage spaces
- Luxury vehicle storage units
- Motorcycle storage spaces
- Motor home storage spaces
- RV storage spaces
- Truck storage spaces
- Work truck storage
How do I ship my car?
All it takes to ship your vehicle is a call to one of the nation’s best car shipping companies. They’ll handle everything from the pickup to delivery.
What factors affect the cost of a storage unit?
Several factors affect storage unit prices. Your average monthly cost for a storage solution will go up or down depending on your storage unit size, type, and availability. You should also account for fees and promotions.
- Size: Smaller units are more affordable than large ones. For example, the average small storage space costs only $70 (compared to $280 for big units).
- Type: You pay an extra $10 monthly to store your belongings in a climate-controlled storage unit.
- Demand: Nearly-full storage companies cost more than facilities with lots of empty units. You can often save a ton of cash by comparing prices at several nearby locations.
- Location: Storage unit prices vary based on where you live. For example, we analyzed thousands of quotes in five regions across the country and found that storage costs the most in the Northeast ($200) and the least in the Southwest ($160).
- Extra fees: Most storage unit companies charge sales tax, a one-time administrative fee, and a monthly storage insurance charge.
- Discounts: Storage unit companies offer more discounts than any other part of the moving industry. Keep your eye out for popular deals like online price cuts, “first-month free” specials, and seasonal markdowns.
What storage unit size do I need?
The nation’s most popular storage unit size is a medium 10 x 10 unit. However, the ideal storage unit size depends on how much space your stuff takes up.
Rent storage unit cost FAQ
How can you get a discount on self-storage units?
There are nearly as many storage discounts as there are storage units. All you need to do is compare online prices. Virtually all of the best self-storage companies provide steep discounts for placing a reservation online.
What is the square foot capacity of a large storage unit?
The square foot capacity of a large storage unit generally ranges from about 200–300 square feet. That’s usually enough to fit belongings from a large apartment or a house.
Who is the best storage provider?
The best storage provider is Extra Space Storage, according to Move.org. The self-storage company is known for its excellent customer service and has nearly 2,000 locations.
How much does storage insurance cost?
Storage insurance rates start at about $10 per month. Check with your storage unit company for specific storage pricing information. Some companies also allow you to use your homeowner's insurance.
How do you calculate storage costs?
Add taxes and fees to your monthly storage bill to determine storage costs. For example, if the company charges you $200 per month, you’d also want to include a one-time administrative fee, state taxes, and monthly storage insurance costs.
Can you store your vehicle in a storage unit?
You can usually store your vehicle in a storage unit. However, self-storage companies also offer specialized vehicle storage spaces for around $210 per month.
What is the average cost of vehicle storage?
The average cost of vehicle storage is approximately $210 per month. However, prices vary depending on the size and availability of your vehicle storage unit. For example, RV storage may cost more because the vehicles are abnormally large.
Where can I find a portable storage container?
You can find a portable storage container at a moving container company. The best portable storage companies, according to Move.org, are PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell.
How much does it cost to rent storage in New York?
The cost to rent storage in New York depends on the storage company, unit availability, and the size of your storage space. However, average costs are likely in the neighborhood of $200 per month.
How much will it cost to rent a storage unit near me for a year?
The average annual storage unit cost is approximately $2,160, plus taxes and fees, according to our analysis of more than 3,500 quotes. The best storage unit companies also provide security features such as video surveillance and extra lighting to keep your belongings safe.
Recap
Self-storage units cost approximately $180 per month, although storage costs can exceed $300 for large units. Your monthly storage cost also goes up about $10 if you need climate control. Our analysis of more than 3,500 quotes shows that the best storage unit companies charge about $10 less per month.
Free moving boxes
A typical cardboard box costs anywhere from $1 to $5. Cut back on storage expenses by finding free moving boxes online and at nearby stores.