How Much Is A Storage Unit
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How much is a storage unit depends on the facility, the unit size, the location and how long you rent. This site does not publish rental prices, so this guide explains how to work out the size you need and what home shelving can do before you rent. Common self-storage units are sized from 5 by 5 feet up to 20 by 20 feet, and the right size starts with a list of what you plan to store.
Quick answer
- Rental rates are set by each storage facility and are not covered in this guide.
- Pick a unit size first by listing your items and measuring them, then ask each facility for its current rate for that size.
- Typical sizes include 5 by 5, 5 by 10, 10 by 10 and 10 by 15 feet.
- If you only need more room at home, metal and plastic shelving units can reduce how much space you have to rent.
Why no price is given here
The cost of a storage unit is the monthly rent a facility charges for a particular size, location and contract. Those factors change from one facility to the next. The product listings used for this article describe home shelving and organizers, so they say nothing about self-storage rent. The reference page used for the size information does not list rental prices either. Any figure in this article would be a guess, so none is given.
Typical unit sizes
A reference overview of self-storage lists these common width by depth sizes: 5 by 5 feet, 5 by 10 feet, 10 by 10 feet, 10 by 15 feet, 10 by 20 feet, 15 by 20 feet and 20 by 20 feet. The same overview notes that 10 by 10 feet was the most common US size as of 2015. Larger units hold more, but they also cost more to rent, so it pays to match the size to your real load.
Facilities differ in exact dimensions and ceiling height, so check the size each one offers rather than assuming a match with the list above. Ask whether the unit is climate controlled, whether it is drive-up or inside a building, and how access hours work.
How to choose the right size
Start with an inventory. Group your items by type and note which pieces are large or heavy, such as a sofa, a mattress or a dresser. Then measure those pieces and add the space they take up when stacked. A small, medium and large box can serve as a rough guide: measure one of each, count how many you have, and total the space.
Think in height as well as floor area. Units have a ceiling that limits how high you can stack, so the volume you need is the floor space multiplied by a usable height. Leave room to reach your items and a walkway if you expect to visit often. Many people rent a size larger than the minimum for this reason.
A simple test before you sign: mark the unit footprint on the floor with painter’s tape and place your largest items inside the outline. If the layout feels tight, step up one size.
Home shelving as a first step
Before you rent, look at whether shelving at home can hold some of the load. Shelving can free up a garage, closet or pantry, which may mean a smaller unit or no unit at all. Check the listed dimensions and the weight capacity of any shelf you consider, and compare them with the items you plan to store.
The Whitmor 2-wire shelving unit is listed at 14 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 15 inches high, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. Its listing describes a metal stacking shelf with a basket for kitchen, garage or office use. The listing gives an item weight of 5 pounds.
For a taller stack, the Sterilite 4-shelf unit is listed at 57 inches high, 34.5 inches wide and 14.38 inches deep. Its listing gives a 50-pound capacity per shelf, describes a plastic unit with a tool-free tubular frame, and names garages, basements, laundry rooms and utility areas as uses.
A third option for small items is the C&AHOME 16-cube organizer. Each cube is listed at 11.8 inches on each side, and the overall unit at 48.4 inches long, 12.4 inches wide and 48.4 inches high. The listing gives a maximum weight of 11 pounds per cube and describes a plastic DIY organizer for home, bedroom or office use. The listing does not state whether the unit suits heavy items, so use it for light goods such as books, toys or bags.
Roundup: three home options compared
Each option solves a different storage problem. The table uses the values stated in each listing. Where a listing does not give a value, the table says so.
| Product | Size (listing) | Weight limit (listing) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitmor 2-wire shelf with basket | 14 in D x 15 in W x 15 in H | 250 lb maximum | Small items in a kitchen, garage or office |
| Sterilite 4-shelf unit | 14.38 in D x 34.5 in W x 57 in H | 50 lb per shelf | Bins and tools in a garage or basement |
| C&AHOME 16-cube organizer | 12.4 in D x 48.4 in W x 48.4 in H | 11 lb per cube | Light goods in a bedroom or office |
The Sterilite unit suits heavier storage because of its per-shelf rating. The Whitmor shelf suits a single stack of small containers. The cube organizer suits light, sorted items and display. None of these listings is compared with rental rates in this article.
Mistakes to avoid
- Renting by guess. Measure your largest items and count your boxes first.
- Ignoring height. A unit with more floor space but a low ceiling can hold less than you expect.
- Forgetting access. If you will visit often, plan a walkway and check the facility’s hours.
- Overloading shelves. Stay under the weight limit in each listing, and spread heavy items across shelves.
- Storing fragile or valuable goods without checking the facility’s rules and your own insurance.
FAQ
How much does a storage unit cost?
The cost is set by each facility and depends on unit size, location and rental length. This article does not give a price because rental prices are not in the product data and are not published on this site. Ask each facility for its current rate for the size you need.
What size storage unit do I need?
Start by listing your items and measuring the largest pieces. Common sizes run from 5 by 5 feet to 20 by 20 feet. Choose the smallest size that holds your list with room to walk in.
Is it better to rent a unit or buy shelving?
It depends on how much you need to store and how often you need access. Shelving at home helps keep a garage, closet or pantry organized and can reduce the space you need. If you need room for furniture or large boxes, a rented unit may fit better. Check the listed weight limits before you buy shelving.
How much weight can a shelving unit hold?
It depends on the model. The Whitmor shelf lists 250 pounds as its maximum capacity, the Sterilite unit lists 50 pounds per shelf, and the C&AHOME cube lists 11 pounds per cube. Use the rating for the product you choose and do not exceed it.
Can I store anything I want in a rented unit?
No. Facilities set their own rules on what you can store, including items that are flammable, perishable or hazardous. Read the rental agreement and ask about insurance before you move in. This article gives general guidance only and is not legal or insurance advice.
What should I measure before I rent?
Measure the height of your ceiling or door frame, the width of your largest items, and the depth of any shelves you plan to use. Add a margin for walking space. These numbers help you pick a size and decide which items can stay at home on shelves.
Bottom line
This site cannot tell you what a storage unit costs, because rent depends on the facility. What you can do is measure your items, pick a standard unit size, compare the listed sizes and weight limits of any shelving you consider, and then ask each facility for its current rate.
Related reading: How Much Height Do You Need for Shoe Storage and Best Garage Storage Racks and Shelving Units for Heavy Loads.
