What Kind of Storage Company Should You Use?

In need of a storage unit? If you’re moving, remodeling, or just need a place to keep all that extra stuff you’ve got lying around, a storage unit is an excellent option for safely stowing belongings away until you need them again. But with the various types of storage units out there, it can be difficult to narrow down your options and pick the best one for your needs. Here are the considerations you should keep in mind, including key factors of each kind of storage unit that should hopefully help you choose your right fit.

Portable storage containers

Portable storage containers—think PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-Pack-Rat—are one of the easiest and most efficient types of storage units. Choose a date for your storage container to be dropped off, fill it up right in your driveaway, and then schedule a pick-up. The portable storage company you work with will then store your unit away for you until you need it again, at which point they can drive it to the original drop-off point or, if you’ve moved, bring it to a new location. If you need shorter-term storage, you can also just arrange to have the unit sit in your driveaway for as long as you need it. Be sure to supply your own heavy duty lock, since they don’t come with the container.

Major pro: Convenience. Units are delivered right to your driveaway and picked up from the same spot. Instead of having to transport your belongings to a storage facility you just have to take them outside.

Major con: Accessibility. If you’ve had the container moved to a facility but you need something from it, you’re out of luck (unless you schedule—and pay for—a drop off of the entire unit).

Cost: Your final cost depends on the size of the container you rent, the length of time you rent it for, and whether you keep the unit on your own property or have it moved to a facility. Expect prices to start around $100 a month.

Indoor storage units

An indoor storage unit is a space that you rent inside of a storage facility. You’ll need to bring the belongings that you want to store to the unit itself, which may require renting a truck. There are various size options you can choose among for an indoor storage unit, and extra amenities (such as 24/7 security or built-in keypad locks) range by facility. Indoor storage unit facilities are generally multi-floor, and if you’re willing to lug your stuff up the elevator to one of the upper floors you may be able to score a deal.

Major pro: Weather protection. You won’t have to worry about the elements too much with an indoor storage unit, nor will rain, snow, or other inclement weather be a nuisance when you’re loading or unloading your things.

Major con: Location. Unlike a portable storage container, you’ll have to get all your stuff to the unit—not the other way around. This may add on some costs if you have to rent a truck or hire movers to help you with heavy furniture.

Cost: Average monthly costs range from about $66 a month for a small unit to $134 a month for a large unit, and you may be required to rent your unit for a set minimum amount of time.

Outdoor storage units

Think of outdoor storage units like the motel version of indoor storage units. Instead of accessing your unit by entering a facility, you simply drive right up to it. In pretty much all other ways, however, an outdoor storage unit is the same as an indoor storage unit—you’ll have a door that locks (check with the facility you rent from to find out if you’re expected to supply your own) and depending on where you rent you may also have perks like on-site security.

Major pro: Drive-up access. Pull up your car or truck right to your unit instead of having to load it onto a dolly and take it through a building and/or up an elevator. It’s a big time saver both when you do your drop-off and pick-up and if you ever need to go grab something.

Major con: Weather variability. Outdoor units are much more susceptible to the elements than indoor units are. Cold or heat outside can affect your belongings inside, and you may have to deal with unfortunate weather conditions when you’re trying to load or unload your space.

Cost: Prices are comparable to indoor storage units—plan to spend about $60 a month to $140.

Climate-controlled storage units

Climate-controlled storage units are specially designed to prevent damage to your belongings by keeping your unit at a set temperature and controlling humidity levels. They’re typically only available as indoor units, but some storage companies do offer climate-controlled outdoor storage units. These are an ideal choice if you’re planning to store any items that could be temperamental if exposed to heat, cold, or moisture, such as wood furniture, paintings, and antiques.

Major pro: Peace of mind. It’s nice to know that extra protections are in place to keep your belongings in good condition.

Major con: Not always necessary. Unless you’re planning to store items that are prone to warping or damage, you could be throwing away money renting a climate-controlled unit. Many indoor storage units provide basic climate control just by nature of their location in heated and/or cooled facilities.

Cost: You’ll spend about 35% to 50% more on a climate-controlled unit than you would on a regular storage unit.

Specialty storage units

If you have something very specific to store, dedicated specialty storage units may be the best fit. These are good options if you have to store something extremely temperature sensitive, such as wine, or something very large, like a car or RV. Commercial storage units are also available specifically for businesses. If you’re just looking for general storage you shouldn’t need a specialty unit, but if you have something special to store or an item that you know wouldn’t do very well in a traditional unit, specialty may be the way to go.

Major pro: Protection. Specialty units are created with safety in mind for the items they’re intended to store. Everything from the size of the space to its internal temperature is optimized for a particular use.

Major con: Less variability. Specialty storage units aren’t quite as common as regular ones, so you may have to drive a little further or spend a little more.

Cost: Prices vary. Wine storage can cost as little as $25 a month for six bottles, but goes up incrementally as you store more. Car and RV storage can range from as low as $45 a month for a standard indoor unit to $450 a month for a climate-controlled unit.

Full service storage

If convenience is king, then full service storage is one of the most welcome trends to hit the storage industry in a while. Full service storage companies will drop off plastic bins at your home for you to fill with the items you need to store, then pick them up and put them in a storage unit for you. When you need your belongings back, simply schedule a drop-off via your smartphone—even if you just need one bin. Some full service storage companies will even take pictures of the insides of each box so if you need something specific they’ll be able to find it for you. They’ll also pick up, store, and deliver your larger items, like furniture and bicycles.

Major pro: Valet-style service. It simply doesn’t get any easier than a storage company that will not only do all the heavy lifting for you, but will also bring items as needed from your storage unit right to your door.

Major con: Availability. Full service storage is a relatively new concept and largely driven by the tech industry, so pretty much all of the major providers are located in just a select few major cities.

Cost: Some companies charge by the bin (usually about $5 to $7 each) while others charge a small monthly fee per square foot of storage space.

In addition to rental costs, all storage unit options may have other fees that you’ll want to factor in. These include administrative fees, sign-up fees, and security fees. When doing your research, ask about all associated fees for your rental, as well as whether there are any deals or promotions going on.

As always, be sure to get quotes from at least two or three different facilities to make sure you find a storage unit that best fits your needs and your budget. With a little bit of digging you should have no trouble finding either short- or long-term storage that checks off all your boxes.