What Is Self Storage and How Does It Work?

Running out of space at home? Self storage can solve everyday storage challenges without breaking the bank. At SelfStorage.com, we make it easy to find affordable, reliable storage units with the right features—whether you need drive-up access, climate control, or 24-hour access. Compare units in your area and reserve with confidence, all in one place.

What Is Self Storage and How Does It Work?

Self Storage Unit Size Guide

storage unit

5x5

25 sq ft

Looks Like: Half closet

What Can Fit: Small items such as bags, suitcases, and boxes

Average Monthly Cost: $35.27

storage unit

5x10

50 sq ft

Looks Like: Large walk-in closet

What Can Fit: The contents of an average studio apartment

Average Monthly Cost: $51.47

storage unit

5x15

75 sq ft

Looks Like: Small bedroom

What Can Fit: The contents of a small one-bedroom apartment

Average Monthly Cost: $67.73

storage unit

10x10

100 sq ft

Looks Like: Average bedroom

What Can Fit: The contents of a one-bedroom apartment

Average Monthly Cost: $82.81

storage unit

10x15

150 sq ft

Looks Like: Small one-car garage

What Can Fit: The contents of a two-bedroom house or large apartment

Average Monthly Cost: $109.48

storage unit

10x20

200 sq ft

Looks Like: Standard one-car garage

What Can Fit: The contents of a two- to three-bedroom house or a full garage

Average Monthly Cost: $132.43

storage unit

10x30

300 sq ft

Looks Like: Two-car garage

What Can Fit: Four- to five-bedroom house with appliances or a 40-ft. moving van

Average Monthly Cost: $165.85

Self Storage Features that Matter

Before you choose a self storage unit, it's worth knowing which features align with your needs.

Climate control helps protect furniture, electronics, and vehicles from environmental damage in the long run; 24/7 access storage allows flexibility to retrieve your items on your schedule; and drive-up access makes it easier to load and unload bulky items.

With SelfStorage.com, you can filter facilities by amenities to find the right fit.

What Can You Store in a Self Storage Unit?

Self storage is a game-changer for anyone looking to downsize, declutter, or simply preserve belongings during big life events - but not everything can go into your self storage unit. Here’s a quick list to keep you and your stuff safe in storage.

Items you can store

  • Furniture
  • Household goods (artwork, books, home decor, etc.)
  • Sports equipment
  • Commercial goods
  • Electronics
  • Appliances
  • Cars, boats, motorcycles, and RVs
  • Alcohol

Items you cannot store

  • Money
  • Firearms, ammunition, or weapons caches
  • Live animals or plants
  • Stolen property
  • Hazardous materials
  • Noxious materials
  • Flammable materials
  • Perishable items, like food
  • Illegal drugs
  • Unregistered or uninsured vehicles and tires
  • Furs
  • Wet items
  • Living creatures (humans, animals, plants, etc.)
Self Storage FAQs

Self Storage FAQs

tracking pixel