12 Ways to Make Storage Cheaper

• Gated, fenced properties: Keeps out unauthorized visitors.
• 24/7 video surveillance: Deters theft and adds peace of mind.
• On-site staff and managers: Immediate help if you have a problem or question.
• Individually alarmed units: Extra layer of protection for higher-value storage.
• Computerized entry systems: Reliable access tracking for every visit.

• Daily, extended, or true 24/7 access: Some facilities offer round-the-clock entry, while others have set hours.
• Clear entry and exit policies: Avoid surprise lockouts and understand your facility’s rules before move-in.

• Consistent temperature and humidity: Reduces risk of mold, mildew, and warping.
• Protects sensitive items: Great for electronics, wood furniture, documents, and artwork.
• Especially valuable in areas with extreme weather: Think Mount Vernon’s rainy winters or North Carolina’s humid summers.

• Automatic payments by credit or debit card: Avoid late fees and missed bills.
• Online account access: Reserve units, pay bills, and manage your info without a trip to the office.
• Additional payment options: Some accept cash, checks, or money orders — ask before you book.

• Sizes from 5×5 (closet) to 10×30 (garage) and up: Choose the smallest unit you can comfortably fit your items in to reduce storage costs.
• Indoor vs. outdoor access: Indoor units are best for valuable or sensitive items, while outdoor units are easier for drive-up unloading.
• Best for: Personal belongings, furniture, small business inventory, and more.

• Small unit sizes (5×5, 5×10): Ideal for students, renters, or anyone with a few things to stash.
• Pay for what you actually use: No need to rent a full-sized space if you don’t need it.

• Outdoor parking: The most budget-friendly way to store large vehicles.
• Covered or indoor garages: More expensive, but offer added protection from weather and theft.
• Pros & cons: You’ll free up space at home, but may have limited access hours and need special insurance.

• First month free or $1 move-in specials: Often available for new customers.
• Student, senior, and military discounts: Ask what you qualify for — you might be surprised.
• Referral bonuses and online-only deals: Booking online can unlock extra savings.

4. Consider your motivations

Figuring out what to do with the rarely-used items spread throughout your home can be overwhelming. So before doing anything drastic, take time to reflect on your motives.

First, make a list of the items you’re considering storing. Then:

• Jot down a few notes for each, like when you last used it, the likelihood of ever needing it again, and why you’ve held onto it for so long
• Ask yourself if it’s worth keeping, or if you could live without it altogether
• Compare its value to the cost of storage

You may be surprised, but a few hours with a notepad may help channel your inner minimalist. And it may save you down the road too.

5. Evaluate storage vs replacement costs

Spending $75 a month for a small storage unit is easy to justify. On the other hand, realizing 18 months later that you’ve spent $1,350 storing stuff you should’ve discarded or donated can be a real eye-opener.

When considering your options, it’s wise to plan for the worst-case scenario. In many instances, long-term storage costs exceed the value of the items you’re storing and just aren’t worth it.

6. Donate and downsize

The easiest way to reduce storage costs is to get rid of as many items as possible. Though some things should be disposed of, charity organizations and thrift shops are always looking for gently used clothes, toys and household items – and they may even pick them up for free.

By donating and downsizing you’ll:

• Reduce (or eliminate) storage costs
• Create more living space for you and your family
• Sleep well knowing you’ve helped support those in need

7. Rent the right size storage unit

Determining how much storage space you need can be tricky even for seasoned veterans.

That being said, renting a 10 x 20 storage unit when a less expensive 10 x 10 would’ve done the trick is a needless expense.

Thankfully, we hate needless expenses too, which is why we’ve taken much of the guesswork out of the age old question – What size storage unit do I need?

8. Compare cost of living vs storage space

It’s tempting to consider upgrading from a 1 to a 2-bedroom apartment and using the extra space for storage. While it would be convenient to have your items close by, you’d likely pay significantly more in the long run. In other words: A $50 storage unit trumps a $300 per month rent hike any day.

Also consider using your own attic, basement or spare bedroom, or those of family and friends. If you go the latter route, make sure you give them a definite time frame (like 3 months tops) and stick to it.

9. Rent a unit outside the city

Especially if you reside in an urban area with a high cost of living, you may find that storage unit prices are way more than you were expecting.

However, units just outside city limits (even as little as 20 minutes away) may be significantly less expensive. If you won’t need regular access to your items, it may be a small price to pay for a great deal.

10. Kick retail therapy to the curb

For many of us, buying things like clothes, shoes, and floor lamps raises our spirits. But it’s usually a temporary high, and in the long run retail therapy almost always has more cons than pros.

Spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need can cause regret, clutter, and untold financial woes, so addressing problematic buying habits is another key component of making storage cheaper.

11. Store your items at a full-service mover’s warehouse

It’s easy to overlook the costs associated with getting items into and out of storage when making a budget, but in many instances they’re more expensive than storage itself.

Many of the best moving companies offer free storage to entice prospective customers into using their services.

It’s more common on local moves during non-peak months, but it just may offset the cost enough to make hiring a full-service moving company an attractive alternative to self-storage.

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12. Consider other options

There’s no doubt about it. Portable storage containers offer more options and flexibility than traditional self-storage facilities. Unlike their traditional storage counterparts, they bring the storage unit to you.

After you’ve loaded it, you can choose to keep it on your property or have the company take it to their facility. Storage containers also eliminate double handling, which often causes otherwise avoidable damage.

• Boxes, tape, mattress covers, and furniture pads: Available for purchase at most facilities.
• Dollies and hand trucks: Sometimes free to borrow for tenants, saving you rental fees elsewhere.

• Truck rental partnerships: U-Haul, Penske, and other brands often partner with local storage facilities.
• Bundled discounts: Rent a storage unit and a moving truck together to save on both.

• Mail and package acceptance: Facilities accept deliveries on your behalf.
• 24/7 access and notifications: Some locations offer all-hours access and package alerts for added convenience.