Article takeaways
- 5’ x 5’ and 5’ x 10’ storage units are often the cheapest options available to rent.
- Location, facility type, climate control, and security features can all affect the price of a storage unit in your area.
- Compare prices and look for discounts and promotional rates on the SelfStorage.com storage finder tool to save money on a rental.
If you’re considering renting a storage unit, you may be concerned with how much it’ll cost you per month. Thankfully, there are plenty of small and inexpensive units available to help you save money while giving you a little extra space. You’ll typically find 5’ x 5’ units are the cheapest available, ranging from $30 to $60 per month, depending on a few factors.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the cheapest types of storage units you can find and what factors can cause their prices to change.
What are the most common sizes for cheap storage units?
A 5’ x 5’ storage unit will usually be the cheapest option available to renters, offering about the same space as a small walk-in closet. Renters can expect to store a few boxes of personal belongings, some seasonal and decorative items, and even some small pieces of furniture in a unit of this size. SelfStorage.com reports that these units can range from as low as $28 per month to $72 per month in 2025, depending on location.
For renters requiring a bit more space, a 5’ x 10’ storage unit can fit their needs with only a marginal price increase. Renters can store larger pieces of furniture and several more boxes of personal belongings in these units, as well as unused yard and business equipment. Our data finds these units can range from around $40 to $120 a month, depending on location.
You can expect to pay a bit more for a storage unit that offers climate control, as these facilities cost more to run. However, if you’re storing items that might otherwise be damaged by temperature and humidity changes, you’ll find this a worthwhile investment that will save you money in the long run. Storage unit prices can also vary wildly by area, so be sure to use our search tool to compare prices and research the cheapest units near you.
What factors affect storage unit prices?
The “cheapest storage unit” in your area may cost a lot more than a similar unit in a different state. Let’s go over a few factors that can influence this price.
- Location and market demand. As a general rule, larger cities and urban areas have higher demand for storage units, so you can expect to pay a lot more for storage facilities in these locations than you would in a rural area with fewer people needing storage.
- Facility type. Facilities with outdoor access typically cost less than indoor facilities, but you’ll also be going without the robust security and access features that indoor facilities include in their contracts.
- Climate control features. Maintaining a predictable temperature and humidity in a storage unit costs the storage facility extra, so you can expect to invest a little bit extra for these units. If you need to protect your belongings from the elements, this investment should be well worth it.
- Security features and amenities. High-tech access control, on-site security staff and cameras, good lighting, and strong locks will raise your rental costs quite a bit, but the added protection and peace of mind should be more than worth the extra money.
- Seasonal demand fluctuations. Storage units typically cost less during the winter months when demand for moving and decluttering isn’t as high.
- Contract length and promotional rates. Some storage facilities offer discounts for longer contracts that cost far less per month, and new renters can often find discount codes that allow them to receive a month or two free.
How do I find the cheapest storage units near me?
If you’re looking to save money on a storage unit rental, here are a few things to try.
- Look for promotional rates. Many storage facilities offer discounts to attract new renters, so take advantage of these offers whenever possible.
- Consider slightly larger units if the cost per square foot is better. If you find you need the extra space, it’s often a better deal to rent a larger unit with a lower price per square foot rather than renting multiple smaller units.
- Choose standard units over climate-controlled ones when possible. If you don’t need to invest in protecting belongings from the elements, you can save a significant amount per month by renting units without regulated temperature.
- Avoid premium locations if convenient access isn’t essential. Be sure to only look for the amenities you absolutely need so you don’t wind up renting a unit with extra features you don’t want to pay for.
- Ask about long-term discounts. If you plan on renting a unit for an extended period, you can often get a lower price per month by committing to a long-term contract.
The first step to saving money on a storage unit is comparing facility prices near you, and you can do that right here on SelfStorage.com. Use our built-in search tool to find facilities in your area that meet your needs and see how their rental prices line up next to each other!
