The Cheapest Storage Options in 2024
Seven-foot moving containers and small mini-storage units are convenient and inexpensive when looking for the cheapest storage options.
With the latter, first or second-floor units without climate control are the cheapest, as are ones outside urban areas like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, where demand and prices are consistently high. However, self-storage units can offer some of the lowest prices across all storage providers, so it pays to look there.
But what happens when the average price still isn’t within budget, and you desperately need extra storage space?
Thankfully, cash-strapped families and business owners looking for bargains can find even more affordable storage options other than the best moving container companies and self-storage companies… if they’re willing to look outside the box.
Let’s dive into some of our best ideas to meet your storage needs.
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4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
The 9 cheapest storage options
You could rent any cheap storage unit, but it doesn’t mean you get the best bang for your buck. Here are nine of the cheapest storage options for various needs.
1. Rent a portable storage container
With container storage companies, you choose the moving container size you want and call or schedule your delivery online.
The company then delivers an empty container to your home or business. Once loaded, you can leave it onsite, take it to the company’s secure facility for local storage, or even move it to another state until you are ready to move into your new home.
Helpful tips:
- Ask if the companies you’re considering have pick-up, delivery, and fuel surcharges
- Consider seasonality, since you’ll get the best rental rates during the non-peak season (September–March)
- If you live in a busy urban area, ensure that you get the proper parking permits for drive-up access
Look for moving container discounts and check out our best moving containers round-up for our expert insights and recent updates.
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2. Go with self-storage
Though it’s not the cheapest option, self-storage is one of the most convenient because storage facilities are everywhere, which makes getting average prices online, in person, and over the phone easy.
Just like you would with moving quotes, get multiple estimates, and make sure you compare apples to apples with storage unit prices —for example, make sure all costs and security features are for the same storage unit size and access hours.
If you want a climate-controlled storage unit with drive-up access, confirm with customer service before requesting a quote so you can be confident you receive the right estimates.
Helpful tips:
- Check for storage discounts on Groupon and company websites to get the lowest price possible
- Ask about special rates for active or ex-military personnel, law enforcement, teachers, college students, and senior citizens
- If you sign a long-term contract, ask about promotions like gettting the first month free or a no-cost upgrade to climate-controlled storage.
Related: Items You Shouldn’t Keep In A Storage Unit
3. Use an online storage marketplace
SpareFoot is an online storage marketplace that helps your stuff find a home, according to its motto.
In other words, they’re like the AirBnb of storage facilities, and for busy people like you, their services can be huge time and money savers for addressing complex storage needs.
With online storage marketplaces, enter your address, city, or ZIP code into their website, and you’ll receive multiple instant quotes instantly. These options usually help you find the lowest price by aggregating bids from various storage facilities near you.
Helpful tips:
- Listings include helpful information like hours, drive-up access, security features, and whether units are climate-controlled
- Searches may not include every storage facility or all the types of storage in your area — only the ones they partner with
- You may get a better deal by contacting the storage locations on their websites directly
4. Buy a used overseas container
According to Western Container Sales, used 40-foot shipping containers cost between $1,200 and $3,000, depending on age, condition, and demand in your area.
You can also buy “one-trip” containers in like-new condition for between about $4,000 and $7,000. Smaller 20-foot containers may be significantly less expensive than their big brothers and take up much less space while still offering enough room for
Of course, you’ll have to pay for delivery, too, but buying your container is an excellent option if you have the space onsite and need long-term storage.
Helpful tips
- Shop around for the best container deals
- Sometimes, buying from a neighboring state with more supply and less demand may be cheaper, even with delivery charges
- There’s no guarantee that your container won’t leak, so plan on doing minor repairs to bring it up to snuff
5. Use a consignment shop for temporary storage
Use a consignment shop as a free self-storage unit. Consignment can work as temporary storage because it allows you to drop your items off to get them out of your home before they sell.
Consignment shops then sell items for you and take a commission from the proceeds. Typically, you can expect to earn about 30%–75% of the total sale price, but it can vary by retailer.
Most are antique or thrift shops, but some sell items on websites like Amazon and eBay. Either way, they may hold onto your items until they sell, freeing up space and making you a few bucks in the process.
This option only works if you’re on the fence between selling items or putting them into storage, but it’s worth considering.
Helpful tips
- Only consign items you can live without because somebody may buy them
- Consignment shops are better for large items like antiques
- Businesses that sell items for customers online may charge extra for taking photos and writing product descriptions, so ask before committing
6. Store items at your home or business
This one is pretty straightforward.
If eliminating storage isn’t an option, you can save tons of money in the long run by downsizing and storing items at your home or business.
Attics, garages, basements, guest bedrooms, and offices often have unused storage locations in sheds or under the deck, perfect for household goods or boat storage, tools, or construction materials.
Helpful tips
- Consolidating attic and basement contents may free up sufficient storage space
- Sensitive items like antiques, important documents, and artwork may not do the best in attics and garages where humidity and temperature fluctuations are the highest
- When storing items outside, use tarps, pallets, and bins to protect your property from the elements and ground moisture
7. Ask a friend to use their extra space
Simply put, if your friends or family have extra space, ask them if they’re willing to hold onto a few things for you. This option usually works best if you only need short-term storage. After all, you don’t want to burden a friend by keeping things there long-term.
Start by asking close friends and family members. Sweeten the deal with free lunch, dinner, or a movie or consider bartering, like — “If you store my living room set for three months, I’ll clean your gutters in the spring.” You likely won’t have 24-hour access to your belongings, but the price is worth the tradeoff.
If that doesn’t work, broaden your search with a Facebook or NextDoor post.
Helpful tips
- When asking, include a deadline for removing your items
- Keep your items organized in clearly labeled bins you can easily stack
8. Make a temporary donation
Donations are usually final, but that doesn’t always have to be the case if you have an established relationship with the organization you’re donating to.
Maybe, your church has a new rec room, but there wasn’t sufficient money in the budget to buy much furniture.
If you’re considering storing an old living room set or a patio table and chairs for six months or so, you could save yourself storage rental fees by temporarily donating them to the church until you’re ready for them again.
Sure, they’ll get some wear and tear, but think of all the money you’ll save.
Helpful tips
- At the outset, make it clear that your donation is temporary
- Later on, you may decide to make your donation permanent, in which case you’ll be supporting a good cause
9. Do away with storage altogether
The best way to reduce pricey storage is to eliminate it altogether. Easier said than done, right?
A little soul-searching may help you realize that you don’t need and won’t miss most of the items you plan on storing.
When downsizing, consider the six-month rule. If you haven’t used or thought about an item in six months, you can most likely donate or discard it. You may also want to incorporate Marie Kondo’s methods by considering whether or not your items spark joy.
If the items are taking up more space than they’re worth, you may be overdue for decluttering.
Helpful tips
- Start this process in your garage, attic, or basement
- If downsizing and decluttering are too overwhelming, get help from friends, coworkers, and family members. You can even hire a professional organizer to go through your stuff with or without you.
- Don’t rush the process or start at the last minute — doing it in small doses over multiple weeks is better
How to find affordable storage
If renting a storage unit seems like your best option, here are a few tips to help you find the best price for your storage needs:
- Downsize. To reduce the total amount of storage space you need, declutter and organize your items strategically.
- Compare quotes. Don’t settle for the first service provider that can meet your needs. Instead, request at least three quotes to confirm you’re getting the lowest price for your desired services.
- Consider the type of storage. Small non-climate-controlled-storage units are going to be cheaper than massive vehicle storage facilities.
- Decide between short- and long-term storage. Signing a long-term storage contract can be more affordable than month-to-month rentals.
- Share with a friend. If you don’t have enough stuff to justify a whole storage unit, splitting with a friend or family member can reduce your overall cost.
- Expand your radius. If you don’t need frequent access to your storage unit, looking further outside metropolitan areas can save you money.
- Haggle. Some storage companies will price-match their competitors’ quotes, so don’t be afraid to negotiate a bit.
The best storage companies
Still think you need traditional storage? Let’s look at our favorite cheap storage solutions, many of which are also our picks for cheapest moving containers. We’ll highlight the different offerings and show you the cheapest storage options.
PODS
PODS is one of the leaders in the moving and storage industry. They offer three different container sizes: eight feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet. PODS containers offer unlimited storage available onsite or at a PODS storage center.
Their containers are available in 45 states so it’s a great option for most people looking for both short-term and long-term storage. They’re not always the cheapest storage options, but they do offer great service.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT offers hassle and stress-free portable moving containers in eight-, 12-, or 16-foot sizes.
When you plan your move using their storage services, you’ll get 30 days free storage right off the bat. If you need to store your items longer, move at your own pace since there’s no time limit, and you can pay for storage for as long as needed.
Some of their containers are climate-controlled and others aren’t, so be sure to ask the agent if that’s something you need.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Pack Relocube
U-Pack offers portable storage units called Relocubes — some of the cheapest storage options around.
These containers are seven feet long, making them ideal for movers who only need a small amount of storage space. The steel containers are good for people who are moving between 100 and 250 miles, thanks to the great value pricing.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
U-Haul U-Box
U-Haul U-Box is perfect for very small storage needs. The U-Box is 95 inches x 56 inches x 83.5 inches, or 257 cubic feet. It’s usually big enough to fit a twin mattress and a few medium-sized boxes, but you can order more than one if you need to.
The best part about U-Haul U-Box is the company’s near-ubiquitous availability. Its nationwide availability and multiple locations within even small cities make it easy to get a last-minute reservation.
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Public Storage
Like U-Haul, Public Storage is one of the country’s most widely available storage facilities. It’s a self-storage facility with multiple unit sizes, including ones large enough to store a vehicle. It also offers drive-up access and climate-controlled units.
The website is user-friendly and chock full of resources to help you choose the right size unit for your needs.
For the best option for your storage needs, make sure to get a free quote using our moving cost calculator and compare the different services and offerings for each provider.
- Related: How To Store A Car
FAQs about the cheapest storage options
What is the cheapest way to store my stuff?
Self-storage units are usually the cheapest way to store your stuff if you don’t have room for a storage pod or the option to use extra storage space at your family or friend’s places. You can further reduce costs by splitting a storage unit with a friend or opting for a smaller storage locker.
Many self-storage facilities offer free storage promotions for the first month if you can commit to a longer-term contract.
Are storage units worth it?
Storage units may be worth it for someone who lives in a small apartment now but intends to upgrade to a bigger space down the line. Short-term storage may also be worth it if you have a specific date set for move-in at a new home and don’t plan to use a storage unit indefinitely.
You should look at your budget and storage needs to determine the best value for your goals.
What time of year is cheapest to rent storage?
Winter is the cheapest time of year to rent storage. Demand is lower outside of the peak moving season. Storage unit rental rates can fluctuate month to month, so don’t rush to book right away if you have a flexible lead time.
Holding out and comparing storage unit prices from various companies can ensure you get the best price.
Is it a good idea to store my stuff at home?
It can be a good idea to store your stuff at home if you’re not limited in square feet. You’ll also want to consider the safety of your items at home. If you rent a climate-controlled storage unit and get a suitable insurance policy, your items are protected from floods, mold, and temperature fluctuations, and you may not have access to these luxuries in a garage, shed, or attic.
Is it better to rent or buy storage?
It’s better to rent storage if you only need it for the short term and don’t need constant access. Professional storage units also have stronger security features. However, if you need 24-hour access, don’t need a lot of additional storage services, buying storage may be a good solution that results in a lower average price over time.
If you are looking for a storage unit with 24-hour access, have a look at our article on the best 24-hour access storage units.
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