Full Service Storage vs. Self Service Storage – Which One to Choose

Sometimes, the best place to store your stuff is somewhere other than your living room.

You're moving, decluttering, or maybe you just have too much stuff taking up space, and now you're thinking about storage.

But the real question is: should you go for full service storage or self-service storage?

Do you want the full VIP treatment, or are you okay with getting your hands dirty and saving a few bucks?

Did you know the self-storage industry in the U.S. was valued at $44.33 billion, and it’s only going to keep growing?

People are literally paying billions of dollars to stash their stuff somewhere safe (and out of sight).

And with the variety of storage solutions out there, it’s no surprise that figuring out the right option can feel like trying to choose between pizza toppings.

Now, the thing is, when you start looking at options, you’ll notice two main routes: full service storage and self-storage units.

And both have their perks.

One’s like the all-inclusive resort of storage – everything’s taken care of for you.

The other is a no-frills DIY option that puts you in the driver’s seat.

But how do you know which one’s right for you?

Keep reading, and we will make sure you get the full 411 on both options so you can make the best decision.

Unsure about the right size? Check out our tips on how to choose the perfect storage unit size for your stuff!

What is Full Service Storage?

Let’s start with the fancy one: Full Service Storage.

With full-service storage, the company comes to you, picks up your items, drives them to the facility, and even packs your things.

Here’s how it works:

1. They Pick Up Your Stuff: You don’t even need to load your things onto a truck. Just let them know what you need stored, and they’ll handle the rest.

2. They Pack and Store It: They’ll even provide packing materials if needed.

3. They Deliver It Back When You Need It: If you need something from storage, call them up, and they’ll bring it back to you.

For some people, this is a dream. It’s super convenient if you don’t have the time, energy, or maybe even the muscles to pack up and haul your stuff to the facility yourself. It’s all done for you.

What is Self Service Storage?

Now, on the other hand, we've got self-service storage.

This one’s like the DIY version.

You get the storage unit, but you’re the one doing all the work. You rent a self-storage unit, load up your stuff, and drive it to the facility yourself.

Pros of self-service storage:

• You Get to Choose: If you need a bigger unit or want to visit the storage whenever you want, you get to choose everything. It’s all up to you.
• Lower Costs: This is usually the more affordable option because you don't pay for the extra labor; you only pay for the space.
• Flexibility: You can access your items whenever you want (depending on the facility’s hours). You can also pick a location that’s close by with storage facilities near me.

However, it’s more hands-on. You’ve to do all the packing, driving, and sometimes unloading. Not exactly a “sit back and relax” experience.

Which One’s Right for You?

Okay, now for the big question: Which one should you choose?

Let’s break it down a bit more.

When to Go for Full Service Storage

1. You’re Too Busy to Deal with Moving

If you have a million other things going on (or maybe you just can't deal with the stress of packing), you can choose full service storage. They’ll handle everything for you, from packing to storing to delivering.

2. You Have Expensive or Fragile Items

If you have items like artwork, a wine collection or expensive electronics that require climate-controlled storage, you can also choose a full-service storage option.

3. You’re Willing to Pay for Convenience

If you’re in a position where spending a little extra doesn’t break the bank and you’d rather have a stress-free experience, always go for full service moving and storage. It’s the premium option, and it makes life so much easier.

Not sure if you need climate control? Learn how climate-controlled storage works and why it might be perfect for your valuables!

When to Go for Self Service Storage

1. You Want to Save Money

Self-storage units are much more affordable. If budget is a big concern, then this is the way to go. Plus, you only pay for the space, not the labor.

2. You Like Having Control

If you’re someone who likes to manage things on their own, self-service storage gives you complete control. You can pop in and out as much as you want without waiting for someone to bring your stuff to you.

3. You Need 24-Hour Access

Some facilities offer 24-hour access storage, so if you need access to your items at odd hours or whenever you feel like it, self-service storage also offers that perk.

4. You Don’t Mind Getting Your Hands Dirty

If you don’t mind doing the packing, hauling, and unloading, self-storage is your option then. It's a little more physical work, but it's straightforward and gives you the flexibility to do things on your own time.

Still undecided about storage? Let’s help you with our storage guides.

How Do You Choose the Best Full Service Storage and Self-service Storage?

Now, you must be thinking, "How do I actually pick the best storage option for me?"

Whether you're leaning toward full service storage or self-service storage, there are a few key things to consider to make sure you're getting the best deal and the right fit for your needs.

Choosing the Best Full Service Storage

If you're thinking about going all-in with full service storage, you've got some things to think about to make sure you get the best experience.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Reputation and Reviews: First and foremost, look at reviews. If the company has a lot of positive feedback, you're probably in good hands. Look for customer reviews on Google or Yelp, or just read reviews here by searching the company.

Services Offered: Not all full service storage companies are created equal. Some will come in, pack up your things, and transport them to their facility. Others might give you only the basics like transportation and storage, leaving you to pack your own items. So, think about what level of service you actually need and make sure the company offers it.

Pricing and Contracts: Some companies might offer a cheap initial price but then sneak in hidden fees. Read the fine print and make sure you’re getting value for your money.

Location and Accessibility: If you're storing things long-term and might need to access them on occasion, proximity is key. Also, ask about how often you can access your items. With full service storage, you may not have direct access to your items, but it’s worth knowing what the process is.

Customer Support: Helpful customer service team will save you a lot of headaches down the road. It’s always nice knowing you can count on the company when you need them.

Choosing the Best Self-service Storage

Now, if you’re more of the DIY type and leaning toward self-storage units, you’ll have a slightly different set of criteria to consider.

Here’s how you can choose the best self-storage option for you:

Unit Size and Availability: The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out what size self-storage unit you need. This is crucial because, well, you don’t want to be paying for a massive space you’re never going to use.

Security Features: Ask about security features like 24/7 surveillance, gated access, alarms, and lighting. If you’re storing valuable items, check if the facility offers any kind of insurance for your goods.

Accessibility: Since you’re the one doing the heavy lifting, you’ll want to make sure you have easy access to your unit. Ask about the hours of operation – some places only let you in during regular business hours, while others offer 24-hour access storage.

Pricing and Payment Flexibility: One of the big reasons people go for self-service storage is cost savings, so it’s essential to find a place that fits your budget. Compare prices for similar-sized units across different facilities.

Location: Just like with full service storage, you want to choose a facility that’s conveniently located. Storage facilities near me are great because you don’t want to be driving an hour just to access your stuff.

Need a stress-free move? Check out our Best Self-Storage Unit Companies and get your perfect storage unit.

Full service storage vs. Self-service storage - What’s the Cost Difference?

Let’s talk about the money side of things—because that’s what everyone’s curious about when it comes to storage.

Full service storage vs. self-service storage—which one’s going to hurt your wallet less?

Full Service Storage Cost

Here’s what you’re looking at:

1. Pick-Up and Delivery Charges: Depending on the distance between your place and the storage facility, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for pick-up and delivery.

2. Packing Services: On average, expect to pay around $50 to $150 for packing your items. It could be more if you’re dealing with fragile items or large furniture.

3. Climate-Controlled Units: These units cost more, typically 20% to 50% more than a regular unit. For example, a standard 10x10 unit might cost you $150 to $200 per month, but a climate-controlled unit of the same size could cost you $200 to $300 per month.

4. Insurance: Insurance costs can range from $10 to $50 per month, depending on the coverage level and the value of the items you're storing.

Self-Service Storage Cost

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for self-storage units:

1. Monthly Rental Fees: These are the base costs for renting a unit. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 per month, depending on the size of the unit and your location.

For example, a small 5x5 unit in a suburban area might cost around $50 to $100 per month, but in a big city like New York or LA, that price can easily climb to $150 or more.

2. Climate-Controlled Units: These cost can range from $150 to $400 per month depending on the unit size.

3. Insurance: Self-service storage facilities also offer insurance, and basic coverage costs $10 to $40 per month.

4. Security Features: While these are included in the monthly rent, some places charge a small extra fee for high-security features. Expect to pay $5 to $20 extra per month for enhanced security options.

Which One Fits Your Budget?

Let’s wrap this all up and compare how full service storage stacks up against self-service storage cost-wise:

• Full Service Storage: $100 - $300+ for pick-up and delivery + packing services, plus monthly rental fees for the unit itself.
• Self-Service Storage: $50 - $250+ for monthly rental fees, with additional costs for climate control, insurance, and security.

Want more detailed pricing? Get the breakdown on how much a self-storage unit actually costs and find the best deal for your needs! 

Final Thoughts

Choosing between full service storage and self-service storage is all about your priorities.

If you want convenience, peace of mind, and don’t mind spending a little more, full service storage is the way to go.

However, if you want to save money, have control over your items, and don’t mind doing a little more legwork, then self-service storage will work just fine.

Here’s a Quick Breakdown of Pros and Cons: