You ever heard the saying, “A cluttered space is a cluttered mind”?
Yeah, it hits hard when you look around your place and realize you have more stuff than space.
But don't worry; you're not alone.
Portable storage units are here to save the day. Did you know the self-storage industry in the U.S. is now a $40 billion business?
Yep, that's right—$40 BILLION!
People are realizing that storing your stuff doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck, and it doesn’t require you to rent a huge truck or haul things across town.
You've probably seen those big steel boxes parked on the side of the road or in your neighbor's driveway and wondered, "What the heck is that thing?"
Well, that’s a portable storage unit, which is basically the cool, laid-back cousin of your traditional storage unit.
It shows up at your place, ready to be filled with all the things you no longer have room for.
According to a study, almost 10% of Americans are renting self-storage units right now. That’s a lot of people trusting these units with their stuff, and for good reason.
They're affordable and super flexible, and they have a huge plus: portable storage means you don’t have to leave your house.
Curious about your moving costs? Fill out the details, and we’ll calculate them for you.
Your information
is 100% Secure
You load up, lock it up, and the storage company takes care of the rest.
Sounds pretty sweet, right?
So now you’re probably wondering, “How much does this magic container cost? Is it really as simple as it sounds?”
Don't sweat it— let’s answer all your burning questions and show you exactly how portable storage units work.
What Are Portable Storage Units?
Portable storage units are exactly what they sound like: storage containers you can rent and get delivered to you.
Yes, you read that right—they come to YOU!
No need to rent a truck and drag your things to a storage unit in the middle of nowhere.
You just get a storage unit dropped off right at your place, pack it up at your pace, and when you’re done, it gets hauled off to wherever you want it to go.
Imagine you're moving, or maybe you just need to declutter your place but don't want to rent a traditional storage unit. This is when you need a portable storage.
These units come in various sizes—small enough to fit a few boxes or large enough to store an entire house's worth of stuff.
Don't stress—let us connect you with some awesome movers. Get a quote, and let's get this show on the road!
How Do Portable Storage Units Actually Work?
Let's talk about how portable storage units work in real life. It’s pretty simple:
Delivery to Your Door
You contact a company that offers storage container rental, and they bring the unit right to your doorstep. You don’t even have to lift a finger (well, until it’s time to pack, of course).
They'll drop it off wherever you want: your driveway, your yard, heck, even your front lawn, if that's what you want!
Pack at Your Own Pace
You can take your sweet time packing. No rush. Unlike those storage units near me where you’ve got to haul your stuff there, unload everything, and get it done in a day, portable storage units let you pack at your pace.
Go ahead, take a weekend to organize your stuff. Or, if you're feeling lazy, just spread it out over a couple of weeks.
Pick-Up and Transport
Once you’re done packing (or even if you’re halfway done), the company comes and picks up the unit. You’re done! They either take it to a storage facility near me or, in some cases, they’ll deliver it to your new home if you’re moving.
Accessing Your Stuff
Some companies give you access to your storage unit 24/7 (yes, even in the middle of the night if you need your yoga mat at 2 AM), while others keep it locked up in a storage facility.
But let's be real: who's really accessing their storage at midnight? Unless you're looking for that one item you forgot about.
Do you need a storage unit but are unsure where to start? Don't panic—we've got you!Check out our ultimate storage guide to find the perfect solution.
Different Sizes of Portable Storage Units and When to Use Them
Let’s discuss the different sizes of portable storage units and when to use them.
Trust us, you don't want to end up with a unit that's too small or, worse, one that's too big, and you're paying for extra space you're not even using.
Small (5' x 8') – The “Just a Few Things” Size
If you're thinking, "I don't have that much stuff; I just need a little extra space for a couple of boxes," then the 5' x 8' unit is your best friend.
This size is about the size of a small closet, so it’s perfect if you’re:
- Packing up a few boxes
- Storing holiday decorations
- Decluttering your garage or attic
- Storing a few small furniture pieces (like a dresser, some chairs, or a few lamps)
You can probably fit a couch, a couple of chairs, and several boxes in here.
Medium (8' x 10') – The “Apartment Move” Size
Now, if you’re in the middle of a small move, or maybe you’ve got a one-bedroom apartment full of stuff that needs to go somewhere temporarily, the 8' x 10' unit is your perfect size.
This is a good middle-ground unit, and it's ideal for:
- Small apartment or condo moves
- Storing furniture for one to two rooms (like a sofa, bed, and a few chairs)
- Storing tools and equipment for a small business or workshop
- Seasonal items like lawnmowers, sports equipment, or camping gear
Storage unit prices for this size are usually affordable, but you still get enough room to spread out.
Large (8' x 16') – The “Family Moving” Size
If you are moving out of a 2-3 bedroom house or storing furniture from an entire family, the 8' x 16' unit is your go-to.
This size is super spacious and can handle:
- A 2-3 bedroom home’s worth of stuff
- Multiple large furniture items like couches, dressers, dining tables, and beds
- Large appliances, like a fridge or washer/dryer set
- Boxes, bins, and seasonal gear from a full house
Extra-Large (10' x 20') – The “Whole House + Garage” Size
Need space for everything, including the garage full of boxes, tools, and all your old junk you just can’t seem to part with? The 10' x 20' unit is what you want.
This is the largest portable storage unit, and it’s perfect for:
- A whole house move with tons of belongings
- Storing large equipment or tools
- Storing multiple vehicles or boats (if the company allows it)
- Packing up everything in sight, including your entire garage and attic
Think of this as the storage unit of all storage units. It’s huge, and you'll definitely have room for big items like a car, motorbike, or maybe even a boat.
Packing up your life into a box? Trust us, it’s not as bad as it sounds!Get some expert tips on how to pack like a pro.
Benefits of Portable Storage Units
So, why should you consider using portable storage units instead of a storage unit near you?
Convenience: You don’t need to rent a truck, drive to a storage facility, unload, then drive back. With portable storage, the container comes to you. You load it up at your own pace.
Flexibility: Whether you’re self-storaging near me or storing stuff long-term, you're not stuck with a one-day deadline. Take your time. There's no need to rush. You can even store your stuff for weeks, months, or however long you need.
Security: These units are built tough. Most portable storage units are solid steel, meaning your stuff will stay safe. Plus, you get to lock the door yourself.
Affordable: You can find cheap storage units that work within your budget. If you don’t need anything fancy, a small mini storage near me might just do the trick.
And if you need to store temperature-sensitive items, you can also get climate-controlled storage units.
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Storage Unit
Let’s discuss a few things you should think about before choosing one:
Location: Where’s the storage unit near me? Do you need it to be right by your house? If it's a long-term rental, maybe it doesn't matter as much. But if it's a short-term gig, you'll want something nearby so you don't have to drive across town.
Size: You don't want to pay for a huge unit if you don't need it. But simultaneously, you don't want to be cramming everything into a tiny unit. A storage unit cost calculator might help you figure out exactly how much space you’ll need.
Access: Do you need 24-hour storage? Will you visit the unit often or just store stuff for a while? If you need easy access at any time of day, find a company that offers 24-hour storage.
Security: Check if the company offers insurance or security features like cameras and locked gates at the storage facilities near me. If you're storing valuable stuff, you'll want peace of mind.
Do you have questions about hiring movers? We’ve got answers! Check our FAQs to clarify your doubts quickly.
How Much Does a Portable Storage Unit Cost?
Let’s talk money. We know, we know, nobody really likes discussing the "m" word, but when it comes to portable storage units, you gotta know what you’re getting into.
So, how much does it cost to rent one of these portable storage units?
Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as a one-size-fits-all deal, but we will break it down for you in a way that makes sense.
First off, there are a few things that can impact the cost of your portable storage unit, like:
The size of the unit (because bigger means more $$$)
How long you’re renting it for (longer rentals can get cheaper month-to-month)
Delivery and pick-up fees (because they’ve got to drive that thing to your doorstep)
Location (it’s all about where you are, my friend)
Add-ons (24-hour access, climate control, and insurance all come with extra charges)
The Basics: How Much Will You Pay?
The cost of portable storage units varies from around $100 to $450 a month.
It sounds simple, right? But it's not that simple; there are some extra fees that might pop up and make that price tag look a little bigger.
Now, depending on your needs, you’ll either go for a small unit if you're just packing up a few boxes or something huge if you’re storing an entire house.
The Cost Breakdown for Different Sizes
| Unit Size | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small (5' x 8') | $100 - $150 | Just a few boxes, holiday decorations, or a small piece of furniture |
| Medium (8' x 10') | $150 - $250 | Apartment moves, 1-2 rooms worth of furniture, or seasonal items |
| Large (8' x 16') | $250 - $350 | 2-3 bedroom home moves, larger furniture, or business storage |
| Extra-Large (10' x 20') | $300 - $450 | Whole house move, garage clean-outs, storing vehicles |
Pro Tip: Some companies offer discounts for long-term rentals, so if you need a storage unit for a few months, don’t be afraid to ask. And if you’re looking to get the best deal, shop around—prices can vary from company to company.
What Other Costs Should You Expect?
We’ve talked about the basic monthly fees, but there’s more to it than just the rental.
Here’s a list of extra costs that might come up:
Delivery and Pick-Up Fees
Expect to pay between $50 and $200 for each service. Some companies throw these in for free, but others charge a flat fee.
Insurance
Portable storage unit companies usually offer insurance, but it’s an added cost—around $10 to $50 a month, depending on coverage.
Climate Control
These units keep things at a stable temperature, but they’ll cost you about $50 to $150 more a month than the standard unit.
24-Hour Access
Some companies offer 24-hour storage access, but it might cost you an extra $25 to $50 a month.
Late Fees
If you miss a payment or keep your unit longer than planned, expect to pay a late fee. Typically, it’s $25 to $75 if you forget to pay on time.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Now that you've got all the details, you might be wondering, "Is it really worth it?"
Honestly, it totally depends on what you're storing and how much space you need.
If you’ve got a couple of boxes or are moving a few rooms of furniture, portable storage units can be an affordable, flexible option.
But if you need climate control or 24-hour access, expect a slightly higher bill.
In any case, the convenience of having a storage unit show up at your door, letting you pack at your own pace, and then picking it up when you’re done—well, that’s worth the extra bucks, in our opinion.
Recommended Resources
