How much does it cost to rent a storage unit?
The monthly rent is only part of what you pay. Once you add a one-time admin fee, required insurance and a lock, the first month of a typical 10x10 unit costs about $185 to $275. Here is the full math for every size, so you can budget the real number.
First month, typical 10x10
$185 – $275rent, admin fee, insurance and lock
For a 10x10 renting at $115 to $175, expect about $185 to $275 to move in and $125 to $205 a month after that, including insurance. With a first-month-free special, move-in can drop to about $135; in expensive cities, the first month can pass $400.
Every cost of renting a unit
| Cost | Typical amount | When you pay it |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent (10x10) | $115 – $175 | Every month |
| Admin or setup fee | about $50 (Extra Space Storage) | Once, at move-in |
| Insurance or protection plan | $10 – $30 per month | Every month, unless your own policy covers it |
| Disc lock | $10 – $20 | Once |
| Deposit (some facilities) | often one month's rent | Once, usually refundable |
| Late fee (example) | 20% of rent, $20 minimum | If more than 5 days late |
Move-in and monthly totals by size
Estimates use the national average street rate for each size, a $50 admin fee, $10 to $30 for insurance and $10 to $20 for a lock. Taxes vary by state and are not included.
| Size | Rent | First month total | Monthly after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5x5 | $52 | $122 – $152 | $62 – $82 |
| 5x10 | $74 | $144 – $174 | $84 – $104 |
| 10x10 | $119 | $189 – $219 | $129 – $149 |
| 10x15 | $156 | $226 – $256 | $166 – $186 |
| 10x20 | $193 | $263 – $293 | $203 – $223 |
| 10x30 | $256 | $326 – $356 | $266 – $286 |
Do you need storage insurance?
Most facilities require proof of coverage. You can buy the facility's protection plan, usually $10 to $30 a month for $2,000 to $5,000 of coverage, or check whether your homeowners or renters policy covers items in storage. Using your own policy can save $120 to $360 a year. Details in Storage unit fees and insurance.
Plan for rent increases
Move-in specials are designed to get you in the door. Rent increases of 5% to 10% every 6 to 18 months are common. If you plan to store for a year or more, ask how often rates rise and by how much, and compare the 12-month total, not the first month.
How to lower the total
- Use your own homeowners or renters insurance if it covers stored items.
- Bring your own disc lock.
- Ask whether the admin fee can be waived; some facilities waive it with online booking.
- Pay by autopay to avoid late fees.
- Choose the smallest size that fits; see Storage unit size guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a storage unit for a month?
A typical 10x10 rents for $115 to $175 a month. Your first month usually costs more because of the admin fee, insurance and lock.
Do storage units require a deposit?
Some do, often equal to one month's rent. Many large chains charge a one-time admin fee instead.
Can I rent a storage unit for just one month?
Yes. Most facilities rent month to month, though some short-term rentals cost slightly more.
Sources
Prices are averages and typical ranges from published storage market data. Rates change often and vary by facility, so confirm prices and fees before you rent. Storage Unit Costs is not a storage company; read our disclaimer.