Indoor vs. outdoor storage units
Indoor units sit inside a building with hallways and elevators; outdoor units open straight onto a driveway so you can park at the door. Indoor units are often cheaper per month for small sizes, while drive-up units cost more for their convenience.
Monthly price ranges
$65 – $250per month, indoor to drive-up
Indoor units run about $65 to $200 a month depending on size. Outdoor drive-up units cost about $125 to $250, and large drive-up units average up to about $329 at some chains.
Side-by-side comparison
| Indoor unit | Outdoor drive-up unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly price | $65 – $200 | $125 – $250 |
| Access | Hallways, elevators, carts | Park at the door |
| Climate control | Often available | Rarely available |
| Protection from dust and pests | Better | Fair |
| Best for | Small loads, sensitive items | Heavy furniture, frequent access, business use |
Which should you choose?
- Choose indoor for small units, climate-sensitive items or a lower price on upper floors.
- Choose outdoor drive-up for heavy furniture, appliances, tools you use often, or business inventory you load from a vehicle.
See Climate-controlled storage cost if you are storing electronics, wood furniture or documents.
Fees to add to the monthly rent
Rent is not the only cost. Most facilities add a one-time admin fee (Extra Space Storage, for example, charges $50), require insurance or a protection plan of about $10 to $30 a month, and expect you to bring or buy a disc lock for $10 to $20. Some ask for a deposit, often one month's rent. After move-in specials end, rents commonly rise 5% to 10% every 6 to 18 months.
Ask for the full move-in total, not just the monthly rate. See Storage unit fees and insurance and How much does it cost to rent a storage unit?.
How to save
- Ask for an upper-floor indoor unit; they are often discounted.
- Use a drive-up unit only for the move-in day by renting a nearby cart instead.
- Compare several facilities' online rates.
Frequently asked questions
Are indoor storage units more expensive?
Not always. Small indoor units are often among the cheapest options, while drive-up outdoor units cost more for the convenience of parking at the door.
Are outdoor storage units safe for furniture?
For short periods and sturdy furniture, usually. For wood, leather or upholstered pieces stored long-term, an indoor or climate-controlled unit protects better.
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.