How Much Do Different Storage Options Cost?

Whether you're moving or desperately need to declutter, what to do with your belongings can be a real head-scratcher. Fortunately, there are several clever self-storage solutions to keep your items safe and secure.

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So, what are your self-storage options, and how much does storage cost? Let's explore how much you should expect to spend on storage units or pods.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Two Main Storage Options?

There are two main types of self-storage: storage units and storage pods. Understanding the difference between these options can help you choose the most suitable self-storage solution for your needs.

Storage Pods

Portable on-demand storage or storage pods are large storage units that sit in your driveway or yard. When you rent a self-storage pod, the company will deliver the unit to your home on your preferred date. You can then load the pod with your belongings at your leisure. The company will collect the unit and transport it to your chosen location, making storage pods a popular option for moving.

Storage pods have several advantages. You can decide how long to keep your pod in your yard, allowing you to take your time packing and loading your items. Most pod storage companies can also store your unit if you don't want it delivered to a new address right away. In this situation, packing your belongings into a pod is often more time-efficient than transporting them to a self-storage unit in a truck, as you'll only need to load and unload once.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to using a storage pod.

• You may be unable to place a pod outside your home if you live in an apartment or an area with homeowner association rules.
• You'll have to load and unload the pod yourself.
• Storage pods don't protect your belongings from extreme temperatures, although they're generally wind- and rain-resistant.
• You can't usually place a storage pod in the street without paying for a permit.
• Accessing your belongings can be challenging after loading the pod.

Storage Units

Storage units are rental spaces inside a self-storage warehouse. Most companies offer short- and long-term contracts, which could be helpful if you need flexibility. You can usually access your storage unit whenever you want during your contract, allowing you to retrieve and use your belongings when you store them with a local company.

Another key advantage is that most companies provide climate-controlled units and on-site security. Therefore, your belongings are less likely to be stolen or damaged by harsh environmental conditions. Storage units also come in various sizes, so you won't pay for more storage than you need.

On the other hand, self-storage units aren't right for every situation. They may not be the best option for house moves because you'll need to load and unload your belongings multiple times to get them to your new home and arrange transport between your home and the storage unit. Other disadvantages include:

• You may have to pay more for a storage unit with climate control and anti-pest measures.
• Retrieving your belongings from a self-storage unit is less convenient than a pod in your yard.
• You may need to hire movers to load and unload your belongings.

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How Much Does a Storage Unit Cost?

How much storage costs depends on the unit's size, which company you use and whether you need a climate-controlled unit. According to Move.org, the average price of a self-storage unit is $180 (CAD 245) per month. Small units measuring up to 5 feet by 10 feet typically cost around $60 (CAD 82). At the other end of the spectrum, renting a large unit measuring up to 10 feet by 30 feet usually costs $260 (CAD 354) per month or more.

How Much Does Pod Storage Cost?

The cost of pod storage depends on your moving distance and whether you need temporary storage of your belongings. Generally, pod storage costs include a rental fee, a delivery fee and the cost of transporting your pod between addresses.

In total, MarketWatch says you should expect to spend around $349 to $549 (CAD 475 to CAD 747) for a local move. Interstate moves are significantly more expensive at $5,700 (CAD 7,756) on average. Budget around $150 (CAD 204) per month extra to temporarily store your storage pod.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.