Self-Storage Tips & Guides
Expert advice to help you find, rent, and get the most out of your storage unit.
Which Storage Features Are Common, and Which Are Rare
Counted across 11,482 facilities: climate control is at 54% of them and 24 hour access at only 30%. What to expect locally.
How Many Storage Options a Big City Actually Gives You
Facility counts for Toronto, Houston, Phoenix, Calgary and more, and how many of them publish a price you can compare before you call.
What the Big Storage Chains Start At, Side by Side
Starting monthly rates for Public Storage, CubeSmart, StorQuest, StorageMart and others, counted from their own published US prices across our listings.
What a Storage Unit Costs by Size, From 1,081 US Facilities
Median monthly rates for 5x5 to 10x20, counted separately for the US and Canada from published prices at 5,980 storage facilities.
Why the Advertised Storage Price Is Not the One You Pay
US storage facilities advertise a starting rate with a median of $37, while the median 10x10 is $78. Here is what the gap is made of.
How Many Storage Facilities Actually Take an RV or a Boat
7,605 of 11,482 listed facilities take vehicles, RVs or boats. What that means for finding a space, and what to ask before you tow anything.
Why 48% of Storage Listings Show No Price
Of 11,482 storage facilities we list, 5,502 publish no rate anywhere online. What that means when you are comparing options, and how to get a number.
RV and Boat Storage in Alberta: A Winter Pricing Guide
Where to store an RV or boat in Alberta over winter. Which facilities take vehicles, what to ask before you tow anything, and how to prepare it for the cold.
What Self Storage Costs in Calgary and Alberta
We list 67 Calgary storage facilities and hold published rates for 22. What those show, what the Canadian medians are, and where the data runs out.
Student Storage Near University of Calgary and University of Alberta: What to Know
Storage options for students near U of C and U of A. What the Canadian medians are, what we hold for Alberta, when to book, and how to split a unit with roommates.
Storage Solutions for Seniors: Downsizing, Estate Planning, and What to Keep
Whether you're moving to a smaller home, helping aging parents downsize, or managing an estate, here's how storage fits into the process.
Using Storage When Moving: How to Bridge the Gap Between Homes
When your move-out and move-in dates don't line up, a storage unit fills the gap. Here's how to plan it, what size to get, and how to avoid double-moving your stuff.
Apartment Storage Solutions: When Your Unit Runs Out of Space
Small apartment, too much stuff — your options for getting more storage space without moving to a bigger place.
First Month Free Storage: How to Find Deals and What the Fine Print Actually Says
First month free is one of the most common storage promotions — but there are conditions. Here's how to find real deals, what to watch for, and how to calculate actual savings.
Long-Term Storage: How to Store Belongings for 6 Months or More
Long-term storage has different requirements than storing for a month between moves. Here's what to use, how to prep your items, and what to avoid.
How to Declutter Your Home Using a Storage Unit (Without Creating a Junk Graveyard)
A storage unit can be a powerful decluttering tool — or a place where clutter goes to cost you money indefinitely. Here's how to use storage the right way.
RV Storage: How to Store Your Motorhome or Camper Van Without Overpaying
Outdoor lot, covered, or fully enclosed — the three types of RV storage explained, with average costs and what to look for when comparing facilities.
Moving and Storage: How to Coordinate Your Timeline
Closing before your move-in date? Need somewhere to put your things in between? Here's how to coordinate storage and moving so nothing falls through the cracks.
Storage Unit Insurance: Do You Actually Need It?
Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may already cover your storage unit — but probably not fully. Here's what's covered, what isn't, and when to buy extra protection.
Business Storage: When Your Office or Warehouse Runs Out of Space
Office overflowing? Warehouse at capacity? Self-storage is a cost-effective solution for businesses — if you pick the right type of unit and negotiate the right terms.
College Student Storage Guide: What to Do With Your Stuff Over Summer
Where to store your dorm room or apartment belongings between semesters — what to rent, what to sell, and how to find cheap storage near campus.
Self-Storage Security: What to Look For Before You Sign
Not all storage facilities are equally secure. Learn the key security features to check — and the red flags to avoid — before handing over a month's payment.
Vehicle Storage 101: Cars, RVs, Boats, and Motorcycles
Storing a vehicle long-term? Learn what type of storage to choose, how to prep your car, RV, or boat before storing, and what to watch out for in the contract.
Self-Storage for Small Business: Inventory, Equipment, and Document Storage
Storage units are a practical alternative to expensive commercial space for small business owners. Here's what works, what doesn't, and what to watch for in your rental agreement.
How to Pack a Storage Unit: Stack Smart, Access Easy
Don't just pile things in. Learn the right way to load a storage unit so nothing breaks, nothing molds, and you can actually find what you need later.
Climate-Controlled vs. Standard Storage: Which Do You Need?
Electronics, wood furniture, and wine need stable temperatures. Learn exactly which items require climate-controlled storage — and when a standard unit is just fine.
Drive-Up vs. Indoor Storage Units: Which Is Right for You?
Drive-up units are convenient and cheaper. Indoor units offer more protection and security. Here's how to decide which type fits what you're storing.
Self-Storage Pricing Guide: What to Expect in 2026
Average monthly rates by unit size and region, what drives prices up or down, and how to find the best deal on a storage unit without making a single phone call.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size
From 5×5 closet units to 10×30 garage-sized spaces — a complete guide to estimating how much self-storage you actually need before you sign a lease.
What You Cannot Store in a Storage Unit (And What Happens If You Do)
Storage rental agreements prohibit specific categories of items — and violating them can void your insurance, result in eviction, or create safety hazards. Here's the full list.
Storage Unit Sizes Explained: 5×5 to 10×30, What Fits in Each
A practical guide to every common storage unit size — what fits, what doesn't, and how to pick the right one without paying for space you don't need.
More guides published weekly. Search storage facilities →
Moving day essentials
Things people actually buy when moving — order now, arrive ready.
IconicApple AirTag
Drop one in each box. Find anything that gets lost between truck, storage unit, and new place.
From $29
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Move-in must-haveBLACK+DECKER dustbuster
Pick up packing dust, pet hair, and cardboard bits the moment the truck pulls away.
From $59
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New-home setupKasa smart plugs (4-pack)
Schedule lamps, fans, and coffee makers from the first night in. Works with Alexa + Google.
From $25
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Stay hydratedStanley 40oz tumbler
Hauls cold water for a full day of loading and unloading. Fits any cup holder.
From $45
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