Quick Take: How much does it cost to store furniture in storage?
The cost of storing furniture varies based on unit size, location, and additional features like climate control. On average, a standard 5×5-foot storage unit costs between $40 and $50 per month, while a 10×15-foot unit ranges from $75 to $140 per month. Opting for climate-controlled units can increase the monthly rate by at least 10%.
Putting furniture into storage is a great option if you are renovating your home, downsizing, or moving to a smaller space. But we understand that putting furniture into storage can be daunting, especially for those who aren’t sure where to start or how much it will cost.
With our experience helping countless customers find the perfect solution for their needs, we know that the cost of furniture storage can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the unit, the length of time you need it, and the location of the facility.
That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process of furniture storage, providing you with insightful advice to make storage decisions that align with your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Average Furniture Storage Costs: Discover the US average costs for storage units. See the monthly price estimate for different sizes options.
- Factors Affecting Costs: Furniture storage expenses hinge on storage duration, item volume, and service requirements. These considerations shape your budget.
- Tips For Saving Money: Disassemble furniture, declutter, and use proper packing to save money and space while safeguarding your items.
- Full-Service Benefits: Opt for full-service storage for seamless, expert handling from packing to delivery, ensuring your furniture’s safety and care.
- Move Planning: If a move is on your horizon, grasp furniture storage costs to align choices with budget and needs.
Pricing for Furniture Storage
Several storage options can fit your needs and budget. And we know that choosing the appropriate unit size is crucial. That’s why we recommend calculating your apartment’s square footage to determine the ideal unit size.
If you are looking to simply put individual household items away and do not require an entire unit, you also have smaller sizing options.
The cost of putting furniture in storage can range widely depending on what you are looking for.
For your reference, here are the average prices of self-storage units in New York City.
- 5X5-Foot Unit: $100/month
- 10X15-Foot Unit: $480/month
- 10X15-Foot Unit (Climate-Controlled): $500/month
- 10X20-Foot Unit: $640/month
- 10X20-Foot Unit (Climate-Controlled): $670/month
- 20X30-Foot Unit: $1,500/month
Keep in mind that self-storage units are priced differently than full-service storage (which we’ll also discuss in a later section).
Read: Full-Service Storage vs. Self-Storage: What’s the Difference
Keep in mind that the cost of storage services can depend on the additional services you require. If you want, you can hire professional movers to assist with furniture disassembly. This is often necessary to help fit household goods into storage units.
You can also hire local movers to assist with packing services.
Need storage? Get a free quote for a customized estimate today.
What Affects Furniture Storage Prices?
The duration of storage, the volume of items, and the specific services needed are key elements that shape the overall cost of furniture storage.
For instance, we recently assisted a client who required short-term furniture storage during a home renovation. We found that the storage duration was a significant factor in their costs, as they only needed storage for a few months.
In another case, a family moving abroad needed to store an entire household’s worth of furniture for an extended period. The volume of items became the primary cost influencer in this scenario, as we ensured they received a tailored plan that accommodated their larger storage needs.
To help you make the right decision, here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for furniture storage:
- The size of the unit: The larger the unit, the more it will cost. So the amount of furniture you are storing is the main factor that will determine the price you pay.
- The length of time you need the unit: Depending on the term contracts, storage facilities often give a discount to long-term customers after two months of storing their belongings.
- Packing materials: You should choose superior packing materials to protect your items from dust and moisture, for example. This is particularly important for long-term storage of fabric items and furniture.
- The location of the facility: The cost of storage also varies depending on the location of the unit. An option in the city center will be higher than in the suburbs, for example.
- Climate control: If you need a climate-controlled unit, it will cost more than a non-climate-controlled unit.
Different Types of Storage Expenses
Typically, Portable Storage (or PODS) are the most expensive option. Portable Storage units can be useful, however, as they can be stored either at your house or at a storage facility. When choosing this option, a professional moving company will drop off a portable storage container at your house.
You have the option to fill it up and leave it at your house, or call the movers to pick up the container, load it into their moving truck and store it at their facility. This option can provide more flexibility, since you can store your own belongings.
Full-service storage is a convenient option for those looking for door-to-door service. Hiring a full-service moving company can be more efficient. Especially if you hire a packing service, this option can cut the amount of time you spend packing in half. Often, if you go this route, full-service movers can offer a flat fee option (which includes the hourly rates of the movers, as well as the costs of moving boxes, packing tape, peanuts and so on).
The most affordable option for storage can be self-storage. If you go the DIY route (and forgo hiring movers for add-ons), you will have to cover the cost of packing materials, and transportation from your home to the storage unit, as well as any other additional moving expenses (fuel costs and other extra fees). Be sure to take those costs into account.
Saving Money While Storing Furniture
Thinking about helping you save money through the process, we’ve compiled practical tips that can significantly impact your storage expenses.
Firstly, consider disassembling larger furniture items before storing them. This not only optimizes space within your storage unit but also reduces the risk of damage during transit and storage. Our team has witnessed clients save both money and space by simply taking this proactive step.
Secondly, a strategy we often recommend, and have seen implemented successfully, is decluttering before storage. One family, for instance, was able to significantly cut their storage costs by donating or selling unwanted furniture and items they no longer needed. This minimized the overall volume of items requiring storage, leading to a smaller storage unit requirement and subsequently lower costs.
Related article: Decluttering Before Your Move
Lastly, using appropriate packing materials is crucial. Utilizing proper packing materials like bubble wrap, furniture covers, and sturdy boxes can prevent damage during transportation and storage, ultimately saving you from potential repair or replacement costs down the line. Furthermore, properly sealing up items prevents any potential rodent damage.
By considering these practical tips, you not only optimize cost-efficiency but also ensure the long-term safety and preservation of your furniture.
Advantages of Full-Service Storage
When most people think of storage units, they think of self-storage options. These solutions often allow you to drive up and access your belongings whenever you want.
But there are downsides to this setup. For starters, you’d have to do everything yourself. You’re the one responsible for packing, moving, and storing your items. And if you don’t have a van, you’ll have to rent a moving truck. You’ll have to find a reputable self-storage facility too. It’s a lot. Not everyone has the time, energy, budget, or desire to handle all of that themselves.
That’s why we highly recommend exploring the advantages of full-service storage.
What Is Full-Service Storage?
Full-service storage bundles different moving tasks into one package. This includes packing, moving, and storing items. Basically, your movers will do everything for you. They’ll even deliver your things back when you need them to.
Our years of experience have shown that this not only saves you time and effort but also ensures the safety and proper handling of your furniture, granting you peace of mind throughout the process.
Learn More About Oz Moving’s Storage Service
The Benefits of Full-Service Storage
With self-storage, you have to rent an entire storage unit. If you’re not utilizing every square inch, you’re essentially paying for unused space. That’s not the case with full-service storage. Here, you’re only paying for the space you use.
There are other advantages of using full-service storage.
- Climate Control: Most full-service storage facilities are climate-controlled. That means your wooden furniture is safe from mold. It can also protect sensitive items like electronics, paperwork, photographs, and artwork from potential damage.
- Security: Companies like Oz Moving have their own storage facilities, which are integral to their operations. They have security teams watching the place at all times. Your items will be safe while they’re inside their warehouses.
- Flexible Terms: You may have to rent self-storage units in fixed timelines. That’s not the case with full-service storage. Your items can stay for however long you need them to. And you can pull them out anytime.
Full-Service Storage for Long-Distance Moves
Full-service storage is also ideal for people who are relocating from faraway places. For example, our company often receives full-service storage requests for those moving from Los Angeles to New York.
When moving across the country, there’s a chance that schedules won’t match up. You can arrive earlier than expected, meaning you won’t be able to move into your new home right away. In that case, you’ll need to place your furniture in temporary storage while you sort things out.
For more information, read: Storage for Long-Distance Moves
Full-Service Storage for Renovations
Full-service storage is also ideal for storing furniture when undergoing renovations. It doesn’t matter whether you’re remodeling your home or improving your commercial space. You can have your items stored so they don’t get damaged during the process.
Read: Storage During a Home Renovation in NYC
Let a moving company store your furniture and get them out of the way.
Get a Quote for Commercial Moving
Planning A Move?
Storage can be a great option for those who are planning to move, but have not yet found a place to go, or are looking to start emptying out their apartment before they conduct their move.
Storage-in-transit is an option where your belongings will be stored for a temporary period of time until you arrive at your final destination. You can schedule the movers to return your belongings to you once you are at your new home and ready to unpack and settle down.
For local moves, storage units can also be helpful as a short-term solution if your old lease ends several months before your new lease and you need to vacate your old apartment before you have the keys to your new one. For a moving quote, reach out to movers in your area.
There are many options for hiring moving and storage companies – either way, be sure to ask for a free quote in advance!
