For many people, the question isn’t if they’ll need extra space, but when. Moving, remodeling, starting school, growing a business, or simply accumulating more belongings than a home comfortably holds all tend to lead to the same question: What is self-storage?

The term “self-storage” is short for self-service storage. It’s a way to access a secure storage space outside of your home or business, without the need for a long-term contract (most storage units are rented on a month-to-month basis). The storage facility provides the storage unit, while you handle transporting and accessing your items as needed. You stay in control of what you store, how it’s organized, and when you access it. 

In this Urban Storage guide, we’ll walk through how self-storage works, what people typically store, how long rentals last, what costs to expect, and when self-storage makes sense. 

How does self-storage work?

Most areas have more than one storage facility to choose from, which means the first step is usually deciding where to store your items. Many people begin by searching for “self storage near me” and narrowing their options based on location, pricing, access hours, and customer feedback.

Once you’ve chosen a facility, the next decision is unit size. Storage units come in a range of dimensions, and selecting the right size helps strike a balance between cost and usability. Smaller units are great for stacking boxes and a few furniture items, while larger units give you room to store everything from a full move to extra work supplies. Explore our unit size guide to find the ideal size for your needs.

Depending on what you’re storing, you may also consider a climate-controlled unit. These units maintain a more consistent temperature and humidity level, which can be beneficial for items sensitive to heat, cold, or moisture. They typically cost more than standard units, but the added protection can make sense for certain belongings.

After choosing a unit, you can usually reserve it online or by phone. Facilities should clearly outline their access hours so you know when you can move items in and out. Security features such as gated entry, fencing, and cameras are standard, and many locations offer storage unit insurance coverage..

What can you store in a storage unit?

Self-storage is ideal for storing everyday household items, furniture, clothing, tools, seasonal equipment, business supplies, and more. Typical items include:

  • Furniture and mattresses
  • Clothing and personal belongings
  • Seasonal items like holiday décor or sports equipment
  • Boxes during a move or renovation
  • Tools, supplies, or business inventory

How you pack your storage unit matters. Items you’ll need to reach often should be placed toward the front, while long-term items can go toward the back. Labeling boxes and leaving a clear walkway can help ensure easy access to your unit year-round. See more Urban Storage packing tips.

How long can you rent a storage unit?

Self-storage rentals are typically month-to-month, allowing you to adjust as your needs change.

Some people rent a unit for a short period, such as one or two months during a move or remodel, while others use storage for years to reduce clutter at home or store business materials. There’s no fixed timeline and no long-term contracts; the length of your rental depends entirely on your situation. 

Facilities might also offer move-in promotions or short-term discounts. At many Urban Storage locations, you may see offers such as 50% off your first two months. When you’re ready to move out, you provide notice, remove your items, and end the rental – there’s no long-term commitment.

How much does self-storage cost?

Storage unit costs vary based on several factors, including location, unit size, indoor versus outdoor access, climate control, and other features. 

Smaller units, often starting around 5’ x 5’, commonly fall in the $50–$100 per month range. Larger units, such as 10’ x 20’ or bigger, are typically $200 or more per month. Climate-controlled units generally cost more, but may be worth considering depending on what you plan to store.

If you expect your storage needs to change, such as adding items later or sharing the unit with someone else, choosing a slightly larger unit upfront helps avoid the need to change units later. At the same time, you’ll want to avoid paying more for a larger unit if some of the space will go unused.

What are the benefits of self-storage?

According to the Self Storage Association, about 1 in 10 U.S. households rent a storage unit, making it a fairly common solution when space runs tight. Storage units are commonly used to:

  • Free up space at home
  • Keep seasonal or occasional items organized
  • Protect belongings during life transitions
  • Store inventory or equipment outside a primary workspace

No single reason applies to everyone. Like most decisions, self-storage is about balancing convenience, access, protection, and cost based on your circumstances.

Key takeaways: What is self-storage?

Self-storage is a flexible way to store belongings outside your home or business, with control over access and rental length. You choose the unit size, move items on your schedule, and keep the space for as long as it makes sense for you. Costs depend on size, location, and features, but month-to-month rentals keep things more flexible.

With over 70 Urban Storage locations across Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico, finding a nearby option is straightforward. If you’re navigating a move, managing limited space, or planning ahead for a life change, self-storage can be a practical, low-commitment solution when you need it.