Find the Best Storage Units for Apartments | Declutter Easily

Apartment living often means choosing a great location over a ton of square footage. But that doesn't mean you have to live in a cluttered space. Think of a storage unit as a smart extension of your home—a place to keep seasonal gear, bulky equipment, and treasured items without sacrificing your precious living area.

Why a Storage Unit Is Your Apartment's Best Friend

Imagine having an on-demand garage or a walk-in closet just a short drive away. That’s exactly what a storage unit can be. It’s the perfect fix for the overflow that comes with making a home in a smaller space, helping you turn a cramped apartment into a peaceful, organized retreat.

This isn't just a niche solution; it's a growing trend. As more people move to cities and apartment sizes get cozier, the self-storage market is booming. It was valued at USD 60.41 billion in 2024 and is expected to climb to USD 63.98 billion in 2025. That’s a whole lot of people finding a way to make their homes work better for them.

Reclaim Your Living Space

Instead of letting your holiday decorations take over a bedroom closet or navigating around a snowboard in the middle of summer, you can use a storage unit to cycle things in and out as you need them. It’s a simple change that can make a world of difference.

• Tuck away seasonal clothing to give your closet some breathing room.
• Stash bulky hobby gear—like kayaks, camping equipment, or skis—until your next adventure.
• Protect sentimental items such as family photos and heirlooms without them cluttering your daily life.

Moving these non-essential items to a secure, off-site location frees up your apartment for what it's meant for: living, working, and relaxing. Of course, decluttering your immediate space is always the first step. You can read more about the https://www.endless-storage.com/blog-posts/benefits-of-decluttering to really get motivated.

A well-chosen storage unit doesn't just hold your stuff; it gives you back your home. It’s an investment in a more organized, spacious, and stress-free living environment.

Simplify Life's Transitions

Storage units are also lifesavers during big changes. Downsizing? Moving in with a partner? Preparing for a cross-country move? A temporary storage space gives you the flexibility to sort, organize, and decide on your own schedule, minus the pressure.

Before you commit to a unit, though, it's always a good idea to make sure you're using every inch of your apartment effectively. Check out these clever small space storage ideas to maximize what you already have.

How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Picking the right storage unit is a bit like choosing the right suitcase for a trip. If it’s too small, you're forced to leave things behind. If it's too big, you’re just paying to haul around empty space. It’s a common mistake, but one you can easily avoid by taking a moment to visualize what you actually need.

Think of the options as ranging from an extra closet to a spare garage. This helps you picture exactly where your apartment's overflow will go.

This image gives you a sense of scale, showing everything from small lockers to larger spaces designed to hold the contents of an entire home.

Small Units for Everyday Overflow

For most apartment dwellers, the smaller units are the sweet spot. They act like an off-site closet or shed, giving you just enough room to reclaim your living space without hurting your budget.

• 5x5 Unit (25 sq. ft.): Picture a large walk-in closet. This is perfect for stashing several boxes, holiday decorations, a small desk, or your seasonal clothing.
• 5x10 Unit (50 sq. ft.): This is more like a small spare room. It can easily hold the contents of a studio apartment, including a mattress, a sofa, and a decent number of boxes. It’s also a fantastic solution for bulky hobby equipment like bicycles, kayaks, or skis.

If you feel like you're the only one running out of space, you're not alone. As of 2025, an estimated 14.6 million U.S. households rent a storage unit, with the 5x10 being the most popular size by far.

Medium Units for Moves and Major Downsizing

When you're dealing with more than just a few odds and ends, it's time to look at a medium-sized unit. These are lifesavers when you’re moving, renovating, or just trying to manage the contents of a larger one or two-bedroom apartment.

The 10x10 unit is often considered the industry standard for holding the contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment. It provides ample space for major appliances, bedroom furniture, and your entire living room setup, giving you crucial breathing room during a big life change.

To help you get a better feel for it, here’s a quick guide matching common apartment items to standard unit sizes.

Matching Your Apartment Items to a Unit Size

Hopefully, these real-world analogies make it easier to see your own belongings fitting neatly inside one of these spaces.

For a deeper dive into dimensions and capacity, our comprehensive storage unit size guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to fit in each unit. This way, you can be confident you’re choosing a size that fits your stuff perfectly—and only paying for the space you’ll actually use.

Finding the Best Storage Facility Location

Picking the right size is a great start, but where you put your stuff is just as important. When it comes to location, you’re usually balancing two things: convenience and cost.

A storage facility right around the corner from your apartment is a dream for quick access. The catch? You’ll pay a premium for that prime city real estate. On the flip side, a place out in the suburbs will almost always be easier on your wallet, but you’ll have to factor in travel time.

This brings up the million-dollar question you have to ask yourself before signing on the dotted line: how often will I really need to get to my things?

Assess Your Access Needs

Let your daily life be your guide here. There's no one-size-fits-all "best" spot; there's only the spot that works for you. Take a minute to think about what you’re storing and how often you'll need it.

• Frequent Access: Stashing away hobby gear like your guitar amp or art supplies? Maybe you need to grab business inventory a few times a week. In that case, a nearby facility isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. The extra cost is easily worth the time and sanity you'll save.
• Infrequent Access: If you’re just storing seasonal items—think holiday decorations or your bulky winter wardrobe—a more distant, cheaper location is a smart move. A 30-minute drive a couple of times a year is a small trade-off for big savings every month.

Being honest with yourself about how you'll use the unit helps you avoid paying for convenience you just don't need. It makes your storage units for apartments solution a helpful tool, not another headache.

The Urban vs. Suburban Calculation

So, let's break down that core decision. A city facility gives you unmatched accessibility, often just a quick walk or drive away. This is perfect if you see your unit as an extension of your home—like an extra closet you can pop over to whenever you want.

Think of it this way: the closer the unit, the more you'll treat it like part of your apartment. If you need that seamless integration, the higher cost is a worthwhile investment in your daily convenience.

On the other hand, a suburban unit is a fantastic choice for long-term storage, especially when your budget is the top priority. If you're parking furniture between moves or archiving old files you rarely touch, the lower price point is a no-brainer.

Before you make a final call, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the different kinds of facilities out there. Our guide to choosing a self-storage facility can walk you through all the factors to consider, helping you strike the perfect balance between price, proximity, and peace of mind.

Alright, you’ve figured out the size you need and where you want your unit to be. Now for the most important part: making sure the facility itself is actually any good.

Let's be honest, not all storage places are the same. Some are little more than a row of tin sheds, while others are fortresses designed to protect your stuff. You really don't want to find out which one you chose after you've already hauled everything over. Think of this as interviewing a babysitter for your belongings—you need to know they’re in good hands.

Here’s what to look for to separate the great facilities from the ones you’ll regret.

Climate Control Isn’t Just a Luxury

First up, and this is a big one: climate control. It might sound like a fancy upsell, but for most of what people store, it's absolutely essential. A basic, non-controlled unit is just a metal box that gets scorching hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter.

A climate-controlled unit, on the other hand, acts more like a room inside a house. It keeps the temperature stable, usually somewhere between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and manages the humidity. This is critical for preventing:

• Warping and cracking on your nice wood furniture.
• Mildew and mold from destroying clothes, books, and family photos.
• Rust and corrosion from ruining electronics and appliances.
• Yellowing or fading on artwork and other collectibles.

Seriously, if you're storing anything you care about, springing for climate control is a no-brainer. It’s the difference between your items coming out looking exactly as they did going in, or coming out looking like they survived a swamp.

Security Should Be Layered and Serious

Next, let's talk security. A flimsy padlock on the door isn’t going to cut it. You want a facility that takes protecting your property as seriously as you do. The best places don’t rely on just one thing; they have layers of security working together.

Think about it this way: a single gate can be bypassed. A single camera has blind spots. A truly secure facility creates a web of protection, making it a nightmare for anyone with bad intentions.

When you tour a facility, keep an eye out for this combination of features:

• 24/7 Video Surveillance: And not just one camera pointed at the front desk. You want to see them covering the entry gates, hallways, and loading docks.
• Secure Access Control: Look for an electronic gate that requires a personal code. This means the facility knows exactly who is coming and going.
• Individual Unit Alarms: This is a fantastic feature. If someone manages to get to your unit door and open it without authorization, an alarm goes off.
• Good Lighting: A well-lit facility is a huge deterrent. Dark corners are an invitation for trouble, and you’ll feel a lot safer if you have to visit after sunset.

Don’t Overlook Cleanliness and Good Management

Finally, pay attention to the little things—they often tell the biggest story. A facility that is clean, well-lit, and free of debris shows that the management actually cares. If the hallways are dirty and there are signs of pests, you can bet they aren't paying much attention to anything else, either.

Customer service is just as important. Are the people in the office friendly and helpful? Can they answer your questions clearly and walk you through the contract without rushing? A great manager can make the entire process a breeze, while a bad one can turn a simple rental into a months-long headache.

At the end of the day, trust your gut. If a place gives you a bad vibe, just walk away. There are plenty of other options out there.

How to Understand Pricing and Avoid Hidden Fees

That big, splashy price you see on a storage facility's website or billboard? It’s almost never the full story. Think of it like a car's sticker price—it’s the starting point, not what you'll actually pay each month after all the little extras get tacked on. Getting a real handle on the total cost is the key to finding a great deal that doesn't blow your budget.

Most storage companies have a few extra charges up their sleeve that can catch you by surprise. The trick is knowing what questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line. This way, you can accurately compare your options and avoid that sinking feeling when the first bill arrives.

Uncovering Common Extra Costs

The advertised monthly rate is just the beginning. To figure out what you’ll really be paying, you need to dig a little deeper and ask about the fees that often get left out of the initial quote. These can add up fast.

Here are the most common culprits to watch for:

• Administrative Fee: This is a one-time setup fee, usually $20-$30, just for the paperwork to get you into their system.
• Mandatory Insurance: Nearly every facility requires insurance. Some are fine if you’re covered under your existing renter’s policy, but many insist you buy their insurance, which can add $10-$25 to your monthly bill.
• Required Lock: You can’t just bring any old padlock from home. They often require you to buy a specific, high-security lock directly from them at the front desk.
• Rate Increases: That fantastic introductory rate you signed up for? It might not stick around for long. Always ask about their policy on rent hikes, as some facilities bump up the price after just a few months.

It's so easy to be tempted by a low promotional price, but you should always ask for a complete, itemized breakdown of all potential charges. You might find that the facility with the slightly higher advertised rate is actually the cheaper option once all the hidden fees are on the table.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Rental

Once you've got a clear picture of the full cost, you can start hunting for savings. Don't be shy about asking for discounts or special offers. The storage industry is competitive, and facilities often have deals they don't advertise to fill their units. A good place to learn more is by familiarizing yourself with the common factors that affect self storage prices.

A simple trick is to book your unit online. Many companies save their best promotions for online reservations. It’s also worth asking about prepay discounts; paying for a few months upfront can sometimes shave a nice percentage off your monthly rate. Before you commit, be sure to compare storage unit prices to make sure you're truly getting the best value for your situation.

Smart Ways to Pack and Organize Your Unit

Renting a storage unit is the easy part. The real challenge—and where you get your money's worth—is in how you pack it. A thoughtfully organized unit doesn't just hold more stuff; it protects your belongings and saves you from the future nightmare of digging through a mountain of mystery boxes.

Think of it less like cramming things into a junk drawer and more like setting up a small, personal warehouse. Everything should have a home. Simple things, like using sturdy, same-sized boxes, make a world of difference. They allow you to stack high and stable, creating solid "walls" of your possessions that won't come tumbling down.

The Blueprint for an Accessible Unit

Before you move a single box, sketch out a quick plan. The best approach is to create zones for different categories. Put all your kitchen stuff in one corner, seasonal decor in another, and sentimental items along a specific wall. This simple mapping prevents the dreaded scenario where you have to unpack the entire unit just to find one small thing.

The absolute key to this plan? A central aisle. Seriously, leave a walkway from the door all the way to the back wall. It might feel like you're giving up valuable real estate, but the easy access it gives you is priceless.

The goal isn't just to cram everything inside. It's to be able to walk in and grab what you need, whenever you need it, without a major excavation project. An aisle is your best friend.

This kind of strategic thinking is more important than ever. With roughly 69,400 self-storage facilities across the United States, it's clear these units have become a vital part of modern life. All those people are learning that smart packing is a non-negotiable skill. You can dig deeper into these self-storage industry statistics from StorTrack.

Packing Best Practices for Apartment Dwellers

A little prep work goes a long way in making sure your items come out of storage looking just as good as they did going in. Here are a few pro tips to get you started:

• Label Everything: Grab a thick marker and label every single box. Write the contents and the room it belongs to on at least two sides—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Protect Your Furniture: Wrap wooden tables, chairs, and dressers in moving blankets or even old quilts. This is your best defense against dings, scratches, and dust.
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Whatever you do, don't store clothes or linens in sealed plastic bags. They trap moisture and are a breeding ground for mildew. Opt for wardrobe boxes or plastic bins with ventilated lids.

Putting these simple habits into practice will transform your storage unit from a chaotic mess into a clean, efficient, and accessible space. For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our complete guide on organizing a storage unit.

Common Questions About Apartment Storage

You've got the basics down, but a few questions always pop up when you're about to rent a storage unit for your apartment. Getting these sorted out beforehand means no headaches or surprises later on.

Think of this as your final checklist before signing on the dotted line.

What Can't I Put in My Storage Unit?

Every storage facility has a list of no-go items, and it's all about safety. You absolutely cannot store anything hazardous—think flammable stuff like gasoline or paint thinner, explosives, chemicals, or anything corrosive.

Perishable food is also a big no, as it's a dinner bell for pests. On top of that, you can't store plants or animals (living or dead). Always double-check your rental agreement for the full list, because breaking these rules can get your contract canceled immediately.

Crucial Takeaway: The golden rule is simple: if it's dangerous, illegal, or alive, it doesn't belong in a storage unit. If you're ever unsure, just ask the facility manager.

Is Insurance for My Storage Unit Really Necessary?

Short answer: Yes. It's almost always a requirement. The facility's insurance covers their building, but what's inside your unit is on you. Most places will offer their own insurance plan, which is easy to sign up for but might not give you the best bang for your buck.

Before you accept their offer, give your renter's or homeowner's insurance provider a call. Many policies already cover items stored off-site, though you'll need to confirm the coverage limits. That one phone call could save you money and get you better protection.

How Can I Make My Unit Extra Secure?

The facility has cameras and gates, but your first line of defense is your lock. Don't skimp here. Invest in a good disc lock or a cylinder lock—they are way tougher for thieves to cut through than a standard padlock.

For extra peace of mind, it’s best not to store irreplaceable heirlooms or items with extreme monetary value. It’s also a great idea to keep an inventory of everything you put in there, complete with photos. You'll be glad you have it if you ever need to file an insurance claim.

Ready to reclaim your apartment space without the hassle of a traditional storage unit? With Endless Storage, we pick up, store, and return your items on demand. Get started with your own storage-by-the-box solution at https://www.endless-storage.com.