The Different Types of Storage Units and Which Is Right for You

*Specific temperature and humidity management varies by facility, so check the features offered at your location before renting.

If you’re looking for a straightforward storage solution, indoor storage units are your best bet. These are the most common types of storage units, offering secure, enclosed spaces in a variety of sizes to fit just about anything (from extra furniture to seasonal decorations to business inventory, among other things).

What to expect:

• Versatile storage sizes range from compact 5’x5’ lockers to spacious 10’x30’ units that can hold an entire household’s items.

• Indoor units are housed inside a larger facility, shielding your belongings from extreme temperatures, humidity and pests — plus keeping your belongings safe with state-of-the-art security and surveillance.

• Not all indoor units include keeping your items at a stable temperature and humidity — make sure you double-check before booking a reservation that your desired unit provides climate control.

Best for:

• Everyday household storage (furniture, appliances, keepsakes)

• Seasonal gear like holiday decorations, camping equipment or patio furniture

• Business inventory, office supplies or documents that don’t require climate control

Things to consider:

• How many belongings do you plan to store? If you’re unsure what size storage unit to rent, use our Size Guide to get a better idea. Visiting your local facility and seeing the unit in person can also help you get a sense of scale.

• Are your items sensitive to temperature or humidity? While standard units work for most belongings, anything prone to warping, cracking, or mildew — like electronics, artwork or wooden furniture — might do better in climate-controlled storage.

For most people, indoor storage units check all the boxes: affordability, convenience and protection. But if you’re storing something a little more specialized — like a vehicle or business inventory — you might need a different type of unit.

Not everything can handle extreme temperatures or humidity. If you’re storing items that could warp, crack or deteriorate in fluctuating conditions, climate-controlled storage is the way to go. These units are kept at a stable temperature, typically between 55°F and 85°F, while also offering humidity control. Like other indoor units, they also provide an extra layer of protection from dust, pests and moisture.

What to expect:

• Climate-controlled units prevent damage from heat, cold and moisture, which is great for furniture and delicate/fragile items.

• Since they’re located indoors, climate-controlled units keep your items safe from the elements and potential pests.

Best for:

• Wooden furniture and antiques (prevents cracking and warping)

• Electronics and appliances (protects internal components)

• Artwork, books and important documents (avoids moisture damage)

• Clothing, leather goods and musical instruments (prevents mold and deterioration)

Things to consider:

• Is climate control worth the extra cost? If you’re storing everyday household items like plastic bins, metal tools or patio furniture, a standard unit will likely meet your needs. But if you’re dealing with delicate or high-value possessions, climate control is a smart investment.

• How long will you be storing your items? The longer your belongings sit in storage, the more exposure they’ll have to temperature shifts. If you’re planning for long-term storage, climate control offers peace of mind.

If you want storage that’s quick, convenient and easy to load and unload, drive-up storage units are the perfect fit. These ground-level units function like a personal garage — just pull up your vehicle, roll up the door and start moving items in or out. No hallways, elevators or extra steps.

What to expect:

• Ground-level, garage-style access that lets you drive right up to your unit for easy loading and unloading. This is ideal for businesses or anyone needing frequent access.
• A spacious layout that’s great for large, heavy or bulky items.
• Drive-up storage units aren’t located in the main facility and typically do not offer climate control.

Best for:

• Large furniture, mattresses and home appliances
• Tools, equipment and outdoor gear
• Business supplies or inventory that require frequent pickups
• People who need quick, drive-up access without the hassle of an indoor facility

Things to consider:

• Are your items okay with temperature changes? Drive-up units are exposed to outdoor conditions, so they’re not ideal for temperature-sensitive belongings.
• How often will you need access? If you’re storing items long-term with no immediate need for access, an indoor or climate-controlled unit might offer better protection.

If your driveway is feeling a little too crowded — or you need somewhere to keep a car, motorcycle, boat, RVs or trailer when it’s not in use — vehicle storage gives you several options. Depending on the facility, you may be able to choose from uncovered parking, covered parking or enclosed storage.

Here’s how they differ:

• Uncovered outdoor parking: Similar to a traditional parking space within the storage facility. It’s a straightforward option for RVs, boats, trailers and other vehicles that can remain outdoors.

• Covered outdoor parking: Adds overhead protection from direct sun, rain, snow and other precipitation while maintaining easy drive-in and drive-out access. The vehicle is still exposed to outdoor temperatures and conditions from the sides.

• Enclosed storage: Some cars, motorcycles and other vehicles may fit inside a drive-up storage unit, providing protection from direct exposure to rain, snow, wind and sun. Unit dimensions and vehicle-storage policies vary by facility, so confirm that your vehicle is eligible before reserving a unit.

The right option depends on your vehicle, how long you plan to store it and how much weather protection you want. Outdoor parking can be particularly convenient if you use your RV, boat or trailer regularly, while covered or enclosed storage provides additional protection from the elements. 

Before storing any vehicle, check with your facility about available space, size restrictions and vehicle-storage requirements.

Things to consider:

• How often will you need access? Outdoor parking allows for easy drive-in and drive-out convenience, especially if you plan on using your vehicle or boat often.

• Do you need extra protection? If you’re storing a vehicle long-term, especially a classic car or boat, indoor storage helps prevent damage from weather.

• Will your vehicle fit? Measure your vehicle’s length, width and height (don’t forget to include mirrors, roof racks and other attachments). Compare these measurements with the unit’s interior dimensions and door opening to make sure there’s enough clearance to safely move your vehicle in and out.

Not everything needs a full-size storage unit. Storage lockers offer a compact, affordable option if you’re just looking for a little extra space for keepsakes, seasonal decorations or personal items. These mini-storage spaces are typically stacked inside a facility and some are accessed via a stepladder, making them great for lightweight belongings (but less ideal for anything bulky or heavy).

What to expect:

• Lockers are the smallest units available at a storage facility, usually ranging from 2’x2’ to 5’x5’ in size with a 4’-high ceiling (so you can’t store anything taller than that).

• Lockers are lower in cost than standard indoor storage units.

• Stepladder access is sometimes required because lockers are stacked, meaning you’ll need to climb up to load and unload your items. Anything too heavy to carry up the stairs will be difficult to get in and out of a locker.

Best for:

• Seasonal decorations and small household items

• Important documents, collectibles or sentimental keepsakes

• People who need just a little extra space without paying for a full unit

Things to consider:

• Will you need frequent access? Since lockers are stacked, getting to your items can be a bit more effort than a ground-level unit.

• Are your items heavy? If you’re storing furniture, large bins or anything bulky, a small ground-level unit will be much easier to manage.

Once you know what type of storage you need, the next question is how much space to rent. Storage units come in a wide range of sizes, from compact spaces for a few boxes to large units that can hold the contents of an entire home.

Here’s a general idea of what common storage unit sizes can accommodate:

• 5'x5': Similar to a small closet. Good for boxes, seasonal decorations, small furniture and other household overflow.

• 5'x10': Roughly the size of a large walk-in closet. Can work for the contents of a bedroom or dorm room, including a mattress, dresser and boxes.

• 10'x10': About half the size of a standard one-car garage. Often suitable for furniture, appliances and boxes from a one- or two-bedroom apartment.

• 10'x20' and larger: Designed for bigger storage needs, such as the contents of a multi-bedroom home, large furniture or substantial business inventory.

These are only estimates — how much you can fit depends on the size and shape of your belongings and how efficiently you pack the unit. If you’re unsure what size storage unit to rent, use our Size Guide to get a better idea. Visiting your local facility and seeing the unit in person can also help you get a sense of scale.

Indoor, climate-controlled and drive-up units describe the physical storage space you’re renting. But you may also see storage described according to how you plan to use it. Here are a few common storage needs and the types of units that may work for them.

Business Storage

Running out of room in your office or storefront? Business storage provides a flexible, cost-effective way to store inventory, supplies and equipment without cluttering up your workspace. Whether you’re a small business owner, contractor or entrepreneur, you can choose a unit based on what you’re storing and how often you need access.

Business storage can be useful for:

• Retail businesses needing overflow space for seasonal or surplus inventory

• Contractors or service professionals storing tools, equipment and materials

• Solo entrepreneurs, such as Etsy store owners, who work from home but need space for extra materials and supplies

• Offices looking for a secure space for archived documents and records

If you’re regularly picking up supplies, a drive-up unit can save time, while climate-controlled storage may be appropriate for temperature- or humidity-sensitive inventory and records. Various unit sizes also make it easier to size up or down depending on seasonality and evolving business needs.

There’s usually no electricity inside storage units. If you’ll be sorting through inventory or paperwork inside your unit, bring a portable, battery-powered lantern or keep one in your unit.

Student Storage

Students may not need storage year-round, but a unit can come in handy when moving between dorms or apartments, studying abroad or heading home for summer break. Smaller units and storage lockers can provide enough room for boxes, bedding, books, seasonal clothing and other dorm-room belongings, while larger units may accommodate furniture.

If you’re sharing a unit with roommates or friends, label boxes by owner and create separate zones inside the unit. It’ll save everyone from digging through the entire space when one person needs something.

Moving and Temporary Storage

Self storage can also provide a temporary landing spot for belongings during a move, renovation or other transition. Instead of choosing a specific “moving storage” unit, look for the unit type and size that match what you need to store.

An indoor unit may work well for general household belongings, while a drive-up unit can make repeated trips with heavy furniture and boxes easier. If you’ll be storing sensitive belongings for an extended period, consider whether climate control makes sense.

Office and Workspace

For businesses that need more than just storage, some facilities offer office space and workspaces located in the same facility as the storage units. This allows small businesses to have a dedicated functional area to get work done, along with easy access to storage solutions for supplies, paperwork and other business needs.

While not available at every storage facility, these spaces can be useful for small business owners and remote teams that need extra space without committing to a traditional office lease. Depending on the location, features may include:

• Month-to-month rental options

• Electricity and outlets, which typically aren’t available inside storage units

• Windows at some locations

• Easy access to storage units in the same facility

Availability and amenities vary, so check with your local facility to see whether office or workspace options are offered.

Still not sure which option fits your needs? Start with what you’re storing, then narrow your choice based on protection, access, size and budget.

• Storing everyday household items? A standard indoor unit may be all you need for boxes, seasonal decor, furniture and other belongings that aren’t particularly sensitive to temperature or humidity.

• Storing temperature- or humidity-sensitive belongings? Consider climate-controlled storage for items such as wooden furniture, electronics, artwork, books, documents, clothing and leather goods.

• Moving large or heavy belongings? A drive-up unit lets you pull your vehicle directly up to the door, which can make loading furniture, appliances and equipment much easier.

• Only need a little extra room? A storage locker may be enough for small boxes, keepsakes, seasonal decorations and other lightweight items.

• Storing a car, motorcycle, boat, RV or trailer? Compare uncovered, covered and enclosed vehicle storage based on the size of your vehicle and how much protection you want.

• Need storage for your business? Choose the underlying unit type based on your inventory. Frequent pickups may make drive-up access useful, while sensitive inventory or records may be better suited to climate-controlled storage.

Then consider how often you’ll visit the unit. If you’ll be loading and unloading inventory every week, easy access may matter more than it would for belongings you plan to leave untouched for several months. Finally, compare unit sizes, features and prices at your local facility rather than paying for space or amenities you don’t actually need.

Not sure which unit is right for you? Visit the facility, ask about features and check availability. Many storage facilities offer online size guides or on-site staff who can help match you with the best option for your needs.

For more tips on storage, organization and other topics, check out the SmartStop blog.

What are the main types of storage units?

Common options include standard indoor storage, climate-controlled storage, drive-up storage and smaller storage lockers. Many facilities also offer vehicle storage, which may include uncovered parking, covered parking or enclosed storage. Availability varies by location.

Is indoor storage the same as climate-controlled storage?

No. Indoor storage means your unit is located inside a building, which protects your belongings from direct exposure to rain, snow, wind and sun. However, an indoor unit does not necessarily regulate temperature or humidity. Check specifically for climate control if your belongings require it.

Is climate-controlled storage worth it?

It can be worth considering for belongings that may be affected by temperature or humidity fluctuations, including wooden furniture, electronics, artwork, books, documents, clothing, leather goods and musical instruments.

What is a drive-up storage unit?

A drive-up storage unit is a ground-level unit that allows you to pull your vehicle directly up to the door. This can make it easier to load and unload furniture, appliances, equipment, business inventory and other large or heavy belongings.

What size storage unit do I need?

That depends on what you’re storing and how much you have. Smaller units such as 5'x5' or 5'x10' can work for boxes and household overflow, while 10'x10', 10'x20' and larger units provide more room for furniture and larger moves. Use SmartStop’s Size Guide or visit a facility to get a better sense of how much space you need.

Can you store a car in a storage unit?

Some vehicles may fit inside an appropriately sized drive-up storage unit, while facilities may also offer covered or uncovered vehicle parking. Availability, unit dimensions and vehicle-storage requirements vary, so check with the facility before reserving.

What type of storage is best for college students?

Students with a small number of belongings may only need a storage locker or small indoor unit for boxes, bedding, books and seasonal clothing. Students storing furniture or the contents of an apartment may need a larger unit. Climate-controlled storage may also be worth considering depending on what you’re storing and how long it will be stored.