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

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 your storage needs are more about convenience than climate, you might want to look into drive-up storage, which makes accessing your belongings as easy as pulling up to a garage.

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 your car, boat or camper needs extra protection from the elements — vehicle storage is the solution. Designed to accommodate everything from motorcycles to RVs, these storage options keep your vehicle secure when it’s not in use, whether you need short-term storage between road trips or a long-term solution during the off-season.

What to Expect:

• You can park your vehicle or boat in your storage facility’s open parking lot (if available), which includes both uncovered and covered outdoor parking spots. (Covered parking will add weather protection to your vehicle/boat.)
• For collectibles or vehicles/boats you want to keep out of the elements, drive-up units provide maximum security and keep your vehicle/boat out of rain, snow and wind.
• Security features like gated access, surveillance cameras and sometimes even on-site staff will give you extra peace of mind.

Best For:

• Cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles needing off-street storage
• Boats, jet skis and trailers during the off-season
• RVs, campers and travel trailers between trips

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.

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 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 often 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 and require a ladder, 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.

Running out of room in your office or storefront? Business storage units provide 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, these units offer secure and scalable storage for everything from documents to excess stock.

What to Expect:

• Various unit sizes, from compact spaces for paperwork to larger units that hold bulk inventory and supplies.
• Security features include surveillance, gated access during business hours and sometimes even individual unit alarms.
• A monthly rental lease — i.e., no long-term commitment — that allows you to size up or down depending on seasonality and evolving business needs.

Best For:

• Retail businesses needing overflow space for seasonal or surplus inventory
• Contractors or service professionals storing tools, equipment and materials
• Solo entrepreneurs (e.g., Etsy store owners) who work from home but need a space to store extra materials and supplies
• Offices looking for a secure space for archived documents and records

Things to Consider:

• Do you need frequent access? If you’re regularly picking up supplies, a drive-up unit can save time.
• Will you require extra amenities? Some storage facilities offer business-friendly features like package acceptance, climate control and even workspace rentals.
• There’s usually no electricity in 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.

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 units can be a game-changer for small business owners and remote teams who need extra space without committing to a traditional office lease.

What to Expect:

• A month-to-month lease that gives businesses owners flexibility to rent office space during busy seasons without a long-term lease.
• Electricity and outlets (which aren’t available inside storage units).
• Windows in some locations.
• Easy access to storage units in the same facility.

Best For:

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners needing affordable office space
• Contractors and service professionals managing tools, paperwork and client meetings
• E-commerce sellers looking for a place to store and process inventory

Things to Consider:

• Availability is limited. Not all storage facilities offer office or workspace options, so you’ll need to check with your local facility.
• Do you need climate control or electricity? Some workspaces come equipped with lighting, outlets and even heating/cooling, but others are more basic.

With so many types of storage units available, the right choice comes down to what you’re storing, how long you’re storing it for, how often you need access, and whether features like climate control or security are a priority. Here’s a checklist of questions you should ask yourself before making a decision:

What Are You Storing?

• Everyday household items? A standard or indoor storage unit will likely do the job.
• Temperature-sensitive belongings? Climate-controlled storage is probably worth the investment.
• Large, bulky items? A drive-up unit makes loading and unloading much easier.
• A car, RV or boat? Vehicle storage ensures your ride stays safe and secure.
• Business inventory or supplies? A business storage unit (or office space, if available) can help you stay organized.

How Often Will You Need Access?

• If you’ll be in and out frequently, a drive-up unit saves time.
• For occasional visits, an indoor unit may offer extra protection.
• If you’re storing long-term items you won’t need often, climate control might be the best way to preserve them.

What’s Your Budget?

• Standard outdoor units are the most affordable.
• Climate-controlled and indoor units cost more but provide extra protection.
• Vehicle and business storage pricing vary by size and amenities, so compare options carefully.

Making the Final Decision

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.