Storage Lockers vs. Storage Units: Which Is Best for You?

Storage lockers are a compact, affordable self-storage option when you need a little extra space but don’t have larger items to store. Usually between 2’x2’ and 4’x5’, they are much smaller than traditional storage units, making them ideal for people who aren’t ready to commit to the space or cost of a full-sized unit. Storage lockers are often only 4’ tall, meaning you’ll need to be mindful of the dimensions of the items you’re storing. You’ll also usually need to access them via elevators or staircases, so you may not want to store heavy items in them. 

Items to store in a storage locker:

• Small personal belongings
• Seasonal gear
• Small boxes
• Important paperwork
• Small appliances (like a blender, printer, pressure cooker or stand mixer)
• Collapsible items

Takeaways: 

• Storage lockers typically cost much less than full-size units, making them perfect for students or people with limited budgets.
• Storage lockers have limited height, so you can’t store tall items in them.
• Storage lockers don’t offer climate control, so don’t store things that are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
• Storage lockers are a little more challenging to access, often involving rolling staircases that can make some items trickier to move in and out.

Storage units provide a lot more space than storage lockers, with sizes ranging from 5’x5’ to as large as 10’x30’. Whether you’re storing a few pieces of furniture, major appliances, vehicles, musical instruments or even the contents of an entire house, a storage unit will likely have the space to accommodate it. You can use a Size Guide to understand the dimensions of small, medium and large units and the types of items you may be able to fit inside of them. Because storage units are larger and taller than storage lockers, you have more flexibility in organizing your belongings — allowing you to maximize space and fit more items in.

Unlike lockers, some storage units have the advantage of being located on the ground floor, with drive-up access. This makes it easier to load and unload larger items or store motorcycles, cars, boats and RVs. Storage units also offer more amenities like air-cooled and climate-controlled options, which can help protect items like electronics, musical instruments, furniture and photographic equipment from temperature- and moisture-related damage.

Items to store in a storage locker:

• Furniture (indoor and outdoor)
• Large appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, etc.)
• Seasonal gear (camping equipment, kayaks, snowmobiles, jet skis, etc.)
• Extensive boxes and large boxes
• Home renovation supplies
• Cars and motorcycles
• Boats
• RVs
• Small business inventory

Takeaways: 

• Storage units cost more than lockers but offer more size options and amenities.
• Storage units aren’t limited by height, so you can store tall and large items inside of them.
• Storage units offer climate-controlled options for sensitive or valuable items.
• Storage units offer easier access, including drive-up and ground-floor options for easier moving.

Choosing between a storage locker and a storage unit depends largely on the type and quantity of items you need to store, how long you’ll be storing them and how often you plan to access them. Here are some things to consider as you’re making your decision.

Personal vs. Household Storage

If you only need to stow personal items like documents, clothes or small home decor, a storage locker is often just enough space while keeping your monthly rental cost low. Students and people living in small city apartments often get a lot of utility out of lockers. However, if you’re storing household goods like furniture, appliances or large numbers of boxes, a storage unit may better suit your needs.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage

Consider how long you’ll need the storage space. If you’re only looking to store a few things for a couple of months — such as while moving or clearing space during a home renovation — a storage locker is a budget-conscious option. However, for long-term storage, especially for larger items, investing in a full-sized storage unit allows for easier organization and access.

Budget Considerations

If cost is your primary concern, a storage locker is the way to go. However, if you need to store larger items or many belongings, the extra cost of a storage unit is often justified by the convenience and peace of mind that comes with having plenty of space. You can also check online for any promotions facilities may be offering for larger units.

Frequency of Access

If you plan on storing items you need to access regularly, a storage unit, particularly one on the ground floor of a facility with drive-up access, maybe your best bet. It’ll be much easier to pull right up to your unit and load or unload your belongings, which is not only more convenient but also reduces your risk of injury, especially if you’re hauling heavy or large items. Storage lockers, on the other hand, are usually located indoors and on higher floors. You’ll likely need to use a rolling staircase, which can limit the types of items you can keep in them.

Flexibility in Upgrading or Downgrading

One of the great things about month-to-month storage facilities is the flexibility they offer. If your storage needs change, most facilities allow you to upgrade or downgrade your space fairly easily. For instance, if you start with a locker and realize you need more room for additional items, you can easily upgrade to a unit. On the flip side, if you overestimate your needs and rent a storage unit that ends up being too large, you can usually downsize to a smaller unit or locker to save on costs.

In other words, you don’t need to feel locked into your initial decision. It’s always a good idea to start by estimating how much space you’ll need, but storage is meant to grow with you — you can pivot to other options if your needs and budget evolve. 

If you’re ready to find a storage locker or unit near you, head to our Storage Locator!