It can be hectic finding a place to store a house-full of your things no matter how big or small your house is or how long or short your move is. In order to make this process as smooth as possible, it is important to pay close attention to how much you want to spend, the location of the storage and what size unit storage is actually needed. Knowing your needs beforehand makes for a much easier transition when selecting a storage unit that works best.
How much should I spend?
How much you’ll spend on a storage unit depends on the size, security, and climate control. When making a decision on what size is needed, you should create an inventory of what you will need in storage. On average, we have found well packed storage units accommodate the following sizes:
- 5×5 – Small single room, single pieces of furniture, a dorm room, boxes, etc.
- 5×10 – Small 1 bedroom Apartment or Studio
- 10×10 – Most 1 bedroom apartments, some small 2 bedrooms
- 10×15 – Most 2 bedroom apartments
- 10×20 – Most 2-3 bedroom apartments
- 15×20 – 1300 sq. ft. house, Most 3-4 bedroom apartments
- 20×20 – Usually up to 2000 sq. feet of living space if packed well.
Once the size is determined, you should research rates and find out exactly how much the unit will cost. Most storage facilities will rent month to month, but it is important to ask if they offer discounts for long term contracts, what their pro-rating policy is, and if there is a penalty or fee to move out early.
What type of storage unit do I need?
In addition to size, It is important to decide whether or not you need climate control. If the items are going to be in storage for a long time, it is usually better to consider climate control due to the Florida heat and humidity. It is a good rule of thumb to store nice wood, leather, bedding and electronics in a climate controlled unit for anything longer than one month in the winter, or anything longer than 1 week in the summer. A portable storage unit is also a great option because it allows for the transport of items easily door to door, however, keep in mind these are usually not climate controlled.
Our picks for Tampa Storage
To get a better idea of the going-rates and sizes for storage units in Tampa, we put together a brief list below of our recommended places to store your valuable things:
StorQuest Self Storage
- Location: 6207 West Hillsborough Ave. Tampa
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5: Starting at $18
- Medium 5×10 to 10×10: Starting at $41
- Large 10×15 to 10×20: Starting at $89
- Unit Features: Fenced and lighted, video cameras on site, electronic gate access, on the go wi-fi, refreshments, drive-up access, roll-up door.
Causeway Self Storage
- Location: 2425 South 86th St. Tampa
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $49
- Medium 10×10 to 10×15: Starting at $114
- Large 10×20 to 60×60: Starting at $179
- Unit Features: 24-hour access, fenced and lighted, electronic gate access, video cameras on site, climate controlled, drive-up access, outdoor access.
iStorage Brandon
- Location: 203 Providence Rd. Brandon FL
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $42
- Medium 10×10 to 10×15: Starting at $69
- Large 8×20 to 12×20: Starting at $164
- Unit Features: Fenced and Lighted, 24 Hour Security Monitoring, Access 7 Days a Week, Climate Controlled Units Available, Deliveries Accepted, Drive Up Access, Free Wifi, Electronic Gate Access, Ground Level Units, Covered Boat, RV, Vehicle Storage
Gandy Mini Stor-It
- Location: 5024 South Manhattan Ave. Tampa
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $49
- Medium 5×15 to 10×10: Starting at $79
- Large 10×15 to 10×25: Starting at $129
- Unit Features: Manager lives on-site, Fenced and lighted, video cameras on site, electronic gate access, drive-up access, roll-up door.
Crosstown Stor-N-More Self Storage
- Location: 1505 South US HWY 301 Tampa FL
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $39
- Medium 10×10 to 10×15: Starting at $143
- Large 10×20 to 12×30: Starting at $229
- Unit Features: Open 7 Days a week, 24/7 State-of-the-art Security, Variety of Storage Unit Sizes, Climate and Non-Climate Controlled Units, RV Automobile and Boat Storage
Uncle Bob’s Self Storage
- Location: 7550 West Waters Ave. Tampa
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $32
- Medium 10×10 to 10×15: Starting at $82
- Large 10×20 to 20×20: Starting at $147
- Unit Features: Indoor access, Ground Level, Outdoor/Drive-up access, Climate Controlled Storage Units, Fenced and lighted, video cameras on site, electronic gate access
Seaport Storage
- Location: 1120 E Twiggs St. Tampa FL
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $72
- Medium 10×10 to 10×15: Starting at $152
- Large 10×20 to 10×30: CALL for Rate
- Unit Features: Elevator available, Handcarts available, 24 Hour Security Monitoring, Access 7 Days a Week, Air Conditioned Units, Friendly & Professional Staff, 24 Hour Gate Access Available
U-Stor Linebaugh
- Location: 5002 West Linebaugh Ave.Tampa FL
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $50
- Medium 10×10 to 10×15: Starting at $89
- Large 10×20 to 10×30: CALL for Rate
- Unit Features: U-HAUL Rental Trucks, managers who live on site, climate controlled units and standard units, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Palma Ceia Air Conditioned Self Storage
- Location: 3225 S MacDill Ave. #135 Tampa FL
- Prices & Sizes:
- Small 5×5 to 5×10: Starting at $48
- Medium 8×8 to 8×12: Starting at $140
- Large 8×14 to 8×16: Starting at $238
- Unit Features: Air Conditioned, Secure Units, Online Bill Pay, Boxes & Supplies, Freight Elevators, Commercial Deliveries Accepted, All Indoor Units, Wireless Internet Available
