What Is Drive Up Storage?
Drive up storage is like having a garage you rent away from your house, but without all the usual mess. A drive-up storage unit is on the ground floor, and the main advantage is ease of use. You can park your vehicle, whether it’s a car, van, or truck, right by the door of your unit. This outside access is what makes drive-up storage stand out-it turns loading and unloading even large or heavy items into a quick and simple job.
Unlike indoor storage, which may mean you have to walk through hallways or use elevators, drive-up storage skips those steps. These units are usually found in single-story buildings with metal roll-up doors, set up in rows with wide lanes for cars and trucks. Some people call these “outside storage units.” They’re an easy way to keep your things safe and out of the way when you need them gone from your home or business for a while.
How Do Drive Up Storage Units Work?
Drive-up storage is simple. You rent your unit, you get access using either a key or special code for the entrance gate, and then your storage space is ready. It’s a lot like having a reserved parking spot-right next to your storage. You can drive up, open the door, and move things in or out easily without carrying stuff long distances.
Security is usually handled with keypads and electronic gates, each customer getting their own code. The unit doors are sturdy and easy to slide up. The driveways are wide, letting you get larger vehicles right up to your unit’s door, making moving things straightforward.
Common Uses for Drive Up Storage
Drive-up storage works well for lots of different needs, for both personal and business users. If you’re moving or working on home repairs, these units are helpful for keeping furniture, appliances, and boxes out of the way. They’re ideal for clearing out your garage, basement, or attic of seasonal things, sports gear, or even small vehicles like motorcycles.
Businesses use them too-for storing extra merchandise, documents, tools, and equipment. Contractors, for instance, can grab what they need for a job quickly. If you want to move heavy items right from your vehicle into storage, drive-up units make the job much easier.
Drive Up Storage vs. Indoor Storage: Main Differences
If you’re looking at different self-storage types, you’ll often see both drive-up and indoor units. Both keep your things safe, but their main differences are how you get to your unit and whether they have climate control. Drive-up storage is all about convenience because you get direct outside access. Indoor units are usually inside a building and may mean using hallways or elevators.
Climate control is more common in indoor units. This means the temperature and humidity stay steady, which helps protect things like wood furniture, electronics, and important papers. Most drive-up units do not come with this feature, unless clearly mentioned.
Benefits of Drive Up Access
The main benefit of drive-up storage is how easy it is to load and unload. You don’t have to haul heavy objects far or deal with stairs and elevators. Just drive up and drop things right inside the unit. This means less work and saves time, especially when you’ve got lots of items or large things.
Easy access is also great if you need to visit your storage often. Business owners and contractors can get in and out fast, saving time on the job.
Downsides Compared to Climate-Controlled Units
Even though drive-up storage is easy to use, it usually doesn’t protect your belongings from weather changes. Since these units face outside, inside temperatures and humidity can change with the seasons. This can damage things like electronics, old furniture, art, photos, or certain documents.
If you have items that can be hurt by heat, cold, or damp, you should look for climate-controlled indoor storage, or ask the facility if they offer climate-controlled drive-ups (these are rare).
Features and Amenities of Drive Up Storage
Drive-up storage is more than just empty space. Facilities often offer additional services to keep things safe and accessible for customers. Since features can differ from place to place, it’s a good idea to ask about what each facility offers.
Common features usually include strong security, long hours for access, and a focus on cleanliness. Some places will even offer a few extra perks for more comfort and ease.
Security Features
Keeping your things safe is a top priority at most storage facilities. Many use secure gates with unique entry codes. Video cameras are often placed throughout the property, sometimes running 24/7. Good lighting around the whole area, including driveways and doors, helps keep you safe if you visit at night. Fencing around the edge helps limit who can get in. Together, these steps protect your stored belongings.
Access and Hours
One of the biggest benefits of drive-up storage is easy access, often offered until late evening or even 24 hours a day at some locations. This is useful for both personal users and business owners who can’t always stick to a regular schedule.
Wide driveways and clear unloading areas make getting to and moving around your unit simple, even for large trucks.
Cleanliness and Upkeep
Drive-up units are exposed to outside air, but good facilities make sure the area stays clean and tidy. This means no trash or mess in walkways, and the units themselves are kept ready to use when new renters arrive. Regular cleaning and upkeep help make your experience smooth and show that the facility takes care of its property.
Are Climate-Controlled Drive Up Units Possible?
Some places do offer drive-up units with climate control, but these aren’t common. They combine outdoor style access with steady inside conditions. Since these units are less common, especially in smaller towns, check in advance to see if climate-controlled drive-up units are available if you need them.
What Can You Store in a Drive Up Storage Unit?
Drive-up storage units are flexible and can hold lots of different things for both home and business. Because you can pull your car up right to the unit, it’s easy to store or pick up items regularly or handle larger objects that don’t fit easily through doors and hallways.
From furniture during a move to business goods or even vehicles, what you store really depends on whether your items are okay being kept in a unit that doesn’t have climate control (unless you find a unit that does).
Storing Home Goods and Furniture
Most people use drive-up storage for furniture and household items. When you need to clear space during a move, remodel, or just want to store things like sofas, beds, tables, chairs, appliances, and boxes, these units are very useful. Being able to drive up means less carrying and heavy lifting.
You can also store seasonal things-like holiday decorations or lawn and garden tools-when they aren’t being used. As long as your items aren’t hurt by outside temperatures, they’re usually a good match for drive-up storage.
Business and Inventory Uses
Many businesses use drive-up units for extra inventory, supplies, or tools. Shops might put their off-season stock inside, while online sellers store packages or materials for shipping. Contractors often store their equipment where it’s easy to pick up for the next job.
Offices can also store papers and files that need to be kept for years but don’t fit elsewhere.
Vehicle and Equipment Storage
Larger drive-up storage units can often fit small vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, and sometimes cars. A 10×20 unit is usually enough for most vehicles, but you should always check the dimensions. Some facilities rent out parking spaces for boats and RVs as well. If you want to store a vehicle, double-check with the facility first.
Drive Up Storage Unit Sizes and What Fits
Drive-up storage units are available in a range of sizes, making it possible to find one that fits just what you need. Size is important-it can make a big difference in price and how comfortable you are organizing inside the unit.
Here are some of the most common sizes and what you can typically fit inside each one:
| Size | What Fits |
|---|---|
| 5’x5′ | About as big as a walk-in closet. Good for several boxes, some small furniture, or seasonal items. |
| 5’x10′ | Like a large shed or small bedroom. Can hold a small sofa, dresser, and boxes-great for a studio apartment or one room. |
| 5’x15′ | Similar to a large walk-in, good for one or two rooms’ worth of furniture and boxes. |
| 10’x10′ | Like a bedroom. Can fit the contents of a 1-2 bedroom apartment, including furniture and appliances. |
| 10’x15′ | Comparable to a large bedroom. Suitable for a two-bedroom house or apartment. |
| 10’x20′ | About as large as a one-car garage. Fits a full house (3-4 bedrooms) or most cars. |
| 10’x25’/10’x30′ | Like a big garage. Can hold the contents of larger homes (4-5+ bedrooms) or business inventory. |
How to Pick the Right Size
- Write a list of everything you want to store.
- Use online size calculators for help.
- Remember that you can stack boxes and furniture for more room.
- If you’re unsure, choose a unit that’s a bit bigger to avoid running out of space.
How Much Does Drive Up Storage Cost?
Cost is a big factor when choosing a storage unit. Drive-up storage is usually a good value for the amount of space and access you get. Costs vary, depending on:
- How big the unit is
- Where the storage facility is located (urban areas cost more)
- How many units are available and how high the demand is
- Extra features, like strong security or climate control
Generally, the bigger the unit, the more you’ll pay. Here’s a quick estimate:
- Small Units (5’x5′, 5’x10′) – Least expensive
- Medium Units (5’x15′, 10’x10′, 10’x15′) – Middle price range
- Large Units (10’x20′, 10’x25′, 10’x30′) – Most expensive
Always check with your local facility for exact prices-it can change a lot based on location.
Is Drive Up Storage Cheaper?
Drive-up units usually cost less than climate-controlled units, but sometimes a little more than regular indoor spaces that aren’t climate-controlled. The easy drive-up access might explain the small price difference. If your budget is tight and your items don’t need special temperature control, regular drive-up storage is often a smart pick.
How to Rent a Drive Up Storage Unit
Renting a drive-up storage unit is straightforward. Most storage places make it easy by letting you reserve your spot online, on the phone, or by dropping in. Here’s how it usually works:
How to Reserve
- Look for units on the facility’s website and reserve one online-that’s usually quickest.
- Call the storage place directly to talk through sizes and availability.
- Go to the office in person to look around, ask questions, and rent your unit.
What You Need to Rent
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You’ll need a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or other government ID).
- You must pay for the first month and possibly an admin fee up front.
- Most places rent month-to-month. Some don’t require a security deposit.
Moving In: What Happens Next?
- If you rented online or by phone, a lock may be waiting for you in your new unit.
- If you rented in person, you can usually buy a lock at the storage office.
- Drive your vehicle right up to your door-no hallways or elevators!
- Unload your items, organize the space, and lock the door when you’re done.
Storage Tips and Good Habits
To keep your items in good shape and make storage easy, follow these tips:
Packing for Outdoor Storage
- Use solid, weather-resistant boxes and bins.
- Wrap breakable things carefully and use covers for furniture.
- Where possible, put wood or pallets under boxes to keep them off the ground.
Organizing Your Storage Unit
- Put things you’ll need most often near the front.
- Stack heavier boxes on the bottom, lighter ones on top.
- Label all sides of your boxes.
- Keep a walkway so you can get to items at the back without digging everything out.
Insurance and Protection
- Check if your renter’s or homeowner’s policy covers items in storage.
- Ask your storage facility about special insurance plans if you want more protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drive Up Storage
Can You Store a Car in a Drive-Up Storage Unit?
Yes, many drive-up storage units, especially ones that are 10×20 or bigger, can fit a car. Always check the measurements and talk to the facility to make sure it’s allowed and your car will fit. Some places have rules about storing vehicles, so ask in advance.
Are There Items You Can’t Store?
Yes, most storage agreements won&rsquot let you keep unsafe, illegal, or living things in your unit. That means no flammable materials, explosives, chemicals, spoiled food, plants, or animals. Your rental contract will have a full list of banned items. Always check before storing something you’re unsure about.
Do You Need to Bring Your Own Lock?
This depends on the storage company. Some give you a lock with your online or phone rental and leave it inside your unit. Others expect you to bring your own, or you can usually buy one on-site. Ask ahead to know what’s expected.
Find Drive Up Storage Near You
To find the best drive-up storage for your needs, use the online search tools that most storage companies provide. You can enter your location-like city or zip code-to see which facilities are close by.
After you find a few good choices, check their websites or call for more details about available sizes, prices, access rules, and special features. Don’t be shy about asking questions about security, access hours, what they allow you to store, or what documents you’ll need to rent a unit. Picking the right drive-up storage can give you safe and simple extra space, whether you’re moving, need to de-clutter, or need more room for your business.