Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Homeowners and business owners often turn to long-term storage units to manage excess belongings. While self-storage can be a convenient solution for some, it’s not always the best option for everyone. Below, we explore eight key disadvantages of renting self-storage units.
That said, self-storage does serve an important purpose for certain individuals. Frequent travelers, for instance, use storage units as a temporary home for their belongings. Similarly, professionals who relocate for long-term work assignments, such as researchers and academics, rely on self-storage to keep their possessions secure during transitions. Military personnel often depend on these units to store their items while deployed.
Retirees downsizing their living spaces also benefit from self-storage, as do collectors who need space for prized antiques or vintage cars without overcrowding their homes. Small business owners, facing limited office or storefront space, often turn to self-storage to manage inventory or equipment.
While self-storage offers undeniable advantages for specific situations, it’s worth considering whether it’s the right fit for your needs—or if alternatives to self-storage might offer more security, affordability, or convenience.
What are the disadvantages of renting self-storage units?
1. High Cost
For most Americans, renting a self-storage unit comes with numerous disadvantages. The average person rents a storage unit for one year or more. Storage units, however convenient, are not free. A standard 10’ x 10’ storage unit costs $2,000 per year in rental fees, per the Consumer Reports.
All storage unit fees are not created equal. The price varies dramatically from region to region, with major cities jacking up the rental costs exorbitantly. The aforementioned storage unit costs $2,500 in Los Angeles, while a similarly sized one in New York City comes with a price tag of $3,700.
Those seeking affordable storage near Elk Grove Village may want to explore more cost-effective and secure options offered by professional moving and storage services.
2. Limited Space
Space limitations are an issue for people with an extraneous amount of goods to store. They may need not only one but multiple storage units, depending on the volume of items needing temporary housing. Renting several self-storage units increases costs exponentially.
3. Hidden Fees
As mentioned, not all storage units are created equal. Some lack climate control, putting items sensitive to temperature fluctuations at risk for damage over time. These include wooden furniture, artwork, and electronics. Storage units that do come with climate control cost extra.
Further hidden costs include setup fees and monthly insurance fees. Some storage facilities charge more for secure locks and for a unit that is located closer to access points. It’s important to read the contract’s fine print, as most renters pay more than what is listed on the facility’s website.
If you’re considering climate-controlled storage in Chicago, be sure to verify the full cost breakdown in advance.
4. Lack of Accessibility
Accessibility is a challenge, even though items held in storage are not everyday essentials. Renters must make trips to the storage facility, which can be time-consuming if it is located far away. Many storage facilities aren’t open 24 hours or on holidays, complicating the ease of accessibility.
5. Maintenance Responsibility
Renters are responsible for the upkeep of their belongings inside the storage unit, which can be taxing. This includes proper packing, organization, and protection against potential damage. Although the storage facility may offer recommendations, maintenance is ultimately up to the renter.
6. Fear of Theft
Storage facilities vary in their level of security. Some units lack strong anti-theft protections, making it easier for vandals to break into. Self-storage units without 24-hour video surveillance are attractive to thieves. Plus, security personnel may not work around the clock.
The premises on which the storage unit is located may be unsafe. If the facility is situated in a location with a high crime rate, the units are more prone to break-ins. With insufficient lighting and a lack of high surrounding gates, these self-storage units are a vandal’s paradise.
These are just a few of the many self-storage risks renters face—especially when units are located in high-risk neighborhoods without proper monitoring.
7. Risk of Damage
Fires are a risk for properties, self-storage facilities included. Some units aren’t equipped with fire alarms or sprinkler systems—putting the renter’s belongings at risk for severe fire damage in the event a fire breaks out. If the goods inside are highly flammable, the chance to salvage them is nil.
If the self-storage unit is available with climate control, the question that must be asked is whether it functions. Properly working climate control systems prevent mold, mildew, and pest infestations. But the renter’s valuables are at risk for damage if the system fails without warning.
Renters should be cautious of self-storage units because they do not know what items are housed in the units next to theirs. Firearms, explosives, or drug-manufacturing equipment are often a problem. Likewise, most renters don’t want a unit next to one containing stolen merchandise.
8. Negative Environmental Impact
Self-storage facilities leave an enormous environmental footprint. Per the Self Storage Association, storage units in the US occupy 2.3 billion square feet of space. The cost to light the units and run climate control systems adds up to a staggering amount. The units are a burden on limited resources.
Secure Storage in Chicagoland | Midwest Moving & Storage
Renting a self-storage unit long-term is not advantageous. However, if you’re moving and in between homes, placing your goods in storage is a practical move. In fact, it’s advisable to utilize a trusted storage service, like Mid-West Moving & Storage. As a comprehensive moving service, we also help you relocate.
Our storage facility covers over 60,000 square feet—enough space to securely store personal belongings of any shape and size. Whether you are a homeowner and want to store an antique mahogany table or a business owner storing numerous documents, our facility houses them all.
We boast of a climate-controlled facility. Our storage personnel maintain the climate-control system, ensuring it functions properly to protect the sensitive goods inside. Plus, our storage facility is fully secured and features a robust alarm system to safeguard your valuables.
Businesses benefit from our record storage services, whereby we securely store documents, x-rays and other corporate records. As a convenience, we offer a pickup and delivery service. Upon request, our staff can destroy any records that are no longer needed. Confidentiality and security are our priorities.
Rather than depend on risky self-storage units, temporarily house your belongings with Midwest Moving & Storage—your trusted provider of secure storage options in the Chicagoland area. Our secure storage services are ideal for individuals and companies transitioning between homes or business locations. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today to inquire about availability.
