Storage Shed or Storage Rental Center?

There are several things to consider if you’re comparing storage shed construction to storage space rental. How many square feet do you need? How big is your property? Do you need a climate controlled space? How much stuff are you storing for long-term or seasonal use?

The bottom line is that if you only need short-term storage, then renting is cheaper, but if you need to store for the long-term, and especially if you’re not concerned about climate control, then building or buying a backyard storage shed is the cheaper solution by far.

Let’s go through the numbers. I live in Atlanta, and I got these prices from a big nationwide storage rental brand. Even in my metro area, the prices varied considerably based on local demand (population density, housing/property cost-per-square-foot), higher in the city and suburbs, and lower in the sparsely populate ex-urbs.

Here are some typical storage footprints, the cost of renting over eight years, and the resulting cost per square foot.

Long-term storage rental costs.

Size	Monthly Cost	8Y Cost of Renting	8Y CSPF
4×4	$31	$3,278	$205
5×5	$47	$4,969	$199
5×10	$55	$5,815	$116
8×10	$86	$7,929	$99
10×10	$91	$9,260	$96
10×15	$109	$11,523	$77
12×16	$125	$13,215	$69

 

Like I said, over the long-term, renting even a small storage space can easily cost you twice as much as a pre-manufactured wooden shed (~$1,600). And with the cost of an 8×10 storage building kit well under a thousand dollars, you’ll earn back the purchase price and start “saving” money, in terms of the monthly rental fee you don’t owe, before the first year ends.

And since we’re talking numbers, a tasteful, well-made storage shed adds value to your home and increases its resale value. Chances are you’ve got a wood-framed house, and wood is the best material for a modest backyard shed, giving you almost unlimited options for trim and decor to compliment your home. Wood is cost-effective and with a good set of plans, it goes up fast, so find a plan for a shed you like, and put those storage rental fees back where they belong, in your wallet.