Self storage units in Los Angeles, CA

Storing Vehicles in Los Angeles: Finding the Right Space

Need car storage, RV storage, boat storage, or other recreational vehicle storage? Here are the recommended unit sizes for each vehicle type:

Motorcycles, E-Bikes, ATVs, Jet Skis, etc.:

A 10’x10’ unit will suffice for smaller vehicles. While some bikes will comfortably fit in a 5’x10’ space, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Car Storage:

For standard-sized cars, we recommend a 10’x20’ unit or larger, with a 10’x30’ unit being ideal for easy exits and entries.

RVs, Boats, and Trailers:

For these larger vehicles, a 10’x30’ unit is recommended. With this space, you’ll have room to maneuver your vehicle in and out (and square footage to spare for your boating or RV gear).

Important Consideration for Los Angeles Vehicle Storage:

• Drive-Up Access: For vehicle storage, choose a drive-up storage unit. The majority of indoor-access facilities prohibit vehicle storage anyway.
• Height Restrictions: When considering a covered spot, you’ll want to note any height restrictions for your vehicle.
• Facility Policies: Call the facility to confirm that they allow vehicle storage in units sized 10’x20’ and larger. If the self-storage facility prohibits vehicle storage in these traditional-style units, they may have alternatives like canopied parking lots that can protect your car or motorcycle from LA's unpredictable weather.

Cost of Self Storage in Los Angeles, CA: Traditional vs. Peer-to-Peer

In Los Angeles, the cost of living is high–so it’s no surprise to find that self-storage prices are higher here than in other U.S. cities.

Unfortunately, traditional self-storage websites often leave potential renters in the dark about self-storage unit prices, instructing them to contact the facility directly for pricing information (which is a hassle).

Peer-to-peer storage marketplaces like Neighbor do things differently by proudly displaying the prices on their listing pages. That way you don’t have to make a phone call or perform any guesswork regarding costs.

At Neighbor, we proudly display our prices (which are on average 30% lower than traditional storage options).

Types of Self-Storage Spaces Available in Los Angeles: Traditional vs. Peer-to-Peer

When considering traditional storage options, you typically have two main types to choose from: indoor access and drive-up storage units.

Drive-Up Storage Units

• Garage-style design: Mini garages with roll-up style doors that make loading/unloading easy.
• Convenient access: Allow renters to drive directly to the unit for easy loading and unloading.
• Higher exposure: Be mindful of the rare rainy days in LA as you will be exposed to the elements during loading and unloading.
• Available in a wide range of sizes: Typically available in various sizes including 5’x5’, 5’x10’, 10’x10’, 10’x15’, 10’x20’ (ideal for large furniture and vehicle storage), 10’x30’ (ideal for vehicle storage), and 10’x40’ (ideal for extensive vehicle storage).

Indoor-Access Storage Facilities

• More difficult to access: Tenants access their units via interior hallways.
• Climate controlled: Often climate-controlled, maintaining temperatures between 55°F and 85°F, ideal for LA’s warmer climate.
• Not suitable for vehicle storage: Intended solely for storing personal or business items.

On Neighbor’s peer-to-peer marketplace, Los Angeles residents have access to a diverse array of storage options including:

• Private residential garages
• Sheds
• Spare rooms
• Basements (unfinished or finished)
• Garages
• Driveways
• Vacant lots

It’s important to note that Neighbor's platform isn't limited to just residential spaces. You’ll find a mix of both residential and commercial spaces for rent–but at prices that are typically 30% lower than they would be through a traditional storage facility.

Drive-Up Storage Units

Right for You If:

• You’re looking for a storage unit with very specific size specifications: On a peer-to-peer platform like ours, it’ll be difficult to find a garage space that measures exactly 10’x15’.
• You don’t want to take an elevator up to your storage space: Just park your car in front of your unit and start unloading (or loading). No commute needed.
• You plan to access your storage unit often: If you plan to make multiple trips to your Los Angeles self-storage unit, you want unloading/loading to be as quick as possible.

Not Right For You If:

• You’re storing high-value items: Not recommended for high-value items due to increased theft risks, especially in certain pockets of Los Angeles like west Los Angeles.
• Climate-control storage settings are non-negotiable: These units lack climate control, rendering them unfit for temperature-sensitive goods (like artwork or sensitive documents).
• You have a location preference: Often situated in more secluded areas, necessitating a potentially longer commute.

Indoor-Access Storage Facilities

Right for You If:

• You’re looking for a storage unit with very specific size specifications: On a peer-to-peer platform like ours, it’ll be difficult to find a spare bedroom that’s exactly 10’x10’.
• You’re okay with the heavy lifting: If you don’t mind the leg workout every time you have to walk to and from your unit, this option is a great way to save money on self-storage.

Not the Right Fit If:

• If you value convenience above all else: Drive-up access units are far more convenient when it comes to loading/unloading.
• You don’t want to carry heavy items long distances: With an indoor-access unit, you may end up carrying bulky items through corridors or elevators.
• You’re dealing with budget concerns: These units can be more expensive due to climate control and security features.

Private Garages

Right for You If:

• You’re willing to pay for increased security: Ideal if you’re seeking extra security; some areas of LA offer safer residential options.
• You want a space close to home: Great if you want storage close to your home in neighborhoods across Los Angeles.

Not the Right Fit If:

• You’re aiming for cost-savings: Private garages are generally more expensive than drive-up units.
• You want a private space: To reduce costs, you may be sharing a garage with several different renters, reducing the privacy of your storage.

Shed

Right For You If:

• You aren’t storing moisture-sensitive items: These spaces are ideal for items that won’t be damaged by unexpected moisture exposure. Garden tools, sports equipment, and casual outdoor items are typically resilient to variable weather conditions.
• You need cost-effective storage: You don’t want to spend excessive amounts on self-storage, especially when storing items that aren’t particularly valuable or delicate.

Not the Right Fit If:

• Dry conditions are required: Sheds can be prone to higher moisture levels, which might not be suitable for storing items like lawnmowers or other machinery that need a dry environment.
• Pest concerns: If the shed is not well-sealed, it could be vulnerable to pests, which could pose a risk to items susceptible to damage.

Spare Bedrooms

Right For You If:

• You’re in the market for budget-friendly climate-controlled storage: This is an economical choice for temperature-sensitive storage, as many hosts divide a spare room into multiple spaces, reducing the cost for renters.
• You want someone to watch over your stuff: Offers the advantage of additional security since the storage area is within a host’s home, ensuring someone is frequently on the premises to monitor the safety of your stored items.

Not the Right Fit If:

• You don’t want to schedule appointments: If you need access to your belongings frequently (and at a moment’s notice), this option may be inconvenient unless the room has a separate entry that you can access independently.
• You want a private space: Not ideal if you prefer not to share storage space with others, which can be a common setup in spare bedroom storage situations.