Store your belongings easily, safely, for rental period desired, it is now simple thanks to the storage box.
Whether for a moving, work, or simply a lack ofstorage space in your apartment, house or professional premises, the box rental is often the ideal solution.
But how to choose the right one box size ? What are the different types of boxes and their features ? What are the storage conditions to check to protect your property over the long term? We guide you to make an informed choice.
Summary
Box, storage or cellar: what are the differences?
On the rental storage market, three main options are available to you: storage box, the self-storage and the cellar.
While all of these solutions allow you to temporarily or permanently store items, they do not meet the same needs.
Here is a clear comparison to make the right choice according to your situation:
| Criterion | Storage box (self-storage) | Traditional storage | Personal cellar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Self-service 24/7 | By appointment or limited hours | Free, anytime |
| Security | Video surveillance, alarm, badge | Variable depending on provider | Weak or non-existent |
| Humidity conditions | Controlled (ventilation, insulation) | Sometimes problematic | Often humid |
| Flexibility | No-obligation rental contract | Commitment often obligatory | No contract, physical constraints |
| Assurance | Often included | Sometimes extra | At your expense |
| Suitable for professionals | Yes | Not very suitable | No |
| Average price (€/m²/month) | Around €35 | Around €25 | Free (if owned) |
Conclusion : THE self storage box is the most securely, flexible and adapted to all needs, both individuals and professionals. THE furniture storage Traditional is mainly suitable for long-term and passive storage.
The cellar, although free, presents too many risks (humidity, limited access) for sensitive goods. It’s good for wine, less so for furniture.
5 essential criteria for choosing your storage box
Renting a storage unit seems simple on the surface, but not all spaces are created equal. Beyond price or surface area, several elements determine whether your goods will be stored in good conditions: security, accessibility, condition of the installations, services included, etc.
To avoid unpleasant surprises and choose a space truly suited to your needs, it is better to ask the right questions from the start.
Here are the 5 essential criteria to review before signing your rental contract.
1. Security: a fundamental criterion
Safety is paramount. For efficient and safe storage, check that the rental site features:
- From a 24/7 video surveillance and a/an alarm system efficient. In short, everything you need to ensure that your business sleeps peacefully.
- Access controlled by badge, custom code or via mobile app, guaranteeing the traceability of entries.
- Human surveillance or night patrols, particularly important if you store valuable objects.
Advice : Visit the self storage center to check lighting, cleanliness and the neighborhood. At Lockall we also offer virtual tour of a center.
2. Storage conditions: protect your belongings
A good box must guarantee a healthy environment:
- A good space ventilated And isolated limits humidity and temperature variations.
- Avoid boxes located in the basement, unless they are perfectly ventilated and dry.
- Check that the premises are clean and that the rental agreement includes regular rodent control.
3. Accessibility: prioritize practicality
Access to the box must be simple and adapted to your needs:
- Access self-service, 24/7 is ideal.
- Check for the presence of a free parking, a loading dock or unloading places.
- PMR accessibility (elevators, ramps) is a plus.
- The free provision of handling equipment (hand trucks, trolleys) makes it easier to move heavy objects, because lifting a sofa is no picnic.
4. Quality of installations: solidity counts
The design of the box influences the protection of your property:
- A wide door and easy to open is essential.
- The structure must be galvanized steel or concrete, without cracks.
- The floor must be clean, dry and smooth concrete.
- Good automatic lighting is a plus, especially at night.
5. Additional services: for more peace of mind
Some self storage centers offer services that make life easier:
- Insurance included or optional against theft, fire or water damage.
- Receiving packages for professionals.
- Moving assistance with vehicle rental or partnership with movers.
- Sale of supplies (cardboards, padlocks, adhesives).
- Mobile application to manage your rental agreement and your access.
What size storage box to choose? Examples and tips
Choosing the right size of your storage unit is avoid paying for unused space…or on the contrary, to find yourself cramped.
The good news? You don't need to measure each piece of furniture to the nearest centimeter. It is enough to reason in floor space (in m²), the main criterion used by self-storage professionals.
Below is a surface/volume table most represented on the market:
| Size (m²) | Volume (m³) | Common use | Examples of storable objects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 m² | 3 to 6 m³ | Small size, archives, extra storage | Some boxes, small crate, chair |
| 3 to 5 m² | 9 to 15 m³ | Medium size, light move | Disassembled furniture, bicycle, multiple boxes |
| 6 to 10 m² | 18 to 30 m³ | Studio, small apartment, professional equipment | Complete furniture for a studio, household appliances |
| 10 to 15 m² | 30 to 45 m³ | 2 room apartment, office | T2 furniture, professional equipment |
| 15 to 30 m² | 45 to 90 m³ | Large house, long term storage | T3/T4 home furniture, large stock |
See the list full of sizes and volumes available on the rental site.
Concrete examples:
- 2 m² : ideal for storing around twenty boxes or a dismantled cabinet.
- 5 m² : enough for a sofa, a coffee table and several boxes.
- 10 m² : allows you to store the contents of a studio or small office.
- 15 m² : perfect for a complete 3-room apartment.
- 30 m² : suitable for large companies or for a large number of objects.
Need help choosing? It is over here…
Why don't we talk about the height of the storage units?
The height of a box is generally standardized among the majority of self-storage providers. It varies little (often around 2.5 m to 3 m), which makes this criterion less decisive than the floor space (in m²), which is the main element in choosing your box.
In other words:
- Equal size, two 5 m² boxes will offer approximately the same storage volume.
- The height does not fundamentally change the use of the box, except in very specific cases (archiving in very vertical shelving, storage of very high furniture, etc.).
Furthermore, reasoning in volume (m³) already allows the available height to be taken into account. This is why we favor display surface + volume rather than a detailed technical sheet with the exact height, which could unnecessarily complicate the comparison.
And the price of box rental?
The latter varies greatly depending on the surface area, the services offered, but above all depending on the location. To get an idea of prices in the Paris region, look This item.
Conclusion: renting a box, a practical and secure solution
Rent a storage box brings you a storage solution flexible, adapted to your needs, with a wide choice of box size and a rental agreement clear. A good center offers security system efficient, storage conditions optimal, and additional services to make your life easier.
Whether it is a small box for a few boxes or a large box to store an entire house, this smart choice helps you manage your space efficiently, securely, and profitably.
And then, it avoids having to explain to those around you why you invaded the entire living room with boxes…
