Your current place feels cramped, but you're not sure if you should upgrade to a bigger apartment or rent a storage unit. Here's the honest math to help you decide.
This isn't just about monthly rent—it's about total cost, flexibility, and what makes sense for your situation. Let's break it down.
The Math: Storage vs. Bigger Apartment
Scenario: You're paying $1,200/month for a 1-bedroom
A 2-bedroom in the same area costs $1,600/month. That's a $400/month difference.
Meanwhile, a 10x10 storage unit costs around $100-150/month.
Quick Comparison:
- Upgrade to 2-bedroom: +$400/month = $4,800/year
- Stay in 1-bedroom + storage: +$100-150/month = $1,200-1,800/year
- Annual savings with storage: $3,000-3,600
In this scenario, storage saves you $3,000-3,600 per year compared to upgrading your apartment.
When Storage Makes More Financial Sense
1. You only need extra space temporarily
If you're storing things for 6-12 months during a transition, storage is almost always cheaper than upgrading your living space.
2. The rent difference is significant
If upgrading costs $300+ more per month, storage will almost certainly save you money.
3. You like your current location
Moving to a bigger place might mean moving to a less desirable area. Storage lets you stay where you want to be.
4. You're not sure about long-term plans
If you might move, change jobs, or relocate in the next year, storage gives you flexibility without locking into a bigger lease.
When a Bigger Apartment Makes More Sense
1. You need the space daily
If you're constantly accessing stored items or need the space for daily activities, a bigger apartment might be worth it.
2. The rent difference is small
If a bigger place only costs $100-150 more per month, the convenience might be worth it.
3. You plan to stay long-term
If you're settling in for 2+ years, the cost difference might be worth it for the extra living space.
4. You have valuable items that need climate control
If you're storing expensive electronics, antiques, or art, climate-controlled storage adds cost. A bigger apartment with proper climate control might be comparable.
Hidden Costs to Consider
When upgrading your apartment:
- Moving costs ($500-2,000+)
- New furniture to fill the space
- Higher utilities (heating/cooling more space)
- Security deposit (often 1-2 months rent)
- Potential rent increases over time
When using storage:
- Storage unit monthly rent
- Lock purchase ($10-30 one-time)
- Insurance (usually $10-20/month)
- Gas/time to access your unit
- Packing supplies (boxes, tape, etc.)
Real-World Example
Sarah's situation: She's paying $1,100/month for a 1-bedroom. A 2-bedroom would cost $1,500/month. She needs to store furniture and seasonal items.
Option 1: Upgrade to 2-bedroom
- Additional rent: $400/month
- Moving costs: $800 (one-time)
- Higher utilities: +$30/month
- First year total: $5,960
- Ongoing: $430/month
Option 2: Stay + 10x10 storage unit
- Storage rent: $120/month
- Insurance: $15/month
- Lock: $20 (one-time)
- First year total: $1,640
- Ongoing: $135/month
Sarah saves $4,320 in the first year by using storage instead of upgrading.
The Bottom Line
For most people, storage is significantly cheaper than upgrading to a bigger apartment—especially if you only need extra space temporarily or the rent difference is $300+ per month.
However, if you need daily access to your items, plan to stay long-term, or the rent difference is minimal, a bigger apartment might be worth the extra cost for the convenience.
At East Side Self Storage, we offer month-to-month rentals with no long-term contracts. You can try storage for a few months and see if it works for you—no commitment required.