How self storage works
Self storage with Shurgard is easy. You can rent a storage unit in just 3 steps.
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Alternatives to self storage at Shurgard
Whether you’re moving, renovating, or simply need more space, there are several storage options available.
When you need extra space, the right storage solution depends on balancing access, security, convenience, and price. Whether you’re moving, renovating, or simply decluttering, there are several options available.
Here is a clear comparison of the most common alternatives to self storage at Shurgard, so you can decide which one fits your situation best.
| Shurgard Self-Storage | Furniture storage | Community (Peer-to-Peer) storage | Pick-up & Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access | 7 days a week, no appointment needed, convenient app access | Only via appointment, often comes with extra costs | Very limited, depends on host availability | No access without scheduled delivery |
| Security | Professionally secured storage locations and individual units | Sealed containers, moderate security | No professional security | Varies by provider |
| Flexibility | Rent for as long or short as you need, transfer or cancel anytime | Fixed-term contracts, limited flexibility | Fixed-term contracts, limited flexibility Informal, not always legally clear | Limited control over contract or conditions |
| Cost transparency | Full control over what, where and when you store | No control once items are placed in storage | Very limited, depends on host | Little to no control over storage conditions |
| Best for | People who want full control, flexibility and frequent access. Example: you’re in between houses and need to access your belongings every week. | Long-term storage without needing access. Example: storing things you don’t expect to touch for years. | Tight budgets, few items and no regular access needed. Example: leaving a suitcase at a friend’s place for a semester abroad. | Occasional storage without a car and no access needed. Example: temporary storage during a move when delivery is arranged. |
Other factors to consider
- Insurance: for extra peace of mind, Shurgard offers insurance to protect your belongings. Many other providers don’t.
- Transport & location: our facilities are conveniently located near main roads and public transport, so you can get to your unit whenever you need.
- Expert advice: our friendly store managers are available to help you and answer any questions you may have.
- Flexibility: at Shurgard, you can move to a smaller or larger unit as your storage needs change.
- Online rental: you can easily check availability, reserve and rent your storage unit online.
- Convenient app access: with our Shurgard app you can open gates at your facility, pay invoices and manage your account.
When self storage at Shurgard helps most
The comparison shows how alternatives fall short on access, security, flexibility, and control. Here are some practical examples:
- During a home renovation: with Shurgard, you can come and go 7 days a week. Furniture storage requires appointments to store or pick up items, while community storage often lacks proper security.
- During a house move: Shurgard lets you store everything for just a few days or several months. You have access to your belongings at any time, so you can gradually move items in or out as you need. Furniture storage or delivery services often limits your access to scheduled times, which can be inconvenient and cause delays during a move.
- Changing needs: Shurgard makes it easy to move to a smaller or larger unit as your storage needs change. You can also cancel your rental at any time. Community storage can be cheap, but it rarely offers flexibility or clear contracts.
- When decluttering: a storage unit allows you to create more space at home without giving up the things you love. With Shurgard, you can store belongings securely and still access them whenever you need.
- Business storage: companies need predictable costs and regular access to their stock, equipment or archives. Only Shurgard offers transparent pricing and professional security, something peer-to-peer or delivery services can't match.
- Seasonal storage: you can switch the content of your unit whenever you like, skis in winter, garden furniture in summer, and access them easily whenever the season changes. With furniture storage or pick-up providers, access is costly or impossible outside delivery schedules.
- Student storage: Shurgard is the ideal solution for keeping your belongings safe during school breaks. While community storage may seem cheaper, it often lacks proper security and reliability. Furniture storage, on the other hand, usually involves long-term contracts.
- Travel or expat life: you can store your belongings in a professionally secured facility and enjoy peace of mind while you're abroad. Leaving items with friends may feel convenient, but it's informal and often lacks the security needed for long-term storage. Pick-up & delivery services can seem easy at first, but they limit your access until you arrange a return.
While alternatives exist, only Shurgard offers 7 days a week access, professional security, transparent pricing, and the flexibility to change storage units. That means you stay in control of your belongings without unexpected costs.
Questions on alternatives to self storage at Shurgard?
What if I only need storage for a short time, like during a house move?
That's no problem. You can rent a unit for just a few weeks and move out whenever you're ready.
Can I store my furniture while I renovate my home?
Yes. Many customers rent a storage unit during renovations to keep their furniture and belongings safe and out of the way.
How is self storage at Shurgard different from furniture storage?
Furniture storage often requires appointments and long-term contracts, while Shurgard gives you flexible rental terms and access to your belongings 7 days a week.
Why not just use community storage?
Community (or Peer-to-Peer) storage might be cheaper, but it usually lacks professional security, regular access, and clear contracts.
Is Shurgard better than pick-up & delivery storage?
Pick-up & delivery services can be convenient, but keep in mind that you can only get your things back on a scheduled delivery. With Shurgard, you can visit your unit 7 days a week and always stay in control of your items.
Can I change the size of my unit if my needs change?
Yes. You can upsize or downsize your storage unit at any time, so you only pay for the space you need.
What can I store at Shurgard?
Pretty much anything for personal and business reasons, such as furniture, clothes, sports equipment, archives and stock. There is a list of prohibited items in our Terms and Conditions. They include food and illegal, explosive, or hazardous materials.
How secure are storage facilities?
All units are protected with professional security measures, so your belongings stay safe at all times. Read more about our security measures.
How easy is it to get to my storage unit?
Our storage facilities are located near main roads and public transport, making them easy to access by car, van, or public transport.
I’m moving abroad for a while. Can I store my belongings long-term?
Absolutely. Shurgard units are available for as long as you need, whether that’s a few months or several years.
Can I store seasonal items like holiday decorations or garden furniture?
Yes. Many customers use a storage unit to store seasonal belongings to free up space at home.
Can I store my archives or files?
Yes. Our storage units are dry and secure, so they’re perfectly suitable for storing paperwork or archives.
How much does it cost to rent a storage unit?
The price depends on factors such as the size of the unit, the location of the facility, and the type of access or features you choose. More about our storage prices.
Are there any hidden fees in the pricing?
No. Shurgard offers clear, transparent pricing with no surprises. The only possible extras are a one-off admin fee (waived if you rent online), a lock if you don’t already have one, and insurance based on the value of your belongings.
Why store your belongings at Shurgard?
Here are some reasons why Shurgard is great when it comes to storing your belongings.
Find storage near you
Variety of unit sizes
We have a range of storage sizes – so if you don’t have many things, you won’t end up paying for space you’re not using.
Safe and secure
Our premises are secured with surveillance cameras, perimeter fencing, alarms, individual access codes. You can access your unit with your own lock and key.
Convenient access
Only you can access your storage unit. We offer free and extended access hours, 7 days a week, so you’re free to store or pick up things whenever you need to.
No long-term commitment
Our self storage contracts are completely flexible. You just have to inform us 15 days before moving out.
New to self storage?
Our self storage prices
Here's how we quote the price of a self storage unit at Shurgard.
About storage unit prices
Our security measures
About the different security measures we put in place to safeguard your belongings.
About security at Shurgard
Our storage unit sizes
Examples of our different storage unit sizes and how to choose the right one.
See unit size examples
Temporary storage
What temporary storage at Shurgard means and how we can help you.
About temporary storage
Community storage vs self storage
The main differences between peer-to-peer storage and self storage.
See comparison
Pick up & delivery vs. self storage
The main differences between pick up & delivery and self storage.
See comparison
Moving in process
What to expect when you move-in to your storage unit for the first time.
About the moving in process
Storage tips
Tips on how to maximise your space by efficiently arranging your storage unit.
Read our storage tips
Change storage unit
You can always move to a bigger or smaller storage unit as your needs change.
About changing units
Housekeeping tips
Get the most out of your storage experience with our housekeeping tips.
Read our housekeeping tips
