Renting mini storage - What you need to know

Storage spaces are mainly known for being able to hold a lot of items. From self storage units to 40-ft containers, but what if you don’t need that much space?

Mini storage is the smallest form of storage within a self storage facility. The average floor area is between 1 and 2 m². The exact dimensions, especially the height, can vary by provider.

This form of storage is the perfect solution if you don’t want to spend too much on a large unit, yet still want to store just those things you’d rather keep out of the way, off-site. Customers often use the space solely for boxes, documents, small equipment, or seasonal items such as Christmas decorations. So if you don’t have a large storage need, mini storage is an excellent alternative.

The price for mini storage depends on multiple factors. Location, rental term, and extra services, among others, determine the total cost of renting mini storage in the Netherlands. For more information on how the costs are structured and what’s included, you can request a detailed quote from the provider.

What is mini storage (self-storage) and when do you need it?

Mini storage falls under self storage. With self storage you rent an individual storage space for private or business use. Only you have access to the unit. You also pack and transport your belongings to and from the unit yourself. You ultimately bear more responsibility with self storage, but in return you get more flexibility.

Within the self storage category, mini storage is the smallest variant. Mini storage is typically rented as a locker or compact unit and is mainly used for these reasons:

Moving house
Renovation
Archive or administration
Storing seasonal items (winter sports gear, Christmas decorations, patio-chair cushions, etc.)
Storing hobby items
Safekeeping of valuable possessions

As to what you may store, mini storage is no different from other storage options. In part it depends on the permission and conditions set by the landlord. Items you may never store in an indoor unit include:

Fuels
Gas cylinders
Hazardous chemicals
Perishable foods
Living creatures
Weapons
Drugs

You may also never use the unit as a living or dwelling space.

Why choose mini storage instead of keeping things at home

Where mini storage mainly differs from keeping items at home is that your belongings are secured and protected. A compact storage unit reduces the risk of moisture or pests, helping keep your items in good condition. You also do not have to sacrifice living space, and you can keep your things better organized. Especially if you live small, a few boxes can make a big difference.

Other benefits of using a mini storage unit:

Better protection for delicate furniture
Documents are safe from pests and moisture
Monthly costs are predictable
You have a tidier home for viewings or during a renovation

If your items fit in a mini storage unit without unsafe stacking, a fixed small floor area can sometimes be more cost-effective. At home you may run into unforeseen costs, for example buying a cabinet or shed to store your things, or damage to your home from dragging boxes around.

If you are unsure whether mini storage is right for you, count all your boxes and each bulky item and estimate how much floor area or volume you need. If your items exceed the safe capacity of mini storage, choose a larger unit.

What items fit in mini storage and how much space do you really need

If you want to know how much storage you will need, it is important to be clear on a few things about storage space: m² is the floor area (width and length) and m³ is the volume (width, length, and height). If the volume of a storage space differs when comparing facilities, it usually comes down to the unit height. Normally, mini storage is suitable for 10 to 20 boxes, or a few boxes and some compact loose items. Note that the space is often not suitable for large furniture such as wardrobes and sofas, but small pieces like stools, chairs, a bedside table, or a small table will fit.

If you are unsure how much space you need for your inventory, here is a size guide:

~1–2 m² (mini storage) = boxes, documents, small equipment
3–5 m² = studio or 1 room
6–8 m² = 2–3 rooms
9–12 m² = small apartment including some furniture

Tips to get the most out of mini storage:

Lay items flat where possible and stack
Use bubble wrap to protect your belongings
Stack by weight: heavy on the bottom, light on top
Leave a small aisle so you can reach everything easily

Even if you plan to rent the smallest unit, the on-site logistics still matter: hallway width, door height, cleanliness, availability of a moving van or trailer and whether it can or may enter the premises, etc. You might decide to upgrade later and need more amenities to transport your items, which is good to factor in ahead of time.

What does mini storage cost and how do you calculate your price

The cost of renting mini storage is not just the monthly rent. Deposit, admin fees, and insurance also come into play. Some of these are one-time costs, while others are monthly. If you want to know your monthly total for mini storage, you can use this calculation:

Monthly costs = base rent for the unit + admin fees + insurance + extra amenities (locks, electricity, climate control, etc.) if not included

A few reasons why the price for mini storage can vary include:

Demand for external storage in the area
Land prices in the area
Whether the mini storage is a locker or a small room
Whether the mini storage is on the ground floor
Whether the unit is drive-up accessible
Whether the unit can be rented short-term
Whether the rental can be terminated on short notice

If you are hesitating between mini storage and a slightly larger unit, here is a cost comparison:

	Mini storage (~1-2 m²)	3-5 m² storage space
Average rent per m² per month	€22 – €35	€18 – €28
Total base rent per month	€22 – €70	€54 – €140
Insurance	€0 – €20	€0 – €20
Extra amenities	€0 – €30	€0 – €60
Total monthly add-ons	€0 – €50	€0 – €80
Admin fees	€0 – €30	€0 – €30
Deposit	€0 – €140	€0 – €280
Total one-time costs	€0 – €170	€0 – €310
Total monthly price	€22 – €120 *(+ one-time €0 – €170)*	€54 – €220 *(+ one-time €0 – €310)*

Extra amenities such as CCTV, lighting, secure access, locks, or an access key can significantly affect the price. Read the quote carefully to see which amenities are included and which incur extra charges. Also think in advance about your needs and whether you can avoid extra costs by excluding premium features.

Do not be put off by the amount of the one-time costs. The deposit can sometimes be high, but as long as you leave the unit tidy after renting, you will get that money back.

What do you use mini storage for

Mini storage is often used as a solution for temporary space shortages, for clearing out seasonal items, as a secure space for documents, or as a starter option for companies with small-scale storage needs.

For residential use, mini storage helps with:

Storing décor and boxes during a move
Protecting items from dust and damage during a renovation
Storing outdoor furniture and cushions over the winter
Clearing away small equipment you do not need daily

For business use, mini storage helps with:

Organizing and storing the archive
Storing samples or a small inventory

When more items come along that need to be stored, you can always upgrade your unit.

If you are still torn, consider this: if you need frequent access or have large or bulky items, choose a larger unit or pick an alternative.

What lock and key do you get and how do you protect your furniture

There are various locks you can use to secure your mini storage: among others, a padlock and a cylinder lock. Below is a guide to when to choose which type. Note that only renters are responsible for holding the key.

Choose a padlock if…	Choose a cylinder lock if…
…you want quick and inexpensive security	…you want a neater, more integrated solution
…your door or unit already has a strong hasp	… you manage multiple units or need more users to have access and want a key plan (one key for multiple doors)
…you want to manage access yourself and easily swap locks	… your door is already suitable for a cylinder lock

Your unit’s security is only as strong as its weakest link. Consider requesting a viewing to check the following:

Security cameras
Lighting
Access codes
On-site visits by security or the landlord

Tip: ask the location exactly what is monitored and when. Should an incident occur, you will know better which resources you can rely on.

The safety of your belongings goes beyond the site’s physical security. Even before you actually store your items, you can take certain measures to reduce risks.

Tips to better protect your belongings:

When wrapping with plastic film, leave some breathing space to prevent heat buildup
Using covers for furniture? Make sure they are dry and clean
Use pallets or other risers to keep items slightly off the ground

The size of the unit often has little influence on the general terms of the rental contract. So even for mini storage, make sure you check that you meet all the location’s conditions and, if helpful, make a checklist:

That no prohibited goods are stored in the unit
That you have reviewed insurance options and chosen the most suitable one
That you have prepared an inventory list with photos or serial numbers of the items

Alternatives to mini-storage

Because mini storage usually involves a small storage need, there are often more alternatives for this type of storage.

You can:

Store your belongings at home in a shed or attic (if clean and dry)
Borrow space from family or friends
Choose another storage solution such as full-service storage

Do your items exceed a safe stacking height, or do you not have access to, or time for, transport? Then rent a larger unit or choose full-service storage.

In case you’re still in doubt, we provide a decision guide:

	Bigger unit	Full-service storage
Price	More flexible contract, but also a bigger chance of unforeseen costs	Most services are included, low chance of unforeseen costs
Surface area/ size	Limited amount of units and sizes to choose from	Broad choice of storage space
Accessibility	You have access to your belongings during the opening hours of the facility	The pick-up and delivery of your items are appointment-based
Time and effort	Transport, lifting and the maintenance of your storage space are your responsibility	Transport and storage is completely taken care of, you only need to wrap and package your items to be stored

If you have a wide choice of providers and want to filter for the most suitable one, look at the following:

Location of branches: which are quick and easy to reach?
Transparency: is the information or quote open and clear?
Services: is pick-up and return, possibly free due to a current promotion, important to you?

If you prefer convenience over needing frequent self access to your unit, read below how full-service storage can offer the ideal solution for your storage needs.

Full-service storage

With full-service storage, the idea is that you do as little as possible yourself. Some providers even pack your items for you, but usually the service includes pick-up, storage, and return of your belongings by appointment.

The price for storage is often per m³ with transport included. Full-service storage is therefore useful if mini storage does not offer enough space or if transporting your items is a hurdle.

If you choose full-service storage, you get these benefits:

No moving van or trailer needed
Little or no lifting yourself
Schedule an appointment online or via the app
Inventory list with photos of your items
Easy and economical alternative if you live in large or expensive cities
Time-saving solution for busy companies or during a renovation

When does full-service storage really make a difference? For example: if you do not have a vehicle or driver’s license, if you live on upper floors without an elevator, if you are less able to lift, or if you simply want door-to-door service for a not-so-large amount of storage.

When renting full-service storage, pay attention to access conditions (if you only want part of your storage delivered), delivery windows, delivery times (speed), and any delivery costs. Request a detailed quote so you know what to expect.

Get in touch with us today, your provider for full-service storage!