finding a storage unit in dc area

October 28, 2008 4:48 PM

I'm moving to San Francisco for 7-8 months, and I need to find a storage unit for my things here in Washington, DC. I only need to put my things in once, and then take them out when I return. Any advice on finding the best unit for my needs?

I have a large studio apartment with the usual (dressers, TV, three bookcases, tables, small sofa), and I plan to get a 5 x 10 unit which should be large enough.

What is the benefit of getting a climate controlled unit. Is it worth the extra money?

Also, since I only need to access it once - where should i try to look for cheap storage or the best deals? has anyone had bad experiences with a storage place?

posted by waylaid to Travel & Transportation around San Francisco, CA (3 answers total)

Honestly, though it sounds like a pain... leave the city. Storage units in DC and the surrounding environs are ludicrously expensive. If you're willing to drive two hours north, south, or especially west, prices fall off precipitously. A quick search at U-Haul shows that a 5x10x10 unit in Lancaster, PA goes for about $50/month, whereas an equivalent unit in DC goes for north of $70/month. In Inwood, WV, a 5x10x9 goes for $40/month. The differentials are even bigger for 10x10x10 units. What goes for $160 in DC is $60 in WV.

Yeah, it's gonna take you all day and a tank of gas to get there and back, but an 8 month stay is potentially $240 cheaper if you go elsewhere, or at least $150 even with travel. For a bigger unit you could save upwards of $500 net.
posted by valkyryn at 5:27 PM on October 28, 2008

Why don't you try this?

http://www.pods.com/
posted by zephyr_words at 9:46 PM on October 28, 2008

Response by poster: Great call valkyryn. Wow, that is a big difference (although the rental on the U-Haul to get there andback is going to be killer...!)
posted by waylaid at 10:23 PM on October 28, 2008