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Storage Types

Self Storage

Simply put, self-storage units are compartments where you can store the stuff that won’t fit in your house, apartment or place of business. 

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What is Self Storage?

Self-storage has the advantage of being affordable and convenient, giving residential and commercial guests additional options for storing their possessions rather than relocating, selling or discarding their excess.

Most traditional self-storage facilities are single-story buildings where guests can drive right up to the door of their units. Newer facilities are often constructed in multi-story buildings, where access is gained through a common loading area. Some facilities offer a mix of both types of storage.

Whether the storage unit is an outside drive-up unit or inside a building, entry is typically restricted to tenants only by having a personalized PIN. Tenants most often access their individual units via a roll-up metal door. The guest also provides his or her own lock and the facility’s workers do not have access to the unit.

Nearby Locations

Nearby Self Storage

Resources to help you

  • How Self Storage Works

    If you’ve never rented self storage before, we’re here to help.

  • Making a Reservation

    Once you’ve found the right storage unit you can lock in your price by making a free reservation.

  • Moving In

    Here’s what you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible.

See what fits in different storage unit sizes

Storage Features & Amentities

Thoughtful Features

Access to our properties is electronically controlled by personalized PINs, most buildings are fenced, and our interior and exterior spaces are well-lit, all to provide additional peace of mind.

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Cleanliness

Let your storage experience begin with a clean storage unit at Store Space. We keep our stores and amenities clean, too, just for you.  

Customer Service

At Store Space, we strive to provide you with the best self-storage experience possible. Our team members understand the needs of our guests and offer compassionate support throughout the rental process. 

Store Space's Speed-e-Rent logo

Speed-e-Rent

Speed-e-Rent lets you complete your rental process online in just minutes. Sign your Rental Agreement, get Tenant Protection, even enroll in our free AutoPay service, then skip the counter and go right to your unit on move-in day — it's that quick and easy!

amenities

Billing

  • AutoPay available
  • Major credit cards accepted
  • Pay online, in-store or by phone
  • Rent due on 1st of each month

Access

  • Computer-controlled gate access
  • Customized PIN
  • Extended daily gate hours
  • Your lock, your key

Administrative

  • Call center open late daily
  • Free no-obligation reservations
  • No security deposit required
  • Sign up for text alerts

Moving

  • Designated unloading areas
  • Large doorways
  • Spacious elevators
  • Wide driveway aisles

Self Storage FAQs

Yes, it's against state and federal laws to live in a storage unit, not to mention dangerous!

You can be in your storage unit for a short period of time, such as performing inventory for a business, unloading belongings, or even searching for a specific item, but time in your storage unit should be limited. Please check your Rental Agreement for additional details. 

Yes, storing clothes is a common use for a storage unit. For short-term storage, cardboard boxes should suffice, but for long-term storage, consider a sturdy, airtight plastic bin. 

For the most part, no. You may occasionally find one, but they are not the standard.

For your convenience, bills are due on the first of each month. Take advantage of our free AutoPay automatic billing service and never miss a payment! 

Many storage facilities offer gated outdoor parking options specifically for cars and other vehicles. Sometimes, large indoor spots can be used for car storage, but check with your local store manager and consult your Rental Agreement for details. 

What Can Self Storage Be Used For? 

Self-storage can be used by almost anyone to store almost everything. Here are some of the many reasons that our guests choose Store Space. 


Personal Storage 

Many guests choose to store a wide range of personal belongings, from seasonal clothes and decorations, to extra furniture, baby clothes and many more items that hold memories and value. Just as there are many things to store, there are also many reasons to rent a storage unit. 

Moving

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, coordinating move-ins and move-outs can be challenging. Avoid the stress simply by moving items to a storage unit instead of racking up costly storage fees from a moving company. Then, when the commotion settles down, unload your storage unit—on your schedule.  

Decluttering

Just because you’re decluttering doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything. It’s OK to hang onto things that hold memories, or personal value, even if you don’t want them cluttering up your home all the time. This is especially true of seasonal décor and similar items that might not “spark joy” all year round but take on special meaning near the holidays. 

Downsizing

When it’s time to move into a smaller place, don’t fret about deciding which items can stay and which items need to be recycled or thrown away. Get a storage unit for all the things you’re undecided about, so you needn’t worry about trying to replace something later. This is especially helpful if you have adult-age children who might not be in a place to take back all their stuff. 

Life events

Self-storage makes a great temporary solution to help families deal with everything from a new addition to the family to divorce, even the passing of a loved one. If it’s something that holds value, but doesn’t have a place right now, store it until you’ve got a place for it or until you can make other arrangements. 


Business Storage

Successful businesses of all types have discovered that renting storage is a cost-effective alternative to relocating for the purpose of gaining additional square footage. This holds true for professional offices, retailers, contractors, manufacturing businesses and all types of commercial ventures, to name a few. 


Inventory

A storage unit is a great place for seasonal inventory that would otherwise fill up the backroom of a brick-and-mortar shop. 

Document storage

Since many professional offices are required to keep paperwork for a fixed period of time, a storage unit can serve as an effective repository for files that would otherwise crowd office space. 

Warehousing needs

Storage units can serve as ad hoc warehouses for manufacturing businesses as they ramp up production. 

Equipment storage

Businesses focused on seasonal items, like holiday lights for example, can benefit greatly from storage. Contractors, such as landscapers and arborists, might store equipment they need only a few times a year. 

Other usage

Real estate agents and stagers store furniture in between showings. Crafters store their product rather than keeping it on the kitchen table. Collectors and resellers store larger collections until they can comb through it. Sales reps keep sample product and sales materials close at hand.  


Vehicle Storage (select locations) 

Cars, RVs, Trucks, Boats 

Many storage facilities offer onsite vehicle storage options. These are often outdoors, behind the main gate. This type of vehicle storage is often a great alternative to storing an extra car, RV, or boat in your driveway or on the street, especially in locations with nosy HOAs and strict city ordinances. Check online inventory or with the store manager to see if your local Store Space offers vehicle storage options. 



What Should You NOT Put in a Storage Unit?

Of course, not everything can be placed in a storage unit. The main ones are easy to remember since they all start with the letter “f”: 


  • Food
  • Fuel
  • Furs
  • Firearms

State and local laws may prohibit the storage of other items as well, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your local store manager. 


How Big of a Storage Unit Do I Need?

How big of a storage unit you’ll need to rent largely depends on how much you plan to store. Storage units are typically grouped into small, medium and large, with many different sizes and shapes from 25 square feet top 300 square feet or larger!

As a rule of thumb, a small unit (5x10 in most cases) can often take a small piece of furniture or two, plus boxes and bins. One to two rooms of furniture and belongings can generally fit within 100 sq. ft, which equates to a 10x10 storage unit. A 10x20 storage unit can be used for a three-bedroom house!

Keep in mind that many storage units are quite tall on the inside, so effective stacking is key to getting the most into your unit. 

Storage units come in many shapes and sizes, and our storage professionals are skilled at helping you pick the right-sized storage unit. Just call your local store or contact our Care Center at 833-786-7366. 

How Much is a Storage Unit?

Storage units are a cost-effective alternative to relocation for many residential and commercial guests. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the price of a storage unit, including the size of the unit, its location, plus available amenities and features. At Store Space, we shop the competition to ensure that our rates are competitive in the marketplace and we always offer valuable move-in promotions to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. 


Ready to Rent

To rent a storage unit online, use our search feature to find the Store Space nearest you. Then, simply click on the storage unit you want. Take advantage of our free, no-obligation reservations to lock in your unit. 

To save time on move-in day, complete your rental online so you don’t have to stop at the counter. It takes just a few clicks to set up AutoPay, our free automatic billing service, so you never have to worry about missing a payment. 

You’re all set! Thank you for being a valued guest of Store Space!

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Moving Tips

9 Things to Know Before Moving to Tampa

downtown tampa skyline at night-moving to tampa

Thousands of screaming fans, exhilarating aquatic experiences, and unique culture and cuisine make Tampa the hot spot in Florida. The city is even home to one of the largest parades in the United States (shiver me timbers)!

If you’re thinking about living in Tampa (or just want to learn more about “The Big Guava”) this blog is for you! We’ve created this guide to share some general statistics about the city, along with information including Tampa’s top neighborhoods, the cost of living and popular entertainment opportunities.

Keep reading to learn more about Tampa!

Tampa, FL in a Snapshot: Let’s get Warmed Up

Tampa is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about 84 miles southwest of Orlando. The Tampa Bay area actually includes Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties (including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater), with a total population of more than 3.2 million people. The city of Tampa itself is in Hillsborough County, with a population of 384,959. It is popular among young families, professionals and retirees alike. Tampa is considered an urban area with plenty of restaurants, bars, parks and more.

Tampa, FLStats
Population (2010)335,709
Population (2020)384,959
Land Area (in sq. mi.)114.02
Time ZoneUTC-5 (EST)
*Data from Census.gov

History of Tampa, FL

Tampa’s vibrant history has formed the city’s present-day atmosphere and culture. The state of Florida became a territory in 1821, and in 1824 Fort Brooke was established in the area that is now Downtown Tampa. Florida was granted statehood in 1845, and the village of Tampa was incorporated four years later.

The railroad extension in 1884 created the opportunity for further growth and tourist attractions (like lavish hotels). The mining and shipping industries boomed when phosphates were discovered in the area in the 1880s, and around that same time, Vicente Martinez Ybor established a cigar factory in town. Ybor City (Cigar City) has become a popular cultural destination in Tampa, known for its brick streets and iron balconies.

The military also played a crucial role in the growth of Tampa. The city served as an important port during the Spanish-American War, as U.S. troops headed for Cuba. MacDill Air Force Base, which houses the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, is currently located in Tampa as well.

The downtown business district has undergone major redevelopment since the 1960s. The city is currently planning construction projects like new hotels and restaurants, along with renovations at the Tampa International Airport and the Tampa Convention Center. Tampa is looking toward the future, and even more improvement and excitement are on the horizon.

tampa river walk lit up at night

Things to Know before Moving to Tampa

Now that you know some general statistics and the history of Tampa, it’s time to dive right in. Keep reading for 9 things to know before moving to Tampa!

1. Settle down in a good neighborhood

Tampa offers a variety of popular neighborhoods for young people, families and retirees. Whether you prioritize proximity to downtown, walkability or safety, you can find it all in Tampa.

The Hyde Park neighborhood is known for its rich history and offers residents a truly unique experience. Founded in the 19th century, it originally boasted stately homes, tree-lined streets and historic architecture, but has transformed to blend modern style with tradition. Hyde Park is home to many restaurants, shops, nightlife and more.  

According to Niche.com, other top neighborhoods in Tampa include Harbour Island, Palma Ceia West and Channel District.

Ybor City is another popular spot in the Tampa area. Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” it is the only neighborhood on the west coast of Florida to be designated a National Historic Landmark District. The neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of history and entertainment, along with a variety of stores, restaurants and museums.

The cities of Clearwater, Dunedin and Gulfport are a little farther from central Tampa, but are still considered top spots to live in the Tampa Bay region.

2. Cost of Living  

According to BestPlaces.net, the overall cost of living in Tampa is slightly higher than both the cost of living in the state of Florida and the national average. Housing, transportation and grocery costs contribute to this statistic.

Niche.com reports the median home cost in Tampa is $277,700, higher than the national average of $244,900. Rent in Tampa is also slightly more than the national average, $1,249 vs. $1,163. The ratio of renters to homeowners is about 50/50.

One benefit to living in Florida is that there is no state income tax. But, there are additional costs to consider, like flood insurance.

3. Some areas are safer than others

The crime grade of the Tampa Metro area is a C+ according to CrimeGrade.org. This means the Tampa metro is about as safe as the average U.S. metro area. The Tampa metro area has a similar crime rating compared to some of the surrounding metro areas, including Lakeland Metro, FL (B-), Sarasota Metro, FL (C+), Melbourne Metro, FL (B+) and Orlando Metro, FL (C+).

4. You’ll (probably) need a car

Although Tampa is an urban area with beautiful weather, a car can come in handy. Sure, if you’re located right downtown and wear your sneakers every day, it’s great. But if you have work downtown and live in a suburb, walking isn’t going to work.

According to BestPlaces.net, on average, the one-way commute in Tampa takes about 24 minutes (which is shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes). But, there is a significant amount of traffic in Tampa. The city has the 12th worst traffic of any U.S. city. About 78.1% of the population drives a car every day, and only 2.5% utilize mass transit on a regular basis.

Speaking of mass transportation, Tampa has a 2.7-mile streetcar line that goes through Downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City. TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority) partners with local transportation providers to operate nearly 500 buses serving almost 28 million passengers each year.

5. Sports are king

You might as well call it “Champa Bay.” In the last few years, professional sports in Tampa have been on a hot streak. The Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) brought home the Stanley Cup in both 2020 and 2021, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. The Tampa Bay Rays also made it to the World Series, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.

Tampa also hosts the New York Yankees for spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Tampa Bay Rowdies are the professional soccer team in the Bay area and the Tampa Tarpons is the Minor League Baseball team. Don’t miss the University of South Florida Bulls or the University of Tampa Spartans for some fun collegiate action.

beach in tampa florida with palm trees-consider the weather before moving to tampa

6. Plan on spending time outside

The weather in Tampa definitely encourages outdoor adventure! Although the hot, muggy summer days may leave you tempted to stay in the air conditioning, many Floridians think that’s the perfect time to get in—or on—the water.

Hillsborough River State Park is just minutes from downtown Tampa and offers nature trails, a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, paddling, hiking, fishing and more. Other areas to explore include Flatwoods Conservation Park and Lettuce Lake Conservation Park. Check out Alafia River State Park to try mountain biking in Tampa!

The Tampa Bay area is also home to a number of breathtaking beaches. Clearwater Beach is stunning, but it can get crowded. You can also check out Ben T. Davis Beach, Treasure Island, Indian Rocks, St. Pete Beach, Fort Desoto Park and Caladesi Island State Park!

Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to explore culture, entertainment and incredible views. Or, walk Bayshore Boulevard Greenway, one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the U.S., covering 4.5 miles along the shoreline of Tampa Bay.

If you’re in the Tampa Bay area anytime in November through mid-April, you have to try to spot some manatees! Visit Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center to see these gentle giants hang out! 

7. Higher education opportunities around Tampa

The Tampa Bay area is home to several world-class colleges and universities. The University of South Florida serves more than 50,000 students at its campuses in the Tampa Bay area. According to Forbes’ list of America’s top colleges, USF ranks in the top 50 of public institutions. The USF Bulls field 19 varsity teams and have tallied14 national championships in various sports throughout the years.

The University of Tampa is also a nationally recognized institution of higher education. Approximately 10,566 students were enrolled in Fall 2022. The university has won 21 NCAA Division II championships in baseball, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball and beach volleyball, along with 118 Sunshine State Conference titles.

Florida College, Eckerd College, Hillsborough Community College and Springfield College are among the other schools in the Tampa area.

8. Vibrant culture and arts

Discover the unique and electric culture in Tampa by visiting museums, theaters, festivals and more both in and around the city! Visit the Tampa Museum of Art, the Dali Museum or even the USF Contemporary Art Museum to check out both historic and modern works of art. Other popular spots include the MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry), the Tampa Firefighters Museum, the American Victory Ship Mariners Museum or the Tampa Bay History Center.

Don’t forget to catch a performance at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts or watch a movie at the Tampa Theatre (one of America’s most elaborate movie houses).

Ahoy mateys! If you’re in town in January, you better be ready for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. It’s named after Jose Gaspar, an infamous pirate of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The celebration features one of the largest parades in the United States, along with road races, music and film festivals during an eight-week period.

9. You’ll find more than Cuban sandwiches

Tampa may be known for their Cuban sandwich (as the city claims to be the birthplace of the iconic food), but there are many more cuisines and eats to try in the Tampa Bay area.  

Ulele is one of the top restaurants in the area and is located on Tampa’s Riverwalk. They serve vibrant dishes using fresh, native ingredients. Datz is another highly rated eatery offering comfort food and craft brews.

Don’t forget to visit one of Florida’s oldest restaurants, Columbia Restaurant. They have been serving Spanish-Cuban cuisine to Florida for more than 117 years. Or, try some of the best soul food in Tampa.

tall palm trees and blue sky in Tampa
Photo by Jesse Adair on Unsplash

FAQs: Tips for Moving to Tampa

Q: Is it a good idea to move to Tampa?

A: There are many great reasons to move to Tampa, but only you can decide if Tampa is right for you! The city is committed to development and improvement projects, and is home to a vibrant culture, beautiful weather and fantastic food. But, the cost of living in Tampa is slightly higher than the national average, and traffic can be an issue.

Q: What is the best time of the year to move to Tampa?

A: The best time to move to Florida is during the fall or winter. Avoid moving during the hot and muggy summer months!

Q: What part of Tampa is best to live in?

A: One of the best neighborhoods in Tampa is Hyde Park. Ybor City and Harbour Island are other highly rated neighborhoods in the area.

Q: What is the safest part of Tampa to live in?

A: Some of the safest neighborhoods in Tampa include Ballast Point, Hyde Park and Palma Ceia.

What do you think about Tampa?

Are you ready to make the move to Tampa? We left out one "pro" of living in Tampa—Store Space! Visit any of our Tampa Bay area locations (such as Tampa, Brandon or St. Pete) for help with all your self-storage needs!

Just visit one of our nearby facilities or complete a rental online to get more space in Tampa. You can find your nearest location in Florida or across the U.S. using our storage location finder. We care about Tampa!

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