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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!

Helpful Articles

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How to Rent or Reserve a Unit

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Moving Tips

Is Gainesville a Good Place to Live? Moving to Florida

gainesville florida

While commonly referred to as a haven for retirees and one of the best college towns in the nation, Gainesville is now attracting Americans of all ages who are wondering if Gainesville is a good place to live.  

If you are considering Gainesville as your next home and are interested in moving to Florida, keep reading to gain insight into the pros and cons of living in Gainesville and learn all about “Hogtown” and the many amenities it offers its residents.  

After reading this blog, you will be able to answer the following questions and decide for yourself if Gainesville is a good place to live.  

Where is Gainesville Florida Located? 

Gainesville is the largest city in north central Florida, and the Gainesville metropolitan area supports a population near 340,000 residents. Gainesville proper is the only city in the area with more than 10,000 residents. 

Gainesville, FL Data* 
Population (2010) 124,354 
Population (2020) 141,085 
Area (sq. mi.) 64.54 
Land Area (sq. mi.) 63.36 
Water Area (sq. mi.) 1.17, (1.74%) 
Elevation (ft.) 152 
Time Zone UTC-5 (EST) 

*Data from census.gov 

The city is surrounded by rural land and natural wilderness. The geography of Gainesville and its surrounding area is characterized by dense tree canopy and an abundance of evergreens, conifers and deciduous tree species. Boasting one of the most unique urban ensembles of tree species in the nation, every year since 1982 the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Gainesville as a “Tree City.”  

What is Gainesville Best Known For?  

Aside from being home to one of the densest urban arrays of botanical species in the United States, Gainesville, Florida, is also well known for being many other things: the home of the University of Florida, the birthplace of Gatorade, and one of the best places to live in Florida, to name just a few.  

Additional sites, attractions and novelties include:  

  • A host of notable figures have called Gainesville home over the years. The list includes Tom Petty, Bo Diddley, River Phoenix, Maya Rudolph, Tim Tebow and many more.  
  • Gainesville was the first city in the United States to be designated as a Butterfly City.  
  • Gainesville supports a sprawling array of parks, historic places and natural areas.  
  • Gainesville is commonly referred to by its nickname, “Hogtown.”  

Why is Gainesville called Hogtown?  

The nickname “Hogtown” holds historic relevance in the Gainesville area.  

The name dates to a 19th century Seminole settlement that was located near what is now Westside Park in Gainesville. Prior to European expansion, the settlement supported a vibrant community of hog-raising Seminoles. However, after the United States acquired Florida from Spain in 1819, white settlers moved to the area. In 1823, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek required the Seminoles to move out of Hogtown and onto reservation land. Chief John Mico was granted a sum of $20 dollars by the United States government for honoring the treaty.  

What are the Pros of Living in Gainesville?  

Life in Gainesville, Florida, includes several attractive benefits. The city’s cost of living is significantly lower than the average cost of living elsewhere in the nation. Gainesville supports a host of parks, outdoor recreation sites, museums and cultural activities, and the city’s education and healthcare facilities are nationally recognized.  

The following sentiments were taken from Gainesville residents who rated the city 5 out of 5 stars on Niche.com:  

  • “The local people have been very kind and excepting [sic: accepting]. There is so much nature to be explored, which is really nice sense I want to be a zoologist.” 
  • “I love Gainesville, friendly town with lots to do. There's a lot of good options for primary and secondary education as well.” 
  • “I love the atmosphere of Gainesville. The people are friendly and lovely to be around. I also love the variety in Gainesville. So many parks, stores, and unique places. There is something for everyone.” 

Is Gainesville an affordable place to live?  

Those wondering if Gainesville, Florida, is an affordable place to live will be pleased to hear the answer is a resounding, “yes.” In fact, the average cost of living in Gainesville is 10 percent lower than the average cost of living in the United States.  

In addition, Gainesville’s housing market is also very affordable. The median home cost in Gainesville is $229,700 (April 2022), which is lower than the median home cost of both Florida ($294,900) and the United States as a whole ($291,700).  

Within additional financial sectors, such as transportation and miscellaneous costs, Gainesville also presents an affordable cost of living. Utility, grocery and health care costs, are just about on par with the rest of the nation. The table below compares Gainesville’s cost of living with the cost of living of several other cities with similar populations.  

CITY STATE COST OF LIVING* 
Gainesville  FL 90 
Midland  TX 91.7 
Roseville  CA 135 
Charleston  SC 109.8 
Enterprise NV 113.8 

*Compared to a national average of 100 by BestPlaces.net  

Nationally recognized healthcare facilities  

In Gainesville, healthcare is a city-wide priority. This makes Gainesville an advantageous place to live if you are a retiree or considering raising a family. The city’s Health care facilities are nationally ranked and consistently recognized as some of the best in the nation.  

UF Health Shands Hospital was ranked in U.S News & World Report’s 2019-2020 Best Hospital list for seven specialties. The hospital was among the best in the United States for nephrology (24th), urology (24th), geriatrics (37th), diabetes and endocrinology (40th), gastroenterology and GI surgery (40th), and pulmonology and lung surgery (44th).  

The North Florida Regional Medical Center also supports an impressive resume of medical care. The medical center specializes in neuroscience, cardiovascular care, invasive surgery and senior care.  

Stellar education systems 

In continuation with the city’s exceptional reputation for healthcare, Gainesville also supports several impressive education systems.  

The University of Florida is one of the best universities in the nation and was ranked 28th overall by U.S. News. In 2019, the University of Florida supported 52,407 enrolled students and boasted a 88.7% graduation rate. Popular studies at the University of Florida are general biology, psychology and business administration. In total, the university awarded 16,668 degrees in 2019.  

The city of Gainesville is also located within a 40-mile radius of 13 additional community colleges, public universities and private colleges. Santa Fe College, another major institution, shares Gainesville with the University of Florida.  

Warm and sunny weather 

The weather and climate of Gainesville is another perk of living in the city. In Gainesville summers are long and winters are relatively mild. The average temperature in Gainesville varies between 54- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.  

According to Weather Spark, Gainesville experiences an average of 129.6 wet days annually. This consistent precipitation can make Gainesville quite humid, but more on that later. The best time to visit Gainesville is during late winter or early spring.  

Endless things to do 

If you decide to move to Gainesville, Florida, you will never run out of things to do. The city is home to a wide span of historic places, museums, parks and recreation sites. By moving to Gainesville, you will be able to: 

Spot thousands of exotic butterflies in the Butterfly Rainforest. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History. Explore the vibrant Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Learn more about endangered species at the Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation. Watch bats take flight at the University of Florida Bat House. Catch a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as the Florida Gators storm the gridiron. Satisfy your need for speed at the Gainesville Raceway. Tour exquisite art collections and blooming gardens at The Historic Thomas Center, and explore Newnans Lake State Forest by kayak.  

What are the Cons of Living in Gainesville? 

While Gainesville is a great place to live for many reasons, the city also has a few flaws. Overall, the city’s higher than average crime rate, uncomfortable humidity and ceaseless growth are the most common cons reported by Gainesville residents. 

    Is Gainesville a safe place to live?  

    According to areavibes.com, Gainesville is not a safe place to live. Overall, the city was awarded an “F” crime rating. Gainesville’s overall crime rate is 68% higher than the national average, and the city’s violent crime rate is 99% higher than the national average. Together, these two statistics reveal that Gainesville is more dangerous than 93% of cities in the United States.  

    Uncomfortable humidity 

    Gainesville isn’t nicknamed “the swamp” for nothing. While fall, winter and spring are quite mild in Gainesville, summers can be brutal. If you are not used to humidity or hot temperatures, you should certainly do your research before considering moving to Gainesville.  

    On average, Gainesville experiences 91% humidity in the morning and 57% humidity in the afternoon. These humidity levels can produce challenging living conditions, especially if you are outside during the summer. In addition, this dramatic change in humidity can produce powerful afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the summer months.  

    University dependent 

    While more and more people are choosing to make Gainesville their permanent residence, the city is still deeply tied to the University of Florida. These ties are great for comradery, school spirit and community engagement. However, this dependency can also negatively affect the local economy when school is not in session.  

    Continued growth and population boom 

    Over the last two decades, Gainesville has experienced continued growth. The city’s estimated population was 95,447 residents in 2000, compared to 141,085 estimated residents in 2020. This continued growth has been great for Gainesville’s reputation and economy. However, this growth has also put a strain on local amenities and city services.  

    Gainesville FL FAQs

    Q: What other major cities is Gainesville close to?  

    A: Gainesville is located just hours from several other major cities in Florida. By car, you can visit Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee within two hours. Within four hours, you will be able to reach Savannah, GA and West Palm Beach, FL.  

    Q: What should I know before moving to Gainesville?  

    A: Before moving to Gainesville, you should know that the city is considered one of the best places to live in Florida. The pros to living in Gainesville are the city’s affordable cost of living, nationally recognized healthcare facilities, stellar education systems and endless things to do. The cons to living in Gainesville are the city’s higher than average crime rating and uncomfortable humidity.  

    Q: What is the closest beach to Gainesville, FL? 

    A: The closest beach to Gainesville, FL is located at Shired Island at approximately an hour and forty-five minutes away. Jacksonville beaches, including Ponte Vedra Beach, are also less than two hours away from Gainesville, FL.   

    Are you Moving to Gainesville?  

    Now that we have explored the various pros and cons of living in Gainesville, it’s time for you to decide if Florida is the perfect place for you to live.

    If you do decide to move to Gainesville, you will be in great company. Store Space Self Storage is close by. Stop by for premium Gainesville storage. We have self-storage solutions suitable for homeowners, small businesses, and vehicles.  

    We will see you soon! 

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