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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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Renting Requirements

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How to Rent or Reserve a Unit

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Moving Tips

Is Norfolk a Good Place to Live? Moving to Virginia

Aerial panorama of Norfolk Virginia by night.

So, Norfolk is on your radar and you’re probably asking lots of questions, like, “is Norfolk a good place to live?” or “Is it safe?” and “How do you pronounce ‘Norfolk’ anyway?”

We’ll get to all of those and more soon, so keep reading. Before then, here are a few things you might want to know about the region.

History, Culture, and Population

Norfolk's roots stretch back to the early 17th Century when the governor of the Virginia Colony created four jurisdictions to develop the area. Norfolk itself, named after the English hometown of an early settler, was incorporated in 1705.

As of the 2020 census, Norfolk has a population of 238,000, making it the 3rd-most populous city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the 94th-largest in the United States. It’s an independent city, meaning that it’s not a part of a county.

Situated on Hampton Roads (a wide and deep channel/natural harbor at the confluence of several rivers where the Chesapeake Bay flows into the Atlantic Ocean), the economies of Norfolk and the surrounding areas are greatly influenced by these waterways. Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world, and the military is truly the economic backbone of the region.  The area’s commercial ports are the second-largest economic driver in the region. Defense industry contractors and tourism are also huge contributors to the livelihoods of families throughout the region.

Is Norfolk safe?

First, keep in mind that Virginia is one of the safest places in the country, ranked No. 7 in the Crime Index by USA.com. As with any major metropolitan area, there are areas of Norfolk considered more dangerous than others (we’ll talk about some of those below). Taking these areas into account, Norfolk itself is considered one of the more dangerous areas in Virginia.

That said, the crime in the city is comparable to many U.S. cities. CrimeGrade.org scores Norfolk a C+, ranking it in the 50th percentile for safety, meaning half the cities are more dangerous and the other half are less dangerous.

What are the bad parts of Norfolk?

There are several neighborhoods, primarily in the south part of Norfolk, that represent the greatest amount of crime. According to Roadsnacks.net, these include Roberts Village, Campostella, Grandy Village, Beacon Light and Coronado-Inglenook, all of which have some of the area’s highest unemployment, lowest median income, lowest population density and lowest home values.

Roadsnacks.net ranked 98 neighborhoods using “scientific analysis based on real data.”

Is it expensive to live in Norfolk?

According to data from BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Norfolk is lower than Virginia and the U.S. as a whole. Notable savings include home prices, transportation costs and utilities.

Housing CostsNorfolkNational Difference
Home Values$206,700$217,500-4.97%
Rental Rates$1,059$1,062-0.28%
Data from Niche.com

Housing is one of the area’s true values. Overall, the median home value of real estate in the Norfolk area is $206,700, based on Niche.com. This is less than the national average of $217,500. There are more renters in the area than owners (55% to 43%) and rental rates are on par with the national average ($1,059 versus $1,062).

Property values in Niche.com’s top 3 Norfolk neighborhoods—East Ghent, North Ghent and West Ghent—range from $283,329 to $375,924, well above the city’s average.

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Norfolk?

Pros

When considering "Is Norfolk a good place to live?" it's good to know that there are many upsides to living in the Norfolk area. The cost of living is lower than the national average, as are housing costs in the area. The military and defense industry, as well as commercial shipping, help keep the local economy afloat even in the toughest times.

The area is also home to three public universities as well as a private one. Old Dominion University is a public research university, with approximately 20,000 under-grads and graduate students on campus. The school has eight colleges and offers more than 150 degree programs.  

Norfolk State University, a historically black university, has just over 5,000 under-grads and graduate students. It is one of the state’s most affordable schools.

Eastern Virginia Medical School has less than 1,000 students, and the campus includes the 555-bed Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a level 1 trauma medical care facility, and a 212-bed children's hospital.

Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, liberal arts college. The student body consists of about 1,500 mostly under-grads.

Norfolk is also home to many performing arts complexes and hosts annual festivals and parades, mostly in Town Point Park. Revitalization efforts in downtown have brought a number of music clubs to the area, many in lower Granby Street. The Chrysler Museum of Art is considered to be the finest museum in the state, with a significant glass collection. The city’s naval presence is celebrated at Nauticus, which is also home to the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, which served in WWII, Korea, and the Gulf Wars.

Cons

The most significant con for the region centers around the higher crime rate than many of the neighboring communities. NeighborhoodScout.com rates a person’s chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime as 1 in 151, significantly higher than Virginia as a whole, which they rate at 1 in 482.

Public schools are not as highly rated as others in Virginia. Larchmont Elementary School, for example, is the top-rated public elementary in Norfolk, earning a B+ and a Virginia-wide ranking of 309th on Niche.com.

How do the locals pronounce ‘Norfolk’?

Even amongst the locals, there’s a little bit of dissension about the pronunciation. You’re likely to hear NOR-fik more often than not, while some of the area’s oldest residents may even say NAH-fik. Sometimes, speakers will pronounce the second part of the name with a “u” sound, which we’ll let you sound out and practice on your own.

There’s one thing they can all agree on: it’s not going to have that hard “L” sound in Nor-FOLK.

Finally, if you ever hear someone pronounce it NOR-FORK, give them a break—they’re probably from Nebraska.

Wrapping up: Is Norfolk a Good Place to Live?

If living near the water and eating crab cakes year-round has always been a dream of yours, there are fewer places more affordable and more stable than Norfolk.

The most obvious reason that people move to the area is as part of their military service, considering the area has a vast naval station, a NATO base, and much more. While large, the military presence is not the whole picture. Shipping and transportation are huge industries in the area, as are health care and defense contractors.

As with anywhere, it’s important to do your research before deciding to move and avoid some of the higher-crime neighborhoods in the Norfolk area.

Once you’re here, feel free to stop by your local Store Space Self Storage facility. With the number of rentals in the area, as well as the transitory nature of military and student life, we understand the need to have self-storage in your life from time to time.

At Store Space, we strive to give you the best self-storage experience possible. For anyone in the Norfolk area, that means we will do our utmost to make finding and renting a storage unit an easy process and ensure that our customers receive affordable rates for professional storage.

Check out our storage facility for storage units in Norfolk.

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