by Dakota Storage Buildings, on January 21, 2021
Do you have a lot of stuff and need a place to put all of it?
There are many reasons why you may find yourself needing storage space. From seasonal decor to storage bins of little league trophies — they’re great items to keep, but where in the world can they be stored? With so much stuff in your house already, where can memorabilia and unused household items be stored when your attic and basement are full?
You can tuck things away in nooks and crannies (hopefully you’ll remember where you put them), convert a bedroom into a catch-all storage room — or, better yet, find a proper storage solution like a portable storage pod, self-storage unit, or backyard storage shed. Each storage solution has pros and cons but comparing them side by side should help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.
Storage Pods
Portable storage units often referred to as pods, are large, metal storage containers that can be dropped off at your home. You can most commonly choose between a 7, 12, or 16-foot weather-proof container depending on your storage needs. After you are done filling it up, you can either keep it on your property, have it shipped to another address, or send it to a warehouse for safekeeping. This is an ideal short-term or temporary storage solution.
Generally speaking, rates for storing containers on your property start as low as $110 per month for a 12-foot container and $120 for a 16-foot container. However, monthly rental rates vary and are dependent on storage duration, container availability, and location.
Portable storage unit companies include PODS, ZippyShell, and SmartBox.
Storage Units
Self-storage units provide space for individuals to rent and store their personal or business belongings. The storage space is typically rented on a month-to-month basis. The 10'x10′ is the most popular storage unit size because of its versatility. It's a medium-sized space that amounts to about one-hundred square feet or about half the standard garage size. You can comfortably fit the contents of a two-bedroom apartment inside of it.
The national average monthly cost to rent a storage unit is $87.89. This average includes all sizes and both climate controlled and non-climate controlled units.
Storage unit facilities include U-Haul, Public Storage, and Extra Space Storage.
Storage Sheds
A shed is typically a simple, single-story roofed structure in a resident yard used for storage, hobbies, or workshops. Sheds vary considerably in their size and construction. Most sheds have wood, metal, or vinyl siding and include wooden, treated lumber, or plastic flooring, while some may be built on a concrete pad or foundation.
Depending on the type of shed, the average range is $1,500 to $10,000.
You can buy a shed kit online, shop for a standard shed at a home improvement store, or order a custom shed from a shed manufacturer like Dakota Storage Buildings (serving the midwest).
Buying a Storage Shed from a Manufacturer
As you can see, there are several good storage solutions available. You can easily keep plastic storage bins, Christmas decor, unused furniture, books, supplies, and more in any of the options mentioned above. And a quick Google search will give you many more ideas and practical options for portable storage pods, self-storage units, and backyard storage sheds.
If you've decided that a shed is the best option to meet your storage needs, many shed manufacturers and home improvement stores can suggest the best shed size and type for your need. However, if you want the greatest value, best customer service, convenient and easy shopping, payment options, and free delivery*, there's only one shed manufacturer in the midwest that fits the bill — that's Dakota Storage Buildings.
As you look for storage for your stuff, be sure to explore our Shed Collection. The sheds in our collection are semi-customizable, which means you can choose the size, roofline style, and siding material and color. Here are a few options that could work for you as you think about storing household items in a backyard shed.
- Basic Backyard Shed: Our Basic Backyard Shed solves age-old storage problems at a price that's easy on the wallet. It’s basic, but it’s solid.
- Classic Backyard Shed: This shed is the quintessential storage solution with a sharp appearance and plenty of storage space.
- Backyard Shed XL: This shed is bigger than the average shed, including our Classic Backyard Shed and Modern Backyard Shed. It has a built-in loft and an internal storage kit that fits into the vertical space between studs.
If you’re interested in a pre-built stock shed, be sure to browse our online inventory.
*While we are proud to serve North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northeast Nebraska, and north-central Iowa, at this time, free delivery is only offered within specific areas, including 300 miles of our Milbank, South Dakota shop. Outside our designated ranges, a one-way fee is charged per mile based on the standard mileage rate
