by Dakota Storage Buildings, on September 17, 2025
When your home starts overflowing with tools, seasonal décor, sports gear, or bins of memories you can’t part with, it’s time to think about storage. But not all storage solutions serve the same purpose or have the same benefits. Whether you're between homes, prepping for a remodel, or just tired of stepping over stuff in your garage, the right storage option can save you time, money, and stress.
Three popular options typically come to mind: off-site storage units, temporary storage pods, and outdoor storage sheds. Each has its pros and cons, and which one is right for you depends on how often you need access, how long you’ll need storage, and how much control you want over your space.
Let’s break down how much are storage units vs pods, vs sheds, so you can find the best fit for your needs.
Comparing the Most Popular Storage Options
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 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 $159 per month for a 12-foot container and $175 for a 16-foot container. However, monthly rental rates vary and are dependent on storage duration, container availability, and location.
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 it.
How much are storage units? The average monthly cost to rent a storage unit is $180.00. This average includes all sizes and both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units.
Outdoor Storage Sheds
A shed is typically a simple, single-story, roofed structure in a resident's 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 $2,500 to $10,000+.
Which Option Is More Convenient for You?
Before choosing the right storage option, it’s important to consider how each one fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs. From access and cost to flexibility and upkeep, each solution offers something different. Here are the key factors to help you compare storage units, pods, and backyard sheds, so you can make the best decision for your home and your belongings.
Access and Availability
If you don’t need regular access to your stored items, say, you’re storing long-term furniture or packing away items during a move, then storage units or pods can be a good fit. They’re especially practical for renters who can’t install a shed or for those living in tight quarters like townhomes or apartments.
However, if you want to grab things often, an outdoor storage shed offers unmatched convenience. It’s perfect for homeowners who want 24/7 access without the hassle of a drive or storage facility hours.
Cost Over 1–5 Years
Let’s look at what each option might cost you over time:
Storage Unit
- Initial setup: $0
- Average monthly cost: $70–$300/month (based on size and location)
- 5-Year Total: $4,200–$18,000
Storage Pod
- Delivery and pickup: ~$75–$150
- Monthly cost while in storage: ~$169–$359
- 5-Year Total: $10,140–$21,540
Outdoor Storage Shed (Purchased)
- Initial cost: ~$2,500–$10,000+ depending on size and features
- Annual maintenance (minor repairs, weatherproofing): ~$50–$100
- 5-Year Total: $2,750–$10,000+
While sheds may have a higher upfront cost, when you look at how much are storage units and pods, you’ll see that they offer better long-term value, especially if you plan to use them year-round or longer than five years.
Flexibility in Use
With a storage unit, there are often restrictions: no hazardous materials, perishables, or flammable items. Pods have similar limitations, and you may not have access once they’re sealed.
Outdoor storage sheds give you full control. You can store everything from garden tools and outdoor gear to long-term keepsakes, as long as you protect items from the weather. And if you want to use the shed as a workshop or hobby space down the line, it’s yours to transform.
Maintenance Requirements
One major advantage of storage units and pods? Someone else handles the upkeep.
With sheds, you’re responsible for maintenance. But when you choose a high-quality shed, like those built by Dakota Storage Buildings, maintenance is minimal. Durable siding, weather-resistant roofing, and easy-clean interiors keep maintenance low and your investment protected.
Security and Protection
Storage units often include gate access, cameras, and staff patrols. Pods are stored in secure warehouses, though you may not be able to check on them regularly.
Sheds rely on your home’s security setup, but proximity is a big perk. With simple additions like motion lights, cameras, and secure locks, you can easily monitor your shed from home and know your items are safe.
Buying an Outdoor Storage Shed from a Manufacturer
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 needs. However, if you want the greatest value, best customer service, convenient and easy shopping, payment options, and hassle-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.
What to Know About Shed Placement
Planning to purchase an outdoor storage shed? A little prep goes a long way toward ensuring your investment lasts for years and works exactly the way you need it to.
Choose the Right Location
Start by identifying the most practical spot on your property. Look for an area that’s easily accessible year-round but won’t interrupt the flow of your yard or block other key spaces.
- Accessibility: Make sure you can easily reach the shed with bulky or heavy items, especially if you’ll be storing equipment you use frequently.
- Setback Regulations: Check local zoning laws and HOA rules to ensure your shed placement complies with property line and structure distance requirements.
- Environmental Considerations: Avoid placing your shed under low-hanging branches or near utility lines, and steer clear of areas that collect standing water after rain.
Prepare a Solid Foundation
A sturdy, well-drained foundation protects your shed from moisture damage, shifting, and structural issues over time.
Choose the type that fits your shed size and intended use:
- Concrete Pad: Ideal for long-term placement or heavy-duty use. It provides a solid, level surface that resists shifting and can support heavy equipment.
- Gravel Base: A more budget-friendly option that offers excellent drainage and is easier to install. Great for most storage needs and allows for some flexibility in placement.
- Site Prep Basics: Clear the site of grass, roots, and debris. Level the ground carefully to avoid uneven settling and add a slight slope for water runoff to keep the shed dry.
A well-prepped site improves the longevity of your shed, making it more enjoyable and hassle-free to use throughout the seasons. Taking the time now helps you avoid headaches later.
Customizable Sheds for Smarter Storage
One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor storage shed? You can make it work exactly how you want it to. Unlike generic storage units or pods, a backyard shed gives you complete control over the layout, features, and functionality, so it adapts to your life, not the other way around.
Dakota sheds can be customized with:
- Vertical shelving to make use of wall space
- Built-in lofts for overhead storage
- Workbenches for an additional workspace
- Accessibility ramps for easier entry
- Electrical packages for lighting, outlets, or tool use
- Insulation to keep your shed comfortable year-round
- Storage kits to help organize bins, tools, and supplies
These upgrades turn your shed into a flexible, multipurpose storage solution that keeps your space clean and your stuff organized. Your shed can be configured to handle all of your storage needs, right in your own backyard.
Find the Storage Option That Fits Your Life
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to storage. If you need temporary storage and don’t mind driving to access your things, a storage unit or pod might be the answer. But if you’re looking for long-term savings, instant access, and a customizable solution that adds value to your property, an outdoor storage shed is hard to beat.
Before you sign that monthly rental contract, take stock of your storage needs. Your space, your schedule, and your budget all matter. If convenience, value, and flexibility top your list, it might be time to explore your options with a Dakota shed.
Ready to reclaim your space? Find the best shed for your space today.
