Self storage is the monthly rental of an individual box where you store whatever you want, with the key (or personal PIN) in your hand. The most flexible, secure and cost-effective way to get extra space without a long lease.
Self storage is individual storage: you rent a box (5m², 10m², 20m²…) inside a secure facility, pay monthly and access it whenever you want with your personal PIN.
Unlike traditional warehouse storage from the 80s–90s (shared depot, no key, scheduled pick-up), modern self storage gives you the key for the entire term.
The model started in the US in the 1960s, became standard in Europe in the 90s and arrived in Brazil in the 2010s. The US has 50,000+ self storage facilities today. Brazil is still expanding — São Paulo concentrates most of the market.
E-commerce growth, shrinking urban apartments and short-term moves (study abroad, projects, reverse home-office) keep driving demand.
Traditional warehouse storage: shared depot, furniture stacked, pickup by appointment, rigid annual contract, no self-access.
Self storage: individual locked box, personal-PIN access at any time during opening hours, renewable monthly contract, no guarantor, no exit penalty.
The most offered sizes on the market:
• 1m³ to 2m³ — documents, personal boxes, seasonal items.
• 4m³ to 6m³ — bedroom furniture, equivalent to 1 apartment room.
• 9m³ to 12m³ — full 2-bedroom apartment, ideal for moving.
• 15m³ to 30m³ — 3+ bedroom house, small e-commerce inventory.
• 30m³+ — commercial inventory, corporate archive.
Ongoing move taking longer than expected · home renovation · wedding merging two households · long travel or sabbatical · growing family needing the spare room · seasonal inventory for businesses · tax documents overflowing the office cabinet · construction materials between projects.
Operators always reject: perishable food · flammables (gas, propane, fireworks) · illegal substances · living beings (animals, plants) · unlicensed firearms · radioactive material.
Always check the unit's rules — some have additional restrictions (uncovered electronics, liquids).
Typical 2026 pricing in major markets:
• 1m³ from ~$30/month
• 5m³ from ~$80/month
• 10m³ from ~$150/month
Prices vary by location (premium districts cost more), features (climate control, 24h access) and contract length. Use our Calculator to estimate size, then compare operators.
5m³ box monthly price ranges:
• São Paulo (Vila Leopoldina): BRL 280–390
• Rio de Janeiro (Porto): BRL 320–450
• Belo Horizonte: BRL 220–330
• New York: $200–400
• London: £100–220
• Madrid: €80–150
Premium districts charge +20–40% above this base.
Family moving home — A full 2-bedroom apartment fits in 9–12m³. A 3–6 month box covers the gap between leaving the old place and settling into the new one.
Growing e-commerce — 5–10m³ is the sweet spot to move from spare room to dedicated box. Look for operators with loading equipment and 24h access.
Couple merging two homes (wedding) — 6–9m³ for 6–12 months, while you decide together what fits the new place.
Sabbatical / exchange traveller — 4–6m³ to store essential furniture for 6 months to 2 years. Climate control recommended.
Before signing, check:
1. 24/7 surveillance with cameras and per-box alarms.
2. Personal PIN access (not a key — keys can be copied).
3. Monthly contract, no guarantor — avoid long lock-in.
4. Climate control if storing documents, electronics or instruments.
5. Loading equipment and cart on site (essential for heavy boxes).
6. Access hours — 24/7 is ideal; minimum acceptable is Mon–Sat 8am–8pm.
7. Accessible address by courier, van, small truck.
8. Real reviews on Google Maps (min. 4 stars with review volume).
Proper packing extends item lifespan in storage. Worth investing in:
• Standard cardboard boxes (same size stacks better)
• Bubble wrap for fragile items (dishes, frames, electronics)
• Vacuum bags for clothes and bedding (up to 75% volume reduction)
• Breathable covers for sofas and mattresses (prevents mould)
• Steel padlock for extra security beyond operator PIN
See recommendations at [/en/packing-supplies/](/en/packing-supplies/).