Self storage vs. a lock-up garage: which to choose?

Garage: lowest bare rent, but nothing included.

• Professional storage: more money, but security + climate + service included
• For garage: factor in hidden costs — transport, lock, deposit, sign-up fee
• Rule of thumb: short + lots of hassle → mobile storage; long + robust → garage

Tip: for the fair total comparison, see what storage costs per month — with all included costs laid out.

The biggest difference: climate and monitoring.

• Garage: uninsulated — cold, damp and mould risk
• Usually without cameras or alarm — more vulnerable to break-ins
• Not ideal for furniture, electronics or clothing over longer periods
• Professional storage: clean, dry, heated and monitored

Tip: damp and mould are the biggest risks of uninsulated spaces — the Dutch Milieu Centraal has practical advice on moisture protection if you do go for a garage.

How often do you really want access? That drives the choice.

• Garage: own key, always access (evenings and weekends too)
• Self storage: opening hours or access pass — often still 24/7
• Mobile storage: unit stays closed — opened by appointment

Tip: in a big city like Amsterdam, a suitable garage can be hard to find. See our comparison of self-storage options in Amsterdam.

A garage is rarely close to home — hauling and driving come with it.

• For garage: own transport, trips back and forth, lifting everything yourself
• Mobile storage: unit at home, you fill, we pick up — minimal hassle
• Lifting help if you want — you choose the service level

Choose a garage if your budget is tight and you want to store robust items.

• Robust items where cold and damp don't matter
• Free access with your own key, no service or climate needed
• Handy as a workshop space alongside storage

Choose self storage if you have valuable or sensitive belongings.

• Dry and secured — important for furniture, electronics, clothing
• Regular access possible with an access pass
• Full control over size and period

Tip: still torn between self storage and mobile storage? Read our comparison of self storage vs. mobile storage for the final call.

Choose mobile storage if you need temporary extra space and don't want the hassle.

• For a move with storage — bridging the gap between two homes
• For a renovation — stuff out of the house temporarily, safely and climate-controlled
• Load once, no trips back and forth
• Everything handled at home — mobile storage saves you the most work

Storage providers usually aren't liable for damage — so arrange cover. Don't cancel your home contents insurance during a move, and check our guide on insurance when moving. At Inbox Storage, only items packed according to our packing instructions are covered by the basic insurance — so pack fragile things well.