Self storage vs. mobile storage: which suits you?

A locked space in a secured building, with 24/7 self-access via a pass.

• Sizes from a few boxes to a full household
• Ideal for regular access — seasonal items, stock, tools
• You arrange yourself: transport, lock, often insurance

Tip: torn between self storage and a garage box? Read our dedicated guide self storage vs. garage box — the difference is bigger than you'd think.

The storage comes to you — we drive, you don't.

• Unit delivered to your home or driver picks up at the door
• With or without lifting help — you decide
• Brought back whenever you want; access in between by appointment

Tip: moving soon? Read our guide on moving with storage for the full playbook — timing, costs, what works.

Freedom versus convenience — the biggest difference lies here.

• Self storage: drop by spontaneously, evenings and weekends included
• Mobile storage: no lifting, no trips, everything handled at home
• Rule of thumb: frequent/spontaneous → self storage; hands-off → mobile storage

Per m³ versus total price — depends on your hidden costs.

• Self storage: bare space, add transport + lock + admin + deposit
• Mobile storage: service (pickup + storage + return) included in price

Tip: for concrete pricing and the fair comparison, check what storage costs per month — with the math for short vs long storage.

Choose self storage if you want regular access to your things — spontaneously, on your own schedule.

• [Seasonal items], hobby materials, stock or tools
• Long-term storage where you want to keep control over access and size
• Often the cheapest per m³ — provided you arrange transport yourself

Choose mobile storage if you need temporary extra space and have no appetite for lifting or trips.

• Move, [renovation] or big declutter
• For a big [declutter], no need to drive to the storage yourself
• You store in one go, don't need access often in between
• Everything handled at home — mobile storage saves you the most work

Factor in hidden costs — or you're comparing apples and pears.

• For self storage: transport, van rental, fuel, lock, admin, deposit
• For mobile storage: all in the price (pickup + storage + return)
• Rule of thumb: short + lots of lifting → mobile; long + own transport → self storage

Tip: the Dutch Consumentenbond recommends always requesting multiple quotes — differences of several hundred euros are common.

You don't have to compromise on security — choose on convenience, not safety.

• Both forms: professional building with cameras, alarm, fire protection
• Both forms: dry and climate-controlled
• Self storage: own key, always access — mobile: unit safely stored, retrieved by appointment

Per m³ self storage is usually cheaper — but factor in transport, van, lock and admin. With mobile storage the service is in the price. For short storage with lots of lifting, mobile often wins; for long storage with own transport, self storage. See also our comparison of storage costs per month.

Yes, but by appointment. Your unit is safely stored; if you want something out, we set it ready or bring it back. Need frequent, spontaneous access? Then self storage fits better.

Usually via your own home contents insurance. Storage companies are typically not liable for your things; contents insurance often covers external storage (check the terms and maximum period). Don't cancel your contents insurance before a move, or cover lapses — see our guide on insurance when moving.

Private customers pay no VAT on storage space — that applies to self storage and to mobile storage at Inbox Storage. Business rates are exclusive of VAT.

For a move, mobile storage is often handiest. You store in one go, don't need access during the move, and save yourself the driving and lifting. See our detailed guide on moving with storage. Need to grab things regularly during a long renovation? Self storage can be more convenient.