The Cost of Self Storage in Arlington, VA
Located near Washington D.C., Arlington, Virginia, is home to a large number of seasonal residents. When the government is in session, Congress and its staff members descend on the area, pulling items out of storage to furnish a seasonal rental. When it’s time to head home, many of these workers rent storage in anticipation of the next year’s visit. The need to pack up and move households several times per year may help explain why smaller storage units are below state and national averages at just $40.25, but units large enough to hold several rooms worth of furniture are around $25-40 more expensive in Arlington.
Another factor that may be driving up storage costs in this area is the high cost of real estate. The median home value in Arlington is $681,600, which is nearly 164% higher than the state average. When real estate costs more, it often means that storage units also cost more.
Average cost of storage units in Arlington, VA compared to state and national averages
| Size of Storage Unit | City Average | State Average | National Average |
| 5×5 | $40 | $44 | $41 |
| 5×10 | $71 | $65 | $59 |
| 10×10 | $114 | $105 | $95 |
| 10×15 | $159 | $133 | $113 |
| 10×20 | $175 | $149 | $133 |
What to Consider when Looking for Storage in Arlington, VA
When looking at different storage facilities in Arlington, security is often a top priority. While Virginia as a whole has relatively little property crime at a score of just 28.1, according to Best Places, Arlington ranks much higher at 43.9. High property crime can mean that storage units are more likely to be broken into, making a good security system and camera surveillance amenities that might be worth paying a premium for.
During the summer months, Arlington can get quite hot with temperatures up to around 90 degrees F. Higher than average rainfall also means the humidity can be an issue. With heat and humidity, climate control might be another option to ask about. More delicate items (electronics, clothing, cloth-covered furniture, etc.) may be vulnerable to mold, mildew or rust.
Helpful Tips for Moving to Arlington, VA
While more than a quarter of Arlington residents use mass transit during their daily commute, most own a car and drive to work. The average commute time is 28.6 minutes, just a couple of minutes more than the national average. The weather is fairly moderate, with very little annual snowfall and very few days that get exceedingly hot.
Cost of living is another concern any time you’re planning to move. Arlington is considered a fairly expensive destination, in large part due to the high cost of housing. Most other expenses are in line with national averages, though longer commute times also means transportation is a bit more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is self-storage in Arlington, VA?
The average cost of self-storage in Arlington ranges from $40 for a 5’x5’ unit to $175 for a 10’x20’ unit. Smaller units fall below the national average, while larger units cost $12 to $46 more. The elevated cost of larger units is mainly due to the government workers who move to the city seasonally. When they pack up to move, they store their household belongings in storage, driving demand for larger units.
What amenities are necessary for safe, secure self-storage in Arlington, VA?
To protect your storage unit against theft and burglary, look for a facility with advanced safety amenities, such as security guards, video surveillance, and alarm systems. Arlington has a higher-than-average property crime rate of 43.9, and these amenities offer enhanced security that provides peace of mind, knowing your belongings are protected.
Do I need a 24-hour storage unit in Arlington, VA?
A 24-hour storage unit is ideal for those who require flexible access to their belongings. Unlike standard units, which you can only access during visiting hours, you can visit a 24-hour unit anytime and on weekends and holidays. When searching for an around-the-clock unit, look for a facility that’s in a safe location with advanced security measures to ensure you feel safe visiting at all hours.
Does home insurance cover storage units?
Most home insurance policies cover off-site items like those in a self-storage. While policies vary by provider, most only include up to 10% coverage of your standard policy amount. For example, if your policy covers damage to household items up to $50,000, it will cover the items in your storage unit up to $5,000. If you have high-value items in your unit, purchasing additional self-storage insurance is best to ensure complete protection of your belongings.
Can you sleep in a storage unit?
In Virginia and every other U.S. state, sleeping in a storage unit is illegal, and penalties range from fines to jail time. In addition to being illegal, staying in a self-storage unit puts you at risk of serious health and safety concerns. The enclosed area, lack of sanitation, and poor ventilation make you susceptible to poor air quality, extreme temperatures, and fire hazards.
