A guide to storage unit costs in Dublin

Introduction: why storage costs matter in Dublin

Have you ever had the feeling that Dublin is getting busier and busier? You’re not alone, and the data bears your intuition out. According to the 2022 census, Dublin’s population increased by 8% between 2016 and 2022.

The more people, the less space. And that’s especially true when it comes to storage. Most of us have dozens, if not hundreds, of items lying around that we no longer use every day. But we lack the space to effectively store them.

This is where self storage comes in. A popular solution globally for many decades, self storage is ideal for individuals and business owners with lots of items to stash away.

Self storage gives you room to breathe when your property is becoming too cluttered, or you are moving home and need to safely store your items for a while. Businesses, meanwhile, use self storage as a place to secure files, furniture or even inventory.

A key consideration when searching for storage units in Dublin is the price; it’s undoubtedly one of the most important factors. But as we will discover in this article, there is a little more to it than that.

Factors that influence storage unit costs

You will quickly realise when researching that no two self storage centres are the same. There isn’t even any uniformity regarding actual unit sizes, so you’ll need to do your homework to find the best centre and unit for you.

Here are some common considerations:

Unit size

Units come in sizes from very small to very large. While you pay more for a larger unit, the overall price per square metre tends to fall the bigger you go.

Facility location

Do you need a centre in the middle of Dublin, or are you more content with something out of town? Rural locations are nearly always cheaper.

Rental duration

How long do you wish to rent your storage space? Storage centres typically charge by the month, although long-term deals are sometimes available.

Amenities and features

The fancier your depot, the more you are likely to pay. Things like climate control can nudge the price skywards.

Average pricing for storage units in Dublin

Most self storage centres in Dublin do not advertise their prices. They require you to leave your name, address and phone number so they can get back to you with a quote.

As a result, exact figures are hard to ascertain from websites alone. Storebox Self Storage, for example, only says that it has units available from €5.71 per week. Their smallest unit is 1m².

Among the few companies that advertise their prices are Citywest in Corbally, whose 10ft x 8ft outdoor units cost €120 plus VAT per month, and TITAN Containers, whose storage depot is in Rosemount Business Park. TITAN offers secure 20-foot storage containers with a floor plan of 145ft² at €6.50 per day, ex VAT.

Self storage prices in Dublin vary based on location and level of services offered, so there’s no clear answer to ‘What do storage units cost in Dublin’? Many factors influence the price at each centre.

Popular storage providers in Dublin

There is no shortage of self storage centres in Dublin. They range from semi-luxurious facilities to more rough-and-ready options better suited to those on a budget.

Some of the better-known centres include:

Citywest

This centre near Saggart to the west of Dublin uses shipping containers and lockups as storage units. It also claims to have one of the largest self storage units available anywhere in the city, measuring 40 feet long by 16 feet wide.

Storebox

Storebox has two centres that cater to Dublin residents, one to the north of the city near Beaumont and the other to the west of town just beyond Ballyfermot. It has self storage units ranging from just a cubic metre to 160 ft².

TITAN Containers

TITAN’s individual shipping container lockups are available in 10ft, 20ft and 40 foot sizes. TITAN also has 20 foot insulated containers to rent costing €11.68 per day, including VAT. You can access your container in TITAN’s secure gated compound 24/7.

Elephant Storage

Located on Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Elephant is a family-run business that has 50 different size storage units available. The prices of their smallest units start at €10 per week.

Special offers and discounts

Don’t forget to look for special offers and deals when checking out possible storage solutions. There are often introductory rates for new clients, so keep an eye open for:

Promotions, such as 50% off the first month

These can be a great way to minimise initial costs – but remember to consider the overall price of your rental long term!

Student deals

Dublin has a huge student population in the tens of thousands. Storing items over the summer is popular and there are often special deals for students to make this more affordable.

Long-term rental savings

Some companies, such as TITAN Containers, offer substantial savings if you pay for a year’s storage in advance.

Tips for choosing the right storage unit

To help you pick the right unit for your needs, consider the following:

Unit size

Renting a container that is too big should always be avoided. Make sure you accurately calculate your requirements using a pen and paper – or an online tool.

Compare not just prices but services, too

The rental unit’s price alone rarely paints the full picture. Look at things that are important to you, such as superior security or easy access to your unit, and factor those into your deliberations.

Check reviews for trustworthiness

If lots of people tell you a storage centre is fantastic, it probably is!

Additional services offered by storage providers

Self storage centres sometimes offer more than storage. Some, for example, can take care of storage boxes, removal services/van hire, and insurance for your goods in storage.

While these can be organised separately, you may find it convenient to use a service that provides these as optional add-ons.

Environmental considerations

Transporting and storing items comes with an environmental cost. If you would like to keep your carbon footprint down, be sure to consider:

Sustainable practices by providers

Check out the websites of companies you are interested in to see their eco credentials.

Eco-friendly packaging and operations

Are the centres you are interested in doing their bit for the environment, with solar power, cardboard recycling and so on? Again, their websites will give you an indication as to their approach.

Common hidden fees and cost traps

Before signing on the dotted line, pause to read through the small print to see if you are letting yourself in for any hidden costs. These may include:

Booking fees

Occasionally, a self storage centre will charge you an introductory booking fee or admin fee when taking you on as a client.

Late payment penalties

Does the contract stipulate that you will be penalised if you are late with your payment. If so, how much is the fee?

‘Inconvenience’ costs

This is an invisible cost that is hard to put a price on, but if the self storage centre you have chosen is many miles from your home, you should consider the journey time. Related to this, storage centres only open during regular business hours may add an extra layer of inconvenience if you have to take an hour off work to visit your stuff.

Conclusion: making an informed decision

Renting self storage space is not complex, but as you will now appreciate, there is more to it than first appears.

There are many factors influencing the cost you will pay for storage, but other elements beyond the price should also be considered.

These include the centre’s reputation, security and facilities, and its location. When you find the right combination of these, you will find the perfect self storage centre for you.

TITAN Containers has been in the self storage sector for many years and always advises people to do their homework before making a decision.

The right centre for you may not be the same as the one your friend or family member across town has chosen. Everybody’s self storage needs are different.

Get the storage space you need at the right price – start comparing your options in Dublin today.