How Can Self Storage Help Memphis Renters and Homeowners?
Sep 3, 2026 / Public Storage
Self storage can help Memphis renters and homeowners declutter living areas, organize recreational equipment and manage belongings during moves, renovations and other household transitions.
Whether you live in a Downtown or Midtown apartment, a condominium near the University of Memphis or a house in East Memphis, the right storage unit can provide additional room for clean, dry, permitted and replaceable belongings that are not used every day.
Memphis Household Storage at a Glance
| Storage need | Items to consider storing | Feature to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Limited closet space | Seasonal clothing, shoes and decorations | Small indoor unit |
| No garage or equipment area | Bikes, camping gear and sports equipment | Drive-Up Access |
| Moving or downsizing | Packed boxes and eligible furniture | Month-to-month rental |
| Home renovation | Furniture, empty appliances and household goods | Unit size and loading access |
| Temperature-sensitive materials | Eligible books, electronics and wood furniture | Climate-controlled storage |
| Vehicle or boat storage | Eligible vehicles in designated spaces | Vehicle-storage requirements |
Sizes, features and availability vary by location and unit.
Why Use Self-Storage When Space Is Limited?
Closets, garages and spare rooms can fill quickly with seasonal belongings and equipment. A storage unit may help residents create more room for daily activities while keeping occasionally used items organized off-site.
Memphis renters and homeowners may consider self-storage when:
- Rotating seasonal clothing and decorations
- Organizing sports, camping or hobby equipment
- Making room for a roommate or family member
- Moving between apartments or houses
- Downsizing to a smaller home
- Clearing rooms during a renovation
- Storing eligible furniture for future use
- Managing belongings during an extended trip or temporary relocation
Public Storage offers month-to-month rentals, which may be useful when the length of a move, renovation or other transition is uncertain.
What Storage Unit Size Might You Need?
Choose a unit based on the measurements and quantity of your belongings rather than the size of your home alone.
| Unit size | Approximate floor space | May accommodate |
|---|---|---|
| 5×5 | 25 square feet | Boxes, luggage, seasonal clothing and sports gear |
| 5×10 | 50 square feet | Additional boxes, bicycles and some small furniture |
| 5×15 | 75 square feet | Furniture, boxes and household overflow |
| 10×10 | 100 square feet | Multiple furniture pieces and packed household goods |
| 10×15 | 150 square feet | A larger collection of furniture and moving boxes |
| 10×20 | 200 square feet | Household belongings during a larger move or renovation |
| 10×30 | 300 square feet | A substantial household load, depending on item dimensions |
These examples are general estimates. Actual unit dimensions, door sizes, layouts and capacity vary. Packing methods also affect what will fit.
Measure large belongings, count your containers and consult the Public Storage Size Guide before renting. Inspect the specific unit when possible.
What Can Memphis Residents Put in Storage?
Consider storing permitted belongings that are used occasionally, rotate seasonally or are temporarily displaced.
Examples include:
- Seasonal clothing and shoes
- Holiday decorations
- Suitcases and travel supplies
- Books and board games
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Golf bags and camping gear
- Ordinary craft supplies without liquids or chemicals
- Clean kitchenware without food
- Empty and dry household appliances
- Eligible furniture
- Packed household goods during a move
- Clean and dry outdoor equipment
Remove food, crumbs and liquids from appliances before storage. Drain hoses and allow every component to dry completely. Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions for electronics and mechanical equipment.
Do not store money, jewelry, cremains, sensitive documents, belongings that cannot be replaced or property with a total value exceeding the permitted limit.
Hazardous, illegal, perishable, unsanitary and living items are prohibited. Food, plants, fuel, propane, paint, bleach and other liquids or hazardous materials also cannot be stored.
Review the complete Public Storage storage policies before moving in.
How Can Storage Help With Everyday Decluttering?
Start by identifying items that occupy household space but are used only occasionally. Seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, golf equipment and camping supplies are common examples.
Sort belongings into four groups:
- Keep at home
- Move into storage
- Donate or sell
- Recycle or discard
Do not use a storage unit simply to postpone every decluttering decision. Review stored belongings periodically and remove items that are damaged, outdated or no longer useful.
Students, faculty and staff near the University of Memphis may also consider storage during summer break, study-abroad programs, housing changes or extended leave. Keep medication, identification, academic records and other sensitive or immediately needed materials outside the unit.
How Can Storage Help During a Move?
Lease dates, closing dates and moving schedules do not always align. A storage unit can hold eligible furniture and boxes while residents wait to enter a new home or decide what fits.
Before moving:
- Confirm move-out and move-in dates.
- Measure rooms, doors, stairs and elevators.
- Separate daily necessities from stored belongings.
- Label containers needed immediately.
- Place frequently used boxes near the unit entrance.
- Keep an inventory of everything stored.
- Review facility access hours.
Storage may also be useful for first-time homebuyers or growing households that need time to organize rooms after moving. It does not guarantee fewer moving trips; the total load, vehicle size, distance and facility location all affect the plan.
Can Storage Help During a Home Renovation?
A storage unit can provide temporary space for eligible furniture, empty appliances, decorations and packed household goods while rooms are being updated.
Clean and dry appliances before storage. Remove detachable shelves or components when appropriate and place hardware in labeled containers.
Do not place paint, solvents, fuel, cleaning liquids or other hazardous renovation materials in the unit. Storage units cannot be used as workshops or project areas, so complete painting, repairs and assembly somewhere those activities are permitted.
How Can Memphis Residents Store Recreational Equipment?
Bicycles, golf equipment, camping supplies and eligible paddle sports equipment can take up considerable room at home.
After cycling routes such as the Shelby Farms Greenline or Big River Crossing, clean and dry bikes before storing them. Use a rack or stand when practical, and keep helmets, pumps and repair tools in a labeled container.
Before storing a kayak, canoe or paddleboard:
- Confirm that it fits through the unit door.
- Rinse and dry it completely.
- Remove seats, paddles and other accessories.
- Follow the manufacturer’s position and support recommendations.
- Use padded supports to avoid concentrated pressure.
- Do not stack heavy belongings on the hull.
A larger unit or Drive-Up Access may be worth considering for long recreational equipment. Measure the equipment and the unit before renting.
What Types of Storage Are Available in Memphis?
Indoor Storage
Indoor units are located inside a building and are typically reached through hallways, stairs or elevators. They may work well for boxes, clothing, books and smaller household belongings.
Confirm the route from the loading area to the unit, particularly when moving furniture or appliances.
Drive-Up Access
Drive-Up Access units are located at ground level and allow a vehicle to pull directly up to the unit door. This may reduce the distance required to carry furniture, bicycles and outdoor equipment.
Compare Drive-Up Access storage in Memphis. Availability and unit dimensions vary.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for eligible wood furniture, electronics, books, clothing and other materials that may react to changing temperature or humidity.
These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. Conditions can still vary, and Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges.
Compare climate-controlled storage in Memphis and confirm the features available with the specific unit.
Vehicle Storage
Cars, trucks, RVs and boats must be placed in eligible, designated vehicle-storage spaces or units. A standard storage unit is not automatically suitable for a vehicle.
Vehicle types, space dimensions and requirements vary by facility. Confirm that the vehicle and storage space meet all applicable rental requirements before moving in.
How Should You Organize a Storage Unit?
A clear layout can make seasonal rotation and future visits easier:
- Use sturdy, stackable containers.
- Label at least two sides of every box or bin.
- Keep a written or digital inventory.
- Place heavier containers at the bottom.
- Keep frequently used items near the front.
- Leave a walkway when space permits.
- Store long recreational equipment along a side when appropriate.
- Avoid placing heavy boxes on furniture or equipment.
- Place small parts and hardware in labeled bags.
- Use freestanding shelving permitted by the facility.
Do not attach shelving or hooks to the unit walls. Check facility rules before bringing freestanding shelves.
How Should You Choose a Memphis Storage Location?
Consider how frequently you expect to visit and whether the facility fits your regular route.
Compare:
- Distance from your home
- Access from major roads
- Facility access hours
- Indoor, elevator or Drive-Up Access
- Loading and unloading areas
- Available unit sizes
- Climate-controlled options
- Vehicle-storage availability
- Lock requirements
- App-based access where available
Public Storage currently lists 26 self-storage facilities in the Memphis area. Location counts, features and availability may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does self-storage help Memphis residents?
Self-storage can provide off-site room for seasonal belongings, furniture, recreational equipment and household goods during moves, renovations or everyday decluttering.
What size storage unit works for an apartment?
A 5×5 or 5×10 may suit boxes, seasonal items and some small furniture. Measure every item before renting because actual unit capacity varies.
Can I store a kayak or canoe?
An eligible kayak or canoe may be stored if it fits the unit. Clean and dry it first, follow the manufacturer’s support recommendations and avoid stacking other belongings on it.
Does every Memphis facility offer climate control?
No. Climate control, Drive-Up Access, vehicle storage and other features vary by facility and unit.
Can I store a car, RV or boat in a standard unit?
Not automatically. Vehicles must use an eligible, designated unit or parking space and meet applicable rental requirements.
Can I store food, fuel or paint?
No. Food, fuel, paint, propane, liquids and other perishable or hazardous materials are prohibited.
Are Public Storage rentals month to month?
Yes. Public Storage offers month-to-month rentals. Review the rental agreement for billing, notice and move-out requirements.
Self-storage can help Memphis renters and homeowners organize seasonal belongings, recreational equipment and household overflow while managing moves and other transitions.
Explore Public Storage locations in Memphis and compare current unit sizes, access options and available features.
