What is Self-Storage and How Does It Work?

What is Self-Storage?

Self-storage is a service that gives you extra space to safely store your stuff outside of your home or office. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, renovating, or have ample seasonal decor, self-storage can help you free up space without saying goodbye to the things you love.

Think of it as your own personal storage closet!

Types of Self Storage

There are several types of self-storage to fit different needs and lifestyles:

1. Traditional Self Storage

This is the classic storage unit experience. You rent a space in a storage facility, drive your items there, load them in yourself, and return when you need to access them. It comes with the hassle of transportation, heavy lifting, and long-term contracts.

2. Portable Storage

Portable storage companies drop off a storage container at your location. You fill it up at your own pace, and then they pick it up and either store it or transport it to your new location. It’s a bit more flexible but still requires you to do the packing and heavy lifting.

3. Mobile (On-Demand) Storage

This is where FlyBox shines. We bring the storage to you. With FlyBox, you simply order your FlyBoxes, they’re delivered straight to your door, schedule a free pickup right from your phone, and we pick up your items and store them securely. When you need something back, you can request a return through the FlyBox app. (No trucks, no hassle, no stress).

The Real Costs of Self Storage

Traditional self-storage might seem simple on the surface, but the real cost often goes beyond the monthly rent. Here’s what you’re paying for:

Monthly Unit Fees

Most self-storage facilities charge a flat monthly fee based on unit size. That means even if you’re storing a few boxes, you’re paying for every square foot—used or not.

Hidden Costs Add Up

Storage isn’t just about space. Many traditional facilities charge for:

• Security deposits

• Admin or setup fees

• Mandatory insurance

• Late fees or missed payments

• Locks and packing materials

• Transport costs (truck rental, gas, time)

Over time, these can double what you thought you’d spend.

Long-Term Contracts

You might be stuck in multi-month leases, even if you only need storage for a few weeks. Canceling early can come with penalties.

How FlyBox is Different

At FlyBox, you only pay for what you store—nothing more. No unit fees, no deposits, no hidden add-ons. Just simple, transparent pricing:

• Free pickup

• No long-term contracts

• Pay only for the FlyBoxes you use

• All managed directly in the FlyBox app

It’s a smarter way to store, without any surprises.

Pros and Cons of Using Self Storage

Whether you’re in the middle of a move, dealing with clutter, or just need a little breathing room at home, self-storage can be a useful solution. But like anything, it comes with its trade-offs. Here's a closer look at the real pros and cons, so you can make the right choice for your needs.

The Pros

Self-storage gives you extra space exactly when you need it. Maybe your closet is bursting. Maybe your lease ends before your new one starts. Or maybe you’re storing holiday gear that only sees the light once a year. Whatever the case, traditional storage units offer a secure way to hang onto the things that still matter—without crowding your home.

It also provides peace of mind. Most storage facilities are monitored, climate-controlled, and accessible when you need them. And with various sizes available, you can customize the amount of space you rent.

The Cons

But here’s where things get tricky. Traditional storage is often more hassle than help.

You're responsible for packing and transportation like loading your car or renting a truck, hauling heavy items, and making multiple trips. It’s time-consuming and physically demanding. And once your things are stored, they’re out of sight—and likely out of mind.

Then there’s the cost. On top of your monthly rent, you’re often hit with deposits, admin fees, insurance requirements, and hidden surcharges. Not to mention paying for a full unit, even if you’re only using a corner of it.

And let’s not forget the inconvenience. Want to retrieve one box? You’ll need to go to the unit, unlock it, and sort through everything. It’s not exactly effortless.

How Does Self Storage Work? (And How FlyBox Makes It Easier)

Here’s how self storage typically works:

• You find a facility.
• You rent a storage unit.
• You pack your items.
• You transport them to the facility.
• You organize and store them.
• You retrieve them when needed.

Sounds like a lot, right? With FlyBox, we simplify the process:

1. Reserve Easily

Book your FlyBoxes through our app in just a few taps. No driving around town or waiting on hold.

2. Pack at Your Pace

We’ll drop off packing supplies right at your door, then pack your items when it works for you.

3. Free Pickup

FedEx will then come to your door and handle the heavy lifting. No need to rent a truck or bribe your friends with pizza and beer.  

4. Secure Storage

We store your items safely in our secure facility. You can see everything you’ve stored right in the FlyBox app.

5. On-Demand Returns

When you need something back, just tap in the app and we’ll deliver it to you. It’s storage that works on your schedule.

Why FlyBox is the Affordable Self Storage Alternative

FlyBox offers affordable self-storage without the traditional headaches.  
✔️ Free pickup
✔️ No long-term contracts
✔️ Manage everything from your phone
✔️ Only pay for the FlyBoxes you actually use

We believe storage should be simple, flexible, and budget-friendly, so you can spend less time stressing about stuff and more time living your life.

FAQs About Self Storage

What is the concept of self-storage?

Self-storage is a way to create more space in your life without getting rid of the things you care about. You rent a secure spot, traditionally a unit in a storage facility, where you can store extra belongings. It’s commonly used during moves, renovations, downsizing, or whenever things start piling up. With FlyBox, the concept is even simpler: we bring the storage to you, then deliver it back when you need it.

What cannot be stored in self-storage?

While most personal items can be stored safely, there are a few things that should never go into storage:

• Perishable goods (like food)

• Hazardous materials (chemicals, fuels, explosives)

• Illegal items

• Live plants or animals

• Items with strong odors

With FlyBox, you’ll see a clear list of restricted items during packing so there’s no confusion and no guesswork.

Is self-storage a good investment?

If you're looking at self-storage from a real estate or business perspective, it’s often considered a solid investment due to consistent demand and low maintenance costs. But from a personal standpoint, it depends on how much value you place on space, convenience, and peace of mind. If you’re constantly shifting between homes, cities, or just want to stay organized without clutter—self-storage (especially a flexible option like FlyBox) can be a smart move.

What are the risks of self-storage?

The biggest risks usually come down to poor access, lack of transparency, or questionable security. Some facilities may not be well-maintained or may hit you with surprise fees. There’s also the risk of storing items you forget about or never use again.

FlyBox minimizes those risks by offering secure, tracked storage with full visibility in the app. You’ll always know what you’ve stored—and exactly when it’s coming back.

Final Thoughts About Self-Storage

If you’ve been wondering what self-storage is and how does self-storage work, now you know: it’s about finding extra space when you need it. But with FlyBox, it’s so much more convenient and affordable than the traditional way.

Ready to make room for what matters? Reserve your FlyBox pickup today.