Enter storage details
Example data table
| Scenario | Size (sq ft) | Rate | Months | Discount | Tax | Estimated Total Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget unit | 50 | $1.00 | 6 | 0% | 5% | $355.75 |
| Standard unit | 100 | $1.25 | 12 | 5% | 8% | $1,737.77 |
| Climate-controlled | 150 | $1.60 | 12 | 10% | 8% | $3,416.74 |
Formula used
The calculator estimates rent by unit size and rate, then applies optional climate surcharge, insurance, one-time fees, discounts, and tax. Rent can increase annually using an escalation factor.
- Base monthly rent = Unit Size (sq ft) × Rate per sq ft
- Escalated rent (month m) = Base Monthly Rent × (1 + Escalation)floor((m−1)/12)
- Climate surcharge = Escalated Rent × Climate %
- Recurring subtotal = Σ(Rent + Climate + Insurance) across months
- Discount = (Recurring subtotal + One-time fees) × Discount %
- Tax = (Subtotal after discount) × Tax %
- Total due = Subtotal after discount + Tax + Deposit
- Effective cost per sq ft = Average Monthly Recurring ÷ Unit Size
How to use this calculator
- Choose a storage type and enter the unit size and ceiling height.
- Enter the monthly rate per square foot and the number of months.
- Adjust proration days if your first month is partial.
- Add insurance, fees, deposit, and any climate surcharge if applicable.
- Enter discount and tax percentages, then calculate to view totals.
- Use the download buttons to export a CSV or PDF for sharing.
Key cost drivers by unit size
Storage pricing is usually quoted per square foot per month, so unit size is the first driver. A 50 sq ft unit at $1.00 costs about $50 monthly before add-ons. A 100 sq ft unit at $1.25 runs $125. The calculator converts your size and rate into a base monthly rent and then totals it across the selected term.
Recurring add-ons that change monthly totals
Many facilities add climate control and insurance. If climate is 10%, the model adds 10% of rent each month. A $125 rent becomes $137.50 with climate. If insurance is $10 monthly, recurring becomes $147.50. The graph displays these components by month so you can see the true recurring spend, not just the advertised rent.
One-time fees and cash due at move-in
Admin fees, move-in fees, and a security deposit affect cash flow. For example, a $25 admin fee and $50 deposit add $75 to the first bill. Deposits may be refundable, but they still require cash today. The results panel separates one-time charges from recurring costs, helping you plan the upfront payment and the ongoing monthly budget.
Discounts, taxes, and proration impacts
Discounts are applied to rent, surcharges, insurance, and fees in this calculator. A 5% discount on a $1,800 subtotal saves $90. Taxes are applied after discounts; at 8%, a $1,710 subtotal adds $136.80. If the first month is partial, proration reduces month one by days/30, which the chart shows as a smaller first-month bar.
Escalation and effective cost metrics
For multi-year terms, annual escalation can raise rent each year. With a 3% escalation, month 13 rent is 1.03× the original. The tool also computes effective cost per sq ft and per cubic foot, using ceiling height to estimate volume. These metrics help compare facilities with different layouts, access features, and included services. Export the report to share with your team.
FAQs
What does “rate per square foot” mean?
It is the monthly rent charged for each square foot of unit area. Multiply it by your unit size to estimate base monthly rent before insurance, surcharges, discounts, and taxes.
How is climate control calculated here?
Climate control is modeled as a percentage surcharge applied to monthly rent. If you enter 10%, the calculator adds 10% of rent each month for the selected term.
Why does total due include the deposit?
The tool treats the deposit as cash required at move-in, so it is included in total due. If your deposit is refundable, track it separately for net long‑term cost.
How does proration work for the first month?
Month one is multiplied by prorated days divided by 30. For example, 15 days counts as 0.5 of the normal first-month rent, surcharge, and insurance.
What is annual escalation and when does it apply?
Escalation increases rent once each 12 months. Month 13 uses the base rent multiplied by (1 + escalation). This helps estimate multi‑year contracts where rates rise annually.
Can I compare two facilities with different unit heights?
Yes. Enter ceiling height to estimate cubic feet and review the effective cost per cubic foot. This is useful when one facility offers taller units or better vertical stacking space.
Practical tips
- Compare total due and average monthly cost, not just the advertised rate.
- Longer terms can increase totals if annual escalation applies.
- If deposits are refundable, track them separately for cash-flow planning.
- For business storage, consider insurance requirements and access needs.