The Ultimate Guide to Storage for Students in Vancouver (UBC, SFU & More)

Hey students of Vancouver! Whether you're heading home for the summer, off on an exchange, or just overwhelmed with stuff you don’t have space for, storage shouldn’t add to your stress. We’ve broken down the best options for keeping your belongings safe—without breaking the bank. The numbers are based on big storage unit facilities around Vancouver as of February 11th 2025.

All right. Here's our use case. You are storing a full mattress and 5 big boxes for 6 months.

Here is your syllabus. We'll cut to the chase with 3 options:

1. Traditional Storage Units: The Old-School Way

2. On-Demand Storage: The "We’ll Take It, But It’ll Cost Ya" Route

3. Cache Depot: Our Fav Pick! Surprise. Surprise.

1. Traditional Storage Units: The Old-School Way

Cost Breakdown

Looking to rent a traditional storage unit in Vancouver? Be prepared to pay the following:

• 5’x5’ Unit: ~$170 per month

• 5’x10’ Unit: ~$220 per month

Bonus Costs (Because Nothing's Ever Simple)

• Security deposit: $25–$50

• Admin fees: $20–$30

• Insurance: $10–$20 per month

• Transportation costs: That's on you.

Example: The 50% Off for 3 Months Deal

Some storage providers offer a neat 50% discount for the first 3 months. Sounds great, right? Until you do the math:

• 5’x10’ unit at $220/month:
  First 3 months at $110/month → $330
  Last 3 months at $220/month → $660
  Total for 6 months: $990

  
  

• 5’x5’ unit at $170/month:
  First 3 months at $85/month → $255
  Last 3 months at $170/month → $510
  Total for 6 months: $765

Transportation Options:

• Uber/Taxi: $30–$100

• Renting a U-Haul: $80–$120

• Hiring Movers: $400–$600

2. On-Demand Storage: The "We’ll Take It, But It’ll Cost Ya" Route

Some companies will pick up your stuff, store it in their warehouse, and return it when you need it. It is convenient but it comes at a cost.

Cost Breakdown:

• Pickup Fee: $100

• Storage Fee: $155/month (6 months = $930)

• Total for 6 months: $1,030

Things to consider:

• Convenient: No need to drive everything yourself or organize a unit

• Limited access: You can’t get your stuff anytime you want

• Hidden fees: Retrieval costs extra

• Locked into a 4-month commitment

• No idea where your stuff is stored

3. Cache Depot: A Student’s Storage BFF

How It Works:

• You bring your stuff to us.

• We’ll cover your Uber ride to drop it off (but not the return ride).

• You know exactly where your stuff is.

• You can access it anytime for free.

• You can cancel anytime.

Cost Breakdown:

• Storage for 5 boxes and a full mattress: $75/month

• Uber ride credit: We’ll credit your Uber fare towards your storage cost. If your Uber to our facility costs $30, your first month will be just $45.

• Need your stuff back? Just come get it.

  
  

The Verdict: Which Storage Option is Best for You?

Let’s summarize the total costs for each option over 6 months, so you can make an informed decision.

Traditional Storage Units

5’x5’ Unit

• Cost: $765 (includes 3 months at 50% off)

• Transportation: $30–$100 (Uber/Taxi)

Total Estimated Cost: $795–$865

5’x10’ Unit

• Cost: $990 (includes 3 months at 50% off)

• Transportation: $30–$100 (Uber/Taxi)

Total Estimated Cost: $1,020–$1,090

On-Demand Storage

• Pickup Fee: $100

• Storage Fee: $155/month

Total Estimated Cost: $1,030

Cache Depot

• Cost: $75/month (6 months = $450)

• Uber Ride Credit: Let’s say your ride is $30 → First month cost = $45

Total Estimated Cost: $450

You take it from here

Thanks for reading and be sure to let us know you are a student if you contact us. We'll craft a plan perfect for you and your ramen diet.