Drive-up storage for contractors
A drive-up unit is the closest thing to a small warehouse you can rent month to month: the work truck backs to the door, and tools and materials go in without a cart. 610 facilities in our directory accept deliveries for tenants, and 435 have 24-hour gate access.
Why contractors pick drive-up
Trades load and unload more often than anyone else who rents storage. An indoor unit means a cart, a hallway and often an elevator for every trip. A drive-up unit means pulling up, opening the door and loading straight from the bed or trailer.
Chains market to this directly. Public Storage's construction and contractor page recommends "a large storage unit with drive-up access for easy loading and unloading" for equipment, parts and materials, and points renters to their rental agreement for what can be stored.
Features worth paying for
These counts come from each facility's own website, checked on our last scan of the 5,143 listings in the directory.
- Deliveries accepted: 610 facilities will take a supplier delivery for you. CubeSmart's business storage page describes the service as "Have your packages sent directly to your storage unit. We'll put it in your unit or hold it so you can pick it up," and notes that some amenities are only at select locations.
- Power in the unit: 74 facilities mention lighting or an outlet in the unit, so power is rare. If you need to charge batteries, confirm it with the facility first.
- 24-hour access: 435 facilities have 24-hour gate access, which matters for early starts.
- Business storage: 3,762 facilities say they serve business renters.
- Vehicle and trailer parking: 3,869 facilities offer RV, boat or vehicle storage, which some contractors use for a trailer or a second truck.
On any city page, choose Business or tools under "What's it for?" to see the facilities whose site lists deliveries, business storage or power in the unit.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Deliveries: Who signs for them, during which hours, and is there a size or weight limit? Does the office put the delivery in your unit or hold it?
- Gate hours: When does the gate open on weekdays? Our listings show gate hours under Details when the facility's site states them.
- Drive lane: Will a truck with a trailer make the turn? Our truck fit checker covers the common sizes.
- What's allowed: Storage leases commonly ban fuel, propane and other flammables. Drain generators and small engines, and ask about compressors and paint.
- Working in the unit: Most leases treat a unit as storage only. Ask before you plan to cut, assemble or run tools there.
- Lease terms: Month-to-month is the norm, but some facilities ask for notice before you move out. Lease terms show under Details where the site lists them.
Insurance is not automatic
Many facilities require insurance on the contents of a unit, and some accept your own policy instead of theirs. Our listings show both under Details where the facility's site says so.
Don't assume a homeowners or renters policy covers tools you use for work. Ask your agent in writing whether business property stored away from home is covered, and whether you need a separate contractor's equipment policy. Keep a dated list and photos of what's in the unit.
Size and security
A 10×10 holds hand tools, a few ladders and shelving for small parts. A 10×20 or larger fits a riding mower, a stack of materials, or a small trailer if the facility allows it. Install shelving along the back and sides so the floor stays clear for the heavy items you move most.
Use a disc or cylinder lock if the facility requires one, keep high-value tools out of sight from the door, and ask the office for a new gate code if someone who had yours leaves the crew.
Where to start
These cities have the most facilities matching the Business or tools filter in our directory: