About self storage in Texas
Looking for storage in Texas?
Texas is one of the largest self storage markets in the country–for good reason. The state supports the full gamut of self storage renter lifestyles, from boating and recreation to higher education and military. You can find out more about self storage in Texas through the Texas Self Storage Association (TSSA.org).
StorageFront helps Texas renters find the features they need, in a bilingual interface that serves the vast majority of the state’s population. As the most advanced self storage finder on the web, StorageFront lists nearby facilities in urban areas (including Houston, Dallas Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso, and Austin) as well as rural areas (like Duncanville, the state’s unofficial UFO–sightings capital).
In coastal towns like Galveston and Corpus Christi, use StorageFront to shop and compare prices on boat storage space. In college towns like Austin (University of Texas, Texas State), College Station (Texas A&M), Houston (UH), Dallas/Fort Worth (University of North Texas), and Lubbock (Texas Tech), use the search tool to find small, affordable units nearby with short–term contracts to cover summer break. In influential medical towns like Dallas, find climate–controlled space for storing pharmaceutical inventory. In virtually any Texas town where you own a BBQ–trailer but use it just once a year to compete at the annual chili cook off, you’ll find a place to stow it on StorageFront.com.
In military towns like Killeen (Fort Hood), Corpus Christi (NAS Kingsville) and San Antonio (Brooks City, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph), you’re likely to find great deals on military storage for long–term deployments no matter where you rent extra space. Still, it’s smart to shop around–especially since many storage facilities located near bases operate at capacity and units aren’t always available.
See below for more helpful tips about storing in Texas. For general help, see Storage Tips.
Climate
Texas intersects multiple climate zones, so there are wide variations in the weather from border to border. That’s important to consider when you shop for a self storage facility in the Lone Star State, because extreme temperatures and high humidity can all affect the welfare of your stored items–especially over extended periods of time. Wood, paper and fabrics are particularly susceptible to ruin.
In the mountains of West Texas and Galveston Island, maximum summer temperatures average 80s°F. In the Rio Grande Valley, max summer temps average 100°F in. Most areas of Texas see consistent summer highs somewhere in the middle, in the 90s°F. In the state’s hotter areas, look for a storage unit that faces north or south, and try not to stack items against a west–facing outer wall.
The panhandle has colder winters, while the Gulf Coast has mild winters. As for precipitation, the western end of the state toward El Paso averages very little rain, the north central region around Dallas sees moderate rain, and the southwest area around Houston averages as much as 54 inches per year. Thunderstorms strike often. Be sure to look for storage facilities with good drainage. When selecting your storage unit, choose one with a stepped–up entry, good flashing and sturdy seals around the door.
The state experiences tornadoes in northern Texas, mainly in April, May and June. Furthermore, some of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history have impacted southern Texas. Since stored items may be the last thing on your mind during a weather–related evacuation, look for hurricane–resistant construction that has the best chance of withstanding an environmental blow. Tough structural features include weather resistive barriers, flood proof foundations, low–rise buildings, multi–panel roofs with 30–degree slope, solid brick walls, and durable exterior trim. Always purchase insurance for your property.
Crime
Be sure to Google “crime rates in Texas cities” before choosing a storage facility. Currently, the highest property crime rates are in El Paso and Plano, followed by Houston, Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas and Austin. If the property crime rate and/or violent crime rate is high in your area, you’ll want a facility with added fencing and security amenities, such as video surveillance and 24–hour lighting. Ask the facility manager about any recent break–ins or safety issues. Purchase insurance for your property.
Culture
More than a third of the Texas population is Hispanic/Latino. If Spanish is your first language, shop for a storage facility with bilingual staff. StorageFront points to bilingual facilities with a small speech–bubble icon. Clear communication will be helpful if you have problems or concerns during your rental period.
Care
To learn more about properly packing and caring for your property in Texas , see Storage Help.