Storage unit prices rising as demand grows in Cape Coral

An increase in people moving to Southwest Florida’s largest city is impacting storage unit prices and wait times.

Extra Space Storage, Cube Smart, A1 Shelters, and X-S Storage are four different companies offering the same service on a two-mile stretch of Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, and there are countless more in the city.

The reason there are so many storage units in Cape Coral is growth.

“We called around and everybody was booked. Didn’t have anything available and didn’t know when they would have anything available,” said the Millers.

The Millers are moving to Georgia. They have had their storage unit for about 14 years and got another one a few months ago, and they’re not cheap.

“The cost here is $185 for a 10 by 20. In Hartwell, where we are going, I got an 11 by 30 for a hundred dollars a month.”

The couple uses storage units to keep items they would otherwise place in a basement or a garage.

Cape Coral Councilmember Tom Hayden said with the demand for storage units growing, he expects the costs to go up.

That is why the city’s working with developers to build more storage units.

“If we’re bringing in two or three or 4,000 residents a year, that’s the pace we’re on, and their homes may not accommodate that much storage, they’re going to scoop them up.”

As for the Millers, their advice for people looking for a storage unit, downsize and save your money.

The Millers said, “it’s not an easy proposition to locate something, and the prices are not cheap anymore.”