If you’re looking to store items for an extended period, you may be wondering whether to rent a storage unit or build a storage shed. Both options can keep your belongings safe, but each has different costs, conveniences, and maintenance requirements.
A storage unit offers a monthly rental with climate-controlled comfort, 24/7 security, and professional upkeep. It gives you immediate access to space without the responsibility of maintenance or property tax implications.
A storage shed, on the other hand, allows you to customize storage on your property but requires a larger upfront investment and ongoing care. If you have space on your property, deciding between these two storage options depends on your goals, timeline, and budget. This article breaks down everything you should consider before making your decision.
What Is the Difference?
Both storage sheds and storage units offer a safe, dedicated place to store your belongings. However, they differ greatly in management, flexibility, and cost.
A storage unit is billed monthly, and facilities like Amy’s Attic Self Storage take care of everything — pest control, climate regulation, lighting, and around-the-clock monitoring. If you need more room, you can easily move to a larger unit. Amy’s Attic provides flexible options for both residential and business storage customers.
A shed gives you a permanent space at home and daily convenience, but you’re responsible for construction, upkeep, and security. Its size is fixed, and expansion isn’t easy once built.
Factors to Consider
Before deciding between a storage shed and renting a storage unit, consider these key questions:
- What will I be storing?
- Will my belongings benefit from a climate-controlled environment that protects against heat, cold, and humidity?
- How long will I store these items — short-term or long-term?
- Do I need daily access, or can I drive to a nearby storage facility as needed?
- Do I have space on my property for a shed?
- Could that space be used for something else, such as outdoor living or landscaping?
- How much time do I want to spend maintaining my storage area?
- Will my storage needs grow over time?
If flexibility, convenience, and protection from Texas weather are priorities, renting a storage unit is usually the more practical choice.
Shed Permits and Property Tax Implications
Will you need a permit to build a storage shed on your property? The answer depends on where you live.
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Killeen, TX: Sheds under 20 sq. ft. generally don’t require a permit.
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Austin, TX: Detached sheds up to 200 sq. ft. without plumbing or flood-zone placement are typically exempt.
Always check with your city office and HOA before construction. Adding a shed can raise your property’s assessed value, which may slightly increase your annual property tax bill.
What Goes Into Buying and Installing a Storage Shed?
Buying a shed may sound simple, but several steps are involved to ensure it’s sturdy and weather-ready. You’ll need a strong concrete foundation, proper electrical wiring, and possibly air conditioning for temperature-sensitive items.
If you don’t already have a concrete base, you’ll need a contractor to pour one before installation. Trusted Central Texas professionals include:
Who to Call for Concrete Slab Installation in Central Texas
Gonzalez Concrete Construction
Address: 420 S 16th St, Waco, TX 76706
Phone: (254) 714-1289
Website: gonzalezconcreteconstruction.com
RZ Concrete Construction
Address: 2891 Farm-To-Market 2086, Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 263-3382
Website: rzconstruction.org
Wolff Construction
Address: 8631 Amity School Rd, Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 947-8271
Website: wolffconstructiontexas.com
Breaking Down Costs of Shed Construction
A typical 10×10 storage shed averages around $5,000–$6,000, depending on materials and finishes. Leading options include:
Tuff Shed – Known for durable, customizable sheds. Try their online configurator to explore pricing and layouts.
Lone Star Structures – Based in Temple, TX, offering Classic Storage Buildings built with Texas weather in mind.
Leland’s Barns & Sheds – Texas-owned and operated, providing handcrafted sheds and cabins.
If you add a concrete slab (~$650), electrical work (~$300), and HVAC installation (~$1,900), total first-year costs can reach about $7,850, not including insurance or maintenance.
Climate Control / AC Options
Texas heat can damage furniture, photographs, and electronics. A climate-controlled shed prevents warping, rust, and mold by maintaining stable humidity and temperature. Items that benefit from temperature control include:
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Paper and photographs
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Metal tools prone to rusting
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Wooden or upholstered furniture
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Electronics and collectibles
You’ll likely need to install a small ductless mini-split system. Both Gree and Mitsubishi models are reliable options for 10×10 sheds, requiring roughly 5,200 BTUs. Systems range from $850–$2,000, with installation averaging $300–$500.
Who to Call for Electrical Work in Central Texas
Bowen Electric
Address: 324 Cotton Dr, Waco, TX 76712
Phone: (254) 776-8814
Website: bowenwaco.com
Bluebonnet Electrical Services Inc.
Address: 2908 W Avenue K, Temple, TX 76504
Phone: (254) 771-0801
Website: besitexas.com
Apex Electrical Services
Address: 2608 North Main Street Suite B #186, Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 421-9254
Website: apexelectricalservices.org
Who to Call for AC Installation in Central Texas
Danco Comfort
Address: 1205 Dayton Dr, Waco, TX 76706
Phone: (254) 230-4537
Website: dancocomfort.com
Air Control
Address: 5515 Taylor Valley Road, Temple, TX 76502
Phone: (254) 831-8143
A-1 Air Conditioning
Address: 4505 Old Florence Rd, Killeen, TX 76542
Phone: (254) 634-0555
Website: a1airconditioningkilleen.com
Mitsubishi Comfort Contractors
Find qualified installers in your area: mitsubishicomfort.com/get-started/contractors
Final Cost Roundup
In the short term, renting a storage unit is significantly cheaper than building a shed. Over time, however, if you stay in your home for five years or more, a shed might become cost-competitive — though maintenance and property tax must be factored in.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete Slab | $650 |
| Shed Construction & Install | $5,000 |
| Electrician | $300 |
| HVAC Unit and Installation | $1,900 |
| Total (Year 1) | $7,850 |
| Amy’s Attic Storage Unit (Year 1) | $1,548 |
A 10×10 climate-controlled unit at Amy’s Attic averages about $129 per month (location dependent). That means it would take about five years of rental payments to equal the upfront cost of building a shed — not including repairs or taxes. For most Texans, renting a storage unit offers greater flexibility and convenience.
Central TX Self Storage Facilities – Amy’s Attic Self Storage
Amy’s Attic Self Storage provides clean, secure, and climate-controlled storage solutions for both short- and long-term needs. With five convenient Central Texas locations — Waco, Temple, Belton, Harker Heights, and Salado — our customers enjoy flexible month-to-month leases, affordable rates, and exceptional customer service.
If you’re ready to simplify your storage situation, contact Amy’s Attic Self Storage or call 855-426-9728 to reserve your unit today.
Serving Texas families and businesses with trusted storage since 2004.
