Can You Share a Storage Unit With Someone?

If you’re thinking about getting a storage unit, you might be wondering if you can split it with someone else. Whether it’s a friend, your partner or someone you run a business with, the answer is usually yes. Most storage companies don’t mind you sharing, but there are a few things to think about before you go ahead.

Sharing a unit can save money, help you make the most of the space and give you somewhere convenient to store things. But just like sharing a flat or a car, it only works if you’re both clear on how it’s going to work.

Why do people share storage units?

The biggest reason is to save money. If you don’t have enough stuff to fill a whole unit yourself, splitting one can be a smart move. You both pay less and avoid wasting space. This can be helpful if you’re storing a few things after a house move or going travelling for a while and don’t want to pay for a unit on your own.

It can also be handy for people moving in together or flatmates who want to keep some things in storage while downsizing. For business owners, it makes sense too. If two people are storing stock or equipment, a shared unit can be cheaper and easier than renting two separate spaces.

Do storage companies allow shared access?

Most of the time, yes, but usually only one person can be listed as the main account holder. That means one person signs the agreement, shows ID and sorts the payments. If you’re planning to share the space, it’s a good idea to tell the storage company upfront. They might be able to add a second name to the account or at least allow an extra person to access the unit.

Some places offer joint access, while others might just let you authorise someone to come and go. It’s best to ask, especially if you’re not the one signing the rental. That way, everyone’s clear on who’s allowed in and who’s responsible for the unit.

Talk first, store later.

Before you start moving things in, have a proper conversation. Decide who’s paying what, how you’re going to split the space and how often each person plans to visit. Make sure you both know what’s being stored and where things will go.

It’s also worth talking about what happens if one person wants to leave. Will the other take over the full cost? Will you both move out? These things are easy to skip at the start, but they can cause problems later if you don’t sort them out early on.

If you’re sharing with someone you trust, like a partner or close friend, it’s usually straightforward. If you don’t know them that well, it might be worth writing down what you’ve agreed just to be safe.

How to split the space

Storage units are just open rooms, so if two people are sharing, it helps to agree on how to use the space. You could split it down the middle, or one of you could use the back while the other sticks to the front. Some people sort it by item type, like furniture on one side and boxes on the other.

Labels help too. You could use coloured tape or stickers to show what belongs to whom. However you divide it, try to leave a clear path so you can both get to your stuff without moving everything around.

Think about security and insurance.

When you share a unit, you’re also sharing access. That means you need to trust the other person not just with the space but with your things. Some people are fine with this, others prefer a bit more control. If you’re worried, speak to the storage company about locks or access codes that limit who can get in.

Insurance is another thing to consider. Most policies only cover the named account holder. If your name isn’t on the rental, your things might not be included in the insurance. You might need to sort your policy or ask to be added to the main one.

Business storage? Keep everything organised

If you’re sharing a unit with a business partner, keeping track of what’s inside becomes even more important. Whether it’s tools, stock or supplies, it’s a good idea to keep a list of what’s there and who owns what.

You don’t need anything fancy. A spreadsheet or simple app will do the job. It helps avoid arguments later if something goes missing or needs replacing.

What if it doesn’t work out?

Even with the best intentions, things don’t always go smoothly. Maybe one person stops paying, maybe there’s a disagreement, or someone wants to move out before the other.

If your name’s on the account, you’re the one responsible for the unit. That means if rent isn’t paid or something’s damaged, you could be the one who has to deal with it. If it gets to that point, it might be best to split up and get your own space. Most companies make it easy to switch units or cancel your agreement with the right notice.

How to make shared storage work

The best way to make shared storage work is to be honest, stay organised and keep talking. Check in regularly, agree on how to manage the space and make a plan for what happens if someone wants to leave.
It’s also a good idea to agree on how much storage notice period to give before ending the rental or removing items. That way, no one’s caught off guard.

If you get the setup right from the start, sharing a unit can be a smart, affordable solution that works well for both of you.