P2P Storage vs Self-Storage: Which Is Cheaper?
If you're weighing up peer-to-peer storage against traditional self-storage, the answer isn't just about price. It's about what you're actually paying for, and what you're not.
This guide compares P2P storage and self-storage in Australia, using real-world costs and trade-offs so you can decide what makes sense for your situation.
What people mean by P2P storage
Peer-to-peer (P2P) storage usually means renting space from another person rather than a storage company.
That space might be:
- A driveway
- A side yard
- A shed or garage
- A fenced residential yard
- Occasionally small commercial or rural land
Most P2P storage is used for vehicles, trailers, caravans and boats. Things that don't need climate control, just a safe place to sit.
What people mean by self-storage
Self-storage is the traditional storage unit model.
You rent a unit from a storage company, usually:
- Indoors or semi-covered
- Locked and monitored
- Accessed through a facility gate
Self-storage works well for furniture and boxes. It's often overkill for vehicles.
Average costs in Australia (2026)
These are realistic, everyday prices, not promotional rates.
| Feature | P2P Vehicle Storage | Traditional Self-Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $80–$200 | $200–$400+ |
| Typical pricing | Cheaper in outer suburbs and regional areas | Inner metro locations cost more |
| Contract type | Usually month-to-month | Long-term contracts are common |
| Best for | Vehicles, caravans, boats | Furniture, boxes, household goods |
| Security | Basic (fencing, gates, sometimes cameras) | Strong (CCTV, alarms, on-site staff) |
| Access | Flexible, agreed with host | 24/7 or extended hours |
| Cover type | Outdoor or simple covered | Indoor units, sometimes climate-controlled |
For vehicles like caravans or boats, self-storage often costs double what P2P storage does.
Why P2P storage is usually cheaper
The price gap isn't an accident.
P2P storage is cheaper because:
- There's no retail frontage
- No on-site staff
- Lower overheads
- Space already exists and isn't purpose-built
You're paying for the space itself, not the building, branding and reception desk.
Why self-storage costs more
Self-storage facilities bundle a lot into the price.
You're paying for:
- Buildings and infrastructure
- Staff and operating hours
- Security systems
- Insurance and compliance
- Prime locations
That makes sense if you need those things. If you don't, you're paying for features you won't use.
Which one is cheaper for common use cases
Storing a caravan P2P storage is almost always cheaper. Caravans don't need indoor units, and many self-storage facilities can't accommodate them anyway. Check the caravan storage guide for more detail on what to look for.
Storing a boat on a trailer Again, P2P storage wins on price. Outdoor storage is usually sufficient if the boat is covered. See our boat storage cost breakdown for current pricing.
Storing a car long-term P2P storage is cheaper if security is reasonable. Self-storage only makes sense for high-value vehicles.
Storing household goods Self-storage is usually the better option. Indoor, dry, secure units matter more than price here.
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Hidden costs to watch for
Cheap isn't always cheap if you miss the details.
With P2P storage, check:
- Access rules
- Notice periods
- Whether insurance is included or required
With self-storage, watch for:
- Introductory rates that jump after 30–90 days
- Lock and admin fees
- Long minimum contracts
- Annual price increases
Why councils play a role in this decision
Council parking rules are tightening across Australia. That's pushing more vehicle owners into off-street storage. Read our council caravan parking rules guide for a state-by-state breakdown.
Self-storage facilities can't scale quickly in residential areas. P2P storage can, because it uses existing space where people already live.
That's one of the reasons P2P storage has grown so fast for vehicles. On StorageFinder, hosts across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and regional areas list spare driveways, yards and paddocks — making it easy to find something close to home.
When self-storage still makes sense
Self-storage isn't "bad". It's just not always the right tool.
It makes sense if:
- You need indoor, dry storage
- You want guaranteed access hours
- You're storing valuables or household goods
- Price is less important than convenience
If those things matter, the extra cost can be justified.
When P2P storage is the better choice
P2P storage usually wins if:
- You're storing a vehicle
- You don't need climate control
- You want something close to home
- You care about ongoing monthly cost
For many people, saving $1,000–$3,000 a year is reason enough. If you're curious how hosts earn from spare space, read our guide on renting out your driveway in Australia.
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So what should you do?
For vehicles and outdoor storage, P2P storage is almost always cheaper. For household goods and valuables, self-storage can be worth the premium.
The key is matching the storage type to what you're actually storing, not defaulting to the most familiar option. StorageFinder makes it easy to compare P2P options near you — you can filter by vehicle type, location and price to see what's available without ringing every facility and landowner individually.