Self-storage or a private cellar? Storage prices in Switzerland

Good to know: this article is for general information only and is not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules can vary by canton and by your situation. Check with a qualified professional or the relevant authorities.

To store your things in Switzerland, you have two options. You can use a self-storage operator such as Zebrabox, MyBox or placeB. Or you can rent the cellar, garage or attic of a private owner near you. Both work very well. They simply meet different needs.

The two options in brief

Commercial self-storage. You rent a standard unit in a supervised centre. It usually comes with long opening hours, heated rooms, video surveillance and a contract with clear terms. In return, you help pay for running the centre.

Renting from a private owner. You rent directly from someone in your neighbourhood: a cellar, a garage, an attic, a basement room. The price is usually lower, since there is no infrastructure to pay off. On the other hand, everything is negotiated: access, duration, what you can store.

What really drives the price

Averages go out of date quickly. It is better to know the factors that really count:

• Location. Being close to a town centre costs more, much more than on the outskirts.
• Floor area and height. Square metres do not tell the whole story. A room with a high ceiling is much easier to use.
• Conditions. Heated and dry costs more than an unheated cellar. This often decides things for furniture, paperwork or electronic equipment.
• Access. Around the clock, or by appointment only? This is one of the biggest differences between the two options.
• Duration. A stopgap of a few weeks during a move is not priced like a rental for a whole year.

Comparing without mistakes

A comparison only makes sense if both columns contain the same things. Before you decide, check:

• is the price per month or per week?
• are there extra fees, a deposit, or insurance you must take?
• what is the notice period, and is there a minimum rental period?
• how do you get to the space, and with what vehicle?
• what can you store, and what is excluded?
• how is the space locked, and who else has access to it?

Finally, bring both offers to the same duration and the same usable area. Only then are you really comparing.

Which one to choose for your situation

Self-storage is the better fit if you need access at any time or stable conditions. It also suits you if you store fragile or valuable items, or if you prefer a standard contract.

A private owner is the better fit if budget comes first and the volume stays reasonable (moving boxes, tyres, bikes, garden furniture, ski gear). It also suits you if you want a solution close to home.

Good habits when renting from a private owner

• Visit before you commit. Damp, real access and dimensions can only be judged on site.
• Take photos of the space before the keys are handed over and when you give it back.
• Put the agreement in writing: the parties, the space, the amount, the duration, the notice period, access, and what can be stored.
• Ask your insurer about cover. Describe the situation precisely, and keep their answer in writing.
• If you rent out a space and you are a tenant or an owner in condominium ownership (PPE / StWE), first check with your property management company (régie / Verwaltung) or the condominium administration. Ask what your contract or the building rules allow.

How it works on SpareSpot

SpareSpot is a Swiss platform for renting spaces between private individuals, available in four languages.

• listing a space is free, and no commission is taken;
• interested people write to you through the built-in messaging, and you choose whom to accept;
• your exact address stays private: the map shows only an approximate area, and the address is shared only once you agree;
• payment is arranged directly between you and the renter.

See what is currently available for furniture storage, for example in Zurich or Geneva. If you have space to offer, everything happens on the owners page.

Frequently asked questions

Is renting a cellar from a private owner cheaper than self-storage?

Usually yes, since there is no commercial infrastructure to pay for. The gap depends a lot on location, floor area and access. Compare the current listings near you, brought to the same duration.

What can I store in a cellar rented from a private owner?

You agree on this with the owner and note it in the written agreement. People often store boxes, seasonal items, tyres or sports gear. For fragile or valuable items, first check that the space is suitable.

Is it safe?

It depends on the space. Visit it, ask who else has access and how it is locked. Ask your insurer about cover before you commit.

Do I need a written contract?

A simple written agreement is recommended, even for a small space. It sets the amount, the duration, the notice period and access, and it avoids most misunderstandings.