How the Calculator Works
Pick a shed size and style, then add your ZIP code. The calculator fills in a typical cash price based on current Sheds.store listings. It compares paying for that shed in cash, or through rent-to-own over 36, 48, or 60 months, with renting a storage unit of about the same size. Every number can be changed, so you can enter the price of a shed you found or a quote from a storage facility near you.
What the Comparison Includes
- The shed: the cash price and the monthly rent-to-own payment, which is the cash price divided by a typical dealer divider. Sales tax is not included unless you add it under Contract details.
- The storage unit: the monthly rent, a yearly rent increase, the facility’s protection plan or insurance, and the one-time admin fee most facilities charge at move-in.
- Not included: delivery, site preparation, a down payment, or a discount for paying off a rent-to-own contract early.
Why a Shed Can Cost Less Than Storage Over Time
A storage unit bill does not end, and it usually goes up over time. A rent-to-own shed works the other way. The payments stop when the contract is paid, and the building belongs to you. A shed also sits in your own yard, so there is no drive across town, no gate code, and no office hours to plan around.
Storage still makes sense in some cases, such as a short move or a home with no room for a building. The calculator shows the point where the two lines cross, so you can see which choice costs less for the length of time you need the space.
Rent-to-Own Shed Basics
Many shed dealers offer rent-to-own with no credit check and little or nothing down. Terms vary by dealer, so before you sign, ask about the divider, any added fees, early payoff discounts, and what happens if you need to return the building. For a full walkthrough, read our guide to rent-to-own sheds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rent-to-own shed cheaper than a storage unit?
Over a few years, it often is, because storage rent never stops and the shed is yours when the payments end. The answer depends on the size you need, local storage rates, and how long you need the space. Enter your own numbers above to see the result for your situation.
What is a rent-to-own divider?
It is the number a dealer divides the cash price by to set the monthly payment. For example, a $3,600 shed with a divider of 24 has a payment of $150 a month. A higher divider means a lower payment over a longer contract.
Do I own the shed at the end of a rent-to-own contract?
Yes. Once every payment is made, the building is yours.
Where do the storage prices come from?
The default rents use the national average reported by Yardi Matrix, and the yearly increase is the midpoint of the range reported by Inside Self Storage. Rates vary by city, so for the most accurate comparison, enter a quote from a facility near you.
Does the calculator include delivery?
No. Many dealers deliver free within a set distance, but delivery terms vary. Check the listing or ask the dealer.