Quick summary:
- Four players dominate the French online storage market: Costockage (peer-to-peer, 15 000 spaces, 6 euros per cubic metre), Homebox (classic self-storage, 100 centres, 25 euros per cubic metre), Jestocke (P2P, 8000 spaces, 7 euros per cubic metre), Shurgard (European premium, 70 centres, 28 euros per cubic metre).
- Costockage offers all-risk insurance included up to 5000 euros by default, which covers most private uses (temporary move, student storage, personal archiving).
- Homebox and Shurgard offer free access 7 days a week, 24-hour video surveillance and higher physical security, justifying a premium price for valuable goods, professional uses or volumes above 20 cubic metres.
- For most individuals storing during a move, a temporary expatriation or a punctual lack of space, Costockage is an economical option. For valuable goods and free access, Homebox is well suited.
Comparison table of online storage sites
The table below presents the four main French players in online storage: price per cubic metre, storage type, accessibility, security, insurance and contract flexibility.
| Criterion | Costockage | Homebox | Jestocke | Shurgard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage type | Peer-to-peer (P2P) | Classic self-storage | Peer-to-peer (P2P) | Premium self-storage |
| Number of listed spaces | 15 000+ | 100 centres | 8000+ | 70 centres |
| Studio volume price (7 m³) per month | 35 to 50 € | 180 to 220 € | 40 to 55 € | 200 to 260 € |
| 3-room flat volume price (15 m³) per month | 90 to 120 € | 380 to 450 € | 100 to 130 € | 420 to 500 € |
| Storage access | By appointment, 24 to 48h | Free 7 days a week | By appointment with the host | Free 7 days a week |
| Video surveillance | Depends on host | Yes, 24 hours | Depends on host | Yes, 24 hours |
| Alarm and access control | Depends on host | Yes, badge or code | Depends on host | Yes, badge or biometrics |
| Included insurance | Up to 5000 € | Up to 3000 € | Up to 5000 € | Up to 3000 € |
| Insurance extension | Up to 50 000 € | Up to 50 000 € | Up to 30 000 € | Up to 100 000 € |
| Minimum duration | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month |
| Commitment | No commitment | No commitment | No commitment | No commitment |
| Geographic coverage | National (variable density) | 60 cities, urban | National (medium density) | 30 cities, metropolises |
| Verdict | Price and flexibility, peer-to-peer storage | Classic self-storage, free access | Solid P2P alternative to Costockage | Premium maximum security |
Why choose online storage in 2026
The French storage market has undergone a profound transformation since 2020. The peer-to-peer storage segment (P2P), driven by digitalisation and pressure on purchasing power, multiplied its booking volume by 3.5 between 2020 and 2025 according to the 2025 Xerfi report on storage services. Classic self-storage retains the dominant value market share (78 percent of sectoral revenue) but loses ground in volume on low-security private uses.
Three use cases dominate online storage demand: temporary moves (32 percent of rentals according to the Xerfi panel), expatriation or professional mobility (18 percent), permanent lack of space in an urban home (24 percent). The rest splits between personal or professional archiving, seasonal storage (summer bikes, ski equipment, garden furniture) and inheritance storage pending division. The economic logic is similar to the one described in the guide how much does a move cost, with storage as the adjustment variable between homes.
The trade-off between peer-to-peer storage and classic self-storage plays on three variables: price per cubic metre (ratio 1 to 4), desired access frequency (P2P by appointment, self-storage on free access) and value of stored goods (P2P for everyday goods, classic or premium self-storage for valuable goods).
Criteria when choosing an online storage service
Six criteria structure the decision:
- Price per cubic metre per month, compared by including possible file fees, cancellation fees and seasonal surcharges.
- Access type: free 7 days a week (self-storage) or by appointment (P2P).
- Physical security: video surveillance, alarm, access control, on-site presence, type of closure (padlock, badge, biometrics).
- Included insurance and maximum extension amount possible, with particular attention to exclusions (fragile goods, musical instruments, artworks).
- Contractual flexibility: minimum duration, cancellation notice, possibility to change volume during the contract.
- Site accessibility: floor, lift, parking, useful ceiling height (for tall furniture), distance from home.
Costockage, a French peer-to-peer storage platform
Costockage is a French company founded in 2014, a European player in collaborative peer-to-peer storage. The platform lists more than 15 000 storage spaces in mainland France (cellars, garages, attics, outbuildings, unused commercial premises) rented by individuals or small professionals to other individuals. The positioning is built on three pillars: a competitive price, an all-risk insurance included, and systematic verification of both parties on the platform costockage.fr.
Costockage’s business model is based on a platform commission on the monthly price (15 to 20 percent depending on segment). The platform manages the entire journey: search by area and volume, contact between parties, contract signature, secure monthly payment, insurance, handling of possible incidents. Access to spaces is by appointment with the host, on average within 24 to 48 hours, which is the main difference with classic self-storage.
Key features of the Costockage offer
- Prices: between 4 and 12 euros per cubic metre per month depending on the area and the type of space, national average of 6 euros per cubic metre. Studio volume (7 m³) at 35 to 50 euros per month, 3-room flat volume (15 m³) at 90 to 120 euros per month.
- Coverage: 15 000 spaces listed across all French regions, with stronger density in the Paris region and the 10 largest metropolises.
- Insurance: all-risk included up to 5000 euros by default (theft, fire, water damage), extension possible up to 50 000 euros for 5 to 15 additional euros per month.
- Host verification: ID document, ownership or lease proof, photographic inventory of the premises, random check on 10 percent of listings by Costockage teams.
- Deposit: 200 to 500 euros depending on volume, released at the end of the contract.
- Duration: 1 month minimum, no commitment, 30-day cancellation notice.
- Access: by appointment with the host, on average within 24 to 48 hours, flexible slots.
The platform covers all volumes, from 1 cubic metre (additional cellar) to 100 cubic metres (entire family storage). For buyers who rent their home short-term during an extended absence, Costockage logically combines with an Airbnb concierge service, with personal furniture moved to storage during the tourist rental period of the main home.
Detailed comparative analysis between Costockage, Homebox, Jestocke and Shurgard
The four players occupy structurally complementary positions in the online storage market. Their respective strengths rest on the nature of the storage offered (P2P vs professional self-storage) and on the price-security-accessibility trade-off.
Homebox is a historical French operator of digitalised classic self-storage. Founded in 1996 and accelerated in its digitalisation since 2018, the group operates 100 centres in France spread across 60 cities. The model is based on individual secured units in dedicated logistics centres, with free access 7 days a week via badge or code, 24-hour video surveillance and individual alarm. The average price is 25 euros per cubic metre per month, and the service brings higher physical security, unlimited access and the reliability of a professional operator. The positioning particularly suits businesses (archiving), individuals moving valuable goods and uses where access frequency is high.
Jestocke is the second French peer-to-peer storage platform, founded in 2013. With 8000 listed spaces, it offers prices very similar to Costockage (7 euros per cubic metre per month on average). Jestocke stands out with a strong presence in the South-West and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions. Both platforms apply comparable insurance and verification rules.
Shurgard, a European premium self-storage operator, operates 70 centres in France mainly in metropolises (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille, Nantes, Strasbourg, Nice, Montpellier). The positioning is upscale on security (next-generation cameras, biometric access control in 40 percent of centres in 2026, permanent staff presence on weekdays) and on centre comfort (air conditioning, standardised 2.40 metre ceiling height, freely available trolleys). The average price of 28 euros per cubic metre per month reflects its premium positioning, suited to very high-value goods or demanding professional uses.
“The self-storage market in France reached 1.1 billion euros in 2025, growing 8 percent per year since 2020. The peer-to-peer storage segment represents 12 percent of this market by value but 28 percent by booking volume, a sign of usage democratisation on lower-value goods.” — Xerfi, Report on the self-storage market, 2025
Which online storage service to choose depending on your profile
The optimal choice depends less on displayed price than on the fit between offer and specific expectations. Four profiles emerge when choosing online storage.
Profile 1: temporary move and constrained budget
For an individual who must temporarily store the contents of a studio or one-bedroom flat during a transition (sale before purchase, 6 to 24 month expatriation, long renovation), Costockage is an economical option. The average price is 35 to 90 euros per month for 7 to 12 cubic metres. The insurance included up to 5000 euros covers most everyday furniture.
Profile 2: frequent access and professional needs
For a company archiving documents, a retailer storing seasonal stock or an individual accessing their storage regularly (more than 2 times per month), Homebox is a very operational option. Free access 7 days a week without appointment, the security of a professional operator and the dense national coverage make it well suited to B2B and high-access-frequency uses.
Profile 3: P2P storage in province or tight market
Jestocke suits individuals located outside the Paris region, particularly in the South-West and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions where Jestocke offer density is strong. Pricing and contractual conditions are very close to Costockage.
Profile 4: valuable goods and maximum security requirement
For storing artworks, musical instruments, sensitive archives or high-value heritage furniture, Shurgard brings a higher security level (biometrics, permanent surveillance, controlled climate) that justifies the premium price. The platform also suits demanding professional uses (law firm, certified accountant, antique dealer). Shurgard offers a high level of security for valuable goods, which can be part of a bundled purchase logic with other equipment services such as equipping a kitchen with refurbished appliances during a complete relocation.
Practical tips for renting online storage
Six checkpoints secure the rental regardless of the chosen platform.
| Step | Concrete action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Measure volume precisely | Calculate in cubic metres (not square metres) the real volume of goods to store | Avoids underestimation and overbilling |
| 2. Visit the premises before signing | Physical visit of the unit or cellar for Costockage and Jestocke | Checks humidity, real accessibility and condition of the premises |
| 3. Photograph the entry inventory | Dated photos of all stored goods and the empty premises | Activates the warranty in case of incident |
| 4. Check the all-risk insurance | Read exclusions (fragile goods, maximum unit value) | Avoids false security on valuable goods |
| 5. Anticipate access frequency | Count round trips over total duration | Switches the calculation to self-storage above 2 visits per month |
| 6. Compare cancellation fees | Read notice conditions and possible fees | Avoids hidden cost on early exit |
Mistakes to avoid
- Confusing m² and m³: a 5 m² unit with 2.40 m ceiling height equals 12 m³, and the confusion completely distorts the price comparison.
- Underestimating access frequency: a P2P by appointment suits occasional visits, so include access frequency in the total cost calculation.
- Ignoring insurance exclusions: most contracts exclude jewellery, cash, irreplaceable documents, artworks above a certain value, to store elsewhere.
- Choosing without testing actual access: a unit only accessible by stairs, without a furniture lift, can turn a 2-hour move into a full-day project.
- Neglecting temperature conditions: a non-insulated attic can reach 50 degrees in summer, which damages leather, electronics, photos and precious wood.
- Booking at the last minute: availability drops sharply in June-July (school and professional moves), to anticipate 3 to 6 weeks in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best online storage service in 2026?
Four players structure the French online storage market. Costockage is a peer-to-peer storage platform, with more than 15 000 spaces listed in France and an average price of 6 euros per cubic metre per month. Homebox is a historical player of digitalised classic self-storage, with 100 centres in France and an average price of 25 euros per cubic metre. Jestocke is the second French P2P platform with 8000 spaces and an average price of 7 euros per cubic metre. Shurgard is a European premium self-storage operator, with 70 centres in France and an average price of 28 euros per cubic metre. Costockage suits an economical and flexible use, Homebox and Shurgard suit valuable goods.
How much does online storage cost?
Online storage costs between 5 and 35 euros per cubic metre per month in 2026, depending on storage type and location. Costockage and Jestocke (P2P) show an average price of 6 to 7 euros per cubic metre, that is 30 to 50 euros per month for a studio volume (7 cubic metres) or 100 to 120 euros per month for a three-room flat volume (15 cubic metres). Homebox and Shurgard (classic self-storage) show an average price of 25 to 28 euros per cubic metre, that is 180 to 220 euros per month for a studio volume or 380 to 450 euros per month for a three-room flat volume. Central Paris rates are 20 to 40 percent higher.
Is peer-to-peer storage reliable and insured?
Yes, peer-to-peer storage through Costockage or Jestocke is insured up to 5000 euros by default, with possible extension up to 50 000 euros as a paid option. Costockage applies identity verification of the host, a 200 to 500 euros deposit and an all-risk insurance included in the price. The declared incident rate is below 1.5 percent on all 2024 rentals according to Costockage. Reliability is comparable to classic self-storage for everyday valuable goods, while Homebox and Shurgard provide a higher level of physical security (24-hour video surveillance, alarm, biometric access), suited to very high-value goods.
What is the difference between storage and self-storage?
Classic storage is a service managed by a professional operator (Homebox, Shurgard, Annexx) with a dedicated unit in a secure centre, free access 7 days a week, variable duration. Self-storage is a sub-segment of storage characterised by the customer’s autonomous access to their unit via badge or code, without staff intervention. Peer-to-peer storage (Costockage, Jestocke) rents a space at a private individual’s home (cellar, attic, garage, outbuilding) under negotiated conditions, with a access by appointment.
How to choose between Costockage, Homebox, Jestocke and Shurgard?
The choice depends on budget, volume to store, duration and value of goods. Costockage suits an economical use of medium to long duration on everyday goods (boxes, furniture, appliances). Homebox suits buyers who prioritise free access 7 days a week and the security of a professional operator. Jestocke is a P2P alternative to Costockage with similar prices. Shurgard targets valuable goods, professional uses and individuals who accept a premium price for maximum security (video surveillance, alarm, biometric access).