Self Storage in Switzerland – Renting storage space made easy
Self storage means private, lockable storage units that you can rent flexibly, from short-term to long-term. Whether for moving, renovation, living abroad, replacing a cellar, or business storage for goods and archives, self storage provides extra space quickly without permanently expanding your living or commercial area.
At Zebrabox, you’ll find heated, dry, and secure storage units across Switzerland. Available in cities such as Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, Winterthur, and Geneva – see our full location overview for all sites.
What is Self Storage?
Self storage is the external storage of personal or business items in a dedicated storage unit. You rent a private storage box or room in a secure facility and use it like an additional cellar or a small business warehouse.
Rental duration and unit size are flexible; usage can be short-term (e.g., during a move) or long-term (e.g., as a cellar replacement, archive, or stock storage). Also called self-storage, this concept has become a modern form of “renting storage space” in Switzerland.
Different types of Self Storage
Modern self-storage facilities in Switzerland differ significantly from simple cellars or temporary storage. Quality providers typically offer:
- Individually lockable, privacy-protected storage units
- Temperature-controlled, dry storage units with regulated humidity
- Electronic access control, video surveillance, and alarms
- Access 7 days a week, with covered loading and unloading zones
Depending on your life situation and location, customers use self storage for:
- Furniture storage during moves, travel, or limited space at home
- Cellar replacement for seasonal items, sports, and hobby equipment
- Temporary storage during renovation or refurbishment
- Archive storage for goods, documents, or materials
Who is Self Storage for?
Self storage is ideal for anyone in Switzerland who needs extra space without moving or renting a dedicated warehouse. Particularly in cities with limited cellar space, an external storage unit is a practical complement to your living or business space.
Self Storage for private customers
For private customers, self storage is mainly used in typical life situations such as:
Self Storage for businesses
Businesses in Switzerland use self storage to maximise space and respond flexibly:
What can be stored – and what cannot?
Self storage is primarily used to store dry, non-hazardous household and business items. The following examples provide guidance.
Suitable items for Self Storage
Typical items stored safely in a storage unit include:
- Furniture and moving boxes (clothes, books, household goods)
- Sports and leisure equipment (bikes, skis, snowboards, camping gear, hobby materials)
- Seasonal items (Christmas decorations, garden furniture, suitcases, children’s items)
- Files, documents, samples, merchandise, and stock
Not allowed in Self Storage
For safety and hygiene reasons, the following are prohibited:
- Living animals and plants
- Explosive, flammable, or toxic substances (petrol, gas bottles, fireworks, chemicals)
- Illegal goods, drugs, weapons, and ammunition
- Perishable foods and strongly odorous items
- Hazardous waste and special waste
Liquids and perishables are better not stored. Rules in the facility terms and conditions always apply.
Self Storage vs. cellar vs. warehouse
Self-storage is not the only option for storing items. The table shows at a glance how self-storage, a traditional basement room and your own warehouse differ.
How much does Self Storage cost?
Costs mainly depend on location, unit size, and rental duration. Typically, you pay monthly only for the volume you use and can resize your unit if needed.
Costs are generally based on:
- Rented floor space or storage volume
- Location (city centre vs. outskirts)
- Rental duration (short- or long-term)
Use the volume calculator to estimate size and check availability and prices for your preferred location.
Self Storage near you
Zebrabox offers self storage at numerous locations across Switzerland. Heated, dry units are available in Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Neuchâtel, Horgen, Schlieren, Pfäffikon SZ, Villeneuve, Bussigny, Ittigen, Therwil, Basel-Allschwil, and Neuenhof.
Rent a storage unit near you – for cellar replacement, furniture storage, or business storage.