Storage - Side by Side

Compare every option, side by side.

Every FlexSpace solution is built for a different stage of business. Use this table to see exactly what's included, what's flexible, and what might fit best — then get a quote when you're ready.


Co-Warehousing
Your space, our building
3PL / Fulfilment
We run it for you
Commercial Lease
Your own building
Self-Storage
A lockable unit
The Basics
What it is
A private, designated space inside a shared FlexSpace warehouse. You store and manage your own product in your own footprint.
A full outsourced operation. We store your inventory and pick, pack, and ship every order on your behalf.
A dedicated warehouse leased entirely to your business. We help you find, evaluate, and secure the right one.
A standard self-storage unit for parking goods, records, or overflow. No handling, no operations.
Who handles the product
You do. Receiving and shipping support available on request.
Our trained warehouse team handles everything end to end.
Your own staff, in your own facility.
You do, on your own visits.
Best for businesses that
Have outgrown self-storage and want control without the cost and commitment of a full lease.
Sell physical products (especially e-commerce) and want shipping off their plate so they can grow.
Have high, steady volume and need a facility built around their exact operation.
Have low-movement goods, archives, or seasonal stock that just needs a safe home.
Cost & Commitment
Cost level
$$ Mid
Flat monthly rate by space used. Predictable.
$$–$$$ Variable
Storage plus per-order handling. Scales with volume.
$$$$ Highest
Rent, deposit, fit-out, staff, and equipment.
$ Lowest
Simple flat monthly rate per unit.
How you're billed
Monthly, by the space you occupy.
Monthly: storage by pallet position, plus fees per receiving, pick, pack, and project.
Lease payments plus all operating costs you carry directly.
Monthly, per unit. Net 30 terms standard on business accounts.
Term & commitment
Flexible
Month-to-month, 6-month, or 1-year.
Flexible
Service agreement, scales up or down with you.
Long
Typically 1–3 or 5+ years.
Flexible
Month-to-month.
Upfront cost & setup
Low. Move in and start using your space quickly.
Low capital, but an onboarding period to integrate your inventory and orders.
High. Deposit, build-out, racking, and hiring before day one.
Lowest. Sign and start the same week.
Access & Operations
Embedded files
Self-serve coded entry to your own space. Manage it through the FlexSpace app
By appointment. The team operates the space; you watch it through reporting.
Full 24/7 control of your own building.
During facility access hours, on your own.
Day-to-day involvement
Hands-on. You run your own corner.
Hands-off. You manage the relationship, not the warehouse.
Fully hands-on. It's your operation to run.
Minimal. Visit when you need to.
Location importance
Moderate. Convenient if you visit regularly to manage stock.
Low priority for you. We ship from where it's efficient; you rarely visit.
Critical. Proximity to highways, customers, and labour drives the whole decision.
Moderate. Closer is better for frequent access.
What's Included
Special features
  • Branded mobile app for account & access
  • Optional receiving & shipping support
  • Shared equipment & forklift access
  • Front offices available at select sites
  • Live inventory & order tracking (WMS)
  • Returns processing & kitting
  • E-commerce platform integration
  • Carrier rates & freight handling
  • Space built to your exact spec
  • Choice of clear height, docks, power
  • Full branding & signage rights
  • Brokerage support to find the site
  • Secure, lockable unit
  • Records management options
  • Cold, frozen & outdoor options via network
  • Simplest possible setup
Scales as you grow
Add space, then graduate to fulfilment when order volume climbs.
Very high. Volume can multiply with no new lease or hires on your side.
You control it, but growth means more space, staff, and capital.
Limited. Add units, then step up to co-warehousing.
Pros & Cons
Strengths
  • Control of your own product
  • No long lease or build-out
  • Predictable monthly cost
  • Easy to scale up internally
  • Shipping fully off your plate
  • No warehouse staff to hire
  • Scales fast with order volume
  • Professional accuracy & speed
  • Total control & customization
  • Best unit economics at high scale
  • Your brand, your rules
  • A long-term home for the business
  • Cheapest entry point
  • No commitment
  • Fast to start
  • Simple and secure
Trade-offs
  • You still do the labour
  • Shared building, not private
  • Not built for high shipping volume
  • Less day-to-day control
  • Cost rises with volume
  • Onboarding takes time
  • High cost & capital up front
  • Long commitment
  • You own all the operational risk
  • No handling or shipping
  • Not built for active inventory
  • Limited room to grow
Natural next step
Move into 3PL / Fulfilment when orders outgrow self-management.
Move to a Commercial Lease when volume justifies your own facility.
The end of the path for most. We keep supporting your growth.
Step up to Co-Warehousing when you need space to work, not just store.
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about storage solutions with FlexSpace.

Real questions, straight answers. Everything you need to make the right call on your storage space.

Do you offer private warehouse space, or is it always shared?

FlexSpace offers both private warehousing and shared warehousing space. You can choose a private warehousing space or a shared option depending on your needs and budget. Our advisors can help you decide which setup makes the most sense for your business.

What's the difference between high-volume and low-volume (dead) storage?

High-volume storage supports inventory that moves frequently, like active fulfilment stock, while low-volume or "dead" storage is better suited for items that need to be kept but aren't accessed often. We offer both, plus everything in between.

Can I scale my warehouse space up or down as my business changes?

Warehousing space can be scaled up or down as your business needs change . Our warehouse storage runs on flexible, month-to-month contracts, so you can right-size your space as your inventory or business needs shift, without being locked into a long-term lease.

Can I combine a commercial lease with other FlexSpace services, like storage or logistics?

Commercial leases can be combined with other FlexSpace services. Many clients pair a commercial lease with our storage, logistics, or fulfilment solutions so everything runs through a single, reliable partner instead of multiple vendors.

What lease terms are typically available?

Our commercial leases follow standard industry terms, usually ranging from 1 to 5+ years depending on the property and landlord. A FlexSpace advisor can walk you through the specific terms available for a space that fits your needs.

What size commercial spaces does FlexSpace offer?

We have access to a wide range of commercial space across our 530+ locations nationwide, from smaller units for growing businesses to large-scale facilities. Tell us your requirements and we'll find a fit.

Is self storage suitable for long-term use?

Yes. Self storage is available on flexible month-to-month terms, so you can use it for as long or as short as your business needs. There is no pressure to commit to a fixed contract.

Can I store business inventory in a self storage unit?

Absolutely. Many of our self storage clients use their units for business inventory, equipment, supplies, and seasonal stock. It is a flexible, cost-effective option for businesses that do not need a full warehouse.

What size units are available for self storage?

We offer a range of unit sizes to suit different needs, from small lockers for a few boxes to large units that can hold the contents of a commercial space. Contact us or use our Get a Quote tool to find the right size for what you are storing.

Is co-warehousing right for my business?

Co-warehousing is a great fit if you are a small to mid-sized business that needs professional warehouse space without a long-term lease commitment. It is especially popular with e-commerce sellers, importers, and seasonal businesses. Talk to one of our advisors and we will help you figure out if it is the right move.

Can I receive shipments and have deliveries made to a co-warehousing location?

Yes. Co-warehousing facilities have loading docks and receiving areas designed to handle inbound and outbound freight. Your business can use the facility address for shipments, and staff can assist with receiving depending on the service level you choose.

What is included in a co-warehousing membership?

Co-warehousing memberships typically include your allocated floor space, shared loading dock access, common area maintenance, utilities, and basic security. Depending on the location, additional services like pallet racking, receiving support, and Wi-Fi may also be included. Ask your advisor for the full list at your specific location.

What is co-warehousing and how is it different from a standard warehouse?

Co-warehousing is a shared warehouse model where multiple businesses split the cost of a larger facility, giving you access to professional warehouse infrastructure without committing to a full lease. It is ideal for growing businesses that need more than self storage but are not ready for a dedicated warehouse.

Do you offer temperature-controlled or specialized storage?

Certain partner facilities are equipped for temperature-sensitive or specialized products. If your inventory has specific handling requirements such as refrigeration, fragile items, or hazardous materials, let your advisor know upfront so we can match you with the right facility.

Can I access my stored inventory whenever I need to?

Access policies vary by storage type and location. Self storage units typically offer flexible access hours, while warehouse and co-warehousing facilities may operate on scheduled access. Contact our team to confirm access hours at your specific location.
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Our Reviews

What our clients say when nobody is watching.

Verified reviews on Google. We answer every review, good and bad.
4.9 / 5.0
Average across 140+ verified Google reviews.
Read all on google
Flexspace Logistics team are excellent! Very professional, courteous and timely.  Rates are competitive.  Couldn't ask for better customer service, even with last minute requests.  Brian, Lucas and Dimo are a pleasure to work with.  Extremely trustworthy, ready and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the customer is happy and completely satisfied. I look forward to continuing our business partnership and highly recommend this team!
JW
Jacklyn Wellman
Crosslinx
FlexSpace Brian has provided a timely response and the utmost professionalism in finding us storage and transport solutions across the country.  One window for national storage and transport needs, including specialty hauling and emergency loading/urgent delivery, where else can you get this kind of service? Five stars from KNRC Inc.
GW
Gillian Ward
KNRC Inc.
Great location and company that helps facilitate my company's needs! Special thanks to Dimostany who was especially helpful in assisting us into getting our units. Was super responsive and is always there to extend their help. Location is great, the dock space is large, the hallways are large, and the space is very well kept. Thank you Dimo and the rest of the Flex Space team for all the help and support!
JW
Jonathan Ko
The world is changing.
Your space strategy should too.
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