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Furniture storage or self storage: what’s the difference and what does it cost in Toulouse?
Updated 17 October 2026 · 5-minute read
In France, people say ‘garde-meuble’ for everything, but it covers two different services. One collects your belongings and keeps them in a closed warehouse; the other rents you a unit you can get to whenever you like. Price, flexibility and access are worlds apart.
Traditional furniture storage (removal company warehouse)
A removal company packs, loads and transports your belongings, then stores them in wooden crates (about 8 m³) or containers stacked in its warehouse. You have no access, or only by appointment, with handling charges. Price seen in Toulouse: from €36 a month for an 8 m³ crate, plus transport there and back and an admin fee. Worth it if you are going far away, for a long time, and won’t need anything.
Self storage
You rent a closed unit in your own name, in a centre you enter with a code, and you come whenever you like: 24/7 at Box Flambère. You bring your belongings yourself or with a removal company, you organise them, you drop by on a Sunday to pick up a box. The contract is monthly: one month minimum, no commitment after that.
Prices seen in west Toulouse (survey of September 2026)
| Option | Price / month, VAT incl. | Per m² | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor unit in a self storage centre, 5 to 7 m² | €95 to €150 | €15 to €25/m² | 6 am–10 pm or 24/7, depending on the centre |
| Outdoor container, 14 m² | €120 to €200 | €6 to €14/m² | 24/7, drive-up |
| Peer-to-peer storage (cellar, garage) | €60 to €100 | €5 to €13/m² | Depends on the owner |
| Removal company furniture storage, 8 m³ crate | €36 + transport | — | By appointment, charged |
| Box Flambère, 5 to 6 m² indoor unit | Published early 2027 | Published early 2027 | 24/7 |
| Box Flambère, 14 m² container | Published early 2027 | Published early 2027 | 24/7, drive-up |
Ranges taken from the websites of operators in the Toulouse area in September 2026, excluding launch promotions; prices change, so check before you compare.
The fees to check before you sign
- Admin fee and deposit: from nothing to one month’s rent, depending on the centre. Box Flambère: €0 and €0.
- Insurance: included at some centres, compulsory and charged at others. Check whether your home insurance already covers a storage unit.
- Minimum term and notice: one month and 15 days have become the norm; be wary of 3-month commitments.
- Promotions: ‘−50% for the first two months’, then full price; compare the cost over the real rental period, often 12 months or more.
Which one to choose
- You are moving abroad for more than a year with no trips back: removal company furniture storage, or a self storage container if you want to stay in control.
- Moving house, renovation work, short of space: self storage, for unrestricted access and the monthly contract.
- You often come by car and have bulky items: drive-up container.
- Small volume, sensitive items: indoor unit.