Can A Band Practice in a Storage Unit?

Being in a band is hard work, and finding affordable band practice space can be one of the most difficult parts of it. If a garage or a friend’s house isn’t an option, you may have considered renting a storage unit to use for band practice, but can you actually use one to rehearse your songs and live show?

In short: Yes, in certain facilities, but it depends on a few factors.

Some facilities may be better than others for band practice, and you should always consult with facility management and do research to determine whether a facility will work for this purpose. If you can’t find a storage unit near you that works, try a friend’s house, a community center, a traditional rehearsal space, or another outdoor or indoor shared practice space.

In this article, we’ll go over what to consider if you plan on finding a storage unit to practice with your band in, from pricing to legal factors.

What should I be mindful of when looking for a storage unit to practice in?

Lease agreement violations

You can only use a storage unit for band practice if the lease allows it. Always thoroughly read the terms of a storage facility’s lease before you use it as a band practice space. Most facilities don’t allow extended occupancy, such as using a unit to live in, but will allow renters to work in and around a storage unit for short periods of time.

Residential storage facilities also have restrictions on using a unit for business operations, which band practice sometimes falls under, so make sure the lease allows these operations before you try playing songs in a unit. Finally, some storage companies have liability concerns that may prevent renters from using a unit for anything other than storage.

Noise laws and neighbors

A storage unit won’t work for band practice if you violate noise regulations. Many storage facilities are located in commercial areas that are easily disturbed by loud noises, and adjacent storage units may complain about the noise your band makes. Check state and local regulations on noise levels and never practice in a unit during the night when neighboring residential areas are trying to sleep.

Safety and building code violations

You can’t practice in a storage unit if it’s not safe for you to be inside. Some storage units won’t have the right ventilation for people to be inside for a long period, and using electrical equipment such as amplifiers in a storage unit runs the risk of fire. Units without climate control also don’t have dedicated HVAC systems, so you’ll be uncomfortable at the very least.

When might a storage unit work for band practice?

When it’s climate-controlled

With all these concerns in mind, there are storage facilities out there that offer units specifically for practice spaces. Look for higher-end storage facilities with climate-controlled units that you’ll be far more comfortable in than standard units. Some facilities even offer soundproofing so noise won’t be a concern in neighboring units. Be sure to obtain written permission to practice from facility management so you won’t have to deal with any zoning or noise complaints.

When it’s specifically intended for storing music gear

You can also find storage facilities specifically geared towards storing musical instruments and equipment. These facilities will allow you to store your band gear inside the unit between practices, and offer temperature and humidity control to keep your gear from being damaged, which also makes the unit more comfortable for you and your bandmates to practice in. Always be sure to ask facility management before you practice, however.

When it has musician-friendly features

Consider the following factors when you’re seeking out a storage unit to practice in.

• Soundproofing or sound dampening. This will reduce sound bleed-through into other units and the open air, and in turn prevent any noise complaints.
• Electrical outlets and power capacity. You’ll need to power speakers, amplifiers, and electronic instruments, so ask about units with power routed to them.
• Climate control. Not only will a predictable temperature and humidity range protect your instruments from damage, it’ll keep you and your bandmates comfortable while you practice.
• Flexible access hours. Choose a facility that allows 24/7 access so your band can practice on their own schedule.
• Parking and loading accessibility. You’ll want a unit that makes it easy to load and unload your equipment and instruments.

Storage.com’s built-in search tool makes it easy to find facilities that allow you to practice in units. Click on a facility page and read the ribbon on the right side to see if band practice is allowed, and place a phone call to the facility to confirm whether this is accurate.

What legal and practical considerations come with using a storage unit for band practice?

Understanding your lease agreement

If you read through an entire lease contract before renting a storage unit, you may find restrictions on using a unit for business operations and noise levels. These can often cut off your ability to practice with your band in a unit, so make sure you won’t be violating any regulations, as these can lead to expensive fines. When asking facility management about these concerns, be clear and direct so everyone can come to an understanding about what you want to use the facility for.

Insurance and liability issues

You can expect to pay extra for liability insurance that protects your band equipment while it’s inside the storage unit, and any noise complaints will be directed to you rather than the facility, leading to potential fines. This applies to both neighboring renters and residents/businesses near the facility, so be sure to invest in a unit with soundproofing or otherwise choose a facility without too many neighbors.

Local and state zoning and noise laws

Check your local and state laws to make sure you don’t break any while practicing. Some storage units aren’t zoned for commercial activities, and others may require a valid business license for you to practice with your band in a unit. Different areas also have different noise ordinances, so be sure you don’t violate these.

What alternatives should I consider for band practice space?

Traditional rehearsal studios

A traditional band rehearsal space will easily meet your needs. You can rent these spaces by the hour (for about $25/hour) or the month (around $250/month), and while this is much more expensive than a storage unit, it comes with many features that a unit doesn’t have: built-in PA systems, drums, and sound mixing equipment, for example. Rehearsal spaces are a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about practicing.

Community centers, churches, and schools

If a rehearsal studio isn’t in your budget, look into local community centers, church spaces, and schools for affordable practice spaces. Community centers offer multipurpose spaces that you can easily practice in, churches offer spaces with audio equipment (as long as your band doesn’t offend the church management, of course), and schools with music programs can sometimes allow bands to practice there after school hours.

At-home solutions

If you have access to a garage or a basement to practice in, use it! For short-term practices, these spaces should work as is, but if you plan on repeatedly rehearsing in a garage or basement over a long period, it may be worth investing in soundproofing foam or other portable noise reduction solutions so neighbors don’t complain.

Shared practice spaces

Some band rehearsal spaces are specifically geared towards helping musicians save money by splitting costs with other bands. These facilities let you make time-sharing arrangements so you and another band or musician can share in the rental cost rather than paying it all yourself, and have the added benefit of building community with the musicians you share space with.

Outdoor spaces and other options

A few more miscellaneous options for band practice include parks with performance permits that allow bands to perform and practice outdoors, warehouses that allow band practice, and pop-up spaces that you can rent for a short time.

What are the best practices when using a storage unit for band practice?

Get proper permission

If you find a storage unit is right for your band practice needs, start by approaching facility management with a clear request of what you want to use the unit for. Ask if they allow band practice, and document any agreements with management in writing so you can go back to them if their terms change. A reputable facility will be transparent about any additional costs or requirements that come with using it for band practice, so make sure you understand these before signing a lease.

Be a considerate neighbor

Make sure you clearly communicate with other renters about what you’re using your unit for. If they have concerns about noise, be sure to manage your volume levels or bring in soundproofing supplies to keep practice sound from leaking out. Be sure to check local and lease regulations about quiet hours as well.

Protect your equipment

If you plan on storing your gear in a unit as well, be sure to invest in a unit with climate control to protect electronics and delicate parts. Choose a storage unit with good security measures to protect your expensive gear, and make sure you have an insurance policy in place so you can be reimbursed in the event of expensive equipment being damaged.

How do storage unit prices compare to other practice spaces?

While they have significantly fewer useful features than a dedicated band rehearsal space, a storage unit also costs significantly less, ranging from $30 to $120 per month, depending on location. However, you may also find yourself investing in soundproofing and insurance to protect your gear. In the long term, a dedicated practice space will often be a better investment.

How can I find affordable band practice space?

When seeking out a practice space for your band, ask other local musicians for their opinions and advice; not only will this help connect you with your local scene, but you’ll be much better informed on what’s best in your area. Research online platforms that help connect musicians with practice spaces if this doesn’t give you the results you’re looking for, and when renting a rehearsal space, speak with the management to negotiate a rate that better fits your budget if necessary.

If renting a space isn’t in the cards for you, consider setting up soundproofing in a garage or basement, or ask musician friends if you can use their space.

How do I find the right practice space or instrument storage for my needs?

Storage units are an unconventional choice for band practice, but you may find they fit your budget and band needs. Always check with facility management and local regulations to make sure any unit you’re considering renting can be used for this purpose, and consider alternative solutions if not.

If you’re seeking out practice space or instrument storage, Storage.com’s search tool can help you identify exactly what you need. Just check each facility’s description to see if they allow band practice, and compare prices directly on the search page!