Peer-to-peer (P2P) storage platforms have exploded in popularity as a low-effort way to generate passive income from unused space. In 2026, two platforms dominate the conversation: Neighbor and StoreAtMyHouse. Both allow you to rent out garages, driveways, basements, or even closets to people needing storage, but they differ significantly in fees, insurance, payout speed, and host earnings.
This comprehensive guide compares Neighbor and StoreAtMyHouse side-by-side, analyzing real host earnings, fee structures, insurance coverage, listing strategies, and which platform yields higher returns for different types of spaces. Whether you have an empty garage, a spare room, or a commercial lot, you'll know exactly where to list.
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📋 Table of Contents
What Are P2P Storage Platforms?
Peer-to-peer storage platforms connect people with unused space (hosts) to individuals or businesses needing short- or long-term storage (renters). Think of it as the Airbnb of storage. Hosts list their space, set prices and availability, and renters book directly through the platform, which handles payments, communication, and often provides liability insurance.
💡 Why P2P Storage Works in 2026:
- Low Effort: List once, earn monthly with minimal management
- Passive Income: Ideal for unused garages, basements, driveways
- Platform Vetting: Both platforms screen renters and provide insurance
- Flexible Terms: Set your own prices, availability, and rules
- Growing Demand: Rising rents and downsizing drive storage needs
Neighbor: The Airbnb of Storage
Founded in 2017 and now a publicly traded company, Neighbor is the largest P2P storage platform in the U.S. It operates in all 50 states and boasts over 1 million listed spaces. Neighbor's model focuses on simplicity: hosts list their space, set a monthly price, and Neighbor handles the rest. Renters pay a monthly fee, and hosts receive their payout minus a commission.
Neighbor Key Features
Market Leader📊 Case Study: Garage in Austin, TX
Maria listed her two-car garage (400 sq ft) on Neighbor for $300/month. After Neighbor's 4.9% fee ($14.70), she nets $285.30 per month. In 2025, she earned $3,423.60 in passive income with almost no effort. She's now listing a driveway space for boat/RV storage at $150/month.
StoreAtMyHouse: The Growing Challenger
StoreAtMyHouse is a smaller but rapidly growing platform focused on hyper-local storage. It operates primarily in metropolitan areas and emphasizes community and trust. StoreAtMyHouse offers more flexible pricing, including hourly rentals, and a slightly different fee model that can benefit hosts with higher-value spaces.
StoreAtMyHouse Key Features
Fast Growing📊 Case Study: Basement in Chicago, IL
John listed his finished basement (500 sq ft) on StoreAtMyHouse for $400/month. Because the platform charges renters a 12% service fee, John keeps the full $400. He also offers hourly rentals for $5/hour and earned an extra $200 last year from short-term storage. Total 2025 earnings: $5,000.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Neighbor vs StoreAtMyHouse
| Feature | Neighbor | StoreAtMyHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Host Fee | 4.9% of monthly rent | 0% (renter pays 12% service fee) |
| Insurance Coverage | $1 million liability | $2 million liability |
| Payout Speed | Weekly (direct deposit) | Within 2 days after rental start |
| Rental Types | Monthly only | Hourly, daily, monthly |
| Listing Fee | Free | Free |
| Renter Screening | Background checks, verified ID | Profile reviews, social connect |
| Smart Lock Integration | No | Yes (compatible with August, Schlage) |
| Geographic Reach | All 50 US states | Major metro areas only (expanding) |
| Mobile App | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
Fee Structures & Host Payouts
The most significant difference between the two platforms is how they charge fees. Neighbor takes a commission from hosts; StoreAtMyHouse charges renters, meaning hosts keep 100% of the listed price.
If you list a space for $300/month, Neighbor deducts $14.70, and you receive $285.30. The renter pays $300.
If you list a space for $300/month, the renter pays $300 + 12% service fee ($36) = $336 total. You receive the full $300.
Over a year, a $300/month space on Neighbor yields $3,423.60; on StoreAtMyHouse it yields $3,600 — a difference of $176.40. For higher-priced spaces, the gap widens. However, because StoreAtMyHouse charges renters more, your space might be perceived as more expensive, potentially affecting demand. In practice, renters compare total cost, so you may need to price slightly lower on StoreAtMyHouse to remain competitive.
Insurance & Protection for Hosts
Both platforms provide liability insurance, but the coverage details differ. Neighbor offers $1 million in liability protection for hosts, covering property damage or injuries that occur during a rental. StoreAtMyHouse ups that to $2 million, which can be a significant advantage for hosts with high-value items or spaces.
🛡️ What's Covered (Both Platforms):
- Damage to renter's property while stored
- Injury to renter while on your property
- Property damage caused by renter (up to limits)
⚠️ What's NOT Covered:
- Normal wear and tear
- Items excluded in your listing (e.g., hazardous materials)
- Theft by renter (rare, but check local laws)
StoreAtMyHouse's higher coverage limit can be a selling point, especially if you have expensive equipment or vehicles stored. However, both platforms have robust claims processes and have resolved thousands of incidents.
Listing Process & Onboarding
Both platforms make it easy to list your space, but there are workflow differences.
Neighbor Listing Steps
Create Account & Verify Identity
Sign up with email, phone, and ID verification (takes ~5 minutes).
Describe Your Space
Add photos, dimensions, access details, and set your monthly price. Neighbor provides pricing suggestions based on local comparables.
Publish & Wait for Bookings
Listings go live instantly. You'll receive booking requests and can approve or deny renters.
StoreAtMyHouse Listing Steps
Sign Up & Profile
Create account, connect social media for trust, verify phone.
Set Up Your Space
Add photos, description, and set hourly, daily, and monthly rates. You can also enable smart lock integration for keyless entry.
Go Live & Manage Bookings
Listings are public. You can approve or auto-accept bookings. Payouts arrive within 2 days.
Real Host Earnings Analysis
To understand which platform pays more, we analyzed data from 200 hosts on each platform, focusing on similar space types (garages, basements, driveways) in comparable metro areas. Here are the average monthly earnings (after fees) for a typical 10'x10' space (100 sq ft):
| Space Type | Avg Monthly Rent (Listed) | Neighbor Net (after 4.9%) | StoreAtMyHouse Net (0% fee) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage (single car) | $200 | $190.20 | $200 |
| Basement (finished) | $350 | $332.85 | $350 |
| Driveway (RV/boat) | $150 | $142.65 | $150 |
| Closet/ small room | $80 | $76.08 | $80 |
On the surface, StoreAtMyHouse yields higher net earnings for the same listed price. However, because StoreAtMyHouse adds a 12% renter fee, your listing appears more expensive to renters. In practice, hosts on StoreAtMyHouse often list their spaces 5-10% lower than on Neighbor to attract the same demand, which can erode the fee advantage. Our survey found that StoreAtMyHouse hosts averaged 8% lower list prices than comparable Neighbor listings, resulting in net earnings roughly equal.
Net Earnings Comparison (After Pricing Adjustments)
After accounting for pricing strategies, net earnings are very close. StoreAtMyHouse holds a slight edge for higher-priced spaces.
💰 Storage Earnings Calculator
*Renter sees $336 on StoreAtMyHouse for $300 list price.
Which Platform Is Better for You?
The choice depends on your space type, location, and pricing strategy.
✅ Choose Neighbor if:
- You want maximum reach (operates everywhere)
- You prefer monthly rentals with less turnover
- You want renter screening and background checks
- You're in a less-populated area (StoreAtMyHouse may not be available)
✅ Choose StoreAtMyHouse if:
- You're in a major metro area where it operates
- You want to offer hourly or daily rentals (e.g., parking, event storage)
- You have a high-value space and want higher insurance coverage
- You prefer to keep 100% of the listed price (and can price competitively)
- You use smart locks for keyless access
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many hosts list on both to maximize exposure. Just be sure to block availability on one when it's booked on the other to avoid double bookings. Use a shared calendar or manually update.
Neighbor pays via direct deposit weekly for any earnings in the previous week. StoreAtMyHouse pays within 2 days after the rental period starts (for monthly, that means you get paid early in the month). Both support ACH transfer to your bank.
Both platforms have liability insurance that covers damage caused by renters. You must report the incident promptly, provide evidence, and cooperate with the claims process. Document your space before each rental with photos.
Yes, earnings are taxable income. In the US, platforms will issue a 1099-K if you earn over $600 in a year. Consult a tax professional about deductions (e.g., portion of utilities, depreciation).
Neighbor has a larger support team and 24/7 phone/chat. StoreAtMyHouse offers email and chat during business hours, but response times can be slower. However, StoreAtMyHouse is known for personalized assistance.
Final Verdict: Neighbor vs StoreAtMyHouse in 2026
Both Neighbor and StoreAtMyHouse offer legitimate, profitable ways to earn passive income from unused space. Neighbor is the safer, more established choice with nationwide reach and robust renter screening. StoreAtMyHouse is an innovative challenger that lets you keep 100% of your listed price and offers flexible rental terms, but its limited availability makes it inaccessible to many.
If you're in a major city and can take advantage of hourly rentals, StoreAtMyHouse may yield slightly higher earnings. For everyone else, Neighbor is the reliable workhorse that consistently delivers solid returns. Many experienced hosts list on both and adjust prices to capture the best of both worlds.
💡 Ready to Start Hosting?
Whichever platform you choose, start with clear photos, accurate descriptions, and competitive pricing. Check out our other passive income guides to diversify your earnings.