I have literally based my whole companies inventory storage off of sterlite bins (if you need bins for your storage container). I love them and rarely have problems with them. If you buy them on sale you can get a great deal (target has sales on them a lot).
Also, I noticed that when people get rental storage for their hobbies after awhile they end up getting annoyed (or over it) or something and just sell everything. Just a small trend I've noticed, not to say you'd do that, but if you were to sell some of your stuff you might save some $.
And too bad you're not located near Chicago, I always have wooden pallets I'm giving away.
Isn't rent crazy in Southern California? I was looking at living in Hermosa Beach and I honestly don't know people do it. Although my 1 bedroom apt in Chicago is $1200, but it's all brand new and nice and in a good area. In So Cal it'd be smaller and older.
Nate