Best Self-Storage Companies of 2022
Finding the perfect self-storage unit for your needs may not be as seamless as you’d like. And, if you’re moving on top of that, the whole task might seem overwhelming. What size of a self-storage unit do you need? Should you get a climate-controlled unit? How do you go about packing it? What about security?
The best self-storage companies set themselves apart from the competition by offering top-notch security, clean units, easily accessible and widely available facilities, and highly rated customer service. We’ve rounded up some self-storage companies we have the best and provided the reasons we recommend them.
U-Haul
U-Haul was founded in 1945 in Portland, Oregon, by the Shoens family. Since then, the company has expanded its product offerings to provide storage and moving services and goods for residential and commercial customers across the U.S.
Why we recommend U-Haul
At U-Haul, you can rent a moving truck or a moving container, buy moving boxes and other supplies, book moving labor services, and get all of your moving needs taken care of in one stop. The industry giant also offers storage options, including self-storage facilities all over the U.S. and Canada.
We love the nationwide availability with thousands of locations, but also the 24-hour access to storage units at most of their facilities, industry-low and budget-friendly prices, no deposit or admin fees, easy reservation process online, and climate-controlled self-storage options, as well as storage for big items like RVs, boats and cars. U-Haul also offers portable storage containers, which you can keep at home.
Offerings and services
U-Haul’s facilities and services vary by location, but, generally, you can expect climate-controlled units and 24/7 access at many of the facilities. The units come in three sizes, small (5 x 5 ft or 5 x 10 ft), medium (5 x 15 ft, 10 x 10 ft, or 10 x 15 ft) and large (10 x 20 ft, 10 x 25 ft, or 10 x 30 ft). You can store pretty much anything with U-Haul, including art, wine, your boat or your car. U-Haul’s first month’s rent is free for eligible units, and there’s no money down for reservations.
Extra Space Storage
Based in Salt Lake City in Utah, Extra Space Storage is the second-largest storage company in the country. It was founded in 1977 and, to date, has properties in 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Extra Space owns or operates over 1,800 stores, comprising approximately 1.3 million units and 135 million square feet of rentable space.
Why we recommend Extra Space Storage
This industry mainstay has excellent security and great customer reviews. Security is the company’s focus, and security measures include coded-access entry gates, video surveillance, on-site managers, and even alarm-protected units. Even with prices higher than the industry average, this national brand is known for its excellent customer reviews. The reviews often mention the impressive security measures and how clean and move-in-ready the units are. Extra Space Storage also has a customer-friendly website and a ton of helpful guides and tips on how to select the right size, moving and packing primers, and self-storage FAQs and tips. You can use the company’s online no-contact rental option as it’s easy to navigate, with excellent customer support.
Offerings and services
Extra Space Storage handles needs for a number of purposes, such as personal storage, business storage, boat storage, and RV storage. For business storage, some locations offer warehouse storage and on-site business centers with WiFi for those who want to work. Most facilities offer free dollies for use.
CubeSmart
CubeSmart was founded in 2004 in Maryland to provide affordable storage space to residential and commercial customers. Since its inception, it has grown to include over 1,200 locations in 40 states. CubeSmart is committed to sustainability and minimizing its impact on the environment, which drives the company to install solar panels, upgrade its HVAC systems and complete high-efficiency lighting retrofits at many of its locations.
Why we recommend CubeSmart
It’s the best self-storage company for deals. It gives discounts on the rent for the members of the military and college students, for referrals, and around major holidays. CubeSmart has also partnered with Penske to offer renters 10% off rental trucks for periods of two hours or more.
Some locations even provide free moving truck rentals, subject to availability. On top of that, CubeSmart has good prices, specialty storage options (vehicles, climate-controlled), thousands of locations, free use of moving carts or dollies, and free Wi-Fi for on-site workspaces.
Offerings and services
CubeSmart offers affordable self-storage units in many sizes to homeowners and business owners across major metro cities around the country. It also offers both drive-up and indoor climate-controlled units. Vehicle storage has three options: indoor, outdoor and covered.
From lockers to 10 x 30 feet units, customers have plenty of options to choose from. There’s 24/7 video surveillance. The contact-free reservation process is made even easier if you use the company’s mobile app for iOS and Android devices. You can also use it to manage your account and pay rent.
Simply Self Storage
Simply Self Storage offers standard storage features at low prices, with options available for both personal and business use. It was founded in 2003 and has since become, if not a household name, at least a nationally recognized self-storage provider.
Why we recommend Simply Self Storage
Simply Self Storage offers units ranging from small (5 x 5 ft) to large (10 x 30 ft), plus specialty storage options for businesses and outdoor storage for RVs. The company also has moving supplies on hand. You can find locations in 23 states. Unlike most self-storage companies, Simply Self Storage offers all its customers $2,000 in insurance coverage for their units.
Simply Self Storage has a referral program through which you get $30 off one month’s rent after you refer someone and they book storage space. We also like that the company is one of nine corporate partners that help run CoreGiving, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing childhood hunger in the U.S., with 100 percent of proceeds donated to food banks across the U.S. To date, CoreGiving has donated more than 14.5 million meals to more than 45 food banks.
Offerings and services
All steps of the Simply Self Storage move-in process can be done online. In addition to the units ranging in size for personal and business needs, Simply Self Storage also has space for storing large vehicles like RVs plus cars and boats. There are also climate-controlled units for various uses, including wine storage. The mini storage units come in a variety of sizes ranging from a 5 x 5-foot storage unit or smaller (think a small closet). Climate-controlled units are available for both short- and long-term rentals.
How to find the right self-storage company for your specific needs
There are several factors to consider when you’re looking for the best self-storage company.
Type of storage. This, of course, depends on what you need to store. You’ll want an indoor unit for furniture and clothing, to keep them away from the elements. But if you’re storing an RV, an outdoor space should be sufficient.
Size of storage. There’s a wide range of options, from the size of a locker or a small closet to gigantic, warehouse-style storage spaces. Don’t pay for more space than you need. Most self-storage companies have size guides on their websites and can also guide you over the phone.
Climate control. Many units are temperature and humidity-controlled to preserve your more delicate and valuable belongings like art, antiques, wine, and so on.
Accessibility. Not all facilities are accessible 24/7, although that’s definitely a perk. Some will only allow access during business hours and won’t be open on major holidays.
Security protocol. Is the company transparent about its security measures? Are there multiple points of entry? Alarms? Is there in-person surveillance on-site? Video monitoring? Do the locks inspire confidence? Is it well lit? Does the facility feel safe and secure?
Pricing, contracts offered, and deals. Some companies have month-to-month contracts, which are ideal if you’re not ready to commit or just need a unit for a short term. And many offer discounts as a sign-on perk or after you refer someone.
Wrapping Up
There are countless self-storage options, from a simple storage locker to units big enough to pack a five-bedroom house. Your best option is to find a self-storage company near you with the most amenities and features, and an up-to-date security system. Extras like the free use of dollies and moving supplies available for purchase on-site don’t hurt either. The companies above check off all these marks, which puts them above their competition.
What types of storage facilities are available?
There are indoor and outdoor options to meet many needs. Outdoor units are well suited for vehicles and other durable items that can be exposed to the elements, while indoor units in many sizes can store your other belongings. Any delicate items can be stored in a climate- and humidity-controlled unit. And specialty storage can be used for large items like boats and dedicated wine storage.
When do I need climate-controlled storage?
Climate-controlled units are heated in the winter and have AC on in the hot months. They are also regulated for humidity levels. Any belongings that can be damaged by the heat, freezing temps or moisture should be stored in a climate-controlled unit. This applies to any valuables like art, antiques and fine wine.
What is the difference between full-service storage and self-storage?
Full-service storage means that in addition to storing your stuff, the company will pack and move it too. Self-storage implies that you move your things to the unit by yourself.
