Storage is a big issue for many, and public storage companies are the obvious solution. They offer affordable storage for your belongings, with full-service and self-service options.
People store things for a variety of reasons. You may have unwanted items that no longer fit in your home. Or you may be moving or going through another life transition. Maybe you’re taking a gap year or have big travel plans. Public storage facilities are even useful for businesses. You may have an online business and need a place to store your supplies, or you may be a retail company looking to store seasonal inventory.
Whatever the reason,
public storage facilities are a great option. They offer a clean, secure, private, and easily accessible place to store all of your belongings. Storage companies vary in price and service packages. There are indoor and outdoor storage facilities, climate-controlled facilities, easy-access, full-service storage facilities, self-service facilities, and more. In short, you have a lot of options. You just need to know your needs, and storage options will take care of the rest.
So whether you’ve inherited some stuff, are trying to accommodate an elderly relative who’s moving into a new home, are a college student who needs to store things for the summer, or have seasonal equipment (like motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, sports equipment, or industrial tools), here are the best self-storage companies to keep your belongings safe while they’re in storage. Storage is a big deal for many, and public storage companies are the obvious solution. Offering affordable storage for your belongings, there are both self-storage and self-storage options.
People store things for a variety of reasons. You may have extra items that no longer fit in your home. Or you may be moving or going through another life transition. Maybe you’re taking a break or have extensive travel plans. Public storage bins are even useful for businesses. You might have an online business and need a place to store your supplies, or you might be a retailer looking to store seasonal items.
Regardless of your reason, public storage facilities are a great option. They offer a clean, safe, private, and easily accessible place to store all your belongings. Storage companies vary in price and service packages. There are indoor and outdoor storage units, climate-controlled units, fully serviced easy-access storage units, self-contained storage units, and more. In short, you have a lot of options. You just need to know what your needs are, and the storage options will help you with the rest.
So whether you’ve inherited some belongings, are trying to accommodate a senior citizen moving into a new home, are a college student who needs to store their belongings for the summer, or have seasonal equipment (like motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, sports equipment, or industrial tools), here are the best full-service self-storage companies to keep your belongings safe in storage.
The Best Storage Unit Companies – An In-Depth Look
GetStored
- Starting price: $119 per month
- Self-service or full-service
- Available in the US and Canada.
GetStored has partnered with Atlas, combining the expertise of both companies. It is currently one of the highest-rated full-service storage companies in the country. With state-of-the-art, high-security storage facilities in the US and Canada, GetStored has a lot to offer those looking to keep their belongings safe.
GetStored offers professional packing options, so you can hire professionals to handle everything from start to finish. Once your items are safely stored, GetStored will pick up and deliver them to you at your convenience. And with protection plans that cover everything, even during a move, GetStored is the best choice for storage convenience.
Pros
- Comprehensive protection plans:
- Full-service packing and storage.
- Free packing materials.
Cons
- No personal access.
- One-time pickup fee.
MakeSpace
- Starting price: $69 per month.
- Self-service or full-service.
- Full-service storage.
- Available in 31 states.
MakeSpace is the full-service storage company you’ve been looking for. You can use the convenient mobile app to schedule delivery of specific items whenever you want.
All MakeSpace properties are monitored by 24-hour security guards, motion-sensing cameras, and state-of-the-art alarm systems for added security; you can upgrade to more coverage.
Pros
- Full-service, storage, and delivery included.
- Photo inventory app.
- Free packing materials.
Cons
- Only available in select locations.
- No self-service option.
Public storage
- Starting price: around $15.
- Self-service or full-service.
- Self-service.
- Available in 39 states.
Public Storage is synonymous with storage, and it’s no wonder. The company has been around for 50 years. And in that time, it’s made a name for itself. Today, Public Warehouse is synonymous with quality, flexibility, and convenience. With climate-controlled units, easy access options, and a wide range of unit sizes, Public Storage is an ideal choice for moving companies, businesses, and anyone looking for a reliable storage solution.
Public Storage offers a $1 first month deal and monthly contracts. You can also order a unit for free, with no obligation. Public Storage has a handy sizing guide on its website to help you decide which unit best suits your needs. And you can easily change the size of your unit at any time.
Pros
- Lower prices
- Climate control
- Flexible rental terms
Cons
- No full-service option
- No 24/7 access
U-Haul
- Starting price: around $60
- Self-service or full-service
- Available in 50 countries
U-Haul is a well-known brand. Known for its moving options, U-Haul is also a great solution if you’re looking for all types of storage. U-Haul offers everything from climate-controlled, fully secure indoor units to easily accessible, drive-through outdoor units. You can store everything from furniture and seasonal items to sporting equipment, car parts, and boats. U-Haul also offers 24-hour access to some of its storage units, which is a big plus for many consumers.
U-Haul offers flexible rental terms with monthly contracts, a first month free when you rent a truck, and a wide range of unit sizes. You’ll also benefit from a state-of-the-art security system that includes cameras, intercom systems, and restricted access to units, buildings, and even apartments. U-Haul also offers storage insurance and online account management.
Pros
- 24-hour access
- First month free when you rent a truck
- Various types of storage units
Cons
- Not all features are available in all locations
- More expensive than some competitors.
extra space
- Starting price $10 per month
- Starting price $10 per month
- Self-maintenance or full service Self-maintenance
- Available States43
Extra Space makes storage easy. You can visit one of thousands of locations nationwide or do it online. Extra Space offers clean, well-lit, and secure storage spaces for businesses and individuals of all sizes. The secure apartments have individual alarms, video surveillance, and are protected by an access code behind electronic doors.
Extra Space is affordable, with apartments starting at just $10 per month. You can sign up for monthly contracts or set up automatic payments for more convenient payment options. Extra Space also offers $11 per month insurance to protect your belongings, making it a safe and affordable choice.
Pros
- Excellent security measures.
- Regular pest and rodent control. Discounts and Online Booking
- 24/7 Access
Cons
- Doesn’t offer full-service
- Prices vary significantly by location
CubeSmart
- Starting price: $26 per month
- Self-service or fully self-service
- Available in 40 countries
CubeSmart has an excellent reputation for customer service. It also offers significant discounts on storage services, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals on a budget. With a wide range of storage units, CubeSmart offers a wide range of sizes and categories to meet all storage needs, from outdoor to indoor, climate-controlled, enhanced security, and even office space.
CubeSmart offers many free benefits, such as free truck rentals for local moves, Wi-Fi access, and a business center. CubeSmart also offers customizable storage units so you can get the exact specifications and features you need to perfectly match your storage solution. CubeSmart boasts excellent security features, including an on-site administrator to monitor everything 24/7.
Pros
- Discounts, sweepstakes, and contests
- Monthly contracts
- Lots of additional services
Cons
- Only available during business hours
- Insurance not included.
Simply Self Storage
- Starting price: $11 per month
- Self-service or fully self-service
- Available in 23 countries
Simply Self Storage (or Simply SS, as its friends call it) offers a variety of storage solutions, from mini storage units to car storage and even business storage solutions. The units are climate-controlled for maximum protection, and Simply SS provides state-of-the-art security systems at all of its facilities. Most notably, most Simply SS locations have 24/7 access, which is a big plus for those who value flexibility and convenience.
Pros
- Includes insurance coverage
- 24/7 access at most locations
- Good security measures
Cons
- Not many locations nationwide.
- Exact pricing information is not available online.
Clutter
- Starting price varies depending on services and location.
- Self-service or full-service
- Available in 9 states
Clutter is one of the few storage providers that offers both self-service and full-service options. For your self-sufficiency, Clutter offers 24/7 access, low monthly fees, and fixed prices. Plus, you get free transportation. Clutter will send a delivery truck and driver to help you move all of your belongings into the storage unit.
For full-service storage, Clutter offers white-glove service. Professional movers will come to your home, expertly pack and move your belongings to storage, and deliver them to your door upon request. See what you have in storage via the Clutter mobile app, which includes a photo inventory. All Clutter units are clean, climate-controlled, and secure storage facilities with 24-hour security.
Pros
- 24/7 access
- Photo inventory
- Free delivery truck and driver
Cons
- Very limited service area
- No next-day returns
Vecino
- Starting price: Varies
- Self-storage or full-service
- Available in 50 states
Neighbor is a radically different kind of storage service. Using the power of crowdsourcing (and potential savings), Neighbor connects those looking for storage space with local private providers. This gives you convenient access to nearby storage locations. Best of all, Neighbor’s storage solutions are typically 50% cheaper than comparable traditional storage services.
Neighbor is built on trust, so it vets all storage offers and uses secure payment platforms. Additionally, Neighbor offers a $1 million guarantee to tenants. Private storage solutions vary by location, but generally include climate-controlled units, long-term storage, garage, car and boat storage, monthly parking, and more.
Pros
- Much more affordable than a typical storage unit.
- Neighbor’s $25,000 Protection Guarantee for Your Stuff
- Search/Filter by Storage Type, Size, and Price
Cons
- Requires trust from another person
- Packing and shipping not available.
How to Choose a Storage Company
What Are My Storage Options?
When researching the different public storage options, you’ll quickly notice that these services fall into two main categories:
Self storage facilities
When you rent a storage space, you do all the heavy lifting yourself. You pack your belongings and move them to your storage space. Obviously, this takes more time and effort, but it’s the best option if you’re looking for affordable storage, as self-storage spaces are usually significantly less expensive than full-service alternatives. These spaces also have the advantage of being accessible at any time (after hours, even 24/7). Full-service public storage companies do not allow you to visit their facilities. Instead, you have to pay for delivery and pickup, which increases the price of your rental space.
Storage facilities usually offer several additional benefits, such as easy access, portable equipment, and flexible contracts.
Full service storage
Full-service storage companies provide the services you need. They will come to your home or workplace, pick up your belongings, and move them to the best available storage space. When you need something, these storage companies will come to your unit, pick it up, and deliver it to your home. This is an option for those who value maximum convenience and minimal investment of time and effort. Of course, this type of storage solution comes with a higher price tag, but that’s the price of convenience.
There is another category that you may be familiar with: capsule storage units. This exciting innovation is essentially a storage unit on wheels. You will receive a storage container that is mounted on the back of a truck. Container storage companies bring a portable container to your home. Container storage units are not a good option for long-term storage.
What Type of Storage Units Are There?
In addition to the storage companies available, there are different types of units, including
What Type of Storage Units Are There?
- Indoor storage units
are safer and are the best option if you have delicate items that could be damaged if left in more open outdoor storage units. Indoor storage units usually have a climate control system. This is an important feature for fragile items such as photos, tape, electronics, cameras, wine, certain materials, CD albums, musical instruments, antiques, artwork, and other delicate items. Climate-controlled units protect your belongings from potential damage from heat, humidity, and cold.
Indoor self-service and full-service units are more secure because they are stored inside a building (which is usually protected by a comprehensive security system).
- Outdoor full-service and self-service units
Outdoor storage units are also good options, especially if you are storing large items. These units are not actually outside. Think of them as large motel-like structures with a separate entrance. An outdoor unit can be accessed from the outside, hence the name. These public storage units offer benefits such as direct access (easier to load and unload),
What Features Should I Look for in a Storage Unit?
The features that define the best storage units vary depending on your needs and personal preferences. For example, if you want to access your storage unit whenever you want, move things up and down, and generally have more control over your belongings, self-service services are the best option.
Looking for the best storage solution? As with any service, read reviews of public storage facilities before investing in a unit. Also compare the following features:
Security
Is there 24/7 security? What kind of security system is in place? Are there cameras, electric gates, access codes, and management systems in place?
Air conditioning
As mentioned, this is an important feature if you have sensitive items. Make sure your storage unit will protect your belongings.
Accessibility
Some storage companies offer unlimited access to your unit, while others offer more exclusive access. Some self-storage facilities require you to make an appointment to drop off or pick up items. If you plan to move or expand your storage unit regularly, affordability is an important feature to consider.
Pricing
The cost of storage units usually depends on the amount of space you need. Storage services offer a variety of unit sizes, measured in square feet. You choose the unit size that you think will hold the amount of items you need to store (for example, 1.5 m x 1.5 m [25 sq ft], 3 m x 3 m [100 sq ft], etc.). A good storage service allows you to easily change units without having to re-register.
If you’re looking for affordable local storage companies, you can do a quick Google search for “storage units near me.” However, prices are usually not listed. You’ll need to enter a zip code or contact the company directly.
Rental Options
Is there a long-term contract required? Monthly. Can automatic payments be set up?
Also, find out if you can purchase additional supplies from the storage service. Items such as packing materials, labels, markers, boxes, bubble wrap, etc. can often be purchased at a discount from these services because they buy in bulk. So, ask before purchasing packing supplies.
Do I Need to Pay to Insure My Belongings in a Storage Unit?
Professional storage companies require some type of insurance for their stored items. This is a precautionary measure and remains a good idea for homeowners. The good news is that insurance is easy to get. Most people already have insurance with their homeowner’s insurance. However, you should review your policy to see the exact terms and whether your stored items are covered. If you have other types of insurance, be sure to bring a copy of your policy with you when you rent, in case you need it.
If you don’t have a current insurance policy, most public storage centers offer insurance coverage. These policies usually offer a certain amount of coverage (up to $1,000, up to $2,000, etc.) for a monthly fee. Some excellent storage companies also include free basic coverage in the rental agreement. If you want, you can choose to upgrade your insurance policy to get more coverage. This is recommended, as basic coverage is often a fraction of the actual value of your belongings.
The Best Storage Units Are Just a Click Away
The best storage spaces offer a completely online rental process. You can reserve, register, and pay for your storage without having to contact anyone. This is something to consider, especially in the current health context. Avoiding excessive contact and interaction with the public is always an advantage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right storage solution for you depends on knowing exactly what your needs are in terms of space, price, and level of service. Think carefully about how you will use your storage space before deciding which company best suits your needs. Fortunately, there are many flexible, affordable, and professional options to choose from.
