Storage is a big issue for many people, and public storage companies are the obvious solution. They offer affordable storage units to store your belongings, with both full-service and self-service options.
People store things for a variety of reasons. Maybe you have extra stuff that no longer fits in your home. Or maybe you’re moving or going through another life transition. Maybe you’re taking a temporary vacation or have extensive travel plans. Public storage units are even useful for businesses. You might have an online business and need a place to store your stuff, or you might be a retailer looking to store your seasonal items.
Regardless of your reason, public storage units 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, full-service easy-access storage units, self-service units, and more. In short, you have a lot of options. You just need to know what your needs are, and self-service options will take care of the rest.
So whether you’ve inherited some stuff, are trying to accommodate an elderly person 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, industrial tools), here are the best full-service self-service storage companies to keep your stuff safe while it’s in storage. Storage is a big deal for many, and self-service companies are the obvious solution. Offering affordable storage units to store your belongings, full-service and self-service options are plentiful.
People store things for a variety of reasons. Maybe you have extra stuff that no longer fits in your home. Or maybe you’re moving or going through another life transition. Maybe you’re taking a break or have extensive travel plans. Self-storage units 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 supplies.
Whatever the reason,
self-storage units are a great option. They offer a clean, secure, 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, full-service easy-access storage units, self-storage units, and more. In short, you have a lot of options. You just need to know what your needs are, and storage options will take care of the rest.
So whether you’ve inherited some stuff, are trying to accommodate an older person 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, industrial tools), here are the best full-service and self-service storage companies to keep your stuff safe while you’re away.
People store things for a variety of reasons. Maybe you have extra stuff that no longer fits in your home. Or maybe you’re moving or going through another life transition. Maybe you’re taking a vacation or have big travel plans. Public storage units are even useful for businesses. Maybe you have an online business and need a place to store your products, or maybe you’re a retail company looking to store your seasonal merchandise.
Regardless of the reason, public storage units 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, full-service easy-access storage units, self-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 belongings, are trying to adjust to a senior moving into a new living environment, are a student who needs to store things for the summer, or have seasonally specific equipment (e.g. motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, sports equipment, industrial tools), here are the best full-service and self-service storage companies to keep your belongings safe while you’re in storage.
The Best Storage Unit Companies – An In-Depth Look
GetStored

- Starting Price: $119/month
- Self-Service or Full-Service
Full-Service
- Available in the U.S. and Canada.
GetStored has partnered with Atlas to combine their two areas of expertise. It’s now one of the top-rated full-service storage companies in the country. With state-of-the-art, high-security storage facilities located in the U.S. 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 belongings are safely stored, GetStored will pick them up and deliver them to you whenever you want. And with protection plans that cover everything, even during the move, GetStored is the best storage option.
Pros
- Full protection plans
- Full packing and storage.
- Free packing materials
Cons
- No personal access
- One-time pickup fee
MakeSpace
- Starting price: $69 per month
- Self-storage or full-service
- Available in 31 cities
MakeSpace is the one-stop storage company you’ve been looking for. You can use the convenient mobile app to schedule your stuff to be delivered whenever you want.
All MakeSpace locations have 24-hour security, motion-sensing cameras, and state-of-the-art alarm systems for added security; upgrade to an additional 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-storage or full-service
- Available in 39 cities
Public storage is synonymous with self-storage, and it’s no wonder. The company has been around for 50 years and has built a reputation. Today, Public Warehouse stands for quality, flexibility, and convenience. With climate-controlled units, easy access options, and a wide range of storage unit sizes, Public Storage is an ideal choice for movers, 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 is right for your needs. Plus, you can easily change the size of your unit at any time.
Pros
- Low prices
- Climate-controlled units
- Flexible rental terms
Cons
- No full-service option
- No 24-hour access
U-Haul
Starting price: around $60- Self-service or full-service
- Available in 50 countries
U-Haul is a well-known brand. While it’s known for its moving options, U-Haul is also a great solution if you’re looking for all types of storage. From fully secure, climate-controlled indoor units to easy-access outdoor units, U-Haul has it all. You can store everything from furniture to seasonal items, sporting equipment, auto wrecks, 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 (the first month is free when you rent a truck) and a wide range of unit sizes. You also benefit from a state-of-the-art security system that includes cameras, intercoms, and restricted access to units, buildings, and even apartments. U-Haul also offers storage insurance and online account management.
Pros
- 24-hour availability
- First month of truck rental free
- Various types of storage units.
Cons
- Not all features available at all locations
- More expensive than some competitors.
extra space
- Starting price: $10 per month
- Self-service or full-service
Self-service
- Available in 43 states
Extra Space makes self-storage easy. You can visit one of thousands of locations nationwide or do it entirely 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 gates.
Extra Space offers affordable rates, 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 option.
Pros
- Excellent security measures.
- Regular pest and rodent control.
- Discounts and online booking.
- 24/7 access.
Cons
- Does not offer full service.
- Prices vary significantly from location to location.
CubeSmart
- Starting at $26 per month
- Self-service or fully self-service
- Available in 40 countries
CubeSmart has an excellent reputation for customer service. It also offers deep 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 your needs, from outdoor and indoor spaces, to climate-controlled, enhanced security, and even office space.
CubeSmart offers many free benefits, such as truck rentals for local moves, Wi-Fi access, and a business lounge. CubeSmart also offers customizable storage units so you can get the exact specifications and features you need to make your storage solution perfect for you. CubeSmart has excellent security features, including an on-site manager to keep an eye on everything 24/7.
Pros
- Discounts, sweepstakes, and contests
- Monthly contracts
- Lots of additional services
Cons
- Only available during open house hours
- Insurance not included. Starting price: $11 per month
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 locations. Most impressively, most Simply SS locations have 24/7 access, which is a big plus for those who value flexibility and convenience.
Pros
- Insurance coverage included
- 24/7 access at most locations
- Tight security measures
Cons
- Not many locations in the country.
- Exact pricing information is not available online.
Clutter
- Starting prices vary by service and location.
- Self-service or full-service
Self-service and 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 availability, low monthly fees, and fixed prices. Plus, you get free transportation. Clutter will send a chauffeured delivery vehicle to help you move all of your belongings to the storage space.
For full-service, Clutter offers white glove service. Professional movers will come to your home, expertly pack and move your belongings for storage, and deliver them when you need them. View your inventory through the Clutter mobile app, which includes photo inventory. All Clutter units are clean, climate-controlled storage units with 24-hour security.
Pros
- 24/7 availability
- Photographic inventory
- Free truck with 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 the potential for savings), Neighbor connects those looking for storage space with private providers in the area. This gives you convenient access to nearby storage locations. Best of all, Neighbor’s storage solutions are typically priced 50% lower than comparable traditional storage services.
Neighbor is built on trust, so it vets all storage offers and uses secure payment platforms. Neighbor also offers a $1 million guarantee to its tenants. Private storage solutions vary by location, but typically include climate-controlled units, long-term storage, garage, car, and boat storage, monthly parking, and more.
Pros
- Much cheaper than a typical storage unit.
- $25,000 in protection for your belongings.
- Search/filter by storage type, size, and price.
Cons
- Requires someone else to help you.
- Packing and shipping are not available.
How to Choose a Storage Company
What Are My Storage Options?
When you start researching the different public storage options, you’ll quickly notice that these services can be divided into two main categories:
-
Self storage facilities
When renting a storage facility, you do all the heavy lifting. You pack your belongings yourself 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 facilities are usually significantly less expensive than full-service alternatives. Self-storage facilities also have the advantage of being available at any time (after hours, even 24/7). Full-service public storage companies don’t allow you to visit their storage facilities. Instead, you have to pay for delivery and pickup, which increases the price of your rented unit.
Storage facilities often offer a number of additional benefits, such as easy access, portable supplies, and flexible contracts.
-
Full service storage
Full-service storage companies do the work. They will come to your home or workplace, collect your belongings, and move them to the best storage space available. When you need an item, these storage companies come to your warehouse, pick it up, and deliver it to your home. This is an option for those who value extreme convenience and minimal investment of time and labor. Of course, this type of storage solution is more expensive, but that’s the price of convenience.
There is another category that you may be familiar with: pod storage units. This interesting innovation is essentially a storage unit on wheels. You will receive a container that attaches to the back of a truck. Container storage companies bring a portable container to your home. Pod storage units are not a good option for long-term storage.
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-controlled system. This is an important feature for fragile items such as photos, film, electronics, cameras, wine, certain materials, record albums, musical instruments, antiques, artwork, and other sensitive items. Climate-controlled units protect your belongings from potential damage from heat, humidity, and cold.
Indoor self-service and full-service units are safer because they are stored inside a building (which is usually protected by a comprehensive security system).
- Full-service outdoor self-service units
Outdoor storage units are also good options, especially if you are storing large items. These units are not actually outdoors. Think of them as large motel-like structures with separate entrances. You can access the outdoor unit from outside, hence the name. These public storage units offer benefits such as direct access (easier loading and unloading), on-site managers, and video surveillance.
What Features Should I Look for in a Storage Unit?
The features that make up the best storage unit for you will vary depending on your personal needs and preferences. For example, if you want to be able to access your storage unit whenever you want, load and unload items, and generally have more control over your belongings, then self-service services are a better option.
You’re trying to choose the best storage option for you. As with any service, read public storage unit reviews before investing in a storage unit. Also compare the following features:
-
Safety
Is there 24/7 security? What type of security system is in place? Are there cameras, electric gates, access codes, and management systems?
-
Air conditioning units
As mentioned, this is an important feature if you have sensitive items. Make sure your storage units protect your belongings.
-
Availability
Some storage companies offer unlimited access to your unit, while others have more exclusive access. Some self-storage facilities require you to make an appointment to drop off or pick up items from your storage unit. If you plan to regularly move or expand your unit, accessibility is an important feature to consider.
-
Prices
Storage unit pricing is usually based on the amount of storage space.
The price of storage units is usually based on the amount of space you need. The storage service will offer a variety of unit sizes measured in square feet. You choose the size of the unit that you think will hold the number of items you want to store (eg 5’x5′ [25 square feet], 10’x10′ [100 square feet], etc.). Good storage services allow you to easily upgrade or downgrade without starting a whole new registration process.
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 shown. You must enter a zip code and/or contact the company directly.
-
Rental option
Is there a long-term contract required? Monthly? Can automatic payments be made?
Also, find out if you can purchase additional supplies from the storage service. Items like 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 the items they store. This is a precautionary measure and is still a good idea for homeowners. The good news is that it’s easy to get insurance. Most people already have insurance with their homeowners’ insurance. However, you should check 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 your unit, just in case.
If you don’t have a current insurance policy, most public storage facilities offer insurance. These policies usually offer a certain amount of coverage (up to $1,000, $2,000, etc.) for a monthly fee. Some excellent storage companies also include free basic coverage in their 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 small fraction of the actual value of your belongings.
The Best Storage Units Are Just a Click Away
The best storage centers offer a completely online rental process. You will be able to reserve, register, and pay for your storage unit without having to contact anyone. This is something to keep in mind, especially in the current health care environment. Avoiding excessive contact and interaction with the public is always an advantage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right storage solution for you depends on your exact needs 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.