Top 5 Storage Companies in The United States

One of the most efficient methods of storing your possessions, whether, for weeks, months, or years is by renting a storage unit from a trustworthy storage company.

The convenience that comes with using self-storage cannot be compared with storing your extra inventory, stashing your furniture temporarily, or decluttering your home into your garage, car, or basement at a friend’s home. For those looking to remove and store away some of their home belongings, the most secure and suitable option for them is by using self-storage facilities.

The monthly rental of storage space is also made available to customers by most self-storage centers. To ensure the safety of possessions from weather conditions or other elements, most of the storage units are stored in a climate-controlled area.

Self-storage facilities differ from one to another, as well as the services, prices, and security features all depend on the storage companies you chose to provide the facility. Let’s start by briefly discussing the main storage options available to consumers.

The 2 types of storage options discussed below are to be considered when figuring out the storage type you require.

1. Full-service storage

Services similar to valet style are provided to customers by full-service storage companies. It is known that a full-service storage company will pick up your possessions and drop them off at the storage facility. Most of these companies also make it possible for clients to make a reservation for pickup and delivery via a mobile app.

When a client hires a full-service storage company, the stress involved in delivering belongings to the storage facility is eradicated as the company will take care of it.

Most of these companies will also take inventory of your possessions as well as photos of your items for proper documentation. With this, you can easily check the photos or inventory list online if you forget any of the items in the storage.

2. Self-storage

This is certainly the most widely known storage option. Self-storage facilities allow for a safe and secure way to store possessions from home regardless of the size at an affordable price.

Customers are responsible for the delivery of their possessions to the storage facilities when they opt for self-storage. They will also pick up any belongings from the storage themselves if they need to. Documentation of the items before storage is also done by the customers.

The size of the storage unit you are looking to hire is a major factor in determining the price. Another factor is the location of the storage facility.

Storage units in rural areas are much cheaper than those in urban areas. The cost of the regular 10 by 20 storage unit is about $100/month.

Smaller storage units will cost a lesser amount up to $40, and the larger units will cost above $200. a month.

The analysis below shows the breakdown of storage unit prices for general sizes in different locations:

Prices for 5’ x 5’ Storage Units 

• Smaller location (population: 50,000 – 80,000) – $20 to $35
• Mid-sized location (population: 500,000 -800,000) – $33 to $55
• Large location (population: 1.5 million and up) – $50 to $85

Prices for 5’ x 10’ Storage Units 

• Smaller location (population: 50,000 – 80,000) – $20 to $35
• Mid-sized location (population: 500,000 – 800,000) – $33 to $55
• Large location (population: 1.5 million and above) – $50 to $85

Prices for 10’ x 10’ Storage Units

• Smaller location (population: 50,000 – 80,000) – $80 to $100
• Mid-sized location (population: 500,000 – 800,000) – $90 to $120
• Large location (population: 1.5 million and above) – $140 to $160

Prices for 10’ x 15’ Storage Units 

• Smaller location (population: 50,000 – 80,000) – $100 to $120
• Mid-sized location (population: 500,000 – 800,000) – $125 to $150
• Large location (population: 1.5 million and above) – $175 to $200

Prices for 10’ x 20’ Storage Units 

• Smaller location (population: 50,000 – 80,000) – $100 to $150
• Mid-sized location (population: 500,000 – 800,000) – $175 to $200
• Large location (population: 1.5 million and above) – $250 to $280

Prices for 10’ x 30’ Storage Units 

• Smaller location (population: 50,000 – 80,000) – $165 to $175
• Mid-sized location (population: 500,000 – 800,000) – $200 to $220
• Large location (population: 1.5 million and above) – $275 to $300

1. Public Storage
2. Extra Space Storage
3. U-haul
4. CubeSmart
5. Life Storage

Self-storage units allow for flexibility in loading and unloading of your belongings together with top-notch safety, security, and affordability.

Many of these storage units operate around the clock; meaning that customers can access their belongings at any point in time whether to add, remove, or rearrange.

If you are planning to declutter your home or looking to store up some of your items to create space, chose any of the popular storage companies below:

A self-storage unit is the preferred option for most customers looking for storage because it is easier and affordable to use.

Customers will pick up their items at their own pace when using self-storage service, unlike having to make a reservation for pickup from a full-service storage company.

If the volume of belongings you plan to store is not much, and you have access to a vehicle, then it is advisable to opt for a self-storage unit. However, full-service storage is the best option for those living in big cities where parking and driving are strictly regulated.

Full-service storage provides convenient on storage for those living in buildings with elevators in the city as many of them have no personal vehicle.

It is advisable to opt for full-service storage if it is available in the city you live in. However, self-storage still remains a good deal for consumers due to many other benefits associated with the service.

Here are the lists of things to consider when researching different storage facilities.

• Lighting – for example, if the facility is lit
• Sizes offered
• Level of accessibility – find out if they will allow you to access your belongings anytime, if they open on Sundays and holidays, and if you are satisfied with the working hours of the company before you rent a storage unit.
• Number of locks
• Climate control
• Video monitoring
• In-person Inspection
• Online reviews of the facility
• Pricing and contracts offered
• General safety and security of the facility

Self-storage units come in various sizes and configurations. It is important to know the exact amount of space you will need for your possessions as larger storage units cost more monthly. This is important so you don’t end up paying for unused space.

It is also crucial to take the design of the storage into consideration. Some of this storage is narrow and has many vertical spaces, while others are wider and has lower roofs.

Below are various sizes of self-storage units:

1. Small Size – 20 to 80 sq-ft

You can opt for a 5 by 5 or 5 by 10 small-size storage unit if the volume of your item will perfectly fit into a standard closet. Small storage units have varieties of sizes that can accommodate up to possessions that can fill a walk-in closet.

A small storage unit can contain a room of furniture along with some moving boxes, or a one-bedroom apartment. This storage unit size will comfortably house your chairs, small furniture, moving boxes, and bookcases.

2. Medium Size – 81 to 150 sq-ft

You will have to opt for a medium 10 by 10 storage unit (close to 100 sqft and above) if your belongings perfectly fit the size of a regular bedroom after packing, as it is the perfect size for your items. The size of medium storage units is the same as that of a modest garage.

Medium storage unit sizes from the size of a small bedroom unit to the unit size that is approximately the same as the size of a small garage.

These storage units can contain a single-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom home full of items. Items like desks, frames, sofas, chairs, moving boxes, and mattresses can be stored in these units.

3. Large Size – 151 to 300 sq-ft

Household items such as patio furniture, beds, desks, sofas, bookcases, and other large items can be stored in large storage units. The storage units can contain from three rooms to six rooms of furniture.

If after packing your items you visualize that it amounts to the size of a 1-car garage or a big living room, then you need to opt for a large storage unit.

4. Extra Large – 301 sqft and up

This particular storage size can store up any packed items visualized to be of the same size as a garage made for more than a car. It is popularly known for storing larger household items such as baby cribs, sofas, appliances, patio furniture, mattress set, and so on. This particular storage unit size can store up to a five-bedroom home or more.

With the availability of many self-storage facilities, to determine the one that is best for you can be challenging. However, we have researched and come up with practical helpful tips to choose the best. These include:

1. Be Specific

Consider the items you plan to store and the duration of storage. You will determine what you need when you first identify what your needs are. Here are many options available. 

• Make a list of the belongings you want to store.
• List out the belongings you may need to access while in storage.
• Take the measurement and calculate the overall packing size of the possessions you are storing.
• Enough space to allow for ventilation and convenient access.

2. Check Facility Features

Ensure you only opt for a storage facility that grants you access to your belongings whether on a 24-hours basis or during business hours as provided by some of them. The security of the facilities should also be a major factor to consider, make sure it is well fenced and with security cameras in every angle.

3. Determine if there’s a Need for Climate-Controlled Storage

Both the temperature and humidity sensitive items are kept in perfect shape by the climate-controlled spaces. This can solely depend on the climate in which your belongings are being stored. For instance, storing items in dry weather could cause cracking of woods while mold and mildew could be caused by humid temperatures.

Make sure you take your time to conduct proper research purposely on the cost of the storage unit and the value of your household possessions. Although the cost for weather-controlled units can be higher; however, the money spent on it is not a waste as it guarantees the safety of your possessions.

4. Consider the Distance

Regardless of how favorable the deal on a unit might be, if the distance to the facilities is far and you have to drive many miles to get to it, knowing that you are using the storage for a longer period, it is better to pay more for a nearby facility.

5. Cost for Storage Facility is not Constant

Business owners are allowed to set their prices as most of the storage centers are owned and operated independently. It is advisable to try 3 to 5 different facilities to see if you can get a better deal. Most of these storage companies do provide promotions to customers.

You can ask your preferred storage company of any available deals. You can as well mention another storage company’s promotion; they might be forced to offer you the same deal.   

6. Access

There must be ease of access to your storage room, most especially, if you will be accessing it frequently. Loading and unloading points should be available and nicely protected from the weather element. Most of the storage companies will provide you with trolleys and other relevant tools to make your loading and unloading easier.

7. Check Insurance Requirements

Check your renter’s policy or homeowner’s insurance to see if there is any coverage for the belongings you plan to store. The actual policy might include the type of storage to be used to enjoy the coverage. There are also storage companies that offer insurance on your stored belongings.

8. Verify Security

Avoid making the mistake of considering the only cost. What you need is a company that offers adequate security for your belongings, different features to satisfy customers and varieties of unit sizes that perfectly fit your items.

Check for perimeter fencing, electronic access, security cameras, and security locks. You should also check how knowledgeable their management is in providing answers to any questions raised by customers and also walk you through the facility.

9. Check Reviews

Before making your final decision, check for online reviews from old customers. Consider only the company that offers quality service with uttermost convenience.

10. Know Facility Policies

There are various rules for various storage facilities. Most of them provide monthly rentals while others provide services for a specific period. Many of these storage facilities have rules guiding the types of items that can be stored in their units; so be sure to check their rules if you have an uncommon item to store so you can be certain of the safety of your belongings.

You will probably need a climate-controlled unit if you are storing furniture and clothes. This type of storage unit is being offered by most storage companies.

Weather-control features in a storage unit protect your possessions from excessive temperatures, humidity, and other weather elements. They also prevent your possessions from mold, mildew, and other unpleasant weather condition.

The Centre reported for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that mold grows on dust, carpet, ceiling tiles, paints, paper products, wallpaper, cardboard, upholstery, fabric, and wood products. You will need a climate-controlled storage unit to store any of these items.

Do I need to bring anything with me to rent a storage unit?

If you are visiting a storage company in person with the aim of renting a unit, you should bring certain documentation with you. Storage facilities require a photo ID, such as your passport, driver’s license, or state ID, to rent a unit in your name.

Most storage companies are not going to run a credit check, as you are not paying for your storage unit in installments. You pay in full for each month of storage.

What is the best way to load up my storage unit?

It is always a good idea to have a plan for how you are going to place items into your storage unit, as it makes accessing specific boxes easier in the future. Start by packing items strategically, depending on how often you use them.

Pack all items you rarely need with each other and place those boxes near the back of your storage unit. Then add in furniture, appliances or other large items. Place boxes with your most frequently used items near the front, so you can get to them at any time.

Am I renting a storage unit month to month or for an entire year?
Most storage facilities offer the option of a month-to-month lease, six months lease or an annual lease. The option you choose depends on your self-storage needs.

Individuals who are planning to keep some items in storage for the medium to long term should go with a six-month or annual lease, as the monthly cost is usually discounted by the storage company.

If you are only planning to keep items in storage for a few months, a month-to-month lease is best.

Does the floor where my storage unit is located matter?

The floor of your storage unit may matter depending on your circumstances and the amenities available at the storage facility.

If the storage unit is on the ground floor, it may be a drive-up unit. That means you can drive your car or truck very close to the entrance of the unit to load items.

Another issue with units on a higher floor is that you may have to climb a flight of stairs to access the unit. Most facilities do have elevators, but they are not always operational, which could make transporting items to and from the unit more challenging.

Are pests a concern when storing items in a storage unit?

It is important to ask the storage company if they take steps to prevent a pest infestation inside the units. The facility should have regular sprayings on their property to ensure pests such as ants and roaches do not get into the units and your possessions.

Regardless of the facility’s policies, you should avoid placing any perishable and food items inside the unit. Ensure all items are clean and dry when they go into the unit, and avoid placing anything inside the unit that could leak water.

Are there any consequences for not paying my storage unit bill on time?

Yes, you will experience consequences if you are late in paying your storage unit expenses. When you are late by a specific number of days (written in your contract), you are charged a late fee by the storage company.

Individuals who do not pay their bills within 30 or 60 days (specified in your contract) may be at risk of losing their possessions. Each state in the United States has specific laws regarding this process.

When you go 30 or 60 days without a payment, an auction is held and your items are sold off by the storage company. Any money they raise from the auction is used to pay your debts to the storage facility, while the rest is sent to you through a money order.

Be wise with your decision. Taking your time to properly research the perfect storage facility for your needs is the best thing you can do for yourself as you wouldn’t want to change from one facility to another once you moved your belongings into a storage unit.

It is not necessary for you to opt for the largest company as that doesn’t guarantee a quality service; however, the company that stands out in self-storage service is able to maintain its position because of the quality of service and reasonable rates. Begin your research by looking for these 5 top self-storage companies and you can choose from and get a storage facility that offers the exact service that matches your needs affordably.