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Last Updated: Sep 08, 2023
Moving Feedback researched hundreds of storage companies, sorting out the best of the best so you won’t have to do the digging yourself. Check out our list of the top storage companies in the United States, and learn a thing or two about storage from the experts.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST VALUE
4.8
BEST AVAILABILITY
4.7
Whether it’s for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years, a storage unit is a great option for keeping your stuff safe.
Moving can be complicated. Sometimes we forget to downsize (or don’t downsize enough), and sometimes we just need some extra time to stretch out the move-in process.
Self-storage gives you some much-needed flexibility. You’ll be able to manage your move on your own time, and you’ll be able to keep your excess furniture and other belongings somewhere safe until you find a proper home for everything you aren’t keeping.
Read on to see our top picks for the top 5 storage companies in the United States, and learn some important information about storage units before you book.
In this article
A standard 10’ x 20’ storage unit can cost you about $100 per month, but a smaller unit may only cost $40. On the other hand, if you need an extra large storage unit, you may end up paying $200 or more.
If you want to know the price, you have to know the size. Your price will vary depending on the square footage of your storage unit:
A 5’ x 5’ storage unit is typically the smallest size available, and it’ll cost you between $60 and $75 per month. These are about the size of a closet, so keep in mind that you’ll have to play a little Tetris to get your items to fit.
Medium storage units are usually 5’ x 15’ or 10’ x 15’, and they’ll set you back between $140 and $150 per month. If you want a little extra space, you may have to rent a large storage unit instead.
Large storage units can range from 10’ x 20’ to 10’ x 30’ in size, and $260 and $300 per month. These are the most expensive option for your storage needs, but you can fit a garage worth of stuff inside.
If you want an air-conditioned storage unit, expect to pay an additional $10 to $30 per month.
Depending on your storage provider, you may be able to rent a climate-controlled storage unit to keep your fragile items safe. If you don’t mind paying a bit extra, air-conditioned storage is a great idea if you’re worried about paintings, antiques, and high-value collectibles.
Every storage company is different – not just in terms of their storage unit sizes, but also when it comes to their additional services and on-site features. Let’s learn about the two main types of storage options: full-service storage and self-storage.
Full-service storage is a premium option. If your storage provider offers full-service storage, it means they’ll send a team to pick up your stuff and drop everything off at their facility.
If you’re really trying to cut down on your stress, full-service is the way to go. You won’t have to deal with hauling your belongings to the storage facility, and you won’t have to deal with loading and unloading, either.
Unfortunately, you may need to download a specialized app if you want to schedule a pickup or delivery with a full-service mover. On the plus side, you can also use this app to keep track of your possessions.
Self-storage is what most people think of when they think of storage. You get a safe and secure place to keep all your stuff, and it’s usually much cheaper than full-service storage. Unfortunately, you don’t get the full VIP pickup and delivery option with self-storage.
If you choose self-storage, loading the unit is your responsibility. If you need to drop anything off or pick anything up, you’ll have to do it yourself. As for keeping track of what’s in storage and what’s not, you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way: a pen and a pad of paper, or a note on your phone.
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| 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Best Overall | Best value | Best Availability | Most Affordable | Best For Local |
| 15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 20% Seasonal Discount | 18% Flexibility Discount | 15% Student Discount | Not Disclosed |
| $2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2200-$5400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
Self-storage units provide flexibility, security, and affordability. If you’re considering renting a storage unit, check out our top picks:
BEST OVERALL
4.9
Public Storage has been in the business for over 4 decades now, and they know exactly what customers need from self-storage.
There are over 2,000 Public Storage locations around the world. This kind of national (and international) reach makes them easy to find, and easy to book.
Public Storage offers a variety of rental sizes at each of its secure storage centers, so you can always find the perfect unit at an affordable price.
They even offer a free sizing guide so you know exactly how many square feet you’ll need for all your stuff.
Public Storage has more locations than any other self-storage provider. If there’s no availability at your local branch for your storage unit of choice, chances are there’s another Public Storage location nearby that’ll have what you’re looking for.
Just like many other self-storage companies, there may be different services and features depending on your location. Still, when you have more options to choose from, it’s a lot easier to find the right unit for your needs.
Public Storage has climate-controlled units and units of all shapes and sizes. Depending on how much stuff you have to store, you can pick and choose the best option for maximum savings and maximum space.
BEST VALUE
4.8
Licenses
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Type: Storage Services
Extra Space Storage has over 1,700 self-storage centers available to customers across the United States. Their facilities are well-lit, and they offer modern-day security features, different types of storage units, and weather-controlled units.
Extra Space Storage is in partnership with Budget Truck Rentals. If you need to haul your stuff to your storage unit, Extra Space can put you in touch with Budget and give you up to 20% off the truck’s rental price.
Extra Space Storage is a great choice for the price, but they don’t sacrifice quality for affordability.
Even though you’re paying a competitive rate, you’ll still get great features like pest control, excellent customer service, and added security.
If you’re worried about security, Extra Space has you covered. They have electric gates, on-site managers, and video surveillance at all facilities.
Their units are regularly treated for pests, too. It’s great for peace of mind, and if you have any fragile items, you can choose one of their climate-controlled storage units for even more safety and security.
We wanted to see what customers were saying about Extra Space Storage, so we did some digging. Fortunately, their previous clients have a lot of good things to say about Extra Space’s services and facilities.
It’s always good to know that a company is keeping its customers happy, and their emphasis on solid customer support is really reassuring.
BEST AVAILABILITY
4.7
You’ve probably heard of U-Haul before, but did you know they also offer storage units? While it may cost a little extra to rent a unit with U-Haul, they offer great security – and an even better insurance policy.
It’s rare for stuff to be broken or stolen when in storage, but accidents and break-ins do happen. Fortunately, U-Haul offers a comprehensive insurance plan that covers your possessions in storage. If anything is broken, damaged, destroyed or stolen, U-Haul will pay to have it replaced.
Need a little more flexibility? U-Haul offers portable storage containers. They can send one of these containers to your place so you can load it up on your own time. When you’re done, let them know and they’ll take it away to one of their secure storage centers.
U-Haul is a household name and for good reason. They have a strong presence in the United States, with larger cities having more than one U-Haul branch for greater convenience. They also have a presence in Puerto Rico and some parts of Canada and Mexico.
If you don’t want to make any phone calls, U-Haul is your best bet. You can book a storage unit entirely online, with no calls necessary. Their online utility provides plenty of customization for your size and your budget, and it keeps booking really easy and streamlined.
Accidents happen, and it’s nice to have extra protection for your stuff in storage. U-Haul provides a comprehensive insurance option for your items, which is excellent peace of mind if you’re planning on using a storage unit long-term.
MOST AFFORDABLE
4.6
Licenses
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Type: Storage Services
This is the most affordable storage company on our list. CubeSmart is a great option if you’re looking for weather-controlled storage, great discounts, and updated security features. They also offer free truck rentals for customers in some locations.
Like Extra Space and Budget Truck Rentals, CubeSmart has a partnership with Penske Truck Rentals.
If you need to rent a truck from Penske, CubeSmart can provide you with a 10% discount on a rental truck if you need it for just a few hours.
Of course, if you’re really lucky and you’re moving in the right location, you can get your truck totally free.
Units from CubeSmart range from 5’ x 5’ lockers all the way to 10’ x 30’ vaults. Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or just performing some cleaning, CubeSmart has a unit for your needs.
When it comes to self-storage, larger units are always more costly. If your storage provider only has a few size options, you may end up paying for space you don’t need.
Fortunately, with CubeSmart’s wide range of storage unit sizes, you’re getting exactly what you need, and nothing extra.
CubeSmart also offers storage for trailers, boats, motorcycles, and RVs. These vehicle storage options are available as short or long-term rentals, so you can keep your convertible safe through the winter or keep that classic out of the elements for years to come.
BEST FOR LOCAL
4.5
Licenses
DOT#: N/A
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Type: Storage Services
Last – but certainly not least – we have Life Storage. Life Storage has over 750 self-storage centers, located in over 28 states. While they may not be as large as Public Storage or Extra Space Storage, they’re rapidly growing and they have a great reputation for secure facilities.
Life Storage also offers a user-friendly website, transparent pricing, and 3 different types of weather-controlled storage units. While climate-controlled storage is becoming more common, Life Storage gives you a wider range of options than other companies.
If you want to rent an air-conditioned storage unit for your stuff, Life Storage has you covered. Unlike other moving companies, Life Storage actually provides a wide variety of climate-controlled storage options:
Air-conditioned and humidity-controlled units are really useful if you want to protect your clothes from mold, or if you’re trying to keep your art pieces from fraying or warping.
On the other hand, heated storage can protect your electronics from freezing up, and they can keep your wooden furniture from cracking or splitting in cold temperatures, too.
There are thousands of storage providers out there, so how do you make the right decision?
Here’s how to choose the best storage company:
Think about the items you need to store, and how long they’ll be in storage. Once you have a solid idea of what you need, it’s much easier to narrow down your options. There are a few steps you can take if you need help figuring out your storage needs:
You’ll need to make sure a storage facility is up to your standards. Once you know what you need, take a look at a company’s storage options. Is the site secure? How far away is it from where you live? Is it easy for you to access? These are all important questions that you should ask yourself when you’re scouting out a storage company.
Before making your final decision, check for online reviews from old customers. If there are common problems that many customers report dealing with, it could spell trouble for you as well. Don’t forget to touch base with any family members or friends who have recently rented out storage – they’ll have some good insight.
We recommend checking at least 3 different storage companies if you want a better idea of how much a unit will cost you. Since storage sites are typically independently priced depending on location, company, and services, you’ll want to shop around to see the average price. Plus, some companies offer price matching, so comparing prices gives you a little leverage.
Your insurance policy may already include storage units. Check your renter’s policy or homeowners insurance to see if there is any coverage for the belongings you plan to store. Some storage companies also offer insurance plans, so if your homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover storage, be on the lookout for storage providers that have solid coverage plans.
Self-storage units come in various sizes and configurations. It’s important to know the exact amount of space you’ll need for all your stuff, since larger storage units will cost more money. You don’t want to pay for unused space.
It’s also important to think about the design of a storage unit when you’re shopping around. Some storage units are narrow and set up more vertically, while others are wider and have lower roofs.
Take a look at the common sizes of storage unit, and think about how much space you’ll need:
If your stuff can fit in a standard closet (not a walk-in), a 5’ x 5’ or 5’ x 10’ storage unit should be enough. These units can hold small items of furniture along with a few moving boxes. Chairs, small desks, and smallish bookcases will fit in a 20 to 80-square-foot storage unit, but you may have to do some terrorising.
A 10’ x 10’ storage unit is about the size of a small garage. If your belongings can fit in a regular bedroom after packing and boxing, a medium size storage unit is the perfect option. These rentals can accommodate extra stuff from a one-bedroom apartment, or even a two-bedroom home if you didn’t pack your house to the gills.
Household items such as patio furniture, beds, desks, sofas, bookcases, and other large pieces of furniture can comfortably fit in large storage units. These units can contain from three rooms to six rooms of furniture. If your belongings can fit in a 1-car garage or a large living room after packing and boxing, a large-size storage unit is your go-to choice.
Extra large storage units can hold an entire garage’s worth of stuff. They’re great if you need to store large household items like mattresses and bed sets, appliances, sofas, and more. Assuming you haven’t used every inch of space in your home, an extra large storage unit can comfortably house the excess from a 5-bedroom house.
If you want to rent a unit, you should bring certain documents with you. Storage facilities require a photo ID, such as your passport, driver’s license, or state ID.
If you want a storage unit, you’ll have to pay for each month in full. Storage companies don’t need to run a credit check, since you won’t be paying for your unit in installments.
Yes, many long distance moving companies provide storage services as part of their comprehensive offerings. This can be especially beneficial when there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates.
It’s always a good idea to have a plan before placing anything in storage. We recommend you pack items strategically, depending on how often you use them. The stuff you rarely need can go in the back. The more frequently-used items should be towards the front, so they’re easy to access.
Some storage facilities are actually multiple floors of units, kind of like a parking garage or an apartment complex for everyone’s excess stuff. If your unit is on the ground floor, it could be a drive-up unit. This means you can pull your car or moving truck right up to the unit for easy loading and unloading.
If you have a unit on a higher floor, you may have to navigate some stairs when loading and unloading. Most facilities have elevators, but if they aren’t operational it can be a major pain if you need to haul anything heavy to or from storage.
Like anywhere else, pests can, unfortunately, find their way into storage units. Fortunately, most storage facilities perform regular sprayings to ensure pests like ants and roaches don’t get to all your stuff. In any case, avoid placing perishable items like food in your unit, and make sure everything is clean and dry to avoid the risk of mold or mildew.
If you’re late by a certain number of days (written in your contract), you’ll be charged a late fee. Aside from late fees, failing to pay your bills within 30 or 60 days may put your belongings in jeopardy. Each state has specific laws about this process, but failing to pay for your storage unit can lead to your stuff being auctioned off by your storage company.
There you have it – Moving Feedback’s top picks for storage providers, and some helpful tips and info about how to choose the right unit for your needs. If you’re ready to rent some space, get in touch with the companies on our list to get started!
Don’t forget, the Moving Feedback team is always doing research and writing new articles. Check back in with us later for more tips and tricks to make moving (and storage) even easier!
Meet Harrison, a writer with a real passion for real estate and moving. For the past three years, he's been putting his writing skills to use for companies in these industries, but his experience with moving extends far beyond his keyboard. In fact, he's moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with the help of professionals, and other times by taking on the move all on his own. Through these experiences, he's learned some valuable lessons about what can make a move a breeze, and what can turn it into a stressful nightmare. And when he's not busy writing, you can find him researching ways to make his next move as smooth and easy as possible.