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Public Storage Review: Pricing & Services

By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE

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For most of us, space is a luxury we can’t always afford, especially if we live in a city or an apartment. That’s where Public Storage comes in, offering a wide range of storage solutions for your property. With over 2,500 locations across the United States, Public Storage is a popular choice for anyone looking to rent a storage unit and is among the best storage companies in Florida.

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Public Storage Review

Public Storage is one of the largest self-storage companies in the United States. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Glendale, California, the company has more than 2,500 locations nationwide. Public Storage offers a wide range of storage solutions, including self-storage facilities, business storage, car and RV storage, boat storage and climate-controlled storage.

Pros
  • Has an extensive network of locations, making it easy for customers to find a storage unit near them
  • Offers a variety of unit sizes, ranging from small to large, to accommodate different storage needs
  • Offers a first-month rent-free promotion for new customers
Cons
  • Public Storage has had some negative reviews regarding its rate increase policy, where prices may go up unexpectedly after the initial rental period
  • Some customers have complained about the administrative fee and late fee charges
  • Public Storage doesn't offer on-site garbage disposal services

Public Storage’s Services

Public Storage offers a wide range of storage solutions to accommodate different needs.

Self Storage Facilities: Public Storage’s self-storage facilities come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small (5 x 5 ft or 5 x 10 ft) to large (10 x 15 ft, 10 x 20 ft, or 10 x 25 ft). They also offer climate-controlled storage units, which are perfect for storing sensitive items such as electronics, artwork or antiques.

Business Storage: Public Storage’s business storage solutions are ideal for small business owners who need extra space to store their inventory or equipment. They offer flexible lease terms and a variety of unit sizes to fit different business needs.

Car and RV Storage: Public Storage’s car and RV storage solutions are perfect for those who need a secure place to store their vehicles. They offer both covered and uncovered parking spaces.

Boat Storage: Public Storage’s boat storage solutions are ideal for boat owners who need a safe and secure place to store their boats. They offer both covered and uncovered parking spaces.

Climate Controlled Storage: Public Storage’s climate-controlled storage units are perfect for storing items that require a controlled environment. These units are ideal for storing sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, or antiques.

What it doesn’t offer: Public Storage doesn’t offer on-site garbage disposal services. It also doesn’t offer 24/7 access to its facilities.

Public Storage’s Pricing

The company’s storage unit rent cost varies depending on the location and the size of the unit. The following table displays the plans and average costs for each size:

Unit Size Average Cost
Small $66
Medium $144
Large $300

How Public Storage Works

Renting a storage unit at Public Storage is a straightforward process. Customers can easily reserve a unit online or visit a Public Storage facility to rent a unit in person. Once the rental agreement is signed, customers can move in their belongings immediately.

You can store clothes in a storage unit provided by Public Storage when changing seasons, or use it for other storage solutions, including home gym storage or sports equipment storage.

Public Storage’s Credentials

Public Storage has been in the storage industry for over 50 years, and has the licenses and registrations necessary to operate in each state where it is located. The company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and complies with all federal regulations regarding the transportation of goods. Public has won several awards over the years, including the 2019 CIO 100 award for its innovation in IT, and the 2021 Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency. They have also received recognition from the Better Business Bureau for their customer service and commitment to resolving customer complaints.

Public Storage has faced legal actions over the years, including several class-action lawsuits regarding their late fee policies and rate increases. However, they have always maintained compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding storage unit rental and have not faced any major regulatory actions or fines in recent years.

Public Storage’s Accessibility

Public Storage is accessible to customers 24/7 through their website, phone and on-site property managers. They have over 2,500 locations in the United States, making it easy for customers to find a facility near them. Their website is user-friendly and offers a variety of features to help customers find the perfect storage solution for their needs, including the ability to reserve and pay for a unit online.

Customers can contact Public Storage through their toll-free phone number or the live chat featured in the company’s website. Their property managers are trained to provide great customer service and can assist customers with any questions or concerns they may have. Public Storage also offers auto-pay options to help customers manage their payments and avoid late fees.

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Public Storage’s Customer Satisfaction

Public Storage has received mixed customer reviews over the years. While many customers have praised their great customer service and convenient facilities, others have reported issues with billing and rate increases. They have an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with many positive reviews praising their clean and well-maintained facilities and helpful staff. However, some customers have reported issues with hidden fees, poor communication from property managers and difficulty canceling their units.

Public Storage also has a profile on the Better Business Bureau website, where it is currently unrated. The company has had 1,616 complaints closed in the last three years, and replies to most complaints in a timely manner.

Public Storage vs. the Competition

When it comes to self-storage facilities, Public Storage is just one option among many. Here’s how Public Storage stacks up against some of the competition. All prices listed for a 10×10  storage unit in the Metro area.

Public Storage Extra Space Cubesmart Simply Self Storage PODS
Average Price $144 $187 $261 $194 $149
Coverage area 38 states + DC 36 states + DC 33 states + DC 26 states + DC 46 states + DC
Insurance Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Public Storage Review FAQs

Can I store boats in Public Storage?

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Yes, Public Storage offers boat storage at select locations. Availability may vary by location, so be sure to check with your local facility.

Does Public Storage containers have climate control?

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Yes, Public Storage offers climate-controlled storage units at many locations. This can be a great option if you're storing items that are sensitive to temperature or humidity.

Does Public Storage include insurance?

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Public Storage requires insurance for your stored items. The company offers insurance through the Orange Door Insurance Program.

What are all the fees for Public Storage?

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In addition to the monthly rental fee, Public Storage may charge administrative fees, late fees and fees for other services. Be sure to read your rental agreement carefully to understand all of the costs involved.

Does Public Storage include on-site garbage disposal?

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No, Public Storage does not typically offer on-site garbage disposal. You will need to dispose of your trash elsewhere.

How We Evaluated Public Storage

To evaluate Public Storage, we considered several key factors, including pricing, services, accessibility, customer satisfaction and credentials. We looked at information from a variety of sources, including customer reviews, industry publications and the company’s website.

When evaluating pricing, we looked at the cost of different unit sizes and compared Public Storage’s prices to those of competitors. We also considered any promotions or discounts that may be available.

Summary of Public Storage

For services, we looked at what Public Storage offers in terms of self-storage, business storage, vehicle storage and climate-controlled options. We also considered any limitations or areas where Public Storage may fall short compared to competitors.

Accessibility was another important factor, as customers want a storage company that is easy to reach and offers a good user experience. We evaluated Public Storage’s availability and overall user experience.

Customer satisfaction was also a key consideration, as customers want to feel confident that their stored items are safe and secure. We looked at customer reviews and third-party ratings to get a sense of how customers feel about Public Storage.

Victor Rosario

Víctor's research and writing have covered topics such as identity theft prevention, personal finances and parental control apps. He holds a B.A. in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He collects board games and vinyl records in his spare time.