Extra Space Storage Review
Extra Space Storage offers more than 2,000 locations and numerous storage options in 40 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Storage types include self-storage, climate-controlled storage, and storage for vehicles, RVs, cars, and boats. Business storage is available as well. Customers can book units online through a straightforward, convenient process, get their access code, and head straightaway to their storage unit.
Extra Space Storage Overview
Extra Space Storage has been in business since 1977 and is the second-largest operator of self-storage facilities in the United States. The company focuses on storage that is secure, simple, and clean, and that includes helpful customer service. Extra Space Storage hours are 24/7 at many locations.
Extra Space Storage: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Variety of storage options, including vehicle storage
- Climate-controlled units available
- Gated entry
- Video surveillance
- Many locations with 24/7 access
- Renters' insurance available
- Month-to-month contracts offer more flexibility
Cons:
- Some locations without 24/7 access
- 10 to 15 days' notice required before vacating a unit
- Month-to-month contracts mean more potential for rate increases
- Prices tend to be a little higher than competitors' prices, especially with rate increases
Extra Space Storage Reviews
Reviews of Extra Space Storage units on TrustPilot, BBB, and Consumer Affairs tend to be mixed to negative-leaning. The biggest peeve by far is the unexpected rate increases. They tend to catch customers by surprise, especially increases based on reasons such as availability and market conditions that seem arbitrary and unfair. Some customers saw their rates go up by as much as 85 percent within a few months. Sprinkler damage, theft, and overpriced units are other common complaints.
On the bright side, many patrons mention positive customer service experiences. Many factors, even pricing, seem to depend on the staff and operations at your particular location.
Extra Space Storage Cost Factors
Cost factors at Extra Space Storage start with the city and specific locations you are considering. For example, at one Seattle location, small units start at $68, medium units at $225, and large units at $433. In nearby Kent, WA, small units start at $103, medium at $175, and large at $403.
Meanwhile, in Savannah, Georgia, one of four locations starts at $57 for small units, $124 for medium, and $279 for large. At another Savannah location, the prices are $100, $166, and $195, respectively. The less availability there is at a facility, the higher the prices generally are. Climate-controlled units also cost more. Other Extra Space Storage fees and cost factors to consider include:
- The potential for rate increases with month-to-month leases
- How you book (booking online tends to be cheaper than booking in-store)
- Frequent discounts for customers who book online
- Discounts on moving supplies and moving boxes (you can purchase them on site)
- Fees for late payments (typically $10 or 20 percent of the monthly rental price)
- Whether you get insurance to cover your belongings
- Locks (you pay for them)
To save money, see if Extra Space Storage near you has another location a bit farther away that is cheaper. Also, consider having MovingLabor.com movers pack your unit so you don't have to pay for a bigger one.
Extra Space Storage Unit Sizes
Extra Space Storage offers units in small, medium, and large sizes.
| Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|
Four sizes: Storage locker, 5x5 feet, 5x10 feet, and 5x15 feet 5x10 typically can hold everything in a medium-sized bedroom. | Two sizes: 10x10 feet and 10x15 feet 10x10 units can fit an entire living room or the equivalent of two full bedrooms. 10x15 units can fit a two-bedroom apartment's worth of items. | Three sizes: 10x20 feet, 10x25 feet, and 10x30 feet A 10x20 unit can fit a small house's worth of items, including multiple couches, a dining room table and chairs, a refrigerator, and much more. 10x25 storage typically is large enough to accommodate everything in a three-bedroom house. 10x30 storage typically is large enough to accommodate everything in a five-bedroom house. |
Other storage unit sizes are available depending on the location. For instance, some locations in Los Angeles and elsewhere offer 3' x 3' and 3' x 4' in locker spaces and units that are 5' x 9' and 6' x 9', among other options.
If you have a queen-size mattress, 5x10 storage gives you more flexibility. It will be a tight, possibly not workable, fit with 5x5. A king-size mattress works with 5x10 or larger units.
For motorcycles, 5x10 units and larger work well. For small cars, 10x15 could possibly work, but you are usually better off going with 10x20. Trucks and vans may need 10x25 or 10x30 units.
At MovingLabor.com, we help customers save money by properly packing storage units so everything fits. Many customers rent a truck for the move to storage and, with our help packing the units, can store their items in a smaller unit than they originally planned. The savings per month could be as much as $100 to $200 or even more, depending on the unit location. The savings can easily climb into the thousands over the years.
If you already have a larger unit at Extra Space Storage and think a smaller unit could suffice, we can move your items to the smaller unit at the same site. Our movers can do this even if the units are on different floors.
Extra Space Storage: Services and Features Available
The services and features for Extra Space Storage units include convenient online booking. You type in a ZIP code or city name into the search bar and compare the results. Choose a location and click on "Select" to book. Web rates tend to be cheaper than in-store rates.
To book online, fill out your rental information and pay, sign your lease to get the rental ironclad, and receive the gate code. From there, you can head straight to the rental (if the location is open 24/7 or it's during office hours).
If that is too much commitment right away, you can always simply reserve. No credit card is necessary at this stage, and the location holds your unit. A staffer will call to complete the reservation process. All in all, Extra Space Storage offers:
- Video surveillance
- Easy freeway access at many locations
- On-site offices
- Customer pay stations
- Durable moving carts for heavy items
- Elevators for convenient access to upper floors
- Covered parking to protect against sun and rain
Final Takeaway
Extra Space Storage is a company many people turn to for self-storage, especially with the variety of unit sizes and storage options. Some people do find themselves quickly dismayed or even angry by rate increases. If you choose Extra Space Storage, it may help to go into the process with the expectation that your rent will increase by, say, 60% in a few months. If it never happens, great. You have extra money.