Public Storage Review

When searching for new storage space to rent, it's wise to do your research before you make a final decision. Self storage isn't just for storing furniture and old shoes. People may also use self storage facilities to safely and reliably secure valuable items (e.g., precious heirlooms).

Select three potential storage facilities and thoroughly research, comparing prices, contracts, security, and location before choosing who you rent from.

If obstacles such as location aren't considered, customers may face a situation where they suddenly have to transport any number of large items across long distances because they didn't do enough research. What solutions are available to overcome self storage and wider moving and location obstacles?

Since its founding in 2004, MovingLabor.com has provided professional, reliable, and affordable labor-only moving services for thousands across the country. Moving Labor's dedicated services operate nationwide and have helped ease the somewhat intimidating process of do-it-yourself moves. Moving Labor specializes in professional loading, unloading, packing, and furniture movement services.

Public Storage Overview

Public Storage has been operating for fifty years, opening its first storage facility in 1972. They've since become the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities worldwide and have amassed over 70 million net rentable square feet of real estate all over the U.S. and Europe. 

Public Storage has over 5,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences at its helm. Public Storage has locations nationwide, making them easily discoverable and accessible to most. 

Public Storage isn't considered a budget-friendly option, costing about 5% above the industry average. They also have particular expertise in storing watercraft, such as boats, jet skis, and trailer boats, though additional security concerns remain pertinent.

What Do Public Storage Reviews Say?

Public Storage is rated 4.8 stars on TrustPilot, which gives them an 'excellence' rating. Reviews show that customers are largely satisfied with their experience and have received adequate customer service from employees. 

For their flagship branch and headquarters in Glendale, California, Yelp gives Public Storage a rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 94 reviews. There have been multiple reports of break-ins and theft at this facility, with customer reviews expressing disdain for some of the facilities' basic surveillance and lack of security options. Other customers mentioned not being pleased with the 9:30 am-6:00 pm operating hours, with some reports of facilities closing early without notice.

Consumer Affairs gave Public Storage 3.8 out of 5 stars, with customers mentioning their satisfaction with the staff service. Public Storage appears to receive resoundingly positive customer reviews for the helpfulness and professionalism of its employees. Public Storage also holds an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB), despite not being officially endorsed by the non-profit.

What Are the Public Storage Pros and Cons?

Public Storage is an excellent option for clients seeking reliability and consistency, though confidence in robust security parameters may be lacking. A few other pros and cons of choosing Public Storage are:

Pros:

• Public Storage has climate-controlled units available that are monitored for temperature changes and regulated accordingly.
• Public Storage has over 2,200 locations across two continents, which makes it an accessible option for many.
• Public Storage offers unit reservations at no charge, meaning you won't be faced with cancellation fees should your plan change and you no longer need your unit.
• Public Storage offers month-to-month contracts that don't tie clients down or hit them with hidden severance fees should plans change.
• Discounted pricing has long been a part of Public Storage services, with their promotional "$1 for the first month" campaign attracting many customers over the years.

Cons:

• Public Storage's security parameters are less than stellar, with reported break-ins at a few of their facilities.
• Their facilities do not operate 24/7, and customers complain about not being able to access facilities, which most self-storage companies grant around the clock.
• Price hikes are common, with clients becoming disgruntled with the rise in prices after the promotional period ends. Though an initial discounted period may work to undermine the emergence of normal pricing models.

It's always smart to consider the end-to-end process of hauling large items and furniture and relocating them to a new town, city, or state. Preparedness means you'll need professionalism, precaution, and trust when handling and moving valuable items. Moving companies listed on MovingLabor.com are what make up the foundation of the company and are strongly dedicated to making sure that every move made is a successful one.

Public Storage Cost Factors

The following factors impact the cost of storage units at Public Storage:

• Size: Size is a huge component when determining the proper storage unit for your needs. Larger units cost much more than smaller spaces, so working out exactly how much space you require could save you hundreds of dollars.
• Climate Control: Climate-controlled storage units keep track of and adjust the temperature of your storage unit. Climate-controlled storage units are, on average, more expensive than regular units.
• Availability: Storage units are affected by the ever-changing demands of consumers. If a storage facility has lots of empty units, you're more likely to grab yourself a bargain.
• Sales: Online sales and promotions held by Public Storage are the best way to secure yourself a deal. With offers changing daily, lucky customers can seize climate-controlled units for less than the cost of a regular unit.
• Fees: Public Storage charges a one-off administration fee of $24 and a mandatory insurance fee of $15/month.
• Locks: At Public Storage, you need to purchase your own lock. Cheaper locks average around $20.

Public Storage Unit Sizes

Public Storage has seven storage unit sizes to choose from:

Small Storage Units

• 5' x 5': Comparable to the size of a large closet, offering 200 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: Furniture and bedding from a small room or the contents of a large closet.
• 5' x 10': Comparable to the size of a conventional room, offering 400 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: The contents of an entire room, including bulkier items and electronics such as television sets.

Medium Storage Units

• 5' x 15': Comparable to the size of two conventional rooms, offering 600 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: Furniture, electronics, beds, and larger items such as sofas and tables.
• 10' x 10': Comparable to the size of three conventional rooms, offering 800 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: The contents of three regular household rooms, including bulky and oversized items such as heavy furniture.

Large Storage Units

• 10' x 15': Comparable to the size of four conventional rooms, offering 1,200 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: The entire contents of a small two-bedroom family home or a large apartment, including heavier items such as washing machines.
• 10' x 20': Comparable to the size of five conventional rooms, offering 1600 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: The entire contents of a three-bedroom home, including bulky items such as dining tables, white goods, and multiple bed frames/mattresses.
• 10' x 25': Comparable to the size of six conventional rooms, offering 2000 cubic feet of storage space. Ideal For: The entire contents of a large family home, including outdoor furniture.

Vehicle Storage

Public Storage offers a selection of covered, uncovered, and enclosed options for storing boats, cars, RVs, and other types of vehicles.

• <20': Ideal for typical ATVs, cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
• <35': Ideal for R.V.s, motor homes, family campers, and even small boats.
• <50': Ideal for oversized trailers and vehicles.

Public Storage Services and Features Available

Public Storage has a range of services and features, including:

• Self-Storage: Store personal and household items from your apartment or family home, including heirlooms, furniture, and contents.
• Climate-Controlled Storage: Store precious heirlooms, keepsakes and electronics in a climate-controlled storage unit for prolonged longevity and safekeeping.
• Business Storage: Store business-related items such as computer equipment, desks, and inventory.
• Vehicle, Boat, and RV Storage: Storage for all your vehicles- from ATV's, classic cars, boats, and RVs- with either covered, uncovered, or enclosed options.

How Does Public Storage Work?

Renting a storage unit from Public Storage is easy.

1. Find a Location Use the online search navigator to find your nearest Public Storage facility.
2. Choose a Size: Use the size guide to find your perfect fit.
3. Reserve & Move In Reserve your unit for free, either online or in person.

Final Takeaway

Overall, Public Storage, Inc. has a solid reputation as an international self-storage company and is an excellent choice for customers on the market for new storage space.

However, it has downsides in the form of security concerns, such as break-ins and isolated incidents of theft.

We'd recommend Public Storage to customers seeking a sufficient and widely reputable self-storage service they can rely on — despite needing to improve in key areas.

Considering the moving industry often lacks a reputation of trust, Moving Labor's objective is to restore integrity and reliability back into the industry by providing do-it-yourself movers with a dedicated and experienced service.

Public Storage FAQs