What Life Storage Is and How It Operates

Life Storage is a self-storage company that operates hundreds of facilities across the United States. You rent a climate-controlled or standard unit by the month, store your belongings inside, and keep the key or access card. Life Storage owns and manages the buildings themselves — you are not renting from an independent operator or a third party.

The company operates under the brand name Life Storage in most states, though in some regions you may see it listed as Extra Space Storage or CubeSmart, which are related entities under the same parent company. When you search for "Life Storage near me," you will find their website, which lets you browse available unit sizes, see current prices for your location, and reserve online.

Life Storage units range from 5-by-5 feet (25 square feet) to 10-by-30 feet (300 square feet) or larger, depending on the facility. Most locations offer both climate-controlled units, which maintain a steady temperature and humidity level, and standard units, which are not temperature-controlled. Climate-controlled units cost more but protect items sensitive to heat, cold, or moisture — photographs, wood furniture, electronics, and documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Life Storage charges a monthly rental fee that varies by location, unit size, and whether you choose climate control; prices are posted on their website and change based on local demand.
  • You will also pay a one-time administrative or facility fee when you sign the lease, which is separate from your first month's rent.
  • Life Storage requires a signed lease agreement that spells out your rights and responsibilities, including rules about what you can and cannot store.
  • Access to your unit is typically available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at most locations, though some facilities have gated access with restricted hours.
  • If you stop paying rent, Life Storage can place a lien on your stored items and eventually sell them to recover the debt, a process called a lien sale.

Monthly Rent, Fees, and What Prices Actually Look Like

Life Storage's monthly rent depends on three things: your location, the size of your unit, and whether you choose climate control. A 5-by-5 unit in a rural area might cost $40 to $60 per month, while the same unit in a major city could run $80 to $150 or more. A 10-by-10 unit (100 square feet) typically ranges from $80 to $200 per month depending on location and climate control.

When you reserve a unit online or by phone, Life Storage often advertises a promotional rate — sometimes as low as $1 for the first month or 50 percent off for two months. Read the fine print: these deals usually explore only to your first month or first few months, and your rent jumps to the regular rate after that period ends. The regular rate is what you will actually pay long-term.

Beyond monthly rent, you will pay a one-time administrative fee (also called a facility fee or processing fee) when you sign the lease. This fee typically ranges from $25 to $100 and covers paperwork, key or access card issuance, and account setup. Some promotional offers waive this fee, but it is not included in the advertised monthly price.

Life Storage does not charge for basic access to your unit during business hours. However, if you need after-hours access or emergency access outside normal gate hours, some facilities charge a fee. Check the lease or ask the manager whether your location has 24-hour gate access included or if it costs extra.

What You Can and Cannot Store

Life Storage's lease prohibits storing items that are illegal, hazardous, or likely to damage the building or other customers' belongings. You cannot store explosives, flammable liquids (including gasoline and paint thinner), propane tanks, ammunition, or controlled substances. You also cannot store perishable food, plants, animals, or anything that will rot, smell, or attract pests.

Firearms and ammunition are prohibited at Life Storage facilities. If you own guns or ammunition and need storage, you will need to find a different facility or a gun safe in your home.

You can store furniture, boxes of household items, seasonal decorations, tools, sports equipment, electronics, documents, and clothing. If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, call the facility manager before you rent — they can tell you whether your particular belongings meet the lease terms.

How to Rent a Unit and What the Lease Requires

To rent a Life Storage unit, start on their website or call a local facility. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and email. Life Storage will ask for a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and may run a background check or credit check, though policies vary by location.

Once you have chosen a unit size and agreed to the price, you will sign a lease agreement. The lease is a legal contract that binds you to pay rent each month, follow the facility rules, and accept responsibility for your stored items. Life Storage is not responsible if your belongings are stolen, damaged by weather, or destroyed by other causes — that is why renters insurance for storage exists, though Life Storage does not require it.

You will receive a key or an access card that lets you enter the facility and unlock your unit. Keep this key or card safe; if you lose it, you will pay a replacement fee (typically $25 to $50). You are responsible for the security of your unit and your belongings once you lock the door.

Most leases are month-to-month, meaning you can cancel with written notice (usually 30 days) without penalty. Some promotional offers require a longer commitment — read the lease carefully to see whether you are locked in for three, six, or twelve months.

What Happens If You Stop Paying Rent

If you miss a rent payment, Life Storage will contact you by phone, email, or mail to remind you that payment is due. Most leases give you a grace period of five to ten days before a late fee applies. The late fee is typically a percentage of your monthly rent (often 10 percent) or a flat amount ($25 to $50).

If you continue not to pay, Life Storage can place a lien on your stored items. A lien is a legal claim that says Life Storage has the right to sell your belongings to recover the unpaid rent and fees. Before they can sell your items, they must send you written notice (usually by certified mail) telling you that a lien has been placed and giving you a important date to pay — typically 30 to 60 days, depending on your state's laws.

If you do not pay by that important date, Life Storage can hold a lien sale, where they auction off your belongings to the highest bidder. The proceeds go first to cover the unpaid rent and fees, then to you if anything is left over. Once a lien sale happens, your items are gone and you have no claim to them.

To avoid this, pay your rent on time each month. If you are having trouble affording storage, contact the facility manager to discuss your options — some managers will work with you on a payment plan or let you downsize to a smaller unit.

Climate Control and Environmental Protection

Life Storage offers climate-controlled units at most locations. These units maintain a temperature range (typically 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and control humidity levels to prevent mold, rust, and deterioration. Climate control costs 30 to 50 percent more than standard storage but is worth it if you are storing items sensitive to temperature swings or moisture.

Standard (non-climate-controlled) units are cheaper but expose your belongings to heat, cold, and humidity changes. In hot climates, summer temperatures inside a standard unit can exceed 100 degrees. In cold climates, winter temperatures can drop below freezing. If you store electronics, photographs, antiques, or wooden furniture in a standard unit, you risk damage.

Even in a climate-controlled unit, you should use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, avoid stacking items too high, and leave space for air to circulate. Moisture can still build up if you seal items in airtight containers without ventilation.

Insurance and Liability

Life Storage's lease typically states that the company is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to your stored items, even if the damage is caused by the facility's negligence or a break-in. This means if someone breaks into your unit and steals your belongings, or if a pipe bursts and floods your unit, Life Storage is not liable for the loss.

To protect your belongings, you can purchase renters insurance for storage through a separate insurance company. This type of policy covers theft, fire, water damage, and other perils while your items are in the unit. The cost is usually $10 to $30 per month depending on the value of your belongings and your location. Check whether your homeowners or renters insurance already covers items in storage — some policies do, though many exclude off-premises storage.

Before you sign a Life Storage lease, read the liability section carefully. Understand that you are responsible for insuring your own belongings and that Life Storage will not compensate you for loss or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my unit at any time of day or night?

Most Life Storage facilities offer 24-hour gate access, which means you can enter the property and access your unit at any time. However, some locations have gated access with restricted hours (for example, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Check the facility details on the Life Storage website or call the manager to confirm whether your location has round-the-clock access.

What happens if I want to cancel my lease early?

Month-to-month leases usually allow you to cancel with 30 days' written notice and no penalty. If you signed a promotional lease with a longer commitment (three, six, or twelve months), early cancellation may trigger an early termination fee equal to one or two months' rent. Read your lease to see the exact terms before you sign.

Can I store my car or motorcycle at Life Storage?

Life Storage does not rent vehicle storage spaces. Their units are designed for household goods, furniture, and personal items. If you need to store a vehicle, look for a dedicated vehicle storage facility or a parking lot that rents spaces by the month.

Do I need to provide proof of insurance to rent a unit?

Life Storage does not require you to carry renters insurance for storage as a condition of the lease. However, the lease makes clear that Life Storage is not responsible for damage or theft, so purchasing insurance is your choice. If you are storing high-value items, insurance is strongly recommended.

What if I lose my access key or card?

Contact the facility manager when ready. They will issue a replacement key or access card for a fee, typically $25 to $50. You are responsible for the cost because the key or card is your responsibility once issued. Keep your key or card in a safe place to avoid this fee.