What Public Storage Is and How It Operates

Public Storage is a self-storage company that rents climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units to individuals and businesses. You rent a unit by the month, keep your own key or access card, and store whatever you want inside — furniture, boxes, seasonal items, business inventory. Public Storage does not manage your items or move them; you do that yourself. The company maintains the facility, provides security, and handles billing.

Public Storage operates over 2,800 locations across the United States, Canada, and France. Each location is a separate business with its own pricing, unit sizes, and availability. You cannot reserve a unit online at most locations — you visit in person, see what is available that day, and sign a lease on the spot. Some locations do allow online reservations, but this varies by facility.

The company is publicly traded and owned by Broadmark Realty Systems, a real estate investment trust. This means Public Storage is a for-profit business, not a government program or nonprofit. Your rent goes to the company, not to a landlord or property owner.

Key Takeaways

  • You rent a unit month-to-month and access it whenever you want during facility hours, keeping your own key or access card.
  • Pricing varies by location, unit size, and climate control, with no standard rate across the country.
  • You must visit the facility in person to see available units and sign a lease, though some locations now offer online reservations.
  • Public Storage charges a one-time move-in fee in addition to monthly rent, and you are responsible for your own locks and insurance.
  • Month-to-month leases mean you can leave anytime, but most locations require 30 days' notice to avoid being charged for the next month.

Unit Sizes and Climate Control Options

Public Storage offers units ranging from 25 square feet (roughly the size of a closet) to 300 square feet or larger. The smallest units typically hold a few boxes or seasonal decorations. Medium units (around 100 to 150 square feet) fit the contents of a bedroom or small apartment. Larger units (200+ square feet) can hold a full house's worth of furniture.

Each facility displays unit sizes and prices on a board or computer in the office. You walk the property to see what is available before signing. Climate-controlled units cost more than non-climate-controlled ones because they maintain temperature and humidity year-round, which protects sensitive items like electronics, artwork, and wooden furniture from heat and moisture damage.

Not all facilities offer every size or climate control option. A small location in a rural area may have only 10 to 15 units, while a large urban facility may have hundreds. Availability changes daily as customers move in and out.

Pricing, Fees, and Payment Terms

Monthly rent varies widely by location, unit size, and climate control. A 5-by-5 non-climate-controlled unit in a rural area might cost $40 to $60 per month, while the same unit in a major city could cost $100 to $150 or more. Climate-controlled units typically cost 50 to 100 percent more than non-climate-controlled ones at the same location.

In addition to monthly rent, Public Storage charges a one-time move-in fee when you first rent a unit. This fee covers administrative costs and varies by location, typically ranging from $15 to $50. Some locations offer promotions that waive or reduce this fee during slow periods.

You pay rent monthly, usually by automatic bank draft, credit card, or check. Most leases require payment on the same day each month. If you pay late, the facility may charge a late fee (typically $5 to $10) and may eventually lock your unit or sell your items to cover unpaid rent, though this process takes several months and involves written notice.

How to Rent a Unit and What to Bring

Visit the facility during business hours and ask to see available units. The office staff will show you what sizes and types are open that day. Walk through the units to check condition, lighting, and access. Ask about climate control, security cameras, gate hours, and whether the facility allows large items like vehicles or boats.

Once you choose a unit, you sign a lease. Bring a valid photo ID and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account information for automatic draft). The lease is typically a month-to-month agreement with no long-term commitment. You will pay the first month's rent and the move-in fee on the day you sign.

You are responsible for providing your own lock — a padlock that fits the unit's latch. Public Storage does not provide locks. You keep the key or combination. Some newer facilities offer electronic locks that you control through an app, but this is not standard. Write down your lock combination or keep your key in a safe place; if you lose access to your unit, the facility will charge you to cut the lock and replace it.

Access, Security, and What You Can Store

Most Public Storage facilities are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though some have limited hours. You access your unit using your key or access card whenever you want. The facility has a gate that opens with your access card or key, and security cameras monitor common areas and hallways.

You can store almost anything that is legal and not hazardous. Furniture, boxes, seasonal decorations, sports equipment, and business inventory are common. You cannot store flammable materials, explosives, chemicals, perishable food, or anything illegal. Some facilities restrict vehicle storage or require additional fees for it. Ask the office staff what is and is not allowed before you sign.

Public Storage does not insure your items. Your personal homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover items in storage, but you should check your policy or ask your insurance company. Public Storage offers optional insurance through a third party, which you can purchase at the time you rent or later.

Ending Your Lease and Move-Out Requirements

You can leave anytime because the lease is month-to-month. However, most locations require 30 days' written notice before you move out. If you do not give notice, you will be charged for the next month's rent. Some facilities accept notice in person at the office, while others require written notice by mail or email — ask what method your location uses.

When you move out, you must remove all your items and return the unit empty and clean. The facility will inspect the unit and charge you for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Damage charges typically range from $50 to $500 depending on what needs repair. You must return your key or access card and remove your lock.

If you do not move out by the end of your lease period and do not pay rent, the facility can place a lien on your items and eventually sell them to cover unpaid rent. This process is called a lien sale and is governed by state law. The facility must send you written notice and give you time to pay or remove your items before selling anything.

Promotions and Discounts

Public Storage frequently offers move-in specials, especially during slower seasons. These promotions typically waive or reduce the move-in fee or offer a discount on the first month's rent. Promotions are location-specific and change monthly, so ask the office staff what is currently available when you visit.

Some locations offer discounts for paying rent in advance (three months or six months at once) or for signing a longer lease, though most customers prefer month-to-month flexibility. Military, senior, and student discounts may be available at some locations, but these are not standard across all facilities.

Check the Public Storage website or call your local facility directly to ask about current promotions before you visit. Prices and offers change frequently, and the office staff can tell you exactly what deal is available on the day you rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve a unit online before I visit?

Some Public Storage locations now allow online reservations, but this is not available everywhere. Call your local facility or check the website to see if online reservations are offered. If not, you will need to visit in person to see available units and sign a lease.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

If you miss a payment, the facility will charge a late fee and may lock your unit after 30 days of non-payment. You will receive written notice before this happens. If you continue not to pay, the facility can place a lien on your items and eventually sell them to cover the debt. Contact the office when ready if you cannot pay to discuss your options.

Can I share a unit with someone else?

This depends on the facility's policy. Some allow multiple people on one lease, while others do not. Ask the office staff before you sign. If you share a unit, make sure everyone agrees on who pays rent and who has access to the key or access card.

Is my insurance required to store items?

Insurance is not required by Public Storage, but it is strongly recommended. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover storage, but you should verify this with your insurance company. Public Storage offers optional insurance through a third party if your personal policy does not cover storage.

What if I lose my key or access card?

Contact the office when ready. The facility will charge you to cut your lock and replace it, typically $50 to $100. To avoid this, keep your key in a safe place or write down your access code if you have an electronic lock. Some facilities can reprogram your access card for a smaller fee.