What U-Haul Storage Is and How to Rent a Unit

U-Haul Storage is a self-storage rental service run by U-Haul International, the moving and storage company. You rent a storage unit — a locked room or container in a facility — by the month, and you keep your own belongings inside. U-Haul does not manage your items or move them in and out; you do that yourself. The company operates thousands of locations across the United States and Canada, so there is usually one near you.

To rent a unit, you visit a U-Haul location in person or go to uhaul.com, enter your zip code, and see available unit sizes and prices at nearby facilities. You choose a unit size, agree to the rental terms, pay the first month's rent plus any required deposit, and receive a key or access code. You can then move your belongings in whenever you want during the facility's access hours.

U-Haul charges by the month, and you can keep the unit as long as you need it. There is no long-term contract — you can cancel and return the key whenever you want, though most locations require you to give notice or pay for an extra month. Prices vary widely by location, unit size, and season; a small unit in a rural area costs far less than a large unit in a city.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul Storage lets you rent a locked unit by the month and store your own belongings inside, with no company staff managing what you keep there.
  • You can find available units and prices on uhaul.com by entering your zip code, then pay the first month's rent and a deposit to move in when ready.
  • Monthly rent varies by location, unit size, and how busy the facility is, so prices for the same size unit can differ significantly between neighborhoods.
  • Most U-Haul locations charge a deposit (often equal to one month's rent) that you get back when you return the unit in good condition.
  • You access your unit during posted facility hours, and you are responsible for moving your belongings in and out yourself.

Unit Sizes and What They Hold

U-Haul offers unit sizes ranging from 5 feet by 5 feet (about the size of a closet) up to 10 feet by 30 feet (large enough for the contents of a three-bedroom house). The most common sizes are 5x5, 5x10, 10x10, and 10x15. A 5x5 unit typically holds a few boxes, a dresser, and a desk. A 5x10 holds the contents of a bedroom or a small apartment. A 10x10 holds a one-bedroom apartment, and a 10x15 or larger holds a two- or three-bedroom house.

U-Haul's website shows the unit size and a photo of what it looks like empty, so you can estimate whether it will fit your belongings. If you are unsure, you can visit the facility in person before you rent, or you can rent a smaller unit first and upgrade later if you need more space. U-Haul charges a fee to move to a different unit, so it is worth thinking through your needs before you commit.

Climate Control and Security Features

U-Haul offers both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units. Climate-controlled units maintain a temperature range (usually between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and lower humidity, which protects items sensitive to heat, cold, or moisture — such as wood furniture, electronics, photographs, or documents. Non-climate-controlled units are cheaper but expose your belongings to outdoor temperature swings and humidity.

Security features vary by location. Most U-Haul facilities have a locked gate that opens with your key or access code, individual locks on each unit door, and surveillance cameras. Some locations have an attendant on-site during business hours. U-Haul does not insure your belongings, so if theft or damage occurs, you cannot file a claim with U-Haul. You may be able to file a claim with your homeowner's or renter's insurance if you have coverage that extends to off-site storage.

Monthly Costs and Deposits

Monthly rent depends on the unit size, the location of the facility, the time of year, and how full the facility is. A 5x5 unit in a small town might cost $30 to $50 per month, while the same size in a major city could cost $80 to $150 per month. Climate-controlled units cost more than non-climate-controlled ones at the same location. Prices are highest during summer moving season (May through September) and lowest in winter.

Most U-Haul locations require a deposit equal to one month's rent, which you pay upfront along with the first month's rent. The deposit is refundable if you return the unit clean and undamaged. Some locations waive the deposit for customers with a U-Haul membership or a good credit history, though this varies. U-Haul may also charge fees for late payment, month-to-month renewal, or damage to the unit.

You can see the exact price for a specific unit at a specific location on uhaul.com before you commit. Prices are locked in for the first month, but U-Haul can raise the rent when you renew your lease each month. If the price increases significantly, you can cancel and move to a different facility, though you will have to pay to move your belongings.

How to Access Your Unit and What You Can Store

Each U-Haul facility has posted access hours — typically 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, though hours vary by location. You access your unit with a key or an access code that opens the gate and your unit door. You can visit as often as you want during those hours to add items, remove items, or check on your belongings. If you need access outside posted hours, some facilities offer extended or 24-hour access for an additional fee.

U-Haul allows you to store most household items: furniture, boxes, appliances, tools, seasonal decorations, and vehicles (in some locations). You cannot store hazardous materials such as gasoline, propane, explosives, or certain chemicals. You also cannot store items that are illegal, stolen, or that will damage the facility. U-Haul reserves the right to inspect your unit if they suspect a violation, though they typically do this only if a neighbor complains about odor or pests.

Canceling Your Lease and Moving Out

To cancel your U-Haul Storage lease, contact the facility directly by phone or visit in person. Most locations require 30 days' notice, though some require only a few days. If you do not give notice, you will be charged for an additional month. You must remove all your belongings and return the unit empty and clean. U-Haul will inspect the unit and deduct any cleaning or repair costs from your deposit before returning the remainder to you.

If you leave items in the unit after your lease ends, U-Haul may charge you a holdover fee (usually equal to the monthly rent) and eventually sell or dispose of your belongings under state lien laws. This process varies by state, but it typically begins after 30 to 60 days of non-payment or non-removal. To avoid this, make sure you have removed everything and returned your key or access code before your lease officially ends.

U-Haul Storage vs. Other Storage Companies

U-Haul is one of the largest self-storage chains in North America, but it is not the only option. Other major chains include CubeSmart, Life Storage, Extra Space Storage, and Public Storage. Smaller local storage companies also operate in most areas. The main differences are location, price, unit availability, and amenities. U-Haul tends to have more locations in rural and suburban areas, while some competitors have more locations in cities. Prices and features vary, so it is worth checking a few facilities near you before you decide.

U-Haul also offers moving truck rentals and boxes, which can be convenient if you are moving and need storage at the same time. Some competitors focus only on storage and do not rent trucks. If you are already renting a U-Haul truck, you may get a discount on storage at a U-Haul facility, though you should confirm this when you rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store a car or motorcycle at U-Haul Storage?

Some U-Haul locations have outdoor or covered parking spaces for vehicles, but not all. You must ask the specific facility whether they offer vehicle storage and what the monthly cost is. Vehicle storage is usually more expensive than unit storage and may require additional insurance or liability waivers.

What happens if I cannot pay my monthly rent?

If you miss a payment, U-Haul will charge a late fee and may lock your unit, preventing you from accessing your belongings. If you continue to miss payments, U-Haul will eventually sell or dispose of your items under state lien laws. Contact the facility when ready if you cannot pay to discuss payment options or a payment plan.

Do I need insurance for items in U-Haul Storage?

U-Haul does not insure your belongings, so theft, fire, or water damage is your responsibility. Check whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers off-site storage. If not, some insurance companies and storage facilities offer separate storage insurance policies for a monthly fee.

Can I share a unit with someone else?

U-Haul's policy on shared units varies by location. Some facilities allow it if both people are on the lease; others do not. Contact the facility directly to ask. If you share a unit, make sure both people understand who is responsible for paying rent and what happens if one person wants to cancel.

How do I find the U-Haul location nearest me?

Go to uhaul.com, enter your zip code in the storage search box, and you will see all nearby U-Haul Storage facilities with available unit sizes and prices. You can also call U-Haul customer service at 1-800-468-4285 to find a location or ask questions about a specific facility.