What Uncle Bob's Self Storage is and who runs it

Uncle Bob's Self Storage is a chain of self-storage facilities owned and operated by Uncle Bob's, LLC. The company operates storage units across multiple states, primarily in the South and Southwest. Unlike some storage providers that are part of larger real estate investment trusts, Uncle Bob's is a privately held company that manages its own locations directly.

Each Uncle Bob's facility is a separate business location with its own management, pricing, and policies. This means the cost of a unit, the size options available, and the specific rules about what you can store will differ between the Uncle Bob's in your city and one in another state. When you contact a location, you are working with that facility's staff, not a national call center.

Key Takeaways

  • Uncle Bob's operates individual storage facilities across multiple states, so pricing and unit sizes vary by location.
  • You rent a unit by the month, and most locations require a deposit, first month's rent, and a signed lease before you move in.
  • The company offers climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units in various sizes, from small closets to large garage-sized spaces.
  • You can contact your local Uncle Bob's directly by phone or visit in person to see available units and get current pricing for your area.
  • Late payments typically result in fees, and unpaid rent can lead to a lien on your stored items or an auction of your unit's contents.

Unit sizes and climate control options at Uncle Bob's

Uncle Bob's locations typically offer units ranging from very small (around 5 feet by 5 feet) to very large (around 10 feet by 30 feet or bigger). The exact sizes available depend on the specific facility. Small units work for seasonal items, holiday decorations, or a few boxes of documents. Medium units (around 10 feet by 10 feet) hold the contents of a bedroom or small apartment. Large units can fit a full household's furniture or a vehicle.

Most Uncle Bob's facilities offer both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units. Climate-controlled units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, which protects sensitive items like electronics, photographs, wooden furniture, and documents from heat, cold, and moisture damage. These units cost more per month than standard units. Non-climate-controlled units are cheaper but expose your items to temperature swings and humidity, which can cause rust, warping, or mold over time.

When you visit or call your local Uncle Bob's, ask which sizes are currently available and what the monthly rent is for each. Prices vary significantly by location, by unit size, and by whether the unit is climate-controlled.

How to rent a unit and what paperwork you will need

To rent a unit at Uncle Bob's, you will need to visit the facility in person or call to reserve a unit. Most locations require you to provide a photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement). You may also be asked for a phone number and email address. Some facilities run a background check or credit check before approving your rental.

Before you move in, you will sign a lease agreement that outlines the rental terms, your monthly rent, the cancellation policy, and the facility's rules about what you can and cannot store. Read this agreement carefully, because it sets out what happens if you pay late or break the lease early. Most Uncle Bob's locations require you to pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent) plus your first month's rent before you receive your keys and access code.

Once you have signed and paid, you will receive a unit number, an access code or key, and information about the facility's hours of operation. Many Uncle Bob's locations offer 24-hour access, but some have limited hours. Ask about this when you rent, because it affects when you can move items in or out.

Monthly rent, deposits, and what happens if you pay late

Uncle Bob's charges rent on a monthly basis. The amount you pay depends on your location, the size of your unit, and whether it is climate-controlled. There is no standard price across all Uncle Bob's facilities. To find out what a unit costs in your area, contact your local facility directly or visit their website if they have one.

When you rent, you will typically pay a security deposit (usually one month's rent) and your first month's rent upfront. Some facilities may also charge a small administrative or processing fee. Your lease will state the due date for rent each month and the grace period (if any) before a late fee applies. Late fees vary by location but are usually a percentage of your monthly rent or a flat dollar amount.

If you do not pay your rent by the important date plus any grace period, Uncle Bob's can place a lien on the contents of your unit. This means the facility has a legal claim to your stored items. If rent remains unpaid for a set period (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on state law and your lease), the facility may auction off the contents of your unit to recover the unpaid rent. Once an auction happens, you lose access to your items and any money from the sale goes to Uncle Bob's to cover rent and auction costs.

What you can and cannot store at Uncle Bob's

Uncle Bob's, like all storage facilities, prohibits certain items for safety and legal reasons. You cannot store hazardous materials such as gasoline, propane, paint thinner, explosives, or other flammable liquids. You cannot store perishable food, live animals, or anything that will rot or attract pests. You cannot store stolen property, illegal drugs, or weapons (the rules vary by state, so ask your facility about firearms).

Most facilities also prohibit storing items that emit strong odors, such as certain chemicals or decomposing materials. Some locations restrict what you can store based on their own policies — for example, some do not allow you to store a vehicle, boat, or RV, while others do. Your lease will list the specific prohibitions for your facility.

Before you move items in, review your lease and ask the facility manager if you are unsure whether something is allowed. Storing prohibited items can result in eviction from the facility without a refund of your deposit or prepaid rent.

How to end your rental and get your deposit back

To end your rental, you will typically need to give written notice to Uncle Bob's. Your lease will state how much notice you must provide — commonly 30 days. Send your notice by email or in person to the facility, and keep a copy for your records. On your move-out date, remove all your items, return your key or access card, and have the facility manager inspect the unit.

Your security deposit will be returned to you if the unit is empty and in the same condition as when you rented it (normal wear and tear is expected). If there is damage beyond normal wear, or if you owe unpaid rent or late fees, Uncle Bob's will deduct those costs from your deposit. The facility should provide you with an itemized list of any deductions and return the remaining balance within the timeframe stated in your lease, usually 30 to 45 days after you move out.

If you break your lease early (move out before your lease term ends), you may owe an early termination fee in addition to rent through your notice period. Check your lease for the exact penalty.

How to find your local Uncle Bob's and get current pricing

Uncle Bob's operates facilities in multiple states, but not in every state or city. To find the location nearest you, search online for "Uncle Bob's Self Storage" plus your city name, or visit the Uncle Bob's website if your region has one. Many Uncle Bob's locations have their own websites or social media pages with current pricing, available unit sizes, and facility photos.

Call or visit your local facility to ask about current rates, available unit sizes, move-in specials (which change seasonally), and the specific terms of their lease. Prices and policies can change, so do not rely on information from another location or from an old quote. Getting a quote directly from the facility you plan to use ensures you have accurate, current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my unit 24 hours a day?

Many Uncle Bob's locations offer 24-hour access, but not all do. Some facilities have limited hours or require you to call ahead for after-hours access. Ask your local facility about their access hours when you rent, because this affects when you can move items in or out.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent one month?

Contact your facility manager as soon as you know you will be late. Some locations may work with you on a payment plan or extension, though this is not may provide. If you do not pay, late fees will accrue, and after 30 to 90 days of nonpayment, the facility can place a lien on your unit and eventually auction its contents.

Can I store a car or motorcycle at Uncle Bob's?

Some Uncle Bob's locations allow vehicle storage, but others do not. Ask your local facility about their vehicle storage policy before you rent. If they do allow it, there may be additional rules about how often you must move the vehicle or whether it must be registered and insured.

Do I need insurance for my stored items?

Uncle Bob's does not insure your items. If your belongings are damaged, stolen, or destroyed, the facility is not responsible unless the damage was caused by the facility's negligence. You can purchase renter's insurance or storage insurance through a separate provider to cover your items while they are in storage.

What if I lose my access code or key?

Contact your facility manager. They can issue you a replacement key or reset your access code. There may be a small replacement fee depending on your facility's policy.