Public Storage review: the best-known name in self storage, with big-city coverage and aggressive first-month deals. Compare the regular rate before you commit.
Public Storage has been renting storage units since 1972 and now runs roughly 3,500 locations. Its famous orange doors are in almost every major metro. Here’s what it offers, what it costs, the trade-offs and how it compares with the other big chains.
Compare Public Storage and Nearby FacilitiesPublic Storage at a Glance
| Founded | 1972, headquartered in Glendale, California |
| Locations | About 3,500 in roughly 40 states |
| Unit types | Climate-controlled, drive-up, indoor, elevator-access, business storage, and vehicle, boat and RV parking |
| Contracts | Month-to-month, no long-term commitment |
| Booking | Online reservations and rentals, with contactless move-in at many locations |
| Best for | Renters in major cities who want a big brand and a strong move-in deal |
Our Verdict
Public Storage is a dependable choice, especially in large metro areas where it often has several locations to choose from. Its first-month promotions are among the most aggressive in the industry, and its online tools make renting easy. The trade-off is that the promotional rate rarely lasts: expect your rent to rise after the first few months, and some older facilities have fewer amenities than newer competitors. If you compare the long-term price, not just the opening deal, Public Storage is worth a look.
- Huge network, especially in big cities
- Strong first-month promotions
- Month-to-month rentals
- Online rental and contactless move-in
- Vehicle, boat and RV parking at many sites
- Rent typically rises after the promo period
- Older facilities can lack newer amenities
- Not in all 50 states
- Quality varies by location
Unit Types and Features
Personal storage
Units from small lockers to spaces big enough for a whole house, with climate-controlled and standard options.
Business storage
Drive-up, walk-up and elevator-access units for inventory, records and equipment, without a commercial lease.
Vehicle storage
Parking for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and RVs at many locations, including some covered spaces.
Online account tools
Reserve, rent, pay and change units online, plus contactless move-in where available.
Public Storage Pricing and Promotions
Public Storage is known for low first-month promotions, sometimes as little as $1 at participating locations. Regular rates vary widely by city, unit size and climate control. As a rough guide, national averages for standard units run about $80 to $150 a month for a 10×10, with climate control adding roughly 25% to 50%, and big-city rates can be two to three times higher.
Compare Public Storage with every other facility near you on SpareFoot, or estimate costs with our self storage cost calculator.
Public Storage vs. Other Chains
| Public Storage | Extra Space | CubeSmart | U-Haul | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. locations | ~3,500 | 4,000+ | ~1,500 | ~2,000 company-owned |
| Known for | Promotions and big-city coverage | Reach and clean facilities | Mobile app and specials | Truck and storage bundles |
| Month-to-month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| All 50 states | No | No (43 + D.C.) | No | Yes |
See the full comparison in our top 5 self storage companies guide, or read our Extra Space review.
Tips for Renting From Public Storage
- Take the promo, but plan for the regular rate. Budget for the price after the first month.
- Book online. Web pricing and specials are often better than walk-in rates.
- Check access hours and gate rules before you rent.
- Review your insurance. Your homeowners or renters policy may already cover stored belongings. See storage insurance explained.
- Don’t overbuy space. Our storage unit size quiz helps you pick the right size.
Compare Public Storage near you
See live prices and specials for Public Storage and every other facility nearby, then reserve free.
Find Storage Near MePublic Storage FAQs
How many locations does Public Storage have?
Roughly 3,500 locations across about 40 states, making it the second-largest U.S. storage operator by location count and the largest by revenue.
Does Public Storage still offer $1 first month?
Public Storage regularly runs first-month promotions, sometimes as low as $1, at participating locations. Offers vary by facility and unit, so check current deals for your area.
Does Public Storage require a long-term contract?
No. Rentals are month-to-month, so you can move out with notice. Rates can change over time, so ask how often increases happen.
Is Public Storage cheaper than Extra Space?
It depends on the location and current promotions. Neither is consistently cheaper nationwide, and local independent facilities are sometimes cheaper than both. Compare all the options near you.
Does Public Storage have vehicle storage?
Yes. Many locations offer parking for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and RVs, including some covered spaces.
I wasn’t aware they had been in business for long. These types of facilities are more popular now that they appear on tv auctioning abandon units. Next it will be industrial units.
I am being charged for a service that I never used or purchased. I used public storage in Santa Ana location. Stayed 2 months and moved out on 3rd day of month. They normally charge for 3 days only if you move out before the 10th of each month. I also let them know in advance before the month. They still charged me for the whole month. I went there a few times , called customer service but they refused to refund. Customer service sends you to location, location sends you to customer service, they both dont help you but play with you a like a ball..Do not rent their places, they will steal your money. They are scammers. Terrible service. expensive too. go rent somewhere else. their 1 USD 1st month rent is bullsht, they will get your money.
Do these guys also own Public Storage in Canada?
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