Public Storage: Prices, Options, and More

In need of self storage? Public Storage is one of the leading providers of self storage services, and if you’re not familiar with their services themselves, you are probably familiar with their famous “$1 for the first month” promotion. The company is known for being one of the most budget friendly self storage options around, and because they offer more locations nationwide than any other storage provider, there’s also a strong chance that you can find a Public Storage facility in your area. So if you need self storage—for a move, a remodel, a deployment, or any other reason—they’re certainly a company that you should consider.

It’s always important that you do your research when choosing any sort of moving or storage service, which is why we’ve put together this quick guide to Public Storage, including the details that you need to know on cost, storage unit sizes, and other key factors that might influence your decision. Keep reading for the info that you need to know.

Public Storage: The Basics

Public Storage opened in 1972, and has since expanded to include thousands of locations across the United States and Europe. You can find Public Storage facilities in 38 states, plus seven European countries. What they’re most known for (aside from that ubiquitous orange and purple sign) is their online discounts, which allow you to easily save up to 25% off your monthly storage costs and get your first month’s rent for just $1. These discounts make Public Storage a leader in budget storage options, and a good choice when it comes to basic and affordable storage services.

Public Storage Pros

If you’re looking for a reliable storage option, then it’s definitely worth considering Public Storage. Here are some of the special features that help this storage provider stand out from its competitors.

Month-to-month rentals. All Public Storage contracts are month-to-month, which means that you don’t have to lock yourself in to a long-term contract with a fee for breaking off early. These sorts of storage contracts are ideal for when you don’t know how long you’re going to need your unit for, as well as for when you just need a short term storage solution.

Discounts and promotions. We know we’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth reiterating Public Storage’s commitment to discounted pricing. Make your reservation online to get great savings right off the bat at many Public Storage locations, including the ability to enjoy a first month’s rent of just $1 (plus an administrative fee—usually around $25).

Obligation-free reservations. If your plans change, you won’t be on the hook for your unit. Public Storage offers a seamless reservation process that allows you to cancel your booking at any time and for any reason. And with no charge to make the reservation in the first place, you’re really only going to pay for the storage you use—if you choose to use it.

Climate control. A lot of items require climate control when they’re in storage, including electronics, furniture (wood, wicker, metal, leather, and upholstered), papers, clothing, musical instruments, and more. Fortunately, you’ll be able to rent a climate controlled unit at most Public Storage locations, which will give you extra peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your stuff.

Public Storage Unit Sizes

Any time you rent a self storage unit you want to be sure to rent exactly what you need in terms of space. If you rent too large of a unit, you’ll end up paying for space that you don’t use, while if you rent too small of a unit, you’ll end up needing to upgrade.

Public Storage offers seven storage unit sizes that you can choose from, plus three sizes of covered, uncovered, and enclosed options for vehicle storage. Here’s how they break down.

Small Storage Units

5’ x 5’ – The size of a large closet, with up to 200 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The contents of a small room or large closet, as well as for storage of seasonal items like holiday decorations.

5’ x 10’ – The size of one standard room, with up to 400 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The contents of one room, including furniture and electronics. A nice fit for when you’re remodeling a room and need somewhere to store items.

Medium Storage Units

5’ x 15’ – The size of two standard rooms, with up to 600 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The contents of two rooms, including large items like mattresses and sofas.

10’ x 10’ – The size of three standard rooms, with up to 800 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The content of three rooms, including large furniture and appliances.

Large Storage Units

10’ x 15’ – The size of four standard rooms, with up to 1,200 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The contents of a two bedroom home or large apartment, including large furniture and appliances.

10’ x 20’ – The size of five standard rooms, with up to 1,600 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The contents of a two to three bedroom home, including large scale furniture like dining sets, sofas, and multiple mattresses.

10’ x 25’ – The size of six standard rooms, with up to 2,000 cubic feet of storage space. Good for: The contents of a 3+ bedroom home, including outdoor patio furniture and garage items.

Vehicle Storage

Public Storage offers three options for storing vehicles like motorcycles, cars, and RVs: covered, uncovered, and enclosed.

Public Storage Cost

How much you spend on your Public Storage unit depends on a few different factors, including the size of the storage unit that you rent, the location of the unit, and whether your unit is climate controlled or not, among other things.

You’ll have to search your specific location to see the prices available. In Chicago, for example, you can expect to spend about $18 to $64 per month for a small unit, $52 to $179 per month for a medium unit, and $87 to $333 per month for a large unit.

Note that many of the lowest prices are available only when you book online, so definitely go that route when reserving a Public Storage unit. Most locations offer the $1 first month’s rent promotion, while others offer savings of up to 50% off your first month’s rent—it just depends on who you book with.

What Else You Need to Know About Public Storage

Now that you’ve got a good idea of the essentials like cost and unit sizes, here are some other things that you’ll want to know as you do your research on Public Storage.

Costs and savings vary from location to location. When we did our search for units in Chicago, we found a huge variance between prices, amenities, and savings offers from one location to the next. When searching for a storage unit, be sure to check out lots of Public Storage locations (easy to do, since there are so many of them), and keep in mind that you might be able to save a lot of money by opting for a facility that’s slightly outside of your preferred zip code. Go to the Find a Unit page to get started with your search.

Access isn’t 24/7. Unlike some self storage companies that offer round-the-clock access, Public Storage limits access to your unit to specific hours—about 6am to 9pm at most locations. Access is gated, with an electronic code that will allow you to get in during open hours.

You’ll need to supply your own disc lock. Public Storage units don’t come with built-in locks, which means that you’ll need to supply your own. Luckily, most Public Storage facilities sell these locks on site, which is good news if you forget to pick one up ahead of time.

How to Book a Public Storage Unit

Start by doing plenty of research on locations so that you can find a facility that best meets your needs in terms of cost, location, and amenities—and so you can find a facility that offers the best promotions. Head to their website to check for availability and pricing specifics in your area. Once you find a location that seems like a good fit, be sure to make your reservation online instead of over the phone so that you can take advantage of Public Storage’s online-only deals.

We recommend that you compare at least three different self storage providers before making your final pick and deciding whether or not Public Storage is a good fit for your needs. Use our storage center to easily search reputable providers near you.