How Storage Works & Public Storage FAQs

How do I get started?
Use our search feature to find the Public Storage facility that’s most convenient for you – near your home, work or in between.Use our Size Guide to choose a unit that’s just the right size. Then rent your space right online.
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What sizes of units do you have?
Our standard sizes range from 5’x5’ to 10’x30’ and about 8’ high (all dimensions are approximate), but many facilities also offer smaller and larger spaces, from storage lockers to extra-large units. Use our Size Guide to find the right amount of space for you; you can always measure your unit at the facility for suitability.
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Does Public Storage provide locks? Do you keep a key to my storage unit?
You can purchase a new, sealed lock at any Pubic Storage facility. No one else has a key to that lock – just you. If you prefer to provide your own lock, you’re welcome to do so. (Note: Some facilities have special doors that require specialty locks. Specialty locks are available for purchase at those facilities that require them.)
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Do you have climate-controlled units?
Yes. Climate-controlled units, which are designed to maintain a set temperature range, are available at many facilities.
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What’s a drive-up unit?
A drive-up unit has a roll-up door and its own loading area. Just drive up to it and load your belongings in or out.
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What’s a roll-up door?
Roll-up doors are like garage doors – they roll up overhead for easy access. They’re usually wider than swing doors, so it’s easy to move things in and out.
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What’s the difference between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit?
Indoor units are protected from the elements and have broad hallways (and elevators in multi-story facilities). Outdoor units are usually all on one level and frequently offer the convenience of drive-up access.
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Do you offer RV/boat/car/motorcycle parking?
While most of our units are designed to store personal or business belongings, some of our facilities offer spaces for parking vehicles or vessels. Please check with your Public Storage facility to see if this feature is available.
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How far in advance can I reserve a storage unit?
You can reserve your unit up to 30 days before you move in.
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How far in advance can I rent a storage unit online?
You can rent your unit online up to 7 days before you move in.
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Do you rent space month-to-month or do I have to sign a lease?
Our rental contracts are month-to-month agreements – no long-term lease is required.
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Do I need to give you notice when I move out?
No. Just remove your lock and let us know when you have vacated your unit so you do not incur unnecessary charges.
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When can I access my storage unit?
Most Public Storage facilities are open 7 days a week, but access hours may vary by location. select a location for hours and features.
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What's the difference between access hours and office hours?
During access hours, you can use your gate code to access your storage unit. During office hours, your Property Manager is available to provide in-person customer service (like answering questions, selling supplies, accepting rental payments and so on).
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If I rent a storage unit from you, can my spouse, kids or friend have access, too?
When you rent from Public Storage you can allow access for other people you specify (or restrict access only to yourself).
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If I lose my key and/or access card, what do I do?
Call your Public Storage Property Manager for assistance during regular business hours.
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Do you require insurance on my stored goods?
You are responsible for the things you are storing at Public Storage and insurance for your stored belongings is required. You may be covered under an insurance policy you already have. Check with your insurance agent to be sure. Affordable Storage Insurance is available through Willis Insurance Services at any Public Storage facility. Click for Willis insurance brochure.
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What kind of documentation do I need to provide to rent a storage unit?
You will need to provide a valid, government-issued form of identification (e.g., driver’s license, state ID or passport).
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Do you have handcarts or dollies I can use at your facilities?
Yes. You’re welcome to use our complimentary carts and dollies while you’re at Public Storage.
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Can I rent in person, or on the telephone?
We designed our web site to make renting storage fast and easy – but you’re also welcome to walk into any Public Storage facility and rent in person. Or you can call us toll free at 1-877-788-2028 to ask questions or reserve by telephone.
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What size trucks do you rent?
Our standard trucks are 16’, but you can also rent 10’ cargo vans or 12’ trucks in some locations. If you need a larger truck or a truck for long-distance moves, please visit our truck rental partner Budget Truck Rental.
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Is it less expensive to rent a truck during the week?
Yes. Typically rates are less expensive Monday through Thursday. Rates tend to go up on weekends when demand is higher.
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What is the penalty for keeping the truck longer than I reserved it?
We rent trucks by the day or half-day, not by the hour. You will be charged an additional rental period if you don’t bring the truck back on time.
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Is there an after-hours procedure for returning the truck?
No. You must return the truck during office hours.
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Do I need to pay a deposit to rent a truck?
Yes. $150 or one and a half the estimated cost of the rental, whichever is higher
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Who’s responsible for speeding or traffic tickets?
The driver of the truck is responsible for the vehicle's safe operation. Speeding and traffic violations are your responsibility when you’re driving.
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Do your trucks come with roadside assistance?
Every truck has free 24-hour roadside assistance. Roadside assistance information will be included in your rental packet.
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Does the truck come with a hand truck or furniture pads?
Most Public Storage truck locations rent hand trucks and furniture pads for an additional charge.
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What kind of license do I need to rent a truck? How old do I have to be?
To rent a Public Storage truck, you need a valid driver's license and must be at least 18 years of age. If you rent from our partner, Budget Truck Rental, you must be 24 years old.
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If I do not rent storage, can I still purchase storage and moving supplies?
Yes. All Public Storage locations sell top-quality moving and storage supplies like boxes, tape, protective wrap, furniture covers, dish-packs, glass-packs and more. You don’t need to be a storage customer to buy supplies.
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What is your policy on refunds?
With a valid receipt, we will gladly accept unused or unopened items purchased from our web site or any of our Public Storage locations. Your purchase will be refunded in the same form as your payment was made. You can receive a refund for up to 30 days from the date of your order.
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How do I return these items for refund?
Bring your unused or unopened items to any Public Storage location within 30 days of purchase for a refund.
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How do I pay my bill?
Public Storage offers six convenient ways to pay:

1. Choose AutoPay.
   Enroll online at publicstorage.com or enroll in person at any Public Storage property – the rest is up to us. We’ll automatically debit your bank account or charge your VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover® or American Express® credit card for your monthly bills.
2. Pay online at publicstorage.com.
   Register online at publicstorage.com – then make online payments from your bank account or VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover® or American Express® credit card.
3. Pay by mail.
   Mail your payment to your Public Storage location. Please include your storage unit number on your check or money order. (Use our Location Finder to get the mailing address of your Public Storage facility.)
4. Pay in person.
   Pay your bill at your Public Storage facility with cash, check or credit card.
5. Pay at any one of 2,000 Public Storage locations nationwide.
   Walk into any Public Storage facility and give the property manager your account number and the location where you store. Then pay your bill with cash, check or credit card. Use our Location Finder to find a Public Storage facility near you.
6. Pay by telephone.
   Call us toll free at 1-866-444-4747. When prompted, enter the home phone number on the account you’re paying. Then debit your bank account or charge your VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card. A Transaction Fee of up to $10 may be charged for each payment made by phone.