U-Haul Self Storage Review: Costs, Services, and Reputation
Fact Checked by: Here’s the bottom line: With conveniently located storage facilities across the country, U-Haul is more than just moving trucks. U-Haul’s wide availability means it’s easy to find a storage unit near you, and its online reservation and move-in system makes using their facilities even more convenient.
For people planning a DIY move, getting a storage unit from the same place you use for a truck rental can definitely streamline the process. But U-Haul is higher-priced than some of its competitors, so it might not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
Read on for our full U-Haul Self Storage review so you can decide if this storage option is right for you.
Pros & cons of U-Haul Self Storage
- Wide range of storage options, including climate-controlled storage and vehicle storage
- First month free when combined with a one-way equipment rental
- The best nationwide availability in the self-storage industry
- No administrative or deposit fees
- Prices can be higher than similar competitors
- Features like 24-hour access and climate-controlled storage are not available at all locations
Key takeaways
- A U-Haul storage unit can be a very convenient self-storage option, especially if you’re already planning to use the company for a moving truck rental. Widespread availability makes it easy to find a facility near you, whether you need a drive-up or climate-controlled unit.
- U-Haul Self Storage offers online account management to easily manage reservations, payments, move-in, and more.
- Despite some complaints of poor customer service (which is common with self-storage companies), U-Haul Self Storage’s facilities are clean and secured, and you don’t have to pay admin or deposit fees for your storage unit.
Only need storage during a quick move? Some of these best moving container companies offer 30 days of storage for free when you book a move.
Learn MoreJump to the U-Haul Self Storage info you’re looking for:
- U-Haul Self Storage pricing: How much it costs for self-storage
- U-Haul Self Storage offers a wide variety of services
- How U-Haul Self Storage stacks up against the competition
- How storage with U-Haul Self Storage works
- U-Haul Self Storage is perfect for people who…
- FAQ
U-Haul Self Storage pricing: How much it costs for self-storage
U-Haul Self Storage pricing averages around $70 per month for a standard small unit and $310 per month for a large climate-controlled unit. This makes it comparable to many competitors’ storage unit prices, though not necessarily the cheapest in many markets.
That being said, prices can vary significantly based on a variety of factors.
U-Haul Self Storage cost factors
The following factors will have a direct influence on your monthly pricing at a U-Haul Self Storage facility:
- Location: The cost for storage units can vary between U-Haul storage facilities — even ones that are located relatively close to each other. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand at each facility. Because of this, it’s worth checking out U-Haul’s online directory to compare prices for facilities in your area.
- Unit size: A larger storage unit will always cost more than a smaller one. Make sure that your unit is the right size for the amount of household items you need to store so you don’t pay for space you don’t need.
- Specialized units: Climate-controlled and heated units will cost more than a standard drive-up unit due to the added utility costs incurred by the storage facility.
- Insurance: U-Haul offers Safestor® Tenant Insurance for items in self-storage. This coverage offers financial protection from damages due to building collapse, fire, water leaks, burglary, vandalism, vermin, and select other hazards. This optional insurance coverage may add extra assurance, but it will also increase your monthly bill.
U-Haul Self Storage offers a wide variety of services
U-Haul offers a wide variety of self-storage services:
- Drive-up units: U-Haul has convenient drive-up storage units with 24/7 access at many facilities. These units are easy to load or unload with a moving truck or your own vehicle.
- Climate-controlled units: Climate-controlled storage is ideal for protecting items that are sensitive to humidity or extreme temperatures, like paintings, books, and wood furniture. These units are kept between 65℉ and 85℉. However, not all U-Haul Self Storage locations have these units.
- Business storage: U-Haul offers customized commercial storage solutions for businesses that need to store documents and other materials. Customers can also have packages sent to their U-Haul storage location.
- Vehicle storage: Some U-Haul Self Storage facilities can store cars, RVs, motorcycles, and boats. Electrical outlets and dumps stations for RVs may also be available, depending on location. Vehicle storage options include open storage, covered outdoor storage, and indoor/enclosed.
- Packing supplies: You can order boxes, box dividers, and specialty boxes for clothing, TVs, lamps, and other items directly from U-Haul. The company even sells moving supply kits, which also include packing tape, bubble wrap, cushion foam, packing peanuts, and TV covers.
- Moving Help®: You can use U-Haul’s Moving Help® service to find full-service movers to help you load or unload your storage unit.
- Propane: Some U-Haul facilities include propane refill stations, where you can refill or exchange your tanks. You can also buy new propane tanks, parts, and accessories.
- U-Box containers: U-Haul offers its own portable storage containers (similar to PODS) called U-Box. You load the container yourself and U-Haul will transport the container to your destination.
- Truck and trailer rentals: U-Haul is best known for truck and trailer rentals. When you’re ready to move in or out of your storage unit, renting a truck from the same facility is a very convenient option.
How U-Haul Self Storage stacks up against the competition
There are many other self-storage companies that compete directly against U-Haul Self storage, such as Public Storage and CubeSmart, two of our other top choices for best self-storage companies. Each of these companies has their own pros and cons, so let’s break down which one is the best option for you.
Want to know more about the competition? Check out our post breaking down the best self-storage companies.
Learn MoreU-Haul Self Storage vs. Public Storage
Like U-Haul, Public Storage provides a variety of storage services, including climate-controlled storage and vehicle storage. They also offer month-to-month rentals that can be managed online.
One area where Public Storage stands out is its focus on sustainability. Public Storage offers a large number of green-certified storage facilities that make use of features like LED lighting, solar power, and low-water landscaping.
However, Public Storage’s availability is limited compared to U-Haul. Serving 41 states and Washington, D.C., Public Storage isn’t available in Alaska, Arkansas, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, or Wyoming. There are also some online consumer complaints of high rate increases after relatively low introductory rates.
U-Haul Self Storage vs. CubeSmart
CubeSmart is another noteworthy name in the self-storage space thanks to its low prices and variety of discount programs. For example, the company provides a discount of up to 50% off for online bookings. It also gives discounts to military service members and college students. Many facilities also offer free use of a moving truck for up to four hours.
Similar to Public Storage, CubeSmart can’t really compete with U-Haul in terms of availability. CubeSmart facilities are found in 41 states and Washington, D.C. They do not have locations in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
| Company | BBB score | State availability | Moving truck options |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul Self Storage | A+ | All 50 states | One month free storage with one-way moving truck rental |
| Public Storage | NR | 41 states + Washington, D.C. | N/A |
| CubeSmart | D- | 41 states + Washington, D.C. | Free use for four hours, discounts with Penske |
How storage with U-Haul Self Storage works
U-Haul offers a convenient online move-in program, allowing you to complete all steps in the process without even picking up the phone. Start by searching for storage facilities near you to check for available units, then select “Rent now” to choose your move-in date.
After you select a unit, you’ll receive the digital rental agreement and provide the rest of your personal and billing information (such as your credit card info). As part of this process, you need to upload a photo of your government-issued ID.
Once you submit your first payment, you’ll receive your storage unit number and gate access code for the facility via text and email. You’ll also get a finalized copy of your rental agreement. At this point, you can drop off items at your storage unit any time during access hours.
U-Haul storage units are available with month-to-month contracts. When you’re ready to move out, simply empty and clean your unit and inform the facility staff to end your rental.
U-Haul Self Storage is perfect for people who want a convenient storage solution
U-Haul self-storage facilities are all about convenience. With thousands of storage locations across the country and unit sizes ranging from storage lockers to 10 x 30-foot units, it’s easy to find adequate space to store items close to home. Plus, climate-controlled storage and vehicle storage are available at many locations.
Using a U-Haul location also makes it easier to coordinate renting moving trucks or any of the company’s other value-added services, like packing materials available for purchase.
Best of all, you can take care of all of these reservations online. You can move into your storage unit without ever needing to talk to a facility manager and easily arrange to pick up a moving truck when you’re ready to move out. Online account management allows you to take care of bill pay, reservations, and more in a matter of minutes.
That being said, U-Haul isn’t necessarily the best choice if you’re looking for the absolute lowest prices for self-storage — though their lack of administrative or deposit fees can definitely help you save money.
FAQ
What is the difference between online reservations and online move-in?
U-Haul’s online move-in system lets you complete a rental agreement, make your first payment, and obtain your unit number and access code online. With a reservation, you essentially put a hold on an available unit. The unit will be held for you until the day after your expected move-in date. You will complete the rental agreement and make your first payment in person.
Do U-Haul storage facilities offer discounts?
U-Haul offers one month of free storage with a one-way equipment rental.
Does U-Haul offer 24/7 access to its storage units?
Some facilities offer 24/7 access but others have more limited storage access hours. You’ll need to check with your facility, since hours vary by location.
Do I need to provide my own lock with a U-Haul storage unit?
Yes, you need to provide your own lock with U-Haul Self Storage. The company requires that you secure your unit with a round discus lock. You can provide your own lock or purchase a lock from U-Haul at a discount when you move into your unit.
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