Life Storage Review (Updated Guide)

Here’s the bottom line: Life Storage is a premium storage facility chain known for its customer service and excellent security. With a variety of storage unit sizes and 1,100 facilities nationwide, they can help you with a variety of storage solutions.

Life Storage operates a variety of storage facilities across the country. In July 2023, they merged with Extra Space Storage — one of our picks for best self-storage companies —to become one of the largest storage unit chains in the U.S., with over 3,500 locations in 43 states. Despite the merger, you can still purchase storage services at a Life Storage unit near you.

Life Storage isn’t known to be cheap, but what they don’t give in discounts, they provide in value. Customer reviews rave about their excellent customer service and thorough security measures. All buildings have video surveillance and an onsite store manager monitoring the property.

Additionally, Life Storage is known for its clean units, something which can’t be said for all self-storage companies. Currently, Life Storage is not rated on the BBB website, but customer reviews range from 3.5 to 4.5-star ratings, depending on the consumer feedback site.

Think you might need to use a storage unit during your next move? Let’s dive in and see if Life Storage might be the right decision for you.

Pros & cons of Life Storage

Key takeaways

• Life Storage is a premium self-storage company that provides everything from climate-controlled storage to vehicle storage to renters in 38 states.
• They offer seven storage unit sizes, and the largest units can fit cars or vehicles. All storage units are protected by 24/7 surveillance, a keypad, and a physical lock on the unit.
• Life Storage is known to be a more expensive storage rental option, but customers say the security and cleanliness of the self-storage facilities are worth it.

Jump to the Life Storage info you’re looking for:

• Life Storage pricing: How much it costs for self-storage
• Life Storage offers a wide variety of services
• How Life Storage stacks up against the competition
• How self-storage with Life Storage works
• Life Storage is perfect for people who…
• FAQ

Life Storage pricing: How much it costs for self-storage

Storage unit prices depend heavily on the type of storage you need and the location of the facility. For example, you’ll pay more for a larger unit in a space-constrained state like New York compared to someone needing a small unit in Kansas.

Life Storage cost factors

A number of factors can affect your Life Storage cost, including:

• Unit size: Unit cost varies on the square footage you require. Large units will naturally cost more than small ones.
• Climate-controlled storage: If you need a climate-controlled unit, it will cost more than an outdoor unit without climate control.
• Storage unit location: In states where rent is more costly, a storage unit will cost more. If you’re in a major city like Chicago or Buffalo, New York, you will pay far more than someone in a smaller city like Olathe, Kansas.
• Access hours: Access hours will vary based on location. Those locations that allow 24/7 access will cost more than those that allow access only during business hours.
• The length of time you need storage: All contracts with Life Storage are month-to-month and the cost will increase over time. The longer you need to store your items, the more you will pay.

Life Storage offers a wide variety of services

Life Storage offers premium self-storage options to customers in most U.S. states. Let’s look at some of the self-storage solutions:

• Self-storage unit rental: Life Storage offers units in seven sizes: 5 x 5 feet, 5 x 10 feet, 5 x 15 feet, 10 x 10 feet, 10 x 15 feet, 10 x 20 feet, and 10 x 30 feet. Customer access is permitted daily during hours that vary based on the location. Customers may authorize others, such as friends or family members, to access the storage unit upon request.
• Drive-up units: Some locations offer the option of drive-up storage units that can be used for vehicle storage. Drive-up units are usually not climate-controlled.
• Climate-controlled units: This option is generally used for storing items sensitive to temperature or valuables, such as electronics, wood furniture, or other items that are susceptible to extreme heat or cold. These units are heated, cooled, or dehumidified based on the conditions.
• Security: All Life Storage facilities have access control measures, including password-protected points of entry, digital cameras for surveillance, and sufficient lighting throughout the property.
• Package delivery: Customers may have deliveries sent via UPS or FedEx to their storage facility during business hours.
• Truck rental: The company offers truck and van rentals for self-storage customers. These vehicles are equipped with automatic transmission, power steering, and air conditioning. There is a cost per day and mile, as well as a one-time collision damage insurance fee.
• Business storage: Businesses often use self-storage for seasonal items, excess inventory, trade show equipment, and more.
• Moving and packing supplies: New self-storage rental customers receive a 20% discount on moving and packaging supplies that are available at most locations and are also available for online purchase. They sell moving boxes, packaging tape, protective covers, and other packing materials.

How Life Storage stacks up against the competition

When compared to iStorage and Public Storage, storing with Life Storage might look a little different. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences of these self-storage companies.

Life Storage vs. iStorage

Both Life Storage and iStorage offer customers several different unit sizes. But iStorage only offers four sizes, fewer than Life Storage’s seven options.

Additionally, only Life Storage offers packing supplies for purchase at their locations.

While Life Storage is known for being expensive, iStorage offers a military discount, which can help you save some cash if you are active duty.

Even though you pay more for Life Storage, they guarantee a premium customer experience no matter where you reside. iStorage purchases other storage facilities, so none of their amenities are guaranteed and they vary widely by location.

While Life Storage is available to customers in 38 states, iStorage is only available in 23 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Life Storage vs. Public Storage

Public Storage and Life Storage offer a similar range of services. They both have a variety of unit sizes, climate-controlled facilities, and packing supplies for purchase onsite.

Both companies have some availability limitations. Life Storage isn’t available for customers in 12 states. Similarly, Public Storage is available in all but 10 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Vermont.

Both companies are known to raise rental rates on customers as the months go by. But while you can’t sign a long lease with Life Storage, Public Storage does offer options for customers to lock in their rate for up to one year. However, after that year is over, the contract becomes month-to-month.

How self-storage with Life Storage works

Life Storage offers safe and secure storage units, no matter what your storage needs are. Here’s what the self-storage process with Life Storage looks like.

Booking a storage unit

If you are considering Life Storage for the first time, then you should know they are known for their user-friendly website. You can go to lifestorage.com and complete the booking process online from start to finish without having to make a phone call or speak to customer service.

Life Storage’s website also has a 3-D size guide to help you select the right unit to meet your needs.

After you decide what size storage unit you need, you input your zip code to see if there is a unit available in your area. Once you select your facility and check out, you will be given a personal access code to move into your storage unit in three days.

If you need storage sooner than three days, you will need to call your local facility directly to check availability for an immediate move-in. Do not go to the facility until you call or receive a passcode, as they have different operating hours. You don’t want to waste your time going there only to find they are closed!

All units booked with Life Storage require insurance, which you can buy directly from Life Storage or from your personal insurance provider.

Moving in

If you booked online, all you have to do is start packing and then show up at the unit on your specified move date. Your personal passcode will be activated, allowing you to access the unit whether or not the onsite manager is there. Just be sure you have a lock that works for Life Storage units or arrange to purchase one from the manager.

Do note that passcodes only work during specified operating hours, which are listed on the Life Storage website.

One benefit of Life Storage is you can often rent a moving truck onsite if you have larger items to store. Costs vary by location, but using their moving truck is generally cheaper than renting one from U-Haul or Home Depot. If you want to use the moving truck or other moving services, it is recommended to call the location and arrange this in advance.

Once you move in, Life Storage will bill you on a monthly basis for your storage unit. It is important to note that payment is due every month on the date of your move-in unless you make other arrangements. If you do not pay on time, you will have to pay a late fee.

Because the rate for your storage unit is an introductory rate only, your rate for your Life Storage rental could change each month based on inflation or increased cost. Many customers report their rate is first raised after six months of storage.

Moving out

The best part about Life Storage’s month-to-month billing is there is no need to give advance notice of your move-out. Simply vacate your unit prior to your next payment date and notify the onsite manager and you will no longer have to pay for storage. It’s that simple.

Life Storage is perfect for people who want premium storage options

Life Storage is definitely one of the more premium storage solutions. While they can be pricier than competitors, they do offer many services that other self-storage companies don’t. This is why we recommend them for those who want premium storage and don’t mind paying a little extra for services.

Life Storage is also perfect for people who:

• Have storage needs due to a move and need short-term storage
• Have valuables they need to store in a secure location.
• Need to use a moving truck to move their items to the storage facility.
• Prefer online booking

Overall, Life Storage is a highly rated storage company for a reason. They offer a wide variety of both storage and moving services, and while they do cost more than other companies, many customers find them worth the extra cost.

Are you looking for a storage company as part of a larger move? Check out our list of best moving companies to help you locate the right mover for you.

FAQ

Is Life Storage a public company?

Life Storage has been publicly traded since 1995, though they were bought out by Extra Space Storage in 2023 and are now traded as part of their stock.

How do you cancel your Life Storage unit?

To cancel your Life Storage unit, simply remove your items from the unit prior to your next billing date and notify the manager you will no longer be needing the unit.

Does Life Storage ever offer discounts?

Some Life Storage locations do offer discounts, but these discounts vary based on location and time of year. New customers can save 20% on packing materials. Some locations offer a military discount year-round but it is not guaranteed.