Frequently Asked Questions

The office at the rental location is closed but I need to speak to someone, what can I do?

If you cannot reach a property manager at any of our locations you can speak to one of the storage experts at our national call center. The call center is available after rental office hours to help you, and can be reached toll-free at (877) 777-8672 during the following times: Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 10:00pm (EST) Sun: 10:00am – 6:30pm (EST) Please note that any billing inquiries relating to your account must be made directly with the property office during standard business hours.

Do I need to sign a contract in order to rent a space?

We do not require a fixed-term contract which gives you maximum flexibility. In practice, this means that you have the freedom to rent a storage unit for as little or as long as you wish. You will need to sign a rental agreement at the time you move in, which continues on a month-to-month basis until you decide to move out.

How do I cancel my lease agreement?

You can vacate your storage unit anytime you choose. We ask that you provide us with 2 days’ notice at the location where you rent. You can do this by simply informing one of the property managers. There is no additional paperwork you’ll need to fill out. Once you’ve removed all your items from storage, please remember to take your lock with you, so that we know you are no longer using the storage unit.

What supplies are needed for packing?

In order to properly pack for a move or storage, packing supplies such as boxes and tape are a must, along with useful wrapping material, such as bubble wrap, foam wrap, or stretch wrap. Packing peanuts are good to have for filling in the empty space between items and the interior of the boxes they're packed in.

What gloves are good for grip?

Gloves with a good gripping surface, such a silicone or nitrile dot anti-slip surface, will be useful during any move. Look for a woven breathable fabric to reduce sweating, like canvas or cotton.

Can I use masking tape instead of packing tape?

Masking tape lacks the strength and adhesiveness found with packing and shipping tape, and so it is not the best choice for sealing moving boxes, especially on the bottom. Masking tape is better used for creating labels, since its surface can be written on.

Why do I have to leave an alternate contact on my lease agreement?

If any emergency arises that may jeopardize or impact the goods that you are storing at Public Storage, we need a reliable way to notify you promptly and inform you of the circumstances. We will try our best to contact you immediately and deal with you directly, but there may be a scenario where you cannot be reached in the required period of time. In these cases, we will notify the designated alternate contact of the situation, and request their assistance to communicate with you to bring to your attention any urgent matter relating to your storage unit. The alternate contact you provide at the time of rental is someone to whom you trust and authorize us to speak to on your behalf regarding your account, so that we may resolve the issue at hand. We will not discuss specific details of your account with your alternate or emergency contacts. Once the Property Manager has established (or re-established) communication with you, they will provide you with all of the pertinent details.

Are there any age restrictions for renting storage?

To rent storage, you must be of legal age, which is at least 18 years old (19 years old in British Columbia). Please note that you are required to show photo ID* to complete a rental, whether you rent online or in-person at the facility. If you have not yet reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction, please arrange to have someone of legal age sign the storage rental agreement on your behalf, such as a parent or friend. *Photo ID: To start renting, you will need two valid pieces of government-issued ID, one of which must include a photo, e.g. driver’s license. For more information about acceptable forms of ID, please contact the rental office at your Public Storage location.

Are debit cards accepted as a payment method for online rentals?

Currently, only a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay for online rentals. If you prefer to pay with debit, you have the option to complete your rental in person at any location.

The office at the rental location is closed but I need to speak to someone, what can I do?

If you cannot reach a property manager at any of our locations you can speak to one of the storage experts at our national call center. The call center is available after rental office hours to help you, and can be reached toll-free at (877) 777-8672 during the following times: Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 10:00pm (EST) Sun: 10:00am – 6:30pm (EST) Please note that any billing inquiries relating to your account must be made directly with the property office during standard business hours.

Do I need a credit card to reserve a storage unit?

Not at all. You can reserve a storage unit online, in person, or by telephone, with just your first and last name, and a contact phone number. While having a credit card will make payments easier for you, we do not require a credit card to reserve or to make a payment.

What is “climate control” and do I need it?

For most storage purposes, climate control which regulates humidity is largely nonessential. Most of our facilities maintain their storage units to prevent temperature extremes, which helps to protect your items from damage such as warping, cracking, or even mildew. These units are generally kept within the range of 10°C – 25°C, which is accomplished through controlled heating in the winter, and air circulation/ventilation in the summer. Temperatures and air flow are preserved at an optimal level for storage, but not necessarily at room temperature. Maintaining temperature controls outside of this range is both unnecessary, and costly; we prefer to pass these savings on to you!

When can I access my storage unit?

Your access is unlimited during gate access hours, which are generally from 5AM – 10PM every day. As long as you have your passcode handy and your unit key, you can come and go as often as you like, including holidays.

How secure are my belongings in storage?

At Public Storage, we offer several premium self-storage security and safety features. Most of our facilities are equipped with alarm systems, electronic gate access with personalized access code, 24-hour video surveillance, and sprinkler systems.

What is “climate control” and do I need it?

For most storage purposes, climate control which regulates humidity is largely nonessential. Most of our facilities maintain their storage units to prevent temperature extremes, which helps to protect your items from damage such as warping, cracking, or even mildew. These units are generally kept within the range of 10°C – 25°C, which is accomplished through controlled heating in the winter, and air circulation/ventilation in the summer. Temperatures and air flow are preserved at an optimal level for storage, but not necessarily at room temperature. Maintaining temperature controls outside of this range is both unnecessary, and costly; we prefer to pass these savings on to you!

When can I access my storage unit?

Your access is unlimited during gate access hours, which are generally from 5AM – 10PM every day. As long as you have your passcode handy and your unit key, you can come and go as often as you like, including holidays.

How secure are my belongings in storage?

At Public Storage, we offer several premium self-storage security and safety features. Most of our facilities are equipped with alarm systems, electronic gate access with personalized access code, 24-hour video surveillance, and sprinkler systems.