Extra Space Storage is a publicly traded self-storage REIT founded in 1977 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company operates under three brand names and holds the title of the largest self-storage operator in the United States as of 2025.
Our team at Coffee Loving reviewed Extra Space Storage across pricing, unit types, security, and customer satisfaction. The company earns strong marks for facility cleanliness, staff quality, and digital access features. Rate increases for long-term tenants, however, remain a consistent concern across review platforms. Here is what the research shows.
This review covers what Extra Space Storage is, what unit types it offers, how pricing works, what customers say, and whether the company is a smart choice for short-term or long-term storage needs in 2026.
What Is Extra Space Storage?
Extra Space Storage is a self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) founded in 1977 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, operating under three storage brands across the United States. The company rents storage units under the Extra Space Storage, Life Storage, and Storage Express brand names. As of 2025, the portfolio includes over 4,200 locations in 42 states and Washington, D.C.
The company manages approximately 2.5 million individual storage units covering over 280 million square feet of net rentable space. Extra Space Storage trades on the NYSE under ticker EXR and is a full member of the S&P 500 index.
Annual revenue reached $3.26 billion in 2024, with net income of $855 million. What does that scale mean for individual customers? It means Extra Space Storage has the resources to maintain consistent facility standards and technology across thousands of locations, but corporate pricing decisions follow profit targets, not local loyalty.
Is Extra Space Storage the Largest Self-Storage Company in the US?
Yes. Extra Space Storage is the largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the United States, surpassing Public Storage after acquiring Life Storage in 2023. The acquisition added hundreds of facilities to the portfolio. Extra Space Storage now leads all competitors in total managed unit count. No other U.S. operator matches its geographic footprint of 4,200-plus locations across 42 states.
In fact, the company also holds the title of the largest third-party self-storage management company in the country. The management division handles leasing, pricing, and customer service for facilities owned by external parties, all under Extra Space Storage brand standards.
Forbes ranked Extra Space Storage #1117 on the Global 2000 list in 2026 and #159 on its America’s Best Companies list for the same year. The company also placed #61 among the Most Trusted Companies in America in 2025 in the real estate category.
What Storage Types Does Extra Space Storage Offer?
Extra Space Storage offers six primary unit categories: standard indoor units, climate-controlled spaces, outdoor drive-up units, vehicle parking spots, boat storage, and RV storage. Unit sizes range from compact 5×5 foot (25 sq ft) lockers to large 10×30 foot (300 sq ft) spaces. Customers choose a type based on what they are storing, how often they need access, and their monthly budget.
Storage Types Available:
- Standard indoor units (climate-uncontrolled, inside secured building)
- Climate-controlled indoor units (temperature and humidity regulated)
- Outdoor drive-up units (vehicle access directly to unit door)
- Covered vehicle parking (open-sided overhead shelter)
- Enclosed vehicle spaces (roll-up door with full weather protection)
- Boat and RV storage (select locations near coastal or lake regions)
Indoor standard units sit inside secured buildings. They protect items from outdoor elements but don’t regulate temperature or humidity. They work well for seasonal gear, non-sensitive furniture, and general household items.
Outdoor drive-up units function like individual garages with roll-up doors. This layout suits customers who need frequent heavy-load access. Drive-up units don’t include climate control, so they’re not ideal for sensitive belongings.
Does Extra Space Storage Have Climate-Controlled Units?
Yes. Extra Space Storage offers climate-controlled units at most indoor locations, maintaining temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 29 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. These units prevent heat damage, moisture buildup, and pest infiltration. Climate control is strongly recommended for electronics, wood furniture, artwork, musical instruments, wine, and sensitive business documents.
Items That Need Climate Control:
- Electronics and appliances
- Wood furniture and antiques
- Artwork, photographs, and collectibles
- Musical instruments
- Business records and paper documents
- Wine and temperature-sensitive goods
Here’s the thing: climate-controlled units cost more than standard units of the same size. The price premium ranges from 15 to 25 percent above the standard rate at most locations. Is that premium worth it? For electronics, wood furniture, and documents, absolutely. Not all Extra Space Storage facilities carry climate-controlled inventory, so customers should verify availability for a specific ZIP code before reserving.
Does Extra Space Storage Offer Vehicle and RV Storage?
Yes. Extra Space Storage provides vehicle storage in three configurations: uncovered outdoor parking, covered parking with overhead shelter, and fully enclosed spaces with individual roll-up doors. Parking lengths range from 10 feet to 50 feet (3 to 15 meters) to accommodate motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, and full-size RVs. Availability varies by location and season.
Covered vehicle storage shields from sun and rain while remaining open on the sides. Enclosed vehicle storage provides full weather protection and a dedicated security door for each space. Pricing differs between covered and enclosed configurations at the same facility.
Boat storage is available at select facilities, particularly those near coastal or lake regions. Customers storing boats should confirm size restrictions and seasonal availability with the local facility manager before booking.
How Much Does Extra Space Storage Cost?
Extra Space Storage does not publish a universal rate list because prices vary by unit size, type, location, and current market demand at each individual facility. A small 5×5 foot (25 sq ft) unit typically starts around $25 to $60 per month. A standard 10×10 foot (100 sq ft) unit ranges from $80 to $175 per month. Climate-controlled units consistently cost more than standard units at the same size in every market.
Estimated Monthly Price Ranges by Unit Size:
| Unit Size | Sq Ft | Standard Rate | Climate-Controlled Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5×5 ft | 25 sq ft | $25 – $60/mo | $35 – $75/mo |
| 5×10 ft | 50 sq ft | $45 – $90/mo | $60 – $110/mo |
| 10×10 ft | 100 sq ft | $80 – $175/mo | $100 – $210/mo |
| 10×20 ft | 200 sq ft | $130 – $260/mo | $160 – $300/mo |
| 10×30 ft | 300 sq ft | $170 – $350/mo | $200 – $400/mo |
The company uses dynamic pricing tied to occupancy and local demand. Two customers renting the same unit size at the same facility on different days may receive different monthly rates. Does that create price uncertainty? Yes. Checking the website on the actual day of reservation is the only reliable way to confirm the current rate.
Most locations offer a first-month discount or online booking promotion. These deals reduce initial costs. They don’t lock in any ongoing rate, though. Month-to-month lease terms mean pricing can change with short notice after the promotional period ends.
Extra Space Storage tends to price medium and large units at or above the market average for national self-storage operators, though small units remain cost-competitive with major rivals. Reviewers on Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs frequently note that introductory rates appear reasonable but rise significantly within the first several months. To be clear, competing national operators like CubeSmart often advertise lower base rates for 10×10 foot and larger units in the same geographic markets.
Small 5×5 foot (25 sq ft) units at Extra Space Storage are generally priced in line with Public Storage and CubeSmart for the same size. The pricing advantage shifts toward competitors as unit size increases above 100 square feet (9.3 sq meters).
Extra Space Storage justifies its pricing with amenities including Bluetooth digital gate access, professional on-site staff, NAREIT sustainability-certified facilities, and a nationwide insurance program. These features add real value for customers who prioritize security and convenience over the lowest possible rate.
Does Extra Space Storage Raise Prices After You Move In?
Yes. Extra Space Storage regularly increases monthly rental rates for existing tenants, with documented cases of prices rising by 20 to 150 percent within two to three years on the same unit. All leases are month-to-month, so the company has no contractual obligation to maintain introductory rates. And here’s the kicker: rental rate increases are the single most common complaint across ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot, and Google reviews of the brand.
One Trustpilot reviewer documented a rate increase from $120 per month in March 2023 to $317 per month by May 2026 for the same unit at a single facility. Does that seem extreme? It’s actually not an isolated case. National self-storage operators routinely use rate escalation as a core revenue strategy on month-to-month leases.
Extra Space Storage provides written notice before each rate increase. Tenants may vacate before the new rate applies if the increase is unacceptable. Some customers report successfully negotiating a reduced rate by contacting the local store manager directly before the effective date of the increase.
What Do Extra Space Storage Reviews Say?
Extra Space Storage holds a 4.8-star average on Birdeye from location-level reviews, but scores just 1.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot and 1.7 out of 5 on ConsumerAffairs, revealing a sharp gap between local service impressions and long-term pricing satisfaction. Location-level reviews on Google tend to capture in-person service quality. National review platforms aggregate complaints from customers experiencing long-term rate escalation across thousands of leases. Both data sets are real.
Extra Space Storage Ratings by Platform:
| Platform | Rating | Review Count | Primary Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birdeye | 4.8 / 5 | 86+ | Staff quality, facility cleanliness |
| Google (location avg) | 4.8 / 5 | Thousands | Friendly staff, easy access |
| Trustpilot | 1.9 / 5 | 7,739 | Rent increases, billing issues |
| ConsumerAffairs | 1.7 / 5 | 851 | Price hikes, lack of transparency |
So which rating do you trust? Both. They reflect different stages of the customer relationship. The 4.8 stars describe the move-in experience. The 1.7 stars describe what happens 18 months later.
Positive reviews highlight clean facilities, responsive staff, and easy online reservations. Critical reviews focus almost entirely on unexpected rent increases, lack of pricing transparency, and inconsistent policy enforcement between locations. Can the same company produce both a 4.8 and a 1.7 on different platforms? Clearly, yes. Location matters more than the brand average in practice.
What Do Customers Like About Extra Space Storage?
Customers most frequently praise Extra Space Storage for clean, well-maintained facilities, knowledgeable staff who assist with move-in logistics, and the Bluetooth-enabled mobile app that opens facility gates without a keypad code. Positive reviews on Birdeye and ConsumerAffairs highlight staff members who resolved billing disputes quickly and helped customers find the right unit size. The digital gate access feature earns consistent praise from customers who value hands-free, contactless entry.
The good news? The online reservation process also earns strong marks. Customers describe it as fast, clear, and upfront at the point of booking. Unit sizes and availability display in real time on the website without requiring a phone call or in-person visit.
Several ConsumerAffairs reviewers noted that local store managers successfully reduced their monthly rates upon direct request. This suggests individual staff quality is high enough at many locations to partially offset corporate-level pricing decisions.
What Are Common Complaints About Extra Space Storage?
The most frequent complaint about Extra Space Storage centers on unexpected rental rate increases that can double or triple the introductory price within two to three years of continuous occupancy on the same unit. ConsumerAffairs reviewers consistently describe receiving a competitive introductory offer, only to watch prices climb sharply after the first few months. A secondary set of complaints covers facility maintenance issues like elevator outages, flooding during heavy rain, and broken security equipment at specific locations.
Trustpilot reviewers also report difficulty reaching corporate customer service by phone and receiving inconsistent responses when disputing billing charges. Some customers note a wide quality gap between corporate-level support and local store-level support.
A smaller but consistent complaint category involves unit availability mismatches. Customers occasionally arrive to find the reserved unit type unavailable or substituted for a different configuration than what was booked online. This issue appears more common during high-demand seasonal periods.
Is Extra Space Storage Safe?
Extra Space Storage implements a multi-layer security approach at most facilities, combining electronic gate access, individual unit alarms, perimeter fencing, video surveillance, and on-site professional managers who monitor activity during business hours. Security standards differ by location age and facility type. Newer properties typically feature more advanced monitoring than older facilities that haven’t undergone recent renovation work.
The Extra Space Storage mobile app enables Bluetooth gate access at participating locations. Customers open the facility entrance gate directly from their smartphone. The app also logs all access activity for each unit in real time, giving renters a record of every entry and exit associated with their storage space.
The company offers tenant storage insurance through its proprietary reinsurance program. Coverage is available at most locations at rates the company positions as competitive with or below third-party providers. The policy covers loss of goods stored in units across the full facility network.
What Security Features Does Extra Space Storage Use?
Extra Space Storage uses electronic keypad and Bluetooth gate entry, individual door alarms, perimeter fencing, video surveillance cameras, and on-site professional managers to secure its storage facilities. Digital gate access through the mobile app reduces unauthorized entry risk compared to shared keypad codes used across a large tenant base. Access logs are visible to each tenant in real time through the app dashboard.
Security Features at Extra Space Storage:
- Electronic keypad entry at all gated locations
- Bluetooth smart gate access via mobile app (select facilities)
- Individual door alarms on each unit (select facilities)
- Perimeter security fencing at outdoor areas
- 24/7 video surveillance cameras throughout the property
- On-site professional managers during business hours
- Real-time access log tracking through the mobile app
Is Bluetooth gate access really that useful? For customers who access their units late at night or frequently rotate inventory, it’s a meaningful upgrade over shared keypad codes. Individual unit alarms trigger an alert if a door is opened without proper authorization, though this feature isn’t available at every location.
Extra Space Storage won the NAREIT Leader in the Light Award for outstanding sustainability in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Does a sustainability award mean the facility is secure? Not directly. But it reflects operational discipline across the portfolio, and that discipline tends to correlate with better-maintained security equipment and more consistent staff oversight in practice.
How Does Extra Space Storage Compare to Competitors?
Extra Space Storage leads national competitors in total facility count and digital technology integration but typically falls behind on price for medium and large unit sizes. The primary national competitors are Public Storage, CubeSmart, U-Haul Self-Storage, and National Storage Affiliates. Each operator offers a comparable range of unit types but differs in pricing model, app capability, and facility quality standards.
National Self-Storage Competitor Comparison:
| Company | US Locations | App Access | Climate Control | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Space Storage | 4,200+ | Bluetooth smart gate | Yes, most locations | Average to above average |
| Public Storage | 3,500+ | Standard keypad | Yes, most locations | Average |
| CubeSmart | 1,400+ | Standard keypad | Yes, many locations | Below average to average |
| U-Haul Self-Storage | 2,000+ | Standard keypad | Select locations | Below average |
Public Storage is the closest competitor in scale. Extra Space Storage surpassed Public Storage in total managed facility count after the 2023 Life Storage acquisition. Both companies use dynamic pricing and month-to-month leases with comparable rate escalation histories for long-term tenants.
CubeSmart tends to offer more competitive pricing for standard and large units. Is the price difference significant? For a 10×10 unit stored for 24 months, the gap can easily exceed $500. National Storage Affiliates focuses on suburban and rural markets where Extra Space Storage often has thinner coverage.
Extra Space Storage vs Public Storage: Which Is Better?
Extra Space Storage outperforms Public Storage on digital access technology and app features, while Public Storage holds a pricing edge at select high-density urban facilities and a stronger footprint in specific metro markets. Both operators use dynamic pricing. Both levy rent increases on existing tenants at comparable rates. The decision typically comes down to which company has a facility closer to the customer’s location or current move destination.
By comparison, Extra Space Storage’s Bluetooth gate access app is a meaningful upgrade from Public Storage’s standard keypad entry system. The Extra Space app supports digital access, payment management, and real-time access logs in a single interface.
Public Storage maintains a stronger presence in some dense urban markets, including parts of Los Angeles and New York. In suburban and mid-size cities, Extra Space Storage facilities are often newer and score higher on third-party maintenance reviews based on Birdeye and Google data.
Is Extra Space Storage Good for Business Storage?
Extra Space Storage is a strong option for business storage because it supports flexible unit combinations, volume arrangements across multiple locations, on-site Wi-Fi-enabled business centers at select facilities, and a tenant insurance program covering commercial inventory. Businesses with multi-location operations benefit directly from the company’s scale. A business operating in multiple states can often find an Extra Space Storage facility near each operational base.
Commercial storage at Extra Space Storage covers inventory, documents, equipment, tools, and business assets of various sizes. The company works with businesses to identify the right unit combination based on access frequency, volume needs, and seasonal storage patterns.
The free dolly and cart use available at most locations reduces the labor time needed for regular inventory access. Drive-up unit availability also benefits businesses with frequent shipments that don’t require elevator-access indoor facilities.
Does Extra Space Storage Have Business-Specific Features?
Extra Space Storage offers Wi-Fi-enabled business centers at select locations, free dolly use at most facilities, flexible multi-unit lease arrangements, and a tenant reinsurance program covering business inventory at below-market rates. These features position Extra Space Storage as a stronger commercial option than most single-location independent operators. The company’s size also gives businesses a fallback option if one facility’s inventory is full.
Business Storage Benefits at Extra Space Storage:
- On-site Wi-Fi business centers (select locations)
- Free dollies and carts for loading and unloading
- Multi-unit leasing options at single and multiple facilities
- Drive-up unit access for direct vehicle-to-unit loading
- Tenant insurance covering business goods stored in units
- Third-party property management for business-owned real estate
Extra Space Storage doesn’t publish dedicated commercial pricing tiers on its website. Does that mean businesses pay retail rates? Not always. Businesses seeking volume discounts or multi-unit arrangements should contact the local facility manager directly. That’s where the real commercial negotiations happen.
Where Can You Rent an Extra Space Storage Unit?
Extra Space Storage operates over 4,200 facilities in 42 states and Washington, D.C., with the highest concentration of locations in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Massachusetts. The company doesn’t have facilities in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming. Customers in those states need a regional or alternative national provider.
The company website at extraspace.com includes a location finder that displays available units, current pricing, and facility amenities for any address or ZIP code. The tool updates in real time to reflect current inventory and active promotions.
Extra Space Storage also manages thousands of third-party facilities under its brand standards. Customers renting at a managed property receive the same level of service and security protocol as those at a company-owned facility. The distinction between owned and managed locations isn’t visible to most customers during the reservation process.
How Do You Book an Extra Space Storage Unit Online?
Customers reserve an Extra Space Storage unit online by visiting extraspace.com, entering a ZIP code or city, selecting a unit size and type, and completing the rental agreement in under five minutes with no deposit required at most locations. The website displays available units with real-time pricing and any active online promotions. Many facilities allow same-day move-in after completing the online reservation process.
The reservation flow presents first-month discounts and online-exclusive deals during unit selection. After completing the reservation, customers receive an email confirmation with the facility address, access code, and move-in instructions. Is same-day move-in actually possible? At most locations, yes. Short answer: it’s one of the fastest online booking experiences among national self-storage companies.
Existing customers manage payments, update account information, and monitor access history through the Extra Space Storage app or the My Account portal on the website. The Bluetooth gate access feature activates through the same mobile app once account setup is complete.
Is Extra Space Storage Worth It?
Extra Space Storage is worth it for customers who prioritize location availability, digital access features, and professional facility management over securing the lowest possible monthly rate in their market. The company consistently earns strong local reviews for cleanliness, staff quality, and ease of use. Its scale makes it one of the most accessible storage providers in the country for anyone relocating, renovating, or managing an estate settlement.
Here’s the thing: the biggest drawback isn’t price, it’s price stability. Month-to-month leases give the company flexibility to raise rates at any time after the initial promotional period. Customers planning to store long-term should factor potential annual increases into their total cost calculation over 12 to 36 months.
Bottom line: for short-term storage or a one-time move, Extra Space Storage delivers strong value. First-month promotions, a fast online reservation process, and Bluetooth app access make it a convenient and professional choice. For long-term renters who need price predictability, the month-to-month structure introduces real financial risk over time.
Who Should Choose Extra Space Storage?
Extra Space Storage is best suited for customers who need convenient, nationwide storage access backed by modern technology, climate-controlled options, and professional on-site staff in a major metro or suburban area. Businesses with multi-city operations benefit directly from the company’s scale and consistent service standards across thousands of locations. Customers going through a move, renovation, or estate transition also align well with the flexible short-term lease model.
Budget-conscious customers who need long-term price stability should explore smaller regional operators or competitors like CubeSmart with lower historical rate escalation. Should you always choose the cheapest option? Not necessarily. The savings on a large unit over two or three years at a discount facility can be substantial, but facility quality and access convenience vary widely.
The ideal Extra Space Storage customer values access quality, facility cleanliness, and brand reliability over the lowest per-square-foot rate. Our reviewers at Coffee Loving Cardmakers found this company excels when the storage period is short, the location is convenient, and digital access matters to the renter.
