Storage used to be an afterthought, a metal unit on the edge of town, useful but uninspiring. But in recent years, the way we think and use storage has caught up with the way we live. Now, just having extra space beyond our homes or offices isn’t enough. We expect secure, stylish, and smart storage solutions that fit into our daily routines
This demand for convenience and innovation has reshaped the market. While giants like Extra Space, U-Haul, and Public Storage remain dominant, newer players such as Clutter and Stuf Storage are redefining what the best storage companies can deliver in 2025.
In this article, we’ll explore how these companies compare from features and pricing to customer experience so you can find the right storage solution for your needs.
From being a background industry, self-storage in 2025 is quickly becoming a key player in modern, major lifestyle shifts, such as moving to a new house or transitioning to remote work. Now, storage is becoming less about square footage and more about how people want to live. The trends below explain why:
Increased demand for climate-controlled self-storage units
As more people start storing sensitive items like electronics, artwork, and important documents in their units, they also recognize the need for a specific type of protection against environmental factors like humidity and heat.
In fact, the best storage units with HVAC-integrated facilities in states with extreme weather variations, such as Texas and Florida, report 18% higher occupancy than non-climate-controlled units. Around 80% of newly constructed storage units in urban areas around the US are also climate-controlled to meet this increasing demand.
Housing shifts continue to fuel demand
While moving rates have decreased in previous years, the millions of Americans who still take the journey continue to fuel storage demand. Storage often fills the gap between homes, but there’s a catch.
Movers aren’t after just availability anymore. They’re also looking for providers that make transitions less stressful with predictable pricing and flexible terms.
Taken together, these trends signal that more than size and the number of facilities nationwide, quick adaptability is a more crucial defining factor for the best storage companies of 2025. Take a look at which companies meet this criteria below.
Best for: Stuf is ideal for urban residents, city apartment dwellers, and small and local businesses who value secure, flexible, and tech-driven storage solutions.
Emerging as one of the best storage companies in 2025, Stuf Storage is redefining self-storage with a model built for modern city living. Founded during the early pandemic by Katharine Lau, a commercial real estate veteran, Stuf transforms underutilized urban spaces into secure, tech-enabled storage facilities.
Currently, the company has 30+ locations in cities like New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and Oakland. And instead of cavernous warehouses, Stuf creates neighborhood-based facilities that are sleek, secure, and incredibly convenient.
Additionally, Stuf uses smart technology to deliver a storage experience that feels less like a chore and more like an extension of your home or office.
Dive deeper into the best features of Stuf Storage in our guide.
Stuf Storage is currently 30 facilities in seven markets, including Brooklyn, Bushwick, downtown San Francisco, and central Seattle. Unlike traditional storage companies that require long drives to the outskirts, Stuf focuses on proximity and accessibility, placing storage where people already live and work.
Stuf keeps pricing flexible and transparent, with no surprise fees:
Customers consistently praise Stuf’s clean facilities, tech-enabled access, and city-convenient locations. Many appreciate the seamless app-based experience, though a few note that onsite staff isn’t always present due to the company’s remote operations model. Overall, reviews highlight Stuf as a smart, modern solution for city living.
Limited number of locations compared to national chains, smaller unit sizes may not suit large storage needs, and remote staffing can mean less on-site assistance.
Best for: Renters who want the best storage companies with nationwide availability and the security of an established brand.
Founded in 1972, Public Storage is the largest self-storage company in the United States, owning about 9% of all self-storage square footage nationwide. This includes more than 3,000 facilities with over 221 million rentable square feet.
Its scale alone makes it the default best self storage option for many renters. But more than its size, Public Storage’s facilities are also typically located in dense urban areas near freeways and intersections, making them easy to reach.
With over 3,073 facilities in major cities in the U.S. such as New York, San Diego, and Chicago, you’ll rarely struggle to find a Public Storage unit nearby. Many of their properties are also clustered in high-traffic, easy-to-access areas, making them a convenient choice for anyone who doesn’t want to drive far to get to their unit.
Their size and widespread presence help ensure a consistent supply of units in various sizes. However, high-demand areas or peak moving seasons might see limited options or higher prices due to increased demand.
Climate-controlled units and locations in high-demand urban or premium areas tend to be priced at the higher end of these ranges. However, Public Storage does offer promotions and discounts online that can reduce these costs temporarily.
Customer reviews on Public Storage are mixed. Renters like the wide availability, online booking tools, and solid security. But customers often mention surprise rent hikes, inconsistent customer service between locations, and occasional maintenance frustrations.
In other words, this means customer experience can vary depending on which facility you choose and how it’s managed.
Pricey, inconsistent amenities, rent hikes, variable service
Best for: Homeowners, business owners, and college students who want a balance of security, cleanliness, and convenience.
Founded in 1977 in Salt Lake City, Extra Space Storage has grown into the largest owner and operator of self-storage properties in the U.S. Unlike some older providers, the company has built its reputation on modern, well-maintained facilities with an emphasis on security and climate control.
Additionally, after major acquisitions like Storage USA and Life Storage, it now has one of the widest footprints nationwide. This means there’s a strong chance you’ll find a location near you, whether you live in a big city or a smaller community.
Extra Space Storage operates 4,011 stores across 42 states and Washington, D.C. They’ve also built a presence in 98 of the 100 largest U.S. metro markets, so chances are there’s a facility close to where you live or work.
Their online locator tool makes it simple to filter by size, price, or amenities.
Costs at Extra Space depend on location, size, and amenities. On average:
Climate-controlled units typically add $20–$40/month to the base price.
Overall, reviews lean positive. Renters praise the friendly staff, clean and secure facilities, and straightforward online tools. Customers also note that locations generally feel well-managed compared to other big chains.
The negatives? Some customers mention pricing creep over time or billing disputes during cancellation, though these aren’t common.
Higher pricing in urban markets, occasional cancellation or billing issues, limited 24/7 access at some sites, varying customer experience by location
Best for: Movers who want the convenience of combining storage with truck rentals
U-Haul may be best known for its bright orange-and-white moving trucks, but it’s also one of the largest storage providers in the U.S. Since entering the self-storage business in 1974, U-Haul has steadily expanded into about 490,000 storage rooms and 44 million square feet of space nationwide.
Many locations are directly connected to U-Haul rental centers, making it especially convenient for anyone moving, downsizing, or renovating.
U-Haul has thousands of storage facilities nationwide. Their large footprint also means they’re accessible in both urban and suburban areas.
Typical U-Haul Storage pricing in 2025 looks like this:
Best for: Customers who want secure, well-maintained facilities with reliable customer service and digital convenience.
CubeSmart is the third-largest self-storage company in the U.S., with a strong reputation for customer service and tech-friendly tools. Founded in 2004 (originally U-Store-It Trust, rebranded in 2011), CubeSmart has grown into a major best self storage option with 631 owned properties and 1,578 managed locations nationwide, totaling over 45 million rentable square feet.
CubeSmart operates 1,578 locations in 44 states and D.C., with the most units in Texas, Florida, New York, and other major metro hubs. Facilities are also often placed in suburban and urban areas for easy access.
Customers praise CubeSmart’s friendly staff, clean facilities, and easy online tools. However, some note higher pricing than local competitors, occasional billing issues, and varying service quality depending on the location.
Higher-than-average pricing with steep post-promo hikes, reports of poor maintenance and security lapses, inconsistent customer service, and occasional safety concerns at certain locations.
Best for: Families, small businesses, and urban dwellers who value modern, secure storage and specialty options like RV or boat storage.
StorQuest, operated by The William Warren Group, is a younger but fast-growing player in the self-storage market. Since its founding in 2001, the company has carved out a niche by focusing on modern, well-maintained facilities and customer-friendly technology.
Now, it has about 106 locations with a focus on convenience, security, and specialty storage options like RVs and boats.
StorQuest operates 106 facilities across the U.S., with a strong presence in California, Arizona, and Colorado. Locations are generally urban and suburban.
Promotions and periodic discounts may offset costs depending on location.
Customers often praise StorQuest’s clean facilities, helpful staff, and easy online management tools. However, reviews also flag pricing as higher than some local competitors and note inconsistent experiences between locations.
Frequent rent hikes with little notice, occasional issues with security or pests, frustrating reservation processes, and limited support in resolving billing or contract problems.
Best for: Households needing extra space, businesses storing inventory or equipment, and customers who value clean facilities with easy online tools—or even the character of historic, renovated locations.
StorageMart has carved out a reputation for combining clean, secure facilities with a customer-first approach. Operating across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., it stands out for pairing modern innovations like online management tools and climate control with unique touches such as restoring historic buildings for storage use.
While not as large as some competitors, StorageMart’s steady growth and international presence has already made it a recognizable name in the industry.
With 300–400 facilities, StorageMart covers major U.S. metro and suburban areas, plus markets in Canada and the U.K. Coverage is particularly strong in the Midwest, but availability is more limited than the very largest chains.
Prices are market-dependent, with premium urban sites charging more.
Most reviews highlight Storage Mart’s clean properties, reliable security, and helpful staff. Their online rental and account tools are also praised. On the other hand, customers tend to have occasional issues with billing disputes and inconsistent service across different branches.
Smaller footprint compared to industry giants, some variability in facility quality, and pricing that can be on the higher end in competitive urban markets.
Best for: Urban residents, professionals, or small business owners who prioritize convenience, tech integration, and professional pickup/delivery over 24/7 self-access
Founded in 2013, Clutter flipped the traditional self-storage model on its head by offering tech-enabled, on-demand storage. You schedule a pickup, their team collects your items, and they store them in a secure warehouse until you need them back.
In 2019, Clutter expanded into traditional self-storage by acquiring The Storage Fox portfolio in New York, making it one of the first and best storage companies to offer both full-service and DIY storage options.
Clutter’s on-demand services reach over 1,000 U.S. cities, mainly concentrated in large metro hubs like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. Its traditional self-storage footprint is smaller but also growing, with the strongest presence in New York
Rates start at $94/month for a 5′ × 5′ unit (about the size of a small closet) and go up to $800/month for a 10′ × 50′ unit (big enough for a 5-bedroom home). In between, options include:
Clutter earns praise for convenience, professional movers, and its sleek tech-driven platform. However, customers have also noted issues with pricing transparency, occasional pickup/delivery delays, and the limitations of off-site storage when quick access is needed.
Restricted instant access to belongings, coverage mainly limited to urban centers, and some operational inconsistencies as the company scales its hybrid model.
When it comes to choosing between the best storage companies, the right solution really depends on your priorities. Established giants like Extra Space Storage and CubeSmart offer scale, accessibility, and decades of brand trust, while innovators like Clutter and Stuf Storage are reshaping the industry with tech-driven convenience and flexible models.
Remember, your chosen storage unit should be adaptable to the life you live and not the other way around. By knowing what each provider offers, you can find the best storage solution to entrust to keep your items safe for seasons to come.
At Stuf Storage, our storage solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily life. Start your storage journey with us now. Find a unit near you!