Storage FAQs
General Storage Questions
What is self storage?
Self storage is an affordable, efficient way for you to store your life’s possessions. There are many reasons you might need a storage unit, whether you’re moving or downsizing, or have a growing family. You can even store RVs and other vehicles at some facilities. Self storage makes it easy to store items of all shapes and sizes in one convenient location.
How do I know what size I need?
Read through our size guide to see the storage units we offer and determine which one is right for you. Choosing the right size unit will ensure that you only pay for the storage you need. We offer a wide range of sizes to accommodate your storage needs, from 5×5, or 25 square feet, to 10×30, or 300 square feet.* You can also contact one of our facility managers—they’re trained to help you out.
How long do I need storage?
The amount of time you’ll need storage depends on your situation. You can reserve temporary storage for a move, or long-term storage if that better fits your needs. CubeSmart understands that you may not know how long you’ll need storage, and we offer month-to-month leases so you have the flexibility to move out when the time is right.
How do I use self storage?
Self storage can be used for many purposes:
First, make a list of what you want to store, and determine what size storage unit you need. Don’t forget to think about additional amenities like climate control, drive-up access, and convenient gate hours. Book your CubeSmart unit online at no cost or commitment, then go to the facility to complete your reservation.
- As an extension of your home and a place to store seldom-used items
- To store seasonal items such as decorations or sports equipment
- As a business storage solution to de-clutter your office or store inventory or equipment
- As a temporary home for your things while you move…and many more!
First, make a list of what you want to store, and determine what size storage unit you need. Don’t forget to think about additional amenities like climate control, drive-up access, and convenient gate hours. Book your CubeSmart unit online at no cost or commitment, then go to the facility to complete your reservation.
What does “on-site” manager mean?
“On-site” manager means that an employee, usually the facility manager, has an apartment on-site as part of the facility.
Can I put food in the storage unit?
Unfortunately, we do not allow any food, beverages, or perishables to be stored inside of the storage units.
Types of Self Storage
What is climate-controlled storage and do I need it?
Climate-controlled storage units are temperature controlled. Climate control means that we use reasonable efforts to maintain a temperature in the building where the Cube is located of between 55- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit. This type of environment is ideal for storing furniture, metal, fabric, and other items. You can check with the manager at your local facility or call us to find climate-controlled self storage.
What is the difference between and indoor and outdoor unit?
Indoor units are typically located inside of a building. Many indoor facilities are in multi-story buildings with elevator access and wide hallways. Outdoor units are frequently on one level and have drive-up access.
What is a drive-up storage unit?
A drive-up storage unit is a ground floor or outdoor unit that has its own loading area. These units are ideal for storing large, heavy items or equipment as you have the ability to load your belongings directly from a vehicle or truck.
What is a roll-up door?
Roll-up doors are very similar to garage doors and are accessed by sliding a latch and lifting the door upward. Roll-up doors are the most common door in self storage and are bigger than most doors, allowing tenants to maximize the space of their unit.
Do you offer RV, boat, car and motorcycle storage?
Many CubeSmart locations offer parking for the storage of RVs, boats, cars, and motorcycles. The size and amenities of our vehicle storage units range from outdoor spaces to covered and indoor units. Our size guide can help you figure out what parking space is right for your vehicle. You can also call your local facility to ask about their offerings.
Can my business use storage?
Of course. Find information for multiple locations here!
Reservation and Leasing Questions
How far in advance can I book a reservation?
We give you the flexibility to book a reservation up to 30 days in advance to help you plan ahead. This timeframe may change depending on the storage facility and/or storage unit being reserved.
Do I need to give you notice when I am ready to move out?
Advanced notice is appreciated, but not required.
Do I have to sign a lease?
Yes. Storing with CubeSmart requires a month to month rental agreement.
Is it a monthly rental agreement?
Yes. We offer month to month leases for your convenience.
Do I need a photo ID when renting storage?
Yes, you’ll need to provide identification: a state-issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
How often do prices change?
Our storage prices can change daily based on supply and demand. However, if you make no-commitment reservation today, it will guarantee the prices on our website.
Do I need insurance for my stored goods?
Yes, you are responsible for the items you store at CubeSmart, and insurance for those items is required. We offer affordable third party insurance/protection plan options at the facility. In the event that you are already covered, a copy of the declarations page must be available at the time of rental.
Are there other fees with first month free?
With first month free, it is just that. Your first month is waived. You will still need to pay the admin fee and insurance or protection plan fee if you do not have your own.
What is an administration fee?
The admin fee is collected to process the necessary paperwork into our system as well as create a secure access code for you within our gate system.
Payment Information
What are the payment terms?
Your rent is due at time of move-in and on the same day of the month each month you continue to rent the storage unit.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept several major credit cards, including MasterCard®, Discover®, Visa®, and American Express®.
How do I make a payment?
To keep you and your information secure we have set up multiple ways you can pay including using our mobile app, our online customer center, stopping by the office, or mailing a check directly to your local facility. We offer the convenience of AutoPay, which will automatically charge your Mastercard, Discover, Visa, or American Express each month without additional fees. You can also call our secure, automated payment line at 855-535-5785. When utilizing our automated phone payment system, there is a 2% convenience fee added to the total payment amount. When utilizing our website payment system, there is a 2% convenience fee.
How do I pay my bill online?
Online bill payment is available when you log in to our online Customer Center. If your bill becomes past due to a certain point, you will need to speak directly to your local store manager to go over your available payment options.
Can I make a payment over the phone?
For the safety and security of your credit card information, we do not accept payments by phone with an agent, but we do encourage customers to use one of our secure payment methods, including online, our mobile app or our automated payment line at 855-535-5785.
Why did my rent go up?
From time to time, we find it necessary to make adjustments in order to keep up with the rising costs associated with providing top-notch service and a well maintained facility. We send notifications 30 days before any rates change. You would have received this in the mail or by certified e-mail.
How can I avoid a payment fee?
Any additional fee assessed to your payment is from our payment processor. If you would like to avoid the fee, we would suggest you setup autopay or mail your payment directly to the location. You can set up autopay on our Mobile App or on our Online Customer Center.
Do you offer a military discount?
We do offer a military discount to customers with a valid active service military ID. Unfortuntely, at this time, we do not offer a discount for non-active military or veterans.
Questions About the Facility
How do I get my items to the unit?
Many of our locations have extra wide drive aisles, allowing your rental truck or movers easy access to your unit. If you rent a drive-up unit, you can simply unload your items on the loading dock. With roll-up doors and free pushcarts and dollies, moving into your storage unit is easy no matter what type you’ve rented.
Need moving assistance?
Mobile storage has nothing on our cheap rates, great specials, and moving company deals. Book a CubeSmart storage unit and link up with our moving partners to save the most money.
When is my store open?
Our standard office hours are 9:30 am to 6:00 pm during the week, and our standard access hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, however some stores may have different hours. Please see the hours listed online for accurate times.
What’s the difference between office hours and gate hours?
The office hours are the hours of operation for the property when the facility manager will be available to assist you with your storage needs or moving and packing supplies. The gate hours are the hours your rental unit can be accessed using your assigned electronic gate code.
When can I access my unit?
You can access your unit at most locations during the gate hours posted online and at the store. Please note that payments made on delinquent accounts after storage facility business hours will not allow gate access or ensure overlock removal until the next business day.
How do I access the storage facility?
Most of our facilities have an electronic gate system that can only be opened by a code that is assigned to each individual tenant.
Do you have moving carts available?
Pushcarts and or dollies are available at many facilities that have inside units accessed by inside hallways. If you are renting an inside unit and need a pushcart, please let the facility manager know and they will be happy to assist you.
How can I reserve the move-in truck?
Many CubeSmart locations offer a free move-in truck, subject to availability. You’ll need to contact the manager at the location where you will be renting to see if it’s available.
Can I buy boxes and other moving products from CubeSmart?
Yes. All CubeSmart facilities offer a wide variety of moving and packing supplies at great prices. Try the CubeSmart Kit for an assortment of everything you need, or get your wardrobe and dish boxes, plus mattress covers and more. We’re here to help.
Can the store manager receive packages at your location?
Yes, CubeSmart is happy to offer package acceptance at your local facility. Please speak with the local general manager for more details.
Is there a loading dock or area?
Some of our locations offer a loading area, some do not. We recommend you speak with the local manager on site to confirm availability.
How do I get my lock for my unit?
If you use our contact-free online rental process, a lock will be included with your rental and the cost will be added to your final price.
Can I bring my own lock to put on my unit?
If you go into the office to complete a rental, you may provide your own lock, or you can purchase a new, sealed lock at your local CubeSmart facility. All locks need to be shown to the facility general manager and approved prior to using it on your unit.
Is there a way to get special access hours?
Possibly. Please direct this question to your local Store Manager.
Mobile App Questions
Can I pay my bill using the app?
Yes, you can pay your bill and manage your payment preferences in the CubeSmart Mobile App. You can make one-time payments, or you can enroll your account in AutoPay anytime. We accept major credit cards including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Can I use the app to reserve or rent a unit?
Yes! You can search for store locations, reserve a unit, and complete your rental all within the CubeSmart Mobile App. If you’re not sure what size storage unit you need, use our handy size guides that show you the dimensions of the storage unit size and examples of items you could store in the unit. If you arrive at your storage unit and it isn’t quite the right size, speak with your store manager or call our customer service team after hours for help.
Can I manage my own communication preferences?
Yes, we give you easy access to set your communication preferences and control your overall experience. You can reset your password for your CubeSmart Mobile App account, too. (If you’re already managing your account using the online CubeSmart Customer Center website, please note that your passwords for the Customer Center and the Mobile App may be different. We’re working to bring these together into one seamless experience for you.)
How can I access my storage space?
Your storage location’s office hours and storage unit access hours are easy to find in the CubeSmart Mobile App when you register and log in. Plus, there’s no need to worry about remembering your gate code. You can access your personal gate code any time within the app.
I need help or have more questions about the app.
We’re here for you! Our customer service team is available to assist you at 833-940-2949.