Top Storage Unit Issues Based on Customer Reviews

People tend to accumulate belongings, often leading to a need for additional space, such as storage units. This demand has driven the storage industry to significant heights, with the Global Self-Storage Market reaching $63.60 billion in 2022. 

While these facilities address storage needs for many families, there are plenty of storage unit issues to consider before moving household items into them. We dug into the various problems reported by customers through PissedConsumer. With more than 8,000 reviews in the Moving and Storage category across 600 different companies, consumer insights highlight industry trends and concerns. By understanding them, you can select the facility that best suits your needs.

Key Insights

• Self-storage units are hugely prevalent and popular, making them a common way to store unused items.
• The most in-demand cities for self-storage include New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Houston, TX, Las Vegas, NV, and San Antonio, TX.
• The most common storage unit issues typically involve damage from temperature changes, rain or water, mold, and security risks.

Are Storage Units Safe?

When determining whether storage units are safe, considerations go beyond just the risk of theft. Storage spaces that are not climate-controlled can fluctuate in temperature and humidity dramatically, causing items to warp, mold, or mildew.

There is a risk of roof leaks or significant rain, allowing water to penetrate the storage space. Additionally, there is a chance that pests or vermin, like roaches, rats, or mice, might make a home in your unit. Finally, there is a concern that storage facilities might become a part of moving scams, leading to the loss of your items. 

Top Issues with Storage Units

Whether you’re renting big or small storage units, there is always a risk that something goes wrong. Here you will find the most common issues based on customer experiences.

Security Issues

Storing your items out of your sight increases the risk that they will disappear. Thieves may break in, and vandalism can occur when things are damaged or accidentally harmed as hundreds of visitors go in and out of the storage unit spaces.

Customers check for security features before renting a space, including limited access points, cameras, on-site monitoring, and gate or door codes, but even with these features, unauthorized access can occur. 

One CubeSmart customer moved their ATV into a storage unit only to have it “stolen 7 hours after first being placed.” The customer felt the storage facility was guilty for the problem arisen:

The management has not been very conforming at all with this issue which to me is a big issue. I sent them 3 letters explaining why they were at fault with their inadequate security…

The customer eventually took them to court over the loss, but due to the agreements signed by the customer, “the outcome was a ruling or the defendant.”

In review #5684548, the customer's belongings were safe in the storage unit, but their vehicle was damaged when a “security gate with faulty sensor” closed on the car, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Despite the incident being recorded on video, the company has not resolved the issue with the customer:

I was told a check will be cut two Fridays ago still nothing I cant get manager or regional manager on the phone They agreed to pay the estimated damages but do not follow thru

Mold and Mildew

Another issue with storage units is temperature. Many of them are not controlled in terms of this indicator. Nor do they have insulation, which allows the facility to change temperatures and humidity levels dramatically. Add in rain or the occasional leak, and moisture can destroy items through mold and mildew.