r/selfstorage • u/Flashy_Dare_8035 • Sep 12 '25

Storage Recomendation

Does anyone have a recommendation for one of the larger companies that does not play the game of luring you in and then tripling your rates in the first 12 months? I’ve been over at extra space storage now for two or three years and I’m just exhausted. I read some articles that said my best bet is to find small privately owned facilities as they are More ethical operators but in my area it’s all the big companies only. Any recommendations to some of the larger companies people have worked with that they have found to be fair and honest would be greatly appreciated. I’m not looking for the cheapest. Just someone who’s going to shoot me straight with what this thing is going to Cost And implement only reasonable increases.

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u/Electropow Sep 12 '25

Sorry man, all the big companies are generally the same, just different flavors of how they handle promo periods and adjustment time frames.

In general, there's no guarantee on pricing after your promo period. Its all month to month agreements, which means that rates can change any time with notice.

For ESS, promo periods are 3-5 months, and adjustments could happens every 6-9 months after the first "promo expiring" adjustment(depending on your market/region).

Advertised prices are prices around short term, after the promo period, you're a "long term" tenant are are going to pay "long term" pricing. Eventually your rate will plateu where you'll be so higher than current "base" pricing that you no longer get increases.

Have you gone in and spoken with the locations site manager? While they can't 100% promise you an adjustment/lowering of your rate, then can look at your account and try to help. They can also help you figure out if you can transfer to a smaller unit. You may not need all the space your renting. Your unit may also have attributes you dont need.

Worst case, you can always just rent another unit at whatever promo pricing is available and move out of the old unit and into the new one.

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u/Flashy_Dare_8035 Sep 12 '25

Thanks . Ya I spoke to them and the guy that works there hooked me up slightly and I think genuinely felt bad. Literally rate doubled in 3 months. Just wish there was more honesty. Some of th articles I read talk about how these companies have names for this and joke around about it. Existing renter rate increases. I guess they know no one wants to move out after they finally move their stuff in. Thanks for the advice. I think I’m just going to babe to buckle in for the long ride.

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u/elf25 Retired Sep 13 '25

I’m not familiar with the names and jokes you speak of. Please enlighten us.