Frequently Asked Questions
Billing
Find out about payment options, prorating, your billing cycle, and more.
The office at the rental location is closed but I need to speak to someone, what can I do?
If you cannot reach a property manager at any of our locations you can speak to one of the storage experts at our national call center. The call center is available after rental office hours to help you, and can be reached toll-free at (877) 777-8672 during the following times: Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 10:00pm (EST) Sun: 10:00am – 6:30pm (EST) Please note that any billing inquiries relating to your account must be made directly with the property office during standard business hours.
How come I pay more than $1 for the first month, even though I was offered the dollar promo?
Just one dollar is, indeed, all you pay for the first month’s rent. In addition to the rent, there is a one-time administration fee of $25 as well as any applicable taxes. There are no additional costs unless you choose to purchase a lock, insurance, or other merchandise.
Do I need to sign a contract in order to rent a space?
We do not require a fixed-term contract which gives you maximum flexibility. In practice, this means that you have the freedom to rent a storage unit for as little or as long as you wish. You will need to sign a rental agreement at the time you move in, which continues on a month-to-month basis until you decide to move out.
Moving & Packing Supplies
Learn more about the various boxes and tools we offer to help you pack and optimize your move.
What kind of locks do storage units use?
The most common types of locks used on storage units include heavy-duty disc locks, padlocks, and cylinder locks, and may be facility-specific. When choosing a lock, look for a product with high-quality construction and theft deterrence, and make sure the lock's shackle will fit the locking mechanism on the door of your storage unit. As a best practice, combination locks are not recommended, since their security can be more readily compromised in comparison to keyed locks They are typically not as durable and do not feature anti-theft mechanisms or design.
What gloves are good for grip?
Gloves with a good gripping surface, such a silicone or nitrile dot anti-slip surface, will be useful during any move. Look for a woven breathable fabric to reduce sweating, like canvas or cotton.
Can I use masking tape instead of packing tape?
Masking tape lacks the strength and adhesiveness found with packing and shipping tape, and so it is not the best choice for sealing moving boxes, especially on the bottom. Masking tape is better used for creating labels, since its surface can be written on.
Renting
Learn more about rental policies and your lease agreement.
What are my payment options?
At Public Storage, you can pay in person at the location where you rent (cash, debit/credit card, money order, certified cheque), online through our website, or via Automated Payment Plan. We accept all 3 major credit cards – Visa, Master Card, and American Express – as well as Interac and Visa Debit payments (available only from participating banks and financial institutions). For extra convenience, we also give you the option to pre-authorize your monthly payments either by credit card or debit for hassle-free account management, so you’ll never have to worry about missing a payment, or incurring late fees. * Please note that payments cannot be made via telephone, and that the Public Storage Canada National Call Centre cannot process payments.
Are there any age restrictions for renting storage?
To rent storage, you must be of legal age, which is at least 18 years old (19 years old in British Columbia). Please note that you are required to show photo ID* to complete a rental, whether you rent online or in-person at the facility. If you have not yet reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction, please arrange to have someone of legal age sign the storage rental agreement on your behalf, such as a parent or friend. *Photo ID: To start renting, you will need two valid pieces of government-issued ID, one of which must include a photo, e.g. driver’s license. For more information about acceptable forms of ID, please contact the rental office at your Public Storage location.
Are debit cards accepted as a payment method for online rentals?
Currently, only a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to pay for online rentals. If you prefer to pay with debit, you have the option to complete your rental in person at any location.
Reserving
Got questions about reserving your storage unit? Learn more about how this process works.
The office at the rental location is closed but I need to speak to someone, what can I do?
If you cannot reach a property manager at any of our locations you can speak to one of the storage experts at our national call center. The call center is available after rental office hours to help you, and can be reached toll-free at (877) 777-8672 during the following times: Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 10:00pm (EST) Sun: 10:00am – 6:30pm (EST) Please note that any billing inquiries relating to your account must be made directly with the property office during standard business hours.
How come I pay more than $1 for the first month, even though I was offered the dollar promo?
Just one dollar is, indeed, all you pay for the first month’s rent. In addition to the rent, there is a one-time administration fee of $25 as well as any applicable taxes. There are no additional costs unless you choose to purchase a lock, insurance, or other merchandise.
Do I need a credit card to reserve a storage unit?
Not at all. You can reserve a storage unit online, in person, or by telephone, with just your first and last name, and a contact phone number. While having a credit card will make payments easier for you, we do not require a credit card to reserve or to make a payment.
Storage Units
Get more information about storage unit types, access, security, and more.
What is “climate control” and do I need it?
For most storage purposes, climate control which regulates humidity is largely nonessential. Most of our facilities maintain their storage units to prevent temperature extremes, which helps to protect your items from damage such as warping, cracking, or even mildew. These units are generally kept within the range of 10°C – 25°C, which is accomplished through controlled heating in the winter, and air circulation/ventilation in the summer. Temperatures and air flow are preserved at an optimal level for storage, but not necessarily at room temperature. Maintaining temperature controls outside of this range is both unnecessary, and costly; we prefer to pass these savings on to you!
When can I access my storage unit?
Your access is unlimited during gate access hours, which are generally from 5AM – 10PM every day. As long as you have your passcode handy and your unit key, you can come and go as often as you like, including holidays. **Exception: For the locations in Brantford, Guelph, and Central Hamilton (Hess St N), please note that gate access is restricted to office hours only and is unavailable during holidays and/or office closure.
How secure are my belongings in storage?
At Public Storage, we offer several premium self-storage security and safety features. Most of our facilities are equipped with alarm systems, electronic gate access with personalized access code, 24-hour video surveillance, and sprinkler systems.
Storing
Explore this section to get more info about how self-storage works.
What is “climate control” and do I need it?
For most storage purposes, climate control which regulates humidity is largely nonessential. Most of our facilities maintain their storage units to prevent temperature extremes, which helps to protect your items from damage such as warping, cracking, or even mildew. These units are generally kept within the range of 10°C – 25°C, which is accomplished through controlled heating in the winter, and air circulation/ventilation in the summer. Temperatures and air flow are preserved at an optimal level for storage, but not necessarily at room temperature. Maintaining temperature controls outside of this range is both unnecessary, and costly; we prefer to pass these savings on to you!
When can I access my storage unit?
Your access is unlimited during gate access hours, which are generally from 5AM – 10PM every day. As long as you have your passcode handy and your unit key, you can come and go as often as you like, including holidays. **Exception: For the locations in Brantford, Guelph, and Central Hamilton (Hess St N), please note that gate access is restricted to office hours only and is unavailable during holidays and/or office closure.
How secure are my belongings in storage?
At Public Storage, we offer several premium self-storage security and safety features. Most of our facilities are equipped with alarm systems, electronic gate access with personalized access code, 24-hour video surveillance, and sprinkler systems.