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Storage Units in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA: Top Things to Know About Storage

Storage is Hard to Come By

Let’s get the most important thing out of the way: It’s tough to find storage in San Francisco. The demand for housing in the area is high as is the demand for office space. Almost a million people call The City home and all of them need a place to live and a tech startup to work at (Okay, not all of them work at tech startups; it just feels that way). The need for affordable housing is...well...we don’t want to say crisis, but we will say crisis adjacent. While we’re psyched to see people attempting to do something about the high cost of rent in San Francisco ($3,000 a month for a studio?), we’re sad to see storage facilities bite the dust in exchange for condo development. All we can say is, we hope at least a few of those condos are affordable.

So what does this mean if you’re looking for storage? You can expect steeper prices as a result of the lack of availability. You should also be prepared for the reality that you might not get the unit you want. According to the manager of a San Francisco StoragePro whose facility tends to stay at least 90% occupied, your best bet is to plan in advance. However, not all facilities will allow you to actually reserve in advance. While the idea of locking down a storage unit long before your move to San Francisco sounds good to you, it’s not in the interest of most facility managers who stand to lose money as a result of tenants who hold units and then cancel. As a result of this, some facilities will only let you reserve a spot a week in advance. We suggest you include at least three facilities in your search for storage if finding a spot in San Francisco is a must.

Consider Renting Outside of San Francisco

An estimated 80% of the tenants at StoragePro on Beale Street in San Francisco are able to walk to their units. For these individuals, access on foot is crucial and the ability to take things in and out of storage on a regular basis is a very real possibility. Think about how often you’re going to need to actually access your storage unit. Are you moving from a city where you could afford a larger home and therefore have furniture that doesn’t fit in your San Francisco apartment? Are you storing seasonal items like winter clothing and Christmas decorations? Are you a college student leaving stuff for summer vacation? Examples like these paint the picture of individuals who probably won’t be visiting their storage units every single day or even every single month. If this applies to you, consider seeking out storage in places like Alameda and Oakland. You should also keep these areas in mind if you’re looking to store an RV, boat or car as this type of storage is especially difficult to find inside San Francisco. Basically, if you want more size options, more amenity options and lower prices, expand your search to include outside of San Francisco. Think of it as a nice way of spending a little quality time with the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco Climate and Storage

You’ve heard of that famous San Francisco fog, right? If not, don’t worry, his name is Karl and he totally has a Twitter and an Instagram because in San Francisco, everyone has a Twitter and an Instagram. Housing in San Francisco tends to be pricier if it’s in a sunnier, fog-free part of the city. If you’re looking for storage, this same rule doesn’t necessarily apply as most storage facilities offer indoor units which are significantly less susceptible to the woes of Bay Area weather. The main things that can affect your items in storage are drastic temperatures and moisture. Drastic temperatures aren’t a huge concern in San Francisco (though you can expect some super hot days and some surprisingly chilly ones) but that dreaded moisture certainly is. If your unit isn’t inside and you’re storing items that can rust like a nice bike or items that can get weathered like a painting or leather couch, consider climate control so that you can protect your investment from damage. Unlike southern California, San Francisco summers are known for being cooler and can often be damper than other seasons. This is important to remember if you’re a college student looking for somewhere to put your stuff once the time comes to move out of your dorm or apartment. If you’re struggling to figure out how to pay for storage on a student’s budget in a city that is decidedly not very budget friendly, consider going in on a storage unit with a friend. The cost of a storage unit should be much cheaper than the cost of your apartment, but we still think you should look for budget friendly solutions whenever possible anyway.

Storage FAQ's

Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in San Francisco?
Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in San Francisco due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 32.0 to 68.0, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.
Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?
Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.
Will I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in San Francisco only provide invoices upon request.
What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?
Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.
Will the company have access to my space?
No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.
What storage space sizes are available?
In San Francisco, there are 41 storage facilities, with a total of 219 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 1' X 4' to 25' X 72'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?
Generally the prices of storage units in San Francisco vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 10.0 and 5100.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?
Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.
What access will I have to my belongings?
You have 41 facilities to choose from in San Francisco. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.
Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?
Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.
How do I know what size storage I need?
Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 25' X 72' unit when you really need a 1' X 4' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
Do I need insurance for my storage unit?
We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in San Francisco accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.
Do you provide your customers with movers?
No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in San Francisco. See our resource guide for movers in San Francisco.
Do you have pest control?
Most facilities in San Francisco schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.
How long is the lease and what are its terms?
Storage companies in San Francisco offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.
What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?
Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in San Francisco to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
If I lose my key, can you provide another one?
No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.
Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?
Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in San Francisco offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.
What if I need more or less space after I move in?
Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in San Francisco?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in San Francisco are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within San Francisco.

San Francisco, CA Military StorageView Hide

San Francisco, CA Military Storage

San Francisco played a key role in World War II and other notable conflicts, but that doesn’t mean that’s it’s uniformed spirit is in the past. On the contrary, San Francisco is home to so many unique and interesting pieces of military history that a walk through the city often feels like a walk through the past (admittedly, the creepy fog helps). In addition to landmark structures and ships, there’s also a small pocket of active duty men and women. If you’re lucky enough to be stationed in the beautiful City by the Bay, here’s some advice on finding a storage unit to fit your needs:

San Francisco Military Housing and Storage

If you’re working at US Coast Guard San Francisco station on Yerba Buena Island, your base includes administrative offices, deck department ships, station engineering shops and barracks. Besides the barracks, housing is available through the government. It isn’t required, but if you want it, it does have to be applied for and waiting lists are common. This means that you might find yourself living somewhere temporary and much smaller while you wait for your ideal home to become available. If you’re new in town, this is understandably frustrating, but that’s where storage comes in. There are more than 150 storage facilities in and around San Francisco all of which offer flexible lease terms and a wide variety of units so whether you’ve got a whole house’s worth of furniture or just a carload of clothing and extra stuff, you can find the right option to make storing your belongings in between moves as painless as possible. Incidentally, needing extra space as a result of moving is cited as the number one reason why people seek out storage, so you’ll be in good company and you’ll be dealing with facility managers who understand your concerns.

Independent Housing and Storage

If you’re stationed at US Air Station San Francisco, you’ll be working alongside the US Coast Guard and you’ll have the same government housing options available. Of course, either branch is welcome to opt for independent housing in the city. Just remember that if you’ve never lived in San Francisco before (or California for that matter), housing prices are the highest in the country. This means that the $3,000 a month that got you a four bedroom home in the last place you lived might only get you a studio apartment in San Francisco. Don’t get discouraged if the high prices in San Francisco don’t leave room for all of your furniture at your new place. Just store it. That way, when you can afford a bigger place (or you’re moved to a new city), you won’t have to get all new stuff.

Military Discounts and Storage

Most storage units in San Francisco try to keep their prices competitive to everyone, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still try to get a discount. Your military ID will get you all sorts of discounts at local San Francisco restaurants and attractions, so don’t forget to ask about what it can do for your storage needs. The most common discount is 10%, which doesn’t sound like much but it’ll help you big time if you’re planning on storing for a while. Another component about storage that saves military members time and hassle is the existence of military lien laws. This means that if you’re deployed and your storage unit rent goes unpaid as a result, the facility can’t auction off your belongings as easily as they can if you’re not in the military. Hopefully this is never a lesson that you have to learn firsthand, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind wherever your military career might take you.

San Francisco, CA RV and Boat StorageView Hide

San Francisco, CA RV and Boat Storage

San Francisco. The beautiful city by the bay where foodies, techies, fishermen and models come to play in the sun. For many residents of The City, it’s hard to imagine leaving it. If you’re an RV or boat owner, you know that there’s nothing like a classic California road trip or a day out on the water to make you love the Bay Area and the Golden State that much more. Looking for storage for your RV, boat or car? We can help you find the perfect storage spot in the San Francisco area so that living the California dream doesn’t result in sacrificing your beloved extra vehicle.

Store Your RV or Boat and Deal with San Francisco Streets Less

Narrow, hilly streets and pesky parking length restrictions can be intimidating. It’s tough enough dealing with these hazards in a sedan. Add driving an RV or towing a boat or trailer into the mix and you’ve got one big headache. If you’re even able to find street parking for your RV or boat, just the thought of driving out of your neighborhood and onto the highway with it can be enough to make you cancel your weekend plans. Ease your woes by storing it instead. You’ll notice when looking for RV and boat storage in San Francisco that there are actually a lot more options in Oakland and outside of the city in general. If you’re okay with commuting a little bit further, these locations can often offer you cheaper prices in addition to a respite from having to drive your RV around San Francisco. Thanks to great local public transportation, accessing your RV by boat or rail ?is easy even if you don’t have a car.

A Relief from Parking Bans

You’ve probably seen trailers, campers and RVs surreptitiously parked on side streets. What gives? The reality is that over 250 people live in their vehicles in The City. It’s definitely super duper illegal as a result of parking regulations which not only state that you can’t inhabit your vehicle between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. but also that you can’t park in certain areas between midnight and 6 a.m. if your vehicle is more than 22 feet long and 7 feet tall. This is bad news if you’re an apartment dwelling RV or boat owner counting on street parking. With these regulations changing to expand to other neighborhoods, it’s important to stay in the loop and keep RV and boat storage in mind just in case your go-to parking spot no longer becomes an option.

Moisture and Your RV

RV storage can range from an outside parking space to a fully enclosed garage style unit. When it comes to choosing RV storage in San Francisco your limited options and above average prices might force you to go with the most basic option: the parking lot. While we always advocate in favor of the most secure option, we understand that this isn’t always possible. Storing your RV (or your boat) in a parking lot leaves it susceptible to damage from the elements. In San Francisco, this means moisture. While it’s true that some neighborhoods are foggier than others, every part of the city experiences its share of cooler temperatures and damp air. Most of the damage that can befall the outside of your RV is purely cosmetic and can be easily fixed or overlooked. The real threat of storing your RV outside in foggy San Francisco is to the inside of your RV. If moisture develops inside your RV, it can lead to mold. The good news? You can prevent it by taking some extra precautions. Always make sure to thoroughly clean out the inside of RV. Make sure it’s properly sealed. You can install vent covers that allow air to circulate without allowing moisture in. And don’t forget to close any slide outs when you store it, as these can be damaged by weather as well.

24 Hour Access in San Francisco

Here’s an easy geography question. What’s closer to San Francisco: the mountains or the ocean? Think about where your adventures take you the most when it comes to determining whether or not you need 24 hour access to storage. Because of those pesky parking bans that we mentioned, if that hour and a half drive from your wine country trip ends up taking way too long, you don’t want to be left out in the cold as a result of your storage facility being closed for the night. On the other hand, if your RV or boat excursions take you to significantly closer destinations like the gorgeous San Francisco RV Resort, you might not need 24 hour access as you’ll easily be able to make it back to your storage facility in between check out time and before your facility closes.

San Francisco, CA University StorageView Hide

San Francisco, CA University Storage

San Francisco is often referred to as the Paris of the West, so it stands to reason that most residents are sophisticated, educated and all about that joie de vivre. And speaking of educated, about 1.4% of the city’s population is made up by students. If you’re one of them and you’re in need of a little extra space, self storage can offer a relief from the woes of your crowded apartment (which, let’s be honest, you probably share with way too many other people thanks to San Francisco’s ridiculous cost of living). As a student trying to make it in one of the coolest albeit most challenging cities, you’ve got enough on your plate without having to figure out what storage unit is right for you. There are more than 150 storage facilities in and around San Francisco. Here’s what you need to consider when determining which one is right for you during your college years:

San Francisco Art Students and Storage

From Academy of Art University (the second largest property owner in the whole city) to The Art Institute of California-San Francisco, the Bay Area is filled with creative students. If you’re attending one of these schools or attending a private or public college with an excellent art program, your major is likely going to influence your storage needs. For example, if you’re studying fashion at the Academy of Art University and vying for a spot in the school’s annual showcase at New York Fashion Week (kind of a big deal), you’re going to need your designs to be in tip top shape. If you’re unable to store them in your dorm or at your apartment, consider using your storage unit as a sort of extra closet. One word of caution though: If your clothing designs include delicate fabrics like lace and you’re storing them for more than a month, you should opt for climate controlled storage and save yourself from the destructive powers of the moist San Francisco air. Studying animation at The Art Institute of California-San Francisco? The same advice applies to you when it comes to storing your art. Humidity in storage is a destructive force, but saying that it ruined your homework is akin to saying that your dog ate it.

Summer Break and Student Storage

Art students aren’t the only ones who need to consider climate controlled storage. If you’re headed elsewhere for summer break, you need to be aware of what the weather in San Francisco is going to be up to while you’re away. Despite the image of California as a land of perpetual sun, summers in San Francisco tend to be cool and wet. While the temperature itself isn’t going to have a huge detrimental effect on the items in your storage unit, the moisture certainly might. Store at a facility like Security Public Storage and you’ll not only have access to a climate controlled unit but you’ll also be getting some other student friendly amenities like online bill pay, which will help you stay current on your rent no matter where your summer travels take you. Another great option is Attic Self Storage. They offer climate control, online bill pay plus truck rental which is practically a lifesaver if you’re moving out of a dorm or apartment but you don’t have a car. Both of these facilities also offer boxes and supplies, which are some of the most overlooked items that can slow down a move. These two facilities also offer something else that’s crucial to making summer break stress free. And that brings us to our next point:

Security and Student Storage

One feature to look for in a storage unit is excellent security. Facilities like Security Public Storage and Attic Self Storage offer 24 hour cameras, which help keep your items safe. When you’re filling your storage unit, make sure to think about the icing on the cake: a good lock. Storage facilities recommend disc locks, but you can also consider a cylinder lock. Think about locking your storage unit like you would your bike. We all know that cable locks on bikes are easy to cut. Keyless locks (like the one you had on your locker in high school) are the cable locks of the storage world. They’re easy to remove with a pair of bolt cutters. In addition to a great lock, you need your facility to act as an extra layer of security. You can start by choosing a facility in a safe area, but be practical and factor in convenience rather than getting freaked out by local articles about bad neighborhoods. Make sure your facility has a fence around it, is well lit and has a manager who walks the property and is aware of who’s coming and going. Taking these additional steps might seem tedious when you’ve got summer break on your mind, but they’ll be worth it once you realize that your summer study abroad program doesn’t have to include worrying about the safety of your storage unit.

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