Top 10 Common Complaints About Storage Companies

When choosing a storage company, it’s important to be aware of the common issues that customers may face. Here are the top 10 complaints that people often have about storage companies:

1. Hidden Fees and Unexpected Price Increases

• Complaint: Many customers report being quoted a low price initially, only to face hidden fees or significant price increases after moving in.

• Why It Happens: Some companies lure customers with low rates, then increase prices after the initial rental period or add fees for access, late payments, or insurance.

2. Poor Security Measures

• Complaint: Customers often express concerns about inadequate security, such as malfunctioning gates, broken cameras, or the lack of monitoring, which leads to theft or break-ins.

• Why It Happens: Not all storage companies invest in top-tier security features, leaving customers' belongings vulnerable to theft.

3. Unclean or Pest-Infested Facilities

• Complaint: A common issue is poor maintenance, where customers find their storage units infested with rodents, insects, or dirt and dust accumulation.

• Why It Happens: Some facilities skimp on pest control or don’t regularly clean or maintain their storage areas, resulting in unhygienic conditions that can damage stored items.

4. Limited Access Hours

• Complaint: Customers often complain about limited or inconvenient access hours that restrict their ability to retrieve or store items.

• Why It Happens: Not all storage facilities offer 24/7 access, and some have restricted hours that don’t align with customers' schedules, making it difficult to access their belongings.

5. Poor Customer Service

• Complaint: Many reviews mention unresponsive or unhelpful customer service, making it hard to resolve issues or get clear information.

• Why It Happens: Some storage companies may have limited staff, poor training, or a lack of focus on customer service, leaving clients frustrated with unanswered questions or unresolved problems.

6. Lack of Climate Control

• Complaint: Customers who expected climate-controlled units often find that the temperature and humidity control is inadequate, resulting in damage to sensitive items.

• Why It Happens: Some companies advertise climate control, but their systems may not be well-maintained or effective, leading to temperature fluctuations and moisture build-up.

7. Insufficient Fire and Safety Protections

• Complaint: Some customers express concerns about a lack of fire alarms, sprinklers, or other safety measures in the facility.

• Why It Happens: Older or lower-cost storage facilities may not meet current fire safety standards, leaving customers' items vulnerable in the event of an emergency.

8. Inaccurate or Confusing Billing

• Complaint: Billing issues, such as incorrect charges, automatic payments not being processed correctly, or confusing invoices, are a frequent source of frustration.

• Why It Happens: Miscommunication between the company’s billing system and customers, along with unclear fee structures, can lead to confusion and overcharging.

9. Overcrowded or Difficult-to-Access Units

• Complaint: Customers may struggle with storage units that are difficult to access due to narrow hallways, poor lighting, or overcrowded storage areas.

• Why It Happens: Some storage facilities do not invest in easy access solutions like wide hallways, elevators, or carts, making it difficult for customers to move items in and out of their units.

10. Unexpected Unit Changes or Lack of Availability

• Complaint: Customers sometimes report that the unit size they reserved is unavailable upon arrival, or they are moved to a different, less desirable unit without prior notice.

• Why It Happens: Overbooking, poor management, or last-minute changes by the company can result in customers not getting the storage unit they originally reserved.

Conclusion

These common complaints highlight the importance of thoroughly researching a storage company before committing to a contract. Checking reviews, visiting the facility, and asking detailed questions about policies and fees can help you avoid these issues and ensure a smooth, worry-free storage experience.