Frequently Asked Questions – Public Storage FAQs



And the answer is…

Have questions? Need more info? Here are a collection of questions and answers we typically receive about public storage from our customers. If you didn’t find what you’re looking for, please ask away by using the handy form below or if it’s easier to give us a call, feel free to do so. One of our trusted Storage Experts is at-the-ready to answer your question and point you in the right direction.

Browse faqs and topics

Moving in
During your stay
Moving out
Access hours
Billing
NationWide Smart Access
Restrictions
About NationWide

Customer searching for answers to self storage questions

Moving In


What size locker do I need?

Try out our self storage calculator or call one of our storage experts to determine the size that is best for your needs.


How can I reserve a unit?

There are three way to reserve a unit. You can call us, use our online reservation system or do it the old fashioned way by coming down to our rental office.

To reserve online simply click RESERVE on our home page and it will take you to our online reservation page. Your reservation will be help for up to 7 days. Once reserved, to honor reservations, we need to ensure you are human. Please respond by phone or email within 48 hours. Only confirmed reservations can be guaranteed. If you don’t know what size you need, try our self storage calculator or call one of our storage experts to determine the size that is best for your needs.


Can I rent a locker online?

The ability to rent a locker online is coming soon! Currently you can make your reservation online but must come to our facility to complete your rental and physically view the locker to which you are renting.


Can I see my locker before renting it?

Absolutely, it is actually NationWide’s policy to show the exact unit you will be renting or your first months rent is FREE!


Do I need a credit card or a deposit to reserve a storage unit?

We provide no commitment, hassle-free reservations and no credit card or deposit is required to reserve a storage unit.


Do I need to sign a contract in order to rent a unit?

Yes, a month-to-month rental agreement needs to be signed when renting a unit.


How long does the rental process take?

At NationWide Self Storage, service is in our DNA and your comfort is our number one priority. Our average process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, but we strive to take you through the rental process as quickly as possible.


Do you require a security deposit to rent a unit?

No security deposit is required to rent a unit however, a one-time, non-refundable administration fee is taken at the time of rental for each unit rented.


What documents will I need to rent a storage unit?

A valid form of Government picture ID is required along with a secondary form of identification, such as a bill within the last 90 days, a credit card, etc.


What is the minimum rental period for storing items?

The minimum rental period is 1 month.


Do I need to have storage insurance?

NationWide Self Storage facilities are covered by insurance but your contents are not. As a value added NationWide Self Storage provides all unit/tenants with $10,000 of insurance coverage for a nominal charge of $10 per month. If you have any questions please inquire.


Can I sign any required paperwork in advance, so I do not have to do it on moving day?

Yes, NationWide highly recommends that you complete the required paperwork in advance. We will allow future rentals to be completed up to 30 days in advance based on availability.


Can I change the start date on my pre-rental agreement if I need rent earlier or later?

Yes, you can. At NationWide understand that things change when moving and we will always try to accommodate. Additional charges or credits adjustments may have to be made but we are always happy to make a change.


What if I have rented the wrong size unit?

No problem! We want you to feel at home with us. Please speak with one of our Storage Experts and we will be happy to find you a locker that is best for you and assist you with any price adjustments.


Can I find your storage locker prices online?

Yes, at NationWide we advertise our prices for all our locations. Simply find your location on the website to see all available lockers with the locker price listed.


Are there any additional charges?

There is a one-time $20 administration fee applicable, and also a Nokê smart entry set up and maintenance fee of $3 per month to get you started with NationWide’s keyless smart entry system.


Do you have equipment available to move my items?

Free loading carts and dollies are provided for your use at our storage facilities. You will also find covered loading bays to protect you from the elements as you move your items in.


Do you provide moving and packing services?

No, we are not a moving and packing company. This said, please speak with one of NationWide’s Storage Experts and they will provide you with information from our referral network.


Do I have to pay fees to access the contents of my unit?

You may access your unit as many times as you would like during access hours with no additional fees or charges.

Access hours are 6am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

During your stay


Can shelving be placed in my storage unit?

Yes, shelving units and racks may be placed in your storage unit as long as it is free standing, and nothing is bolted or secured to the walls.

NationWide Self Storage also provides on-demand concierge services and can have shelves or racks delivered to your locker and set up for a small fee—even before you move in!


Is there a cost to moving to a different unit?

NationWide wants you to feel comfortable in your unit. Additional charges or credits adjustments may have to be made, but we are always happy to accommodate a change.


Do you have a referral program?

We love referrals! We offer every tenant a $50 credit towards their next months rent charge for completed referrals (with no maximum limit). Please ask the front desk for more details.

Moving out


How do I cancel my lease agreement?

We are sorry to have you leave us and would like to know if it is the cost or size that is affecting your decision.

To cancel your rental agreement, simply provide 2 days notice by logging onto My Account, calling or emailing us or send us correspondence by mail of your intended move-out date.

As we value you as a customer, we will prorate your move out however, no matter which day you are moving out the rental agreement will cease at the end of the month. Please note, that we only refund full months rent, and not partial months rent. If you are moving out in a partial month, please provide notice before you make your monthly payment.


Does NationWide Self Storage provide month-to-month rentals?

Yes, NationWide Self Storage provides month-to-month no commitment rentals. To cancel your agreement either logon to My Account or call one of our representatives to assist you. No matter which day you are moving out, the rental agreement will cease at the end of the month.


Do you prorate my rent if I am not storing for a full month?

Yes, we will prorate your rent if you are not staying a full month. If you are planning to move out in the middle of a month all we ask is that you provide notice before you make your monthly payment as we do not refund partial months rent. We will provide a refund for any full months rent.

NationWide Self Storage provides month-to-month rental agreements so no matter which day you are moving out the rental agreement will cease at the end of the month.


I scheduled to move out but now I want to stay longer – what should I do?

We understand that things change and we are here to help you until you have completely moved out. Simply contact us and we can make adjustments free of charge to whatever your arrangements are.

NationWide Self Storage provides month-to-month rental agreements so no matter which day you are moving out the rental agreement will cease at the end of the month.

Access hours


When can I access my storage unit and how often?

You may come to your unit as many times as you would like during access hours with no additional fees or charges. Access hours are 6am to 10pm, 365 days a year.


When is the rental office open?

The rental office hours may be different at each location. Please check the location page for the rental office hours at the location you are inquiring about.


Can I still visit my storage unit on statutory holidays or when the rental office is closed?

Yes, as long as your account is paid up-to-date you will have access 365 days a year during the access hours with your Storage Smart Entry app or fob.

Access hours are 6am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

Billing


What are my payment options?

We accept debit, credit card and ACH in store. You can also pay online with your credit card and ACH.


Can I pay my bill online?

Yes, we accept online payments of credit card and ACH. Visit the My Account page to set up your account and go paperless today!


How does your billing cycle work?

Our billing cycle is 1st of the month billing. No matter what day you move in you pay for your first month (30 days) and thereafter your rent will be prorated to get you to 1st of the month billing.


Can I pay weekly or monthly?

Rent is paid monthly except for pro-rating billing upon move out, then you are able to pay to the day you wish to pay to.

NationWide Smart Access


What is NationWide’s Storage Smart Entry system and what are the benefits?

NationWide’s Storage Smart Entry system is a state-of-the art keyless locking system that allows you to access the facility and your personal locker with a phone app or a fob rather than a key or a access code.

• No more forgetting your access code.
• No chance of someone seeing you key in your code.
• No more fumbling with numerous keys and locks.
• Simple access through an app on your phone (or a fob if you prefer).
• Monitor when someone enters your locker right from your personal phone.
• Allows customers access to only the floor that they are renting on.


Can I share access to my unit with someone else?

Yes, you may share or unshare your access code anytime with anyone you wish via your NationWide’s Storage Smart Entry smartphone app. You can even monitor your access to your personal locker through the app.


I have lost my fob, what should I do?

Contact the office immediately so we can remove the fob from the system and simply come into the office for a new fob to be assigned to you (fees will apply).


How can I get additional fobs?

Additional fobs are available for purchase at our rental office. Alternatively you can share access easily and for free through the NationWide’s Storage Smart Entry smartphone app.


My battery died on my fob, what should I do?

Batteries typically last 1-2 years. Should your battery die, please visit our office and we will happy to provide you with a replacement battery.


Can I bring my own lock for my storage unit?

NationWide uses a state-of-the art keyless locking system and traditional locks cannot be used. For more information on NationWide’s Smart Entry System, please visit here or visit our rental office for a demonstration.

Restrictions


Can I store a vehicle?

Yes, vehicles can be stored both inside or outside, call your location for availability.


Does my stored vehicle require insurance?

Any vehicle, car, truck, motorcycle, RV, trailer, that is stored regardless inside or outside should have full or storage insurance coverage.


Does my vehicle need to be in working order?

The condition of the vehicle store should be in working order and able to move on its own power.


What items are not allowed to be stored in my unit?

Restricted items are as follows, but not inclusive to:

• Hazardous Materials
• Illegal Contraband or Substances
• Stolen Items
• Flammables or Explosives
• Perishable Food Items
• Fire Arms

About NationWide


What is “climate control” and why do I need it?

NationWide Self Storage has climate controlled heating units to maintain a temperature of 10 degrees in the winter time. We also have a forced air system that draws fresh air into the facility in the warmer months to cool the facility.

Higher floors are typically much warmer than lower floors and the south side of the facility will usually be warmer than the north side of the facility so climate control is important.


What are “sky lockers”?

Sky lockers are like mini storage units. The term sky locker is used for units that you are not able to walk directly into. They are usually a unit that is on top of another unit and requires a rolling staircase to access the unit.


Is there power in the units?

No, power is not provided to any of the units.


How tall are the units?

Our unit heights vary from facility to facility, but in most cases the standard unit height is 8 feet. Contact your location for specific unit heights.


How large are the elevators?

Elevator sizes can very facility to facility, contact your location for elevator dimensions.


How can I sign up for NationWide’s package acceptance service?

Package acceptance can be completed at the rental office at each location.


How secure are my belongings in storage?

Each storage unit is equipped with a personal NationWide Self Storage Smart Entry controller and the Smart Entry system only allows customers to access the floor to which they are renting on. There are also motion activated thermal sensors in each and every unit.