Last Updated: April 2024
The self-storage industry has witnessed remarkable growth, becoming an essential part of the American lifestyle. This industry can be characterized by the availability of secure and accessible spaces for personal and business storage and caters to a variety of needs ranging from temporary storage during moves to long-term solutions for space management. The top five companies in this sector stand out due to their expansive networks, innovative storage solutions, and significant market presence.
5 Largest Self Storage Companies in the United States
Below we delve into the profiles of these top companies, exploring their history, services, and the role they play in shaping the self-storage industry in the United States. These industry leaders are ranked based on factors such as net rentable square feet and number of facilities, have set high standards in customer service and technological integration.
1. Extra Space Storage
Extra Space Storage Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1977
- Ownership: Public (NYSE:EXR)
- Portfolio Size: Over 283 Million Rentable Sq Ft1
- Number of Locations: Over 3,7101
- Geographical Reach: United States
- Amenities and Services: Climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, business storage
Extra Space Storage Inc has grown to be a the largest player in the self-storage industry, recognized for its customer-centric approach and advanced security measures. The company offers a wide range of storage solutions, catering to diverse customer needs. Extra Space Storage is known for its strategic growth and technological integration in facility management.
2. Public Storage
Public Storage Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1972
- Ownership: Public (NYSE:PSA)
- Portfolio Size: Over 243 Million Rentable Sq Ft2
- Number of Locations: Over 3,3602
- Geographical Reach: United States, Europe
- Amenities and Services: Climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, business storage
Public Storage is a leader in the self-storage industry, known for its wide-reaching presence and diverse storage solutions. It’s one of the most recognizable brands in the sector, boasting a vast portfolio of properties across the United States. The company has consistently expanded its services, incorporating modern technologies and customer-friendly features.
3. U-Haul
U-Haul Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1945
- Ownership: Public (NYSE:UHAL)
- Portfolio Size: Over 84 Million Rentable Sq Ft3
- Number of Locations: Over 2,3003
- Geographical Reach: United States, Canada
- Amenities and Services: Climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, business storage, moving trucks
U-Haul is renowned for its moving truck rentals and has a substantial presence in the self-storage sector. They offer a comprehensive range of storage solutions, including climate-controlled units and specialty storage. U-Haul’s integration of storage with moving services provides a seamless experience for customers.
4. National Storage Affiliates
National Storage Affiliates Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1988
- Ownership: Public (NYSE:NSA)
- Portfolio Size: Over 68 Million Rentable Sq Ft4
- Number of Locations: Over 1,0004
- Geographical Reach: United States
- Amenities and Services: Climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, business storage
National Storage Affiliates Trust specializes in the ownership, operation, and acquisition of self-storage properties across the United States. The company operates through a unique structure of affiliate storage companies, leveraging their local expertise and operational strengths. It focuses on providing high-quality storage solutions to a diverse customer base, emphasizing strategic growth and customer service.
5. CubeSmart
CubeSmart Key Statistics:
- Founded: 2004
- Ownership: Public (NYSE:CUBE)
- Portfolio Size: Over 40 Million Rentable Sq Ft5
- Number of Locations: Over 1,4005
- Geographical Reach: United States
- Amenities and Services: Climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, business storage
CubeSmart stands out in the self-storage industry for its affordable storage solutions and customer service excellence. The company emphasizes accessibility and convenience, offering a range of services tailored to diverse storage needs. CubeSmart is recognized for its innovative approach to self-storage, including partnerships that enhance the customer experience and efficient self storage property management.
Rating Methodology
Companies are ranked based on rentable square footage of portfolio size. Any numerical figures are retrieved from publicly accessible materials, and believed to be accurate as of the last update of this page.
1https://ir.extraspace.com/ 2https://investors.publicstorage.com/investor-relations/default.aspx 3https://www.amerco.com/ 4https://www.nationalstorageaffiliates.com/about-nsa 5https://investors.cubesmart.com/overview/default.aspx
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Largest Publicly Traded Self Storage Company Stocks
In the self-storage sector, several companies stand out not only for their market presence but also for their status as publicly traded entities. These companies are often part of real estate investment trusts (REITs), offering investors a chance to partake in the growing self-storage industry.
Top Publicly Traded Self Storage Companies:
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Largest Self Storage Companies FAQ
Who are the Top 10 Self Storage Companies in the United States?
When investing in self storage real estate, it is important to understand who are the key players in the industry. The top 10 self storage companies range from large publicly traded corporations to smaller, yet influential, private entities.
Top 10 Self Storage Companies:
How Do The 5 Largest Self Storage Companies Differentiate Themselves?
The largest self-storage rental real estate companies in the US set themselves apart through various strategies, including technological innovation, geographic reach, and service diversity.
| Company | Differentiating Factors |
| Public Storage | Extensive network, wide range of unit sizes, strong brand recognition |
| Extra Space Storage | Advanced security measures, strategic location spread, partnerships for moving services |
| U-Haul | Integrated moving and storage solutions, specialty storage options, widespread availability |
| National Storage Affiliates | Unique structure of affiliate storage companies, leveraging their local expertise and operational strengths. |
| CubeSmart | Customer-centric services, online rental options, moving truck rental discounts |
What are Current Trends Influencing Self Storage Companies?
The growth of major self-storage companies is being influenced by several key trends. Technological advancements, such as digital booking, security systems, and self storage property management software are enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. Urbanization and lifestyle changes, including downsizing and increased mobility, are driving demand for storage solutions. Additionally, economic factors like real estate market trends and changing consumer spending patterns are impacting storage needs. Finally, the increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices is shaping facility operations and design in the self-storage industry.
More Largest Company Guides
About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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