2020 CubeSmart Review
Bottom line: CubeSmart is widely available, has excellent customer service, and provides tons of perks.
CubeSmart is one of Move.org’s best self-storage companies. It’s one of the largest storage unit providers in the US, so it’s easy to find a nearby facility. And when you do, the company blows you away with its storage options, excellent customer service, and numerous perks like free Wi-Fi and fresh coffee. The biggest drawback is that you pay not only for the storage unit but also for mandatory insurance, a one-time “administrative fee,” and your storage unit lock.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Tons of perks
- Online quotes
- Self-guided service
Cons
- Mandatory insurance
- One-time administrative fee
How much does CubeSmart cost?
The average monthly cost for a CubeSmart storage unit is approximately $150 (not including a one-time $24 administrative fee due at the time of move-in). Costs range from about $70 for a small unit to $250 for a large-size unit.
CubeSmart prices
| Average monthly cost |
| $70 |
| $140 |
| $250 |
Data as of 10/12/2020. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing storage costs for three storage unit sizes in 12 cities plus an average monthly insurance fee of $19.
We got 725 quotes for CubeSmart storage units in 12 cities across the country. To create an average monthly cost, we added an average monthly insurance fee of $19 to the monthly average estimates for small, medium, and large storage units. We didn’t get prices for lockers or parking spaces. But prices vary widely depending on location, so be sure to call ahead and confirm costs before committing to CubeSmart.
CubeSmart cost factors
Several things affect your CubeSmart storage unit costs:
- Storage unit size. Bigger units cost more than smaller ones.
- Duration. CubeSmart charges by the month.
- Geography. Prices vary based on where you live. For example, the average cost is $90 in Texas, but $200 in Washington, DC. Prices even vary within the same city, so be sure to compare costs across a few nearby locations.
- Occupancy. Prices are lower if your CubeSmart location is mostly empty and higher if they’re at near-full capacity.
- Discounts. CubeSmart has tons of discounts ranging from online reservation deals to price cuts for members of the military.
- Fees. CubeSmart charges a vague one-time $24 “administrative fee” when you move in.
- Insurance. CubeSmart’s mandatory insurance costs an average of $19 per month. You can typically get anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 worth of coverage for your stuff.
- Premium services. Perks are nice, but not all of them are free. Expect to pay more for things like video monitors, shelves, and automatic door openers.
CubeSmart coverage options
You must have insurance to store your belongings at a CubeSmart facility. CubeSmart’s coverage options range from $2,000 to $5,000. For coverage amounts higher than $5,000, you need to talk with a CubeSmart store manager. So while it’s affordable to get coverage for basic household items like furniture and books, expect to pay more for collectable items valued well above $5,000.
Insurance doesn’t cover items damaged by floods, surface water, or what CubeSmart calls “mysterious disappearance.” (Your policy includes burglary, though, so you’re probably covered if you see security cam footage on a Dateline episode of someone wheeling out your stuff.)
CubeSmart insurance prices
| Monthly cost |
| $12 |
| $17 |
| $27 |
| See store manager |
Data as of 10/14/2020. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Individuals should review their rental contract—including addendums—for a complete description of the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
CubeSmart is one of Move.org’s top-rated storage unit companies
CubeSmart features and services
CubeSmart self-storage
CubeSmart provides basic storage options that cover everything from office files to large vehicles:
- Boat storage
- Business storage
- Household and personal storage
- Military storage
- Motorcycle storage
- Moving services (moving trucks, professional drivers)
- Organizational services (professional organizers, charity donation drop offs, etc.)
- RV storage
- Vehicle and car storage
JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES
JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES
Trying to squeeze everything into a smaller storage unit? One of our top junk removal companies can help you get rid of unwanted items.
CubeSmart free features and services
Many CubeSmart locations offer a load of free services:
- Package receipts
- Item storage and retrieval (by CubeSmart employees)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying, and faxing
- Work stations
- Lounge area
- Fresh coffee
- Free local moving truck (anything over two hours costs extra)
- Flexible lease terms (month-to-month storage leases)
CubeSmart premium features and services
CubeSmart also offers many extra-cost services (pricing and availability vary by location):
- Professional shredding
- Truck rentals (more than 2 hours)
- Moving and labor assistance
- Full-service moving
- Professional organizer
- Organizational supplies
- Individual lighting and electricity
- Video monitoring
- Shelving options
- Automatic door openers
- Remote-controlled access
Why we recommend CubeSmart
CubeSmart has A LOT of sizes
It’s rare for a storage unit company to offer more than 8 sizes, but CubeSmart has up to 13 options ranging from small lockers to massive 300-square foot units. CubeSmart even has parking lots if you need a place for your motorcycle, car, or RV.
Since sizing options vary by location, we’ve boiled these options down to five main categories: lockers, small units, medium units, and large units, and parking lots. We suggest you call your local CubeSmart to verify what storage sizes are available in your area.
CubeSmart storage unit sizes
| No. of sizes | Max sq. ft. | What fits |
| Varies | 25 | Boxes and small items |
| 3 | 75 | Up to 1-room apartment |
| 2 | 150 | Up to 3-room house |
| 3 | 300 | Up to 5-room house |
| 4 | 300 | Up to Class A recreational vehicles, long boats, or trailers |
Data as of 10/14/2020. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Individuals should review their rental contract—including addendums—for a complete description of the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
CubeSmart has a “WOW!” department
CubeSmart makes customer service a priority. The company has a department that trains company employees to give such high-quality customer service that customers leave saying, “Wow!” (that’s literally their goal).
We tested it out and took a tour of a brand new CubeSmart facility. We may not have said “wow” out loud, but we definitely nodded our heads and smushed our lips together while thinking, “Impressive!”
CubeSmart has self-guided service
CubeSmart makes it easy to store your stuff if you’re moving during COVID-19. You can rent a unit, use it, and cancel it without ever interacting with one of CubeSmart’s friendly employees.
For example, you can get quotes online and pay via the CubeSmart website or app. Once CubeSmart gives you a gate code, you drive up to the storage unit, enter the code, and go to your unlocked numbered unit (you provide the lock). When you finish, lock the unit and drive away. You can come back anytime during your CubeSmart’s “gate hours.” Most facilities are open from early morning to late evening (hours vary by location). You can even cancel your lease virtually.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT PORTABLE STORAGE?
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT PORTABLE STORAGE?
Companies like CubeSmart require you to go to their facilities, but portable storage companies bring the storage units to you. See which companies we like the most.
CubeSmart FAQ
Where can I buy CubeSmart boxes?
You can buy CubeSmart boxes at a CubeSmart location, with the CubeSmart app, or on the CubeSmart website. The company also sells other packing supplies like packing tape, carton markers, and dust covers.
Does CubeSmart have parking spaces?
Yes, CubeSmart has parking spaces—although availability varies by location. The lots fit vehicles ranging from small motorcycles to Class A recreational vehicles like motorhomes with heavy-duty frames similar to 18-wheeler trucks.
CubeSmart parking space sizes
| Recommended vehicles |
| Compact vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles |
| SUVs, pickup trucks, classic cars |
| Class B recreational vehicles |
| Class A recreational vehicles, long boats, or trailers |
Data as of 10/12/2020. Sizes are estimates. Customers should contact a CubeSmart facility for specific size recommendations.
Does CubeSmart have shipping supplies?
Yes, CubeSmart has shipping supplies. The self-storage company sells everything from moving boxes to packing tape. Customers can make purchases on the CubeSmart app or website or by visiting a CubeSmart rental office.
Does CubeSmart have many perks?
Yes, CubeSmart has many perks. The self-storage company has free benefits ranging from fresh coffee to two-hour Penske truck rentals at select locations. Premium perks cost extra, but include services such as automatic door openers, storage unit shelves, and professional organizers.
Our recommendation
CubeSmart is a winner. With nearly 1,400 locations, it’s a piece of cake to find a storage unit—and the company has excellent customer service to boot. CubeSmart also has roughly twice as many sizes as other companies plus tons of perks (both free and premium). The downside? CubeSmart has some hidden costs like mandatory monthly insurance and a one-time $24 administrative fee.
If CubeSmart isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out one of our other top self-storage companies.
Looking for a self-storage company that makes you say, “WOW!”?
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About Kurt Manwaring
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Kevelyn Davis