U-Haul® Storage vs. Extra Space® Storage
Last Updated:
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Perks |
U-Haul® Storage |
Extra Space® Storage |
|
Nationwide Availability |
Yes – all 50 states and Canada |
No - only 43 States |
|
No Admin Fee |
Yes |
No |
|
Required to Purchase Branded Lock |
No |
Yes* |
|
Multiple Moving Supply Delivery Options |
Yes |
No |
|
Same Storage Price Online and In-Store |
Yes |
No |
|
1-Year Price Lock |
Yes |
No |
|
Cancel Anytime |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Portable Storage Units |
Yes |
No |
*Some Extra Space storage units require specific locks to be purchased specifically from Extra Space
Are you looking for a U-Haul or Extra Space storage unit near you and having trouble deciding? Both are well-known self-storage companies, but the costs, policies, and available options differ in important ways. Below, we break down pricing, fees, unit options, and added benefits to help you choose the storage solution that fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
|
Storage Unit Costs
For many customers, cost is the deciding factor when choosing a self-storage company. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the advertised monthly rate and understand all potential fees. Not all storage companies will disclose all costs up front.
If you rent an Extra Space storage unit, you will be charged an administrative fee. Additionally, some locations require the purchase of a specific lock for certain units, which means you can’t use your own provided lock. These costs are not disclosed on the advertised price and can be different depending on the storage center location you choose and the storage unit you rent.
Extra Space Storage offers up to six-month paid plans to lock in your rate; however, the full amount for the rental period must be paid to secure the monthly rate. On top of the prepayment, administrative fee, and potential required lock charge, those costs start to add up.
With Extra Space Storage, your monthly rate could increase after only three months of renting your storage unit. In New York City, these price increases got so frequent that the City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection launched a lawsuit against Extra Space for bait-and-switch pricing.
By contrast, U-Haul offers a 1-year price lock for all new storage customers. This means from the moment you move into your new storage unit, your monthly payment will stay the same for 12 months.
U-Haul never charges administrative fees or requires customers to purchase specific locks. With U-Haul, if the round discus-style lock you own or buy separately from U-Haul fits, you can use it. The lock you use for your storage unit is your choice.
U-Haul Storage vs. Extra Space Storage First Month Storage Unit Cost Comparison:
|
|
5’ x 5’ |
10’ x 10’ |
10’ x 20’ |
|
U-Haul Storage |
$69.95 – Monthly Rent $2.38 – Taxes Total: $72.33 |
$154.95 – Monthly Rent $5.27 – Taxes Total: $160.22 |
$229.95 – Monthly Rent $7.82 – Taxes Total: $237.77 |
|
Extra Space Storage |
$43.00 – Monthly Rent $19.99 – Lock Purchase $29.00 – Facility Admin Charge $4.27 – Taxes
Total: $96.26 |
$125.00 – Monthly Rent $19.99 – Lock Purchase $29.00 – Facility Admin Charge $7.04 – Taxes
Total: $181.03 |
$186.00 – Monthly Rent $19.99 – Lock Purchase $29.00 – Facility Admin Charge $9.12 – Taxes
Total: $244.11 |
Pricing, fees, and promotional terms shown for other providers are based on publicly available information as of [7-9-2026] and may vary by location, unit size, availability, and timing. These comparisons reflect examples of publicly available pricing structures and are provided for general information only. Customers should review the specific terms offered by each provider. All third-party trademarks and logos (if displayed) are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify those companies.
Storage Unit Sizes and Options
Both U-Haul Storage and Extra Space Storage have a wide range of storage unit sizes, depending on the location and building size. Picking the right storage unit is crucial to saving money; going with a unit that is larger than you need is money lost. U-Haul and Extra Space both offer climate-controlled, outdoor storage and drive-up storage units.
Accessing your Storage Unit
Extra Space only has locations available in 43 states. U-Haul operates storage centers across all 50 states and every Canadian province.
Both U-Haul storage and Extra Space Storage offer select locations with 24/7 access. When 24/7 access is not available:
- Extra Space Storage hours vary
- U-Haul storage locations typically operate from either 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the facility.
Benefits of Self Storage Locations
Unlike U-Haul, Extra Space Storage offers only 27 different packing and moving supplies for purchase in-store or online. If purchased online, these supplies must be delivered; there is no in-store pickup for moving supplies. Additionally, customers cannot see which supplies are stocked at their local facility.
U-Haul has more than 100 unique moving boxes and packing supplies to help you store your belongings whatever way you need. If you want U-Haul moving supplies and to skip shipping altogether, U-Haul offers in-store pickup, and you can see if the moving supplies you need are available near you. U-Haul also offers same-day or next-day delivery on most moving supplies.
U-Haul is also the only place you can typically get your supplies, truck, and storage in one. No need to rent a truck or buy moving boxes from two different places. This saves you time, money, and stress.
Learn More About Where to Get Moving Boxes
4 Ways to Get Free Moving Boxes or Save on New Boxes
Most U-Haul locations have a designated area where customers can drop off gently used moving boxes and supplies. With over 2,000 participating locations, you can easily find one and take what you need at no cost. This not only helps you save money but also keeps boxes out of landfills. In fact, more than 1.8 million boxes were reused last year alone through this program, so your use makes a meaningful impact on reducing waste
U-Haul also has Moving Help®! With over 6,500 Moving Help Service Providers across all 50 states and Canadian provinces, Moving Help will come directly to your storage unit and assist you with unloading, loading, and reorganizing your belongings. If you have a U-Haul truck rental that needs unloading or loading from your storage unit, boxes packed, or units cleaned, Moving Help Service Providers can take care of it all.
Learn More About Storage Unit Movers
Will Movers Go to a Storage Unit?
Of course! Moving out of storage is common. Storage users often need to pull their items out of storage, whether it’s for seasonal usage like holiday decorations, outdoor equipment, and clothing, or after they move into a larger space and storage is no longer necessary.
Portable Moving and Storage Containers
Something that Extra Space doesn’t have is portable storage units. Portable storage units like U-Box® by U-Haul are delivered to your door; you load up your belongings, and then they can be stored on your property or at a local U-Haul storage center for as long as you need. If you need to access your U-Box container that same day, you can!
Final Takeaways
When comparing self-storage options, choosing a company that offers transparent pricing and flexible solutions can help reduce stress and unexpected costs. With no administrative fees, a 1-year price lock, and added services like U-Box containers and Moving Help®, U-Haul Storage offers multiple ways to simplify your storage experience.
U-Haul is also the only nationwide storage provider. With over 2,100 locations throughout all 50 states and Canada, you can always find a U-Haul storage center near you.
When it comes to the benefits and costs of self-storage, going with the company that offers more for less can save you money and cause you less stress. Are you ready to start renting a storage unit with U-Haul?