Vote now! Readers' Choice Awards Best National Storage Chains of 2026

Our team of experts has carefully reviewed the national self-storage market. We looked at location coverage, facility quality, technology, customer experience, and overall value to create this year's list of top national storage chains.

These are the companies our reviewers believe are doing it right, from coast to coast and everywhere in between. Which one is your personal favorite? Read through these top candidates and vote for the chain that's earned your confidence and your business.

Voting period ends on May 20, 2026. We'll announce the winners on May 28.

Vote for the best national storage chain!

Nominee 1: Compass Self Storage

Compass Self Storage runs over 100 locations in about 15 states, focusing on big cities in the Eastern Seaboard and Midwest, such as Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. As part of the Amsdell family of companies, which started as a family construction business in 1928, Compass is known for its personal customer service. Our panel noted that Compass offers the scale of a national chain but with the feel of a smaller, boutique service. They provide climate-controlled, drive-up, and vehicle storage options, and many sites offer moving and packing supplies to help customers move in and out smoothly.

Nominee 2: CubeSmart

With more than 1,500 facilities across 40 states, CubeSmart has built a national footprint that balances accessibility with a polished, technology-forward customer experience. Our reviewers highlight the chain's mobile app as a meaningful convenience for renters who prefer to manage their storage relationship digitally, as it centralizes gate code access, payment management, autopay enrollment, and account details in one place. Facilities commonly feature climate-controlled units, electronic gate access, and vehicle storage options. CubeSmart also offers free use of a moving truck at select locations and competitive pricing, making it a frequent option for renters who want a transparent, streamlined process without sacrificing the security features typically associated with larger national operators.

Nominee 3: Extra Space Storage

Extra Space Storage is the largest self-storage company in the U.S., with over 4,000 locations in 43 states and Washington, D.C. The company has more than doubled its sites since 2021. Our experts highlighted its strong security and technology, including unit alarms, Bluetooth gate access through the app, 24-hour digital surveillance, and a unique pricing system. Extra Space also invests in sustainability, with solar panels and energy-saving lights at many locations. For renters who want a reliable, professional experience on a large scale, this chain stands out.

Nominee 4: Go Store It

Go Store It has grown quickly since starting in 2013, now with over 150 locations in more than 20 states. The company focuses on the Sun Belt, West Coast, and some secondary markets. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and part of Madison Capital Group, Go Store It is known for its focus on new, top-quality facilities. These large properties offer climate-controlled units, strong security, and tech-supported customer service, including after-hours video help. The company also added more boat and RV storage by merging with BlueGate.

Nominee 5: iStorage

iStorage is a brand under National Storage Affiliates (NSA), a public company with over 1,000 locations in 37 states. Our reviewers chose iStorage for its wide reach and easy digital leasing, letting customers reserve, sign for, and access units with little hassle. Facilities have climate-controlled units, electronic gates, 24-hour surveillance, and flexible month-to-month leases. NSA's centralized system means iStorage renters get the same standards whether they're in the Southeast or the Midwest, which is helpful for people who move often or need storage in different areas.

Nominee 6: Morningstar Storage

Morningstar Storage has over 100 locations, mainly in the Sunbelt and East Coast, and is growing in places like Florida, Texas, Georgia, Nevada, and Colorado. The chain stands out for its practical perks and clear pricing. New renters get a free four-hour moving truck rental at most sites, and Morningstar promises not to raise rates during the first year of a lease. Most locations offer 24/7 access with personal gate codes, alarmed units, climate control, and on-site managers. Month-to-month leases and pro-rated billing make it a good choice for those who want both predictability and convenience.

Nominee 7: National Storage Affiliates (NSA)

National Storage Affiliates operates over 1,000 storage sites in 37 states, using several regional brand names like iStorage, Move It Storage, Northwest Self Storage, and SecurCare Self Storage. Instead of using one national name, NSA keeps local brands but applies the same service and operational standards everywhere. Our panel saw this as a big benefit for customers who trust local names but want the quality and features of a national company, such as climate control, electronic access, and 24-hour monitoring. NSA gives renters the feel of a local business with the support of a large organization.

Nominee 8: Prime Storage

Prime Storage has over 250 locations in 28 states and Canada, focusing on cities and busy areas where indoor, climate-controlled storage is in high demand. Our experts pointed out its strong presence in places like New York City, with climate-controlled units designed for apartment residents and small businesses. The mobile app lets customers manage accounts, access gates, and make reservations online. All sites offer month-to-month leases, and many have a fully contactless rental process through the "virtual manager" system.

Nominee 9: Public Storage

Public Storage is one of the most recognized and largest self-storage brands in the U.S., with over 3,500 locations in 40 states as of late 2025. Based in Glendale, California, the company has been around since 1972, and its orange-and-white buildings are common in suburbs nationwide. Our panel praised Public Storage for its consistent standards across all locations, including uniform protocols, electronic gate access, unit alarms, 24-hour surveillance, and a central online reservation and payment system. For renters who want a familiar name, easy access, and a reliable experience, Public Storage is a top choice.

Nominee 10: Self Storage Plus

Self Storage Plus stands out as a top super-regional company, not a nationwide chain, and that difference is important. Founded in 1986 and based in Rockville, Maryland, it has a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic, with over 95 locations in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama. Our reviewers included it for its high-quality facilities in a very competitive region. The company added 16 more locations in early 2025 by partnering with Valley Storage, especially in Maryland and West Virginia. All locations offer online rentals, climate-controlled units, drive-up access, and vehicle parking.

Nominee 11: SmartStop Self Storage

SmartStop Self Storage, based in Ladera Ranch, California, is now one of the bigger self-storage companies in North America, with over 460 owned or managed sites in 35 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Canada. Our reviewers see SmartStop as a great choice for tech-savvy renters, thanks to its digital tools for online rentals, contactless check-ins, and account management without needing to visit in person. The company serves many needs, including personal, business, vehicle, student, and military storage, and has invested in energy-efficient systems at its locations.

Nominee 12: Storage Asset Management

Storage Asset Management is different from most companies on this list. Instead of having its own storage brand, this York, Pennsylvania-based company manages over 500 facilities in more than 30 states for independent owners. SAM is the team that helps your local storage facility run smoothly. Founded in 2010, it brings national standards to operations, marketing, and customer service for properties that might otherwise operate alone. Our panel included SAM because renters at its managed sites get consistent service, even if they don't know the SAM name.

Nominee 13: Storage Sense

Storage Sense now has over 250 locations in 25 states and stands out for its manager-free, contactless rental system across all sites. Unlike other chains that offer digital rentals as an extra, Storage Sense makes contactless move-in a main feature. Customers can reserve, sign a lease, pay, and get access codes all online, then move in without meeting anyone in person. Our reviewers found this especially helpful for people who move often, work odd hours, or like to handle storage on their own time. Staff are still available during business hours for help, and most locations have temperature-controlled units, drive-up access, electronic gate codes, and 24/7 surveillance.

Nominee 14: StorQuest Self Storage

StorQuest Self Storage, run by William Warren Group and based in Santa Monica, California, has created a unique brand among storage companies. It focuses on outdoor lovers, adventure-seekers, and active families. Our experts included StorQuest because it designs its facilities, marketing, and customer service for people who store gear, vehicles, boats, and other recreational items. Features include wide drive aisles, long access hours, RV and boat storage, and a strong outdoor culture. StorQuest partners with well-known athletes like surfer Kelly Slater and skateboarder Tony Hawk, and has over 200 locations, mainly in the West, Southwest, and Florida.

Nominee 15: U-Haul International

U-Haul is the only self-storage company here with locations in all 50 states, which our panel found especially useful for long-distance movers, military families, and anyone needing storage across state lines. Founded in 1945 and based in Phoenix, Arizona, U-Haul is the third-largest storage operator in North America, with about 2,000 company-owned sites and over 1 million units. A key feature is the bundle for movers: if you rent a one-way truck or trailer, you get one month of free storage at certain locations. U-Haul also offers a 1-Year Price Lock, clear pricing both in-store and online, and many unit types, including climate-controlled, drive-up, and vehicle storage, with no admin fees or deposits.

Vote for the best national storage chain!

---

Our Experts

Ryan Carrigan

Ryan Carrigan is the founder of moveBuddha and a moving industry expert with over 13 years of experience. Through moveBuddha, he has helped more than 400,000 people each year to compare moving companies and estimate costs. Ryan combines deep industry knowledge with data-driven tools and content to simplify the moving process and empower consumers to make smarter, more confident decisions.

Dan Hamilton

Dan is the founder and leader of Hamilton & Co., the highest-rated real estate team in the Upstate region of South Carolina. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1,500 5-star reviews across platforms, his team is known for helping people relocate to the Greenville area and find the right home in the right community. Connect with Dan at Hamilton & Co..

Susan Lanier-Graham

With decades of professional writing experience, Susan crafts stories that span lifestyle, travel, architecture, and beyond. She has navigated multiple relocations around the world, including corporate and military moves, giving her firsthand insight into the complexities of moving and storage. From managing household goods to securing storage for RVs and long-term transitions, she understands what works in real life. Her writing translates that experience into practical, trusted guidance for consumers and travelers alike. Follow Susan at Wander with Wonder.