Tucson, AZ: Top Things to Know About Storage
Cheap Rent Means More Money for Storage (And Tacos)
Or, you know, whatever else you like to use your disposable income for (we recommend storage and tacos). In Tucson, $600 a month will get you a decent one bedroom apartment and the average listing price for a home is $159,000. Storage follows a similar trend. Expect
Cheap Rent Means More Money for Storage (And Tacos)
Or, you know, whatever else you like to use your disposable income for (we recommend storage and tacos). In Tucson, $600 a month will get you a decent one bedroom apartment and the average listing price for a home is $159,000. Storage follows a similar trend. Expect to pay around $50 a month for a smaller storage unit (like a 5x5) and around $100 for something a little bigger (like a 10x10). There are 121 storage facilities in Tucson, which means plenty of options for the city of about 750,000 people. You’ll find that storage facilities are pretty spread out which is a reflection of Tucson’s own sprawling nature. Individual neighborhoods tend to be very walkable and bikeable thanks to 72 miles of multi-use paths. Public transportation is available, so if you’re going carless (or just looking to save money on gas) and you’re interested in a storage unit you can walk, bike or take a bus to, this is doable as long as you keep it close to where you live. It’s a good idea to have a car in the summer though, as walking, biking or waiting for the bus in the hot sun can sometimes feel like a death wish, plus you’ll be able to enjoy drive up access at your storage facility if that’s a feature that’s on your wish list.
University Storage isn’t Just for University Students
It seems like everyone in Tucson either works at the University of Arizona or goes there. The school has almost 33,000 students and more than 12,000 employees. In fact, it’s one of the largest local job sources in town. This means that students aren’t the only ones who need storage during certain times of the year. Faculty and staff who either don’t work over the summer, work elsewhere or work less and travel more also need storage. That’s about 45,000 people potentially looking for storage during the summer months. Naturally, facilities closer to campus or offering student specials will go first and may be able to jack up rates as a result of their desirability. Steer clear of any special that looks to good to be true and be sure to consider a storage facility that’s on the outskirts of town rather than in the heart of the city. This rule actually applies to just about every major city when it comes to storage. If you’ve got a car and don’t mind adding another 10 or 20 minutes to your commute, you can find a storage facility with low rates and high availability. If you consider the fact that most people only visit their storage units a few times a year (or in the case of university renters, at the beginning and the end of the summer), the extra few bucks of gas money are totally worth it.
Don’t Drive in a Flood and Don’t Store in One Either
That brings us to our next point. Monsoon season. During the summer, Tucson experiences periods of huge thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The city receives 11.3 inches of rain a year, most of which occurs during the summer monsoon season. In 2008, for example, 8.5 inches of rain fell hard and fast and many residents were stranded without power. You might be thinking, what does this have to do with storage? Well, if you’ve opted for indoor, climate-controlled storage, the answer is probably not much. But if you’ve got an outdoor, drive-up unit or you’re storing a vehicle in an outdoor lot, you might want to pay attention. The Arizona Stupid Motorist Law (not the law’s real name) requires anyone who drives into a flooded area to pay their own rescue fee. If you’ve just got to access your unit and your run into this, we suggest going back home or at least brushing up on your arc building skills. And as for your stuff? If water enters your unit during a flood, this can destroy precious items like artwork and antique furniture. It can also seep into clothing and books causing them to rot. In addition to this, remember that flood water often contains mud, debris and sometimes even raw sewage. You don’t want that stuff in your unit. Do some damage control before the damage occurs by storing items on top of pallets, opting for plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes and minimizing the amount of soft items (like pillows and stuffed animals) that you’ve got in your storage unit.
Use Your Storage Unit as a Seasonal Sport Locker
Did you know that Tucson is home to the southernmost ski area in the country? We didn’t either, but now we’re totally wanting to invest in some skis and hit up the 9,157 summit of Mt. Lemmon. You can invest in a smaller storage unit and use it to store your ski equipment during the summer. It’s also a great place for all of that golf equipment (you know you want to hit up one of Tucson’s famous golf courses) and hiking gear that’ll come in handy when exploring Saguaro National Park. And don’t forget about RV storage. Most cities are lacking when it comes to this specialized type of storage but Tucson’s RV storage facilities are outstanding. And last but not least, choose a climate-controlled storage unit and keep all of your gear looking fresh for years to come.
Storage FAQ's
What if I need more or less space after I move in?
Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.
Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?
Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.
Do you provide your customers with movers?
No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in Tucson. See our resource guide for movers in Tucson.
Will I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in Tucson only provide invoices upon request.
What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?
Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Tucson to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in Tucson accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Tucson?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Tucson are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Tucson.
What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?
Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.
Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Tucson?
Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Tucson due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 47.48 to 55.4, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.
What access will I have to my belongings?
You have 104 facilities to choose from in Tucson. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.
How long is the lease and what are its terms?
Storage companies in Tucson offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.
What storage space sizes are available?
In Tucson, there are 104 storage facilities, with a total of 164 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 1' X 1' to 30' X 30'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?
Generally the prices of storage units in Tucson vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 20.0 and 425.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
Do you have pest control?
Most facilities in Tucson schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.
Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?
Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.
Will the company have access to my space?
No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.
Do I need insurance for my storage unit?
We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.
Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?
Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Tucson offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.
Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?
Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.
How do I know what size storage I need?
Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 30' X 30' unit when you really need a 1' X 1' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
If I lose my key, can you provide another one?
No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.
Tucson, AZ University StorageView
Tucson, AZ University Storage
You might say that Tucson is synonymous with the University of Arizona, but despite the huge presence of crazy Wildcat fans (and Sun Devils haters), there are actually a few other smaller, private college offerings available. Whether they’re attending a big school or opting for something a little more intimate, there’s one thing all students in Tucson have in common: They rarely have enough space for all their stuff. When you’re living in a fun, friendly desert community that’s equal parts outdoor adventure opportunity and urban shopping, restaurants and nightlife, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Why leave most of your stuff at home when you can rent a storage unit and have everything? While you think about that, here’s some advice on university storage in Tucson.
Storage on a Student Budget
The cost of living in Tucson is well below the national average. This means that you can save money by opting out of notoriously overpriced student housing and get an apartment for as low as $600 a month (factor in roommates and it’s soooo cheap). At The University of Arizona, a mere 6,600 students out of 32,987 live on campus, proving that it’s worthwhile to consider saving yourself some money by ditching the dorm experience after freshman year. If you know you won’t be spending all four years in the dorms, rent a storage unit during that brief period of time during which you’ll actually be living in campus housing. It’s a great way to have all of your extra clothing, housewares and furniture in Tucson so that you don’t have to go far to get it when the time comes to move into an apartment or house. If you’re attending a school like The Art Institute of Tucson, you won’t have an easy time getting into a dorm as housing is only available on a very limited basis. If this is the experience you want (despite the price, it is a great way to make friends), you can always rent an apartment while you wait for a spot and utilize storage on either end of this process. Whatever way you decide to go, storage in Tucson, like housing, is very affordable. You can get a 5x5 unit (it’s the size of a large closet) at a facility like 7A Budget Mini Storage for around $62.00 a month. Want to make that rate look even better? Look for specials, college discounts or go in on a storage unit with a friend. While we think that $62.00 sounds like a pretty good rate, $31.00 sounds even better.Summer Storage and Monsoon Season
When you think summer in Tucson, the first thing that comes to mind is probably heat. If you’re leaving town for the summer in between college semesters, there’s actually something much bigger to worry about than the effect that heat can have on your electronics (though you should think about that too). We’re talking about monsoon season. We’ll explain it this way: When it rains, it pours. In Tucson, this lasts from about mid-June through the end of September. In other words, almost the entire time you’re away from campus. If you’re flying home for the summer or even just studying abroad for a month, you can’t leave the items in your storage unit vulnerable to the effects of heavy rain and flash floods. If water can enter your storage unit, it can do significant damage to your belongings. Often, flash floods contain other stuff besides water such as sewage and containments. Don’t let your storage unit become a disaster zone. You can eliminate this problem by choosing a facility that offers indoor storage. If this isn’t within your price range or you just prefer the convenience of drive up access, invest in some milk crates or something sturdy and non-porous that you can stack your belongings on top of, that way if water seeps under your unit, all of those books, clothes and projects from the semester won’t get soaked.Students and Security
It’s great that you feel safe on campus, but if you wander too far in the wrong direction, your sense of security can be totally compromised. The same goes for your items in storage. Try to store them close to the university in a facility that makes you feel comfortable. One great option is US Storage Centers. They have a facility right on 1st Avenue and they have managers who live on site, which is definitely a sign of great security. Other things to look for include key coded access, fences to keep intruders out, security cameras and good lighting, so that if you have to visit your unit at night, you don’t have to deal with the creepy sense that someone nearby is prowling in the shadows. Look for a facility that makes you feel safe and we’re sure the items in your storage unit will feel safe too.Tucson, AZ Military StorageView
Tucson, AZ Military Storage
A lot of military bases are situated pretty far from major cities, which can make finding storage a serious challenge. Luckily, that’s not the case with Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. The base is within Tucson city limits, so military members and their families can live on base while still taking advantage of all of the restaurants, shopping, events and of course, storage facilities, that Tucson has to offer. There are 121 facilities in Tucson, which stacks the odds in your favor when it comes to searching for the right one. While you can certainly get a feel for what your storage needs are by browsing our list of storage facilities near the base, we’d suggest you start by checking out our tips on military storage in Tucson.
The Basics
Davis-Monthan serves a population of about 6,500 active duty members, 1,000 reservists and national guard personnel, 3,000 civilian employees and 8,400 family members. This is about 2% of Tucson’s population. These numbers seems kind of big, but consider the fact that the base’s population fluctuates depending on when troops are trained, deployed or stationed elsewhere, and you’ll find that you won’t necessarily be competing with thousands upon thousands of military men and women when it comes to storage. You may find yourself competing with the University of Arizona’s students, especially those in the school’s ?ROTC program, but thankfully, unlike the sudden deployments of military members, it’s pretty easy to predict the movements of college kids. They usually only need storage when they’re not actually in school, so they only take up substantial space at facilities during summer and winter breaks.Storage and Relocation
Moving to Tucson for work at Davis-Monthan and not sure what your storage needs are even going to be? Remember that anyone asked to relocate to the base is provided with a sponsor whose role is to answer questions and provide information about the base and the area. He or she will be able to answer specific questions about what the privatized housing at Soaring Heights Communities really looks like when it comes to space, and you’ll be able to figure out whether that 10x10 storage unit you’re considering renting actually only needs to be a 5x5 unit. In addition to asking your sponsor questions, you’ll also go through a relocation program called Right Start. It’s a half day orientation where you’ll have access to something that’ll really help: the base’s loan closet. It provides new residents with temporary items like kitchenware and appliances. If you haven’t secured housing or are waiting for the home you want to become available, you can find temporary lodging at The Inn on Davis-Monthan. You can advantage of a storage facility that offers flexible leases (that’s most of them, fortunately) and store your furniture and larger items while you wait for housing. In addition to providing you with a safe, secure place to keep your belongings while you wait, this gives you the added benefit of downgrading to a smaller unit once you move into your house. Most storage facilities are happy to transfer you to a smaller (and cheaper!) space so that you can keep your new home free from clutter.More on Housing
On the base, you’ll find privatized housing in three different neighborhoods, most of which offer two to four bedroom plans. Thanks to the low cost of living in Tucson, you can always choose a unit with an extra bedroom and rent a significantly smaller storage unit than you would if you didn’t have the spare room. If you’re opting for unaccompanied housing, this is available but obviously won’t offer a lot of extra space, hence the need for storage. If you don’t want to live on base, you might find yourself living in a nearby neighborhood like Rita Ranch. The closest facility to you in that neighborhood will be Arizona Self Storage. It’s about seven miles away, but the drive is easy thanks to the city’s reasonable commute times. You’ll find more traffic during the times when military members are driving to and from the base, so if you’re aware of when this is, you’ll know when not to access your storage unit. If you’re living on the base but you’re ranking below E-4, you’ll be required to live in the barracks. Don’t plan on sneaking any additional belongings into your dorm style housing, as random inspections from first sergeants and commanders occur regularly. Instead, get a storage unit. Most facilities allow you to go in on a unit with a friend. Since the close quarters of the barracks allow those in training to get to know each other, you won’t have a hard time finding someone who’s looking to get a little extra space and save a little extra money.Tucson, AZ RV and Boat StorageView
Tucson, AZ RV and Boat Storage
Warm weather, awesome scenery and tons of RV park choices. Seriously, what’s not to love about being a snowbird in Tucson? Whether you’re a part time traveler or your big rig puts you on the road 365 days a year, chances are you’re probably going to need RV storage at some point (or boat storage, but with Tucson being kind of in the middle of a great big desert, we think it’s safe to assume that this is less likely). Thanks to the the fact that Tucson is wildly popular amongst retirees and anyone else who just happens to prefer saguaros, sunsets and perfect pool days over harsh winter climates, RV storage facilities are almost as plentiful as folks with RVs. But before you start searching for the perfect RV storage facility in Tucson, read up on what you should be looking for in the first place.
RV Specific Storage
Ask most storage facilities about where you can park your fifth wheel for the winter and they’ll point you in the direction of the perimeter of their property. While the option of storing your RV in a space that’s uncovered and not clearly marked might not sound appealing, it’s the cheapest option and it’s still safer than parking it on the street in front of your house (if you live in a neighborhood like Catalina Foothills, your HOA might not love this). Still, we know how much you adore your RV, so we totally understand if you want a storage facility with more. Fortunately, in Tucson, there are facilities that cater to RV storage (trust us when we say that this is rare). One such example is National RV Central. They offer climate-controlled, indoor storage for your RV along with 24 hour surveillance cameras, an RV wash station, propane, detailing, individual dorm alarms and even valet service. Their friendly staff is available to help you figure out which size unit is best for you and they offer flexible leases because when you’re an RV owner with that wanderlust spirit, plans are always subject to change. Best of all? Their rates are affordable when you consider the scope of their services. If the idea of storing your RV inspires images of a posh hotel for your motorhome, full service storage facilities are well worth the extra cash.Tucson Weather and RV Storage
With so much sun and summer heat in Tucson, it’s easy to forget how hard it can rain. You want to consider both of these factors when it comes to choosing any kind of storage, but this is especially important when it comes to choosing storage for something as expensive as your RV. Consider our tips on RV winterization. They’re actually good things to keep in mind even if you’re living in a place like Tucson where winters aren’t really that cold. To avoid the hot sun and occasional rainstorms from wreaking havoc on your RV, you’ll be following similar principles. Clean the inside of your RV out thoroughly before storing it. Make sure there aren’t any places where moisture (i.e. the rain) can get in. You can place open containers of baking powder around your RV’s interior to help absorb this. As far as sun goes, finding indoor or at least covered storage is your best bet, but if you can’t do that, make sure you take special care to cover windows in order to prevent the sun’s rays from damaging the interior of your RV. And most importantly, take precautions against Tucson’s flash floods by making sure you’re not storing your RV near an area that’s especially susceptible to flooding like a dry creek bed or the mouth of a canyon. Ask your facility manager about whether or not floods have affected the property in the past. And of course, don’t forget how much of a lifesaver storage insurance can be. Just be sure to read your policy carefully and make sure natural disasters are covered.Security and RV Storage
Tucson is considered “up and coming,” which means that it’s getting trendier by the day (just look at 4th Avenue if you need an example), but it’s still got some areas that are a little bit questionable when it comes to safety. The crime rate is about 10%, which is above the national average of 4.7%. Most of these crimes are nonviolent, which is good news for your personal safety but potentially bad news for the safety of your belongings. Consider the importance of security when choosing a place to park your RV when you’re not using it. A great facility should be more than gated; it should be truly gated. This means that gates aren’t left open and entry codes are changed often enough to keep old tenants (or anyone else with the code) from entering. The facility should also have security cameras and a staff that walks the property often. Extra things to look for include actually security officers and individual alarms on units, though these amenities are typically less common. Bottom line? Trust your gut when determining whether or not a storage facility feels safe enough for your RV. If it doesn’t feel right, look elsewhere.
Helpful Storage Resources
Charity
Charity Storage
Charity Storage utilizes existing storage facility operations, namely storage units and auctions, to raise money to benefit the community. Charity Storage is a promotional outreach program that depends on the support of the self storage industry, the Self Storage Association, and millions of North American self storage tenants and neighboring communities.
The Primavera Foundation
The Primavera Foundation helps homeless people and those facing imminent homelessness and accepts clothing, furniture and housewares.
Casa de los Ni?os
Casa de los Ni?os is a children’s charity that accepts clothing, furniture and housewares.
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona fights hunger through its own programs and through your donations of food.
Hope Animal Shelter
Hope Animal Shelter, Tucson’s first no-kill animal shelter, accepts cleaning supplies, blankets animal food, toys and other pet-related items.
Habitat for Humanity Tucson
Habitat for Humanity Tucson offers free pickup on many items including furniture, housewares, appliances and building materials.
Moving Company
CDS Tucson
This well-reviewed moving company offers local and long distance moving services as well as vehicle moving services.
Swanson's Moving and Delivery
Swanson’s Moving and Delivery is a family owned moving service that can assist with cleaning out your storage unit, packing it up and moving or delivering your items wherever you’d like.
Sunrise Saguaro Movers
Sunrise Saguaro Movers is a great low-cost option for commercial and residential moves that also offers home repair services.
Recycling
Suburban Miners
Suburban Miners offers free dropoff and pickup of hard to recycle electronics like computers, televisions, microwaves, vacuums, AC units, and vehicles.
Rise Equipment Recycling Center
Rise Equipment Recycling Center accepts computers, fax machines, copiers, speakers, televisions and many other electronic items.
American Classic Storage is helping you find friendly locations in areas we do not serve.
The following facilities are NOT associated with American Classic Storage!
Midway RV & Self Storage
4500 E Speedway Blvd. Ste #114
Tucson, AZ 85712
BEST PRICE*45*WEB ONLY
American Self Storage - Tucson
510 W Limberlost Dr
Tucson, AZ 85705
BEST PRICE*37*WEB ONLY
First & River Self Storage
4980 N 1st Ave
Tucson, AZ 85718
Flowing Wells Self Storage
4155 N Flowing Wells Rd
Tucson, AZ 85705
BEST PRICE*35*WEB ONLY
National RV Central
6260 N Travel Center Dr
Tucson, AZ 85741
BEST PRICE*85*WEB ONLY
Storage Direct Marana
7020 N Camino Martin
Tucson, AZ 85741
BEST PRICE*54*WEB ONLYNorthwest RV and Self Storage
7041 N Camino Martin
Tucson, AZ 85741
Sorry, we don't have additional information about this facility! So please contact the facility or see one of our preferred facilities.Is this your facility? Your listing needs an update.
National Self Storage - Dove Mountain
12071 N Thornydale Rd
Marana, AZ 85658
BEST PRICE*65*WEB ONLY
Midway RV & Self Storage
4500 E Speedway Blvd. Ste #114, Tucson,AZ 85712, USA
Tucson, AZ 85712
American Self Storage - Tucson
510 W Limberlost Dr, Tucson,AZ 85705, USA
Tucson, AZ 85705
First & River Self Storage
4980 N 1st Ave, Tucson,AZ 85718, USA
Tucson, AZ 85718
Flowing Wells Self Storage
4155 N Flowing Wells Rd, Tucson,AZ 85705, USA
Tucson, AZ 85705
National RV Central
6260 N Travel Center Dr, Tucson,AZ 85741, USA
Tucson, AZ 85741
Storage Direct Marana
7020 N Camino Martin, Tucson,AZ 85741, USA
Tucson, AZ 85741
