Public Storage - Fairfield - 5201 Dixie Highway

I thought the process of move-in went pretty well. I went the day before and set everything up. I wasn't pleased that I was given a unit that I had to buy a specific lock for - I felt that was an obvious add-on and not something I was made aware of when I signed up online. Additionally - my online sign-up at a lower cost didn't transfer through to the facility. I had to show the rep my email proving I had done it online to get the lower price. Everything else went through. Again - a bit of an obvious potential for a mark-up in cost. The Driveways were VERY VERY TIGHT. Thank goodness my movers were skilled in small spaces. BUT it took an additional hour (total before and after unloading) - I would have asked for a different unit had I realized how tight it was.

The process was simple and the customer service was good.

I have used Public Storage several times in the past. They have 3 locations within a mile of my house, so finding one wasn't the problem. I reserved a 5x10 unit online. They are famous for the "$1 for first month promotion". The price online (higher in store) was $38 per month. This is EXACTLY what it told me online when I reserved it: Monthly rent: $38 $1 First Month Rent: -$37 Administrative Fee: $24 TOTAL COST DUE AT MOVE-IN: $25 Ok fine, they have a ridiculous "Admin fee", but at least they tell you about it up front. So I was expecting and budgeting for $25 due at move-in. I get there to sign the lease, and the lady was very nice and personable. That wasn't the issue. The issue was that after BUYING a padlock before I went up there, knowing full well that they don't let you sign the paperwork until you have a lock to lock up the unit right away, the lady tells me that they have a "new policy" that requires a "maximum strength" lock and I cannot use the padlock I just purchased. I told her I've used the same type of lock on every other storage facility I've used (including one that I had rented at THAT EXACT SAME FACILITY three years earlier). She just shook her head and said they were transitioning all of them over to maximum strength locks (the circular kind) and that's what I had to have. So guess what....I had to BUY one of their locks ($20 - ridic). First of all, they make you buy insurance on the unit (additional $10 a month) so why do they give a crap if you have a maximum security lock on your stuff? They're not responsible for your stuff, it says that all over the lease. My point is that they should disclose this new "rule" when you reserve the unit online. At the very least, it gives you the opportunity to go buy the exact same lock for half the price elsewhere and bring it...but of COURSE they don't want you to do that. So what was supposed to be a $25 move in turned into $69. Yeah...so be aware folks....I only gave this place 4 stars because the property manager, Lisa, was a very friendly and helpful lady.