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California Mini Storage At California Mini Storage we are proud to offer storage units in a wide range of sizes, all at the lowest prices in San Francisco. All of our units are on ground level with drive-up access, and we have convenient access hours, seven days a week. Our units are sanitized and protected by many security measures, including the exclusive Ultra Latch. Come visit our comfortable office, or call to discuss your storage needs with our friendly and award winning storage consultants. We promise you optimal service and great prices at California Mini Storage, your ground level facility.
Services
Pay all up front fees: One full month's rent, a refundable deposit (30% of one month's rent) and administration fee of $15.00. Our staff can quote total fees over the phone. You can rent by email with your credit or debit card. Download our "Move-In Form", fill it in and e-mail it to us at calmini@calministorage.com.
Reviews (21)
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Stephanie Hilz
Jan 13, 2021
Offering a wide array of storage unit sizes at affordable prices. Conveniently located and very easy to access. The staff are incredibly nice and keep everything clean and secure.
Novalina N.
Jun 20, 2020
I just moved in my stuff to the 4x4x4 space, which feels roomier than what I expected. Phew it turns out I did better at not buying stuff in the recent years. Linda was very helpful throughout my move-in experience. I also felt they charge very reasonably for locks, zero move-in cost etc. I don't need access to my storage space so their hours work fine, but seems like that's a sticking point for a lot of people.
Inanna Malick
Oct 28, 2016
Good value storage inside converted shipping containers (with internal plywood floors/ceilings/etc) in a well secured yard.
Jeremy H.
Apr 22, 2016
I can finally spread the word on this place now that I've pulled up all stakes on Spendy Francisco and ain't coming back no more no never unless I'm on a bus layover :) If you need a smaller storage unit in the city this is the first place to look, not just for the most reasonable price but for excellent terms (and I did a whole lotta research).

They have larger units too, of course, and 24h units for contractors in a separate lot, but I haven't tried those personally. I first rented from this place from 2007-2009. At the time it was $29/mo for one of the small units. Just before I moved out they sent a very apologetic letter out saying they had to raise the rent to $35. (Didn't leave because of the rent increase, just a coincidence in timing) So flash forward to 2013, I come back to get the same kind of unit. and it's still $35!

They only just recently in the last couple of months raised it to $44. (Again, just coincidence in timing that I left just after the rent raise, wasn't because of it). Don't be trepidacious about having your stuff in a converted shipping container, in the cumulative 4+ years I rented here I never once noticed a drop of moisture infiltrate the unit, not even in this year's El Neener poundings.

The move-out policy is so customer friendly it literally shocked me the first time I heard about it. You can move out with no prior notice whatsoever, and not only that, they'll refund you on a pro-rated basis for whatever time is left in the current month! I'm pretty sure this is the only storage place in the universe that does this. The only minor downside is that the gate hours are pretty limited as compared to the biggie chains like Extra Space and Public Storage. 7-7 M-F is a little shorter than the 6-9/10 standard at those places, but not bad.

The weekends are real rough though, only open 10-5 Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday. And they completely shut down for the major holidays as well. If you can work around the limited gate, however, it doesn't get any better in the storage game than this place.
Kevin L.
Oct 15, 2015
This was the best experience my wife and I could have asked for in a self storage facility.highly recommended for two important reasons: 1). Quite possibly the friendliest, most helpful staff and service. It was really easy to reserve a unit over the phone with friendly staff. The paperwork took 10 minutes and the yard manager showed us to our unit and installed the security lock (see below).

When leaving the facility to move to the east coast, we ran into a mobile storage unit permitting and placement headache. After emailing the staff regarding the problems, we received a call from the owner personally the next morning who empathized with the permit process and just how not enjoyable moving is.and allowed our small "pod" to go inside the storage facility next to our unit. Finally, the process to leave our storage unit took about 10 minutes as well; which included pro-rating our monthly payment for refund immediately saving us over $100 that could have been lost due to it being early in the month. Oh, one other great thing is they allow you to cancel your agreement with 24 hours notice with zero percent hassle. 2).

The facility is very, very secure. They have these special locking mechanisms on each unit that prevent any of your lock from being exposed. Every unit has their own unique password to enter the gate of the storage yard. You do have to time your visits to your unit during their open hours, but that's because the place locks down completely after hours and has security/cameras/infrared beams to prevent anyone from creeping around.

In a city known for break ins and considering the facility is in a sort of no mans land by 280, this extra level of security and peace of mind was extremely welcome. The staff said they hadn't had someone attempt a break-in to a unit for like a decade.amazing.
C. C.
May 23, 2015
Very unprofessional. They lied to me on the phone, said there was a unit available and then when I came in I was told that unit was not available and hadn't been available. And basically accused ME of lying when I said someone told me the unit was available. Why would I waste an hour driving across town for a unit that wasn't available? So why did they say it was? To try to upsell me to something else? Nope, not even for a sales reason - just incompetence. Don't waste your time.
Chris W.
Apr 14, 2015
Just cashed my refund check for the last month's rent after moving out. Yes, they actually mailed me a check, WITHOUT me having to ask or call them on the phone ten times. These guys just really treat their customers fairly and ethically. AT&T needs to cut itself a big slice of that - even after an hour one the phone they still insisted on charging me for my entire last month, even though the SIM car was deactivated three days into the billing cycle!

But I digress. After 5 months of living in San Francisco, you'd think I'd miss the Presidio, the Golden Gate Park, North Beach, or Dolores. And maybe I do, a little bit. But even more than that I miss California Mini Storage, because they got my back when I needed it. I just had a bit too much stuff for a tiny SF apartment, so I needed to put it somewhere safe.

After spending an hour reading reviews on Yelp about all the shady tricks those "other guys" are pulling on unsuspecting people in my position, I decided to give these guys a try based on the other reviews. And I was not disappointed. In fact, I was delighted. They do exactly what they promise, when they promise, there are no billing issues, no problems, nothing. Just safe storage, low rates, and friendly service. Thanks, California Mini Storage!
K. H.
Nov 10, 2014
Great spot. Affordable and convenient for city dwellers! It somehow feels like a scene out of a scary movie when I'm there - since the storage units are converted shipping containers. However, I'm more thinking. Why didn't I think of this?! Love the price and location but disapprove of the hours. I wish there was a way to access my unit after hours just in case. I would pay a once time premium for that. Also, storage units are much smaller than you expect them to be. If you're wondering what size you need. Round up!
Jack C.
Mar 04, 2014
As others have already said, this is a well-run business with very reasonable rates and super nice and helpful management and staff. Our stuff wasn't with them for long, but the experience was a good one. About the comment here from someone a while ago that their antique was damaged by rainwater leaks into the unit: I didn't read that comment till after we moved our stuff out, but before deciding to rent, I had concerns about possible leaks (since anything with a roof CAN leak).

Management was very open in the discussion, and I inspected the unit for water stains inside and saw none, which was a good sign. We were given a large, lightweight plastic sheet to cover any items of concern. There were a couple of heavy rains while our stuff was there, and NO leaks at all. If you have precious items, you might consider getting extra insurance, and/or using a place that has multiple floors so you are not on the 'ground floor' as with Calif MiniStorage, or adding additional plastic covers. But I wouldn't blame the owner -- even Noah had to deal with heavy rains. Thank you, California Mini-Storage. (And hi to Linda at the front desk! She's terrific.)
Sofia F.
Jun 05, 2013
I only needed storage for a month. Despite the short time I was needing their service, they were extremely helpful and friendly. And the price is unbeatable. Everything worked well, the place seemed clean (for a storage place), and had no troubles at all. I will for sure go back to them any other time I need storage. They are friendly, helpful, flexible and provide a great service at a great price.
Phong L.
Apr 07, 2012
CMS is the least expensive storage and they are very professional. I went in looking for the 4x4x4 for $35 but only the $79 storage was available. Linda told me I could be on the waiting list for the $35 storage and they would call when it becomes available. The very next day, I received the call and I went in immediately to do the paperwork. Yes, I was charge only for 1 day at the $79! You simply can beat this kind of professionalism. Just get on the waiting list if you have doubt and call them weekly.
Jessica R.
Nov 08, 2011
I am really fond of this place. Well, as fond as you can be of a big gray storage space filled with dinosaur bones. which is actually pretty fond. Storage spaces run in the family. My dad always had one, filled with airplane parts and engines and things, and I have always deemed them essential. You just can't keep dino bones laying around the house. Well, you could, but I don't. Sandy. Meaning, there would be sand on the floor, not so easy to swiff.

Try it, you'll see. I have had a unit here for almost a year, and not only are the rates great, the people who work here are so friendly and helpful. When I came in to reserve my space, the woman working at the front stayed late to help me. She was really kind and charming; we chatted for awhile about my new job and recent move. I felt like I was chatting with an aunt or second cousin on my Mom's side- "That sounds so exciting!" I have met two different gentlemen who will drive you out to your space if need be, and both have been very friendly and helpful.

In fact, I was running late to the space and needed some essentials, so I called ahead and asked if they could let me in just after it had already closed. A handsome young man pulled up in his car and unlocked the gates for me, minutes after I arrived. I have also been loading bones at the space and the on-staff patrolman fellow (not his official title) has asked me if I need any help. Unheard of helpfulness!
Ann B.
Feb 04, 2010
This is a response to the owner's (Sherman's) comment to my review. IT's true that the staff is very nice there, however, I was NEVER told that 'some of the units leak' or offered a plastic sheet to cover any items. Only until I discovered the leak and the damage had been done, did anyone 'admit' to the leaks. Apologies are nice, but nothing can give me back the heirlooms that were ruined! Just beware if you rent there. Furthermore, it wasn't condensation (my things were not touching the walls, but a true leak in the seam of the roof. Sorry, Sherman.
James M.
Jan 21, 2010
Great location and friendly staff. Got to love a place where the staff greet you with smile and are happy to help. The facility is really secure and I have no problem storing all sorts of items. I like the way you get to choose from a variety of different storage options. Considering how cheap it is I think the units are great value and I recommend them.
Pretzel F.
May 26, 2009
I rented here for many years and thinking about renting again. The place is secured and clean and the people really know what they are doing. It's actually pleasant to do business with this business
Stephen C.
Jan 14, 2009
We looked around at all of the local storage options, and these guys stood out in terms of their professional service and their attention to detail. It's also a real bonus that they also happen to offer the best value prices too! Don't be put off just because the units are outside. They have excellent security systems & the ability to drive up and offload directly into the unit in direct daylight is a serious plus if (like us) you have a lot of bulky items to get into the storage space.

The staff are super friendly and they make the whole sign-up process very simple and straightforward. They'll take the time to show you the storage options available to help you make the right choice, with no pressure. Compare this with the guys down the road at City Storage who were frankly downright rude when we simply asked them to honor the coupon they have on-line. We were signed up and 80% moved in within the first day.
Janet R.
Dec 20, 2008
This is the best storage facility in the ENTIRE UNITED STATES! Possibly even the entire world. Polly and the rest of the staff are always so professional, so very nice, accommodating, they do not cheat you on rates with horrifying move in fees, the prices are super reasonable, and they really care that your items in your storage unit are kept safe and sound.

They have 24-7 security cameras, and someone comes into the lot and locks it up when they close. I have had a storage unit here for forever, and I will never ever trust my things anywhere else. Polly and staff are awesome!
Robert M.
Jun 27, 2008
I scored a sweet storage space 8x8x8 storage for only $115.00 a month. The customer service was nice and fast with no problems. With a lock and a few fee's I only payed $178.00 out the door which is still cheaper than most storages. The only draw back is that its kinda out of the way if you don't have a car. Overall it's still a real good deal.
Jennifer D.
Apr 21, 2008
This place is by far the most convenient and secure storage facility in San Francisco. All of their prices, if paying for a small 4x4, or a bigger 8x20, are very reasonable. Plus, the staff is totally not trying to lure you in, they are super friendly and show you around any unit you want to see. I'm soo glad I found this place. It rocks. And with housing being sooo expensive, I'm glad I'm only paying 34/month for my stuff.
Shayna N.
Jan 15, 2007
I called around for quotes on storage units for a few hours and California Mini Storage is by far the cheapest option in the city. I've had my stuff in one of the smaller spaces (4' x 4' x 8') for over two years now and pay only $34/mo. On top of that, the people are super, amazingly friendly, personable and helpful. Every time I've called about anything we always end up chatting for a few minutes about things aside from business. I always get the sense they genuinely care about their customers, their business and about making it an enjoyable experience.
Milk & Cheese
Dec 12, 2006
My stuff stays dry even when it's raining out and noone's broken into my unit (yet), so thumbs up all around. I've had my storage unit here for a few years now. The monthly rate is low and they haven't raised it in 5 years, which is great. The neighborhood's a bit out of the way, though, so if accessibility is an issue, you may want to find something closer to you.