A-1 Self Storage

I researched the many storage places in the area before settling on this as the most affordable option I felt comfortable with. I’m genuinely surprised at the negative reviews; it’s been about a year since first moving my stuff into one of their units and I’m overall satisfied with my choice.
There are cons, which for me have been minor enough to ignore for the price. Most of the luggage carts won’t steer a straight line, the freight elevator is the scariest I’ve ever been on and it’s pretty easy to get lost in the building. Navigating the empty, enclosed stairways alone can make me wonder if I’m in a horror movie plot. And I’ve had some customer service experiences that were more colorful than I’d prefer, though people are generally friendly enough to make up for it. Oh, and there was that lock that got paint on it when the place was repainted, that was slightly annoying.
But the access hours my only real gripe, enough to consider renting elsewhere.
They also strongly prefer you keep automatic payment to the day of the month you moved in, which I personally found inconvenient. I was explained the business reason for doing so, which I can understand, it’s just a preference thing. So if that’s important to you consider moving in on the date you’d like recurring payments to happen.
One huge thing I like is that In a year of being there they have never once raised the price on me. Even when I realize the price has increased on their website, they continue to charge me the same amount as the first month. Kudos to them, it’s one reason I haven’t gone elsewhere. I dig those business ethics.
The other main thing pulling for them is I have never had reason to suspect my belongings are unsafe there. Everything I’ve seen is fairly secure, and the shady personalities tend to go to a different storage place further down the street anyway. I rarely bump into another customer at this place, but when I do they’ve always been nice people I feel comfortable around.
Despite how dingy it is, they have the core elements I need out of self-​storage. And if I end up going elsewhere someday it will be regretfully, and only due to needing more access hours. I’d certainly recommend this place to others seeking budget-​minded storage, with the major caveat that if you aren’t going to be happy with a place unless it has luggage carts in perfect working order and ultra-​professional efficient customer service, then this A1 self storage is not for you. If, however, you’re cool with small town style customer service and can shrug at the cons I’ve mentioned then this place is definitely the best I can recommend.

I was surprised to see the negative reviews here, so I figured I’d leave a comment: Any time I’ve had to deal with the people at the front desk, they’ve been super friendly and helpful. I have a couple of minor nitpicks, but the prices are lower to reflect what they offer: It’s an older building, for sure, but that means they have a wider variety of storage space and their prices were better than newer buildings. I don’t doubt that these other reviewers had negative experiences, but I’ve been happy with my experience there, and with what I get for my dollar.

I Recently moved and opted for A1 storage as it was close and reasonably priced considering the size of the unit. The managers where friendly and helpful and overall it was a pleasant experience and I would definitely return.
Looking at some of the other reviews all I can do is shake my head. The building interior (plain white paint mostly) may not have been much to look at, but luckily for me, my furniture doesn’t care one way or another. I’m paying for a storage unit not a hotel room.
All in all a great deal if you are looking to store stuff in the Ballard/​interbay area, unless of course you have more money than sense.

I have been a customer for nearly a year and live on the other side of the country. I have had made two attempts, one in person and one over the phone to set up autopay and both attempts have failed. I have left voicemails with no responses and continue to get over due notices. I finally reached the manager of 15 years and asked for a one month discount and he was admit that they owed me nothing. I told him I would be sure to review him and he said he would be sure to reply letting you all know that I am «bitter». There you have it — if you’re looking for rude and incompetent service this is the place for you! After he hung up on me I am now worried that he will empty my locker and our possessions will be gone (they regularly auction off items from overdue accounts).