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1st Avenue Self Storage Do you live in or near downtown Seattle, West Seattle, Rainier Valley, the Industrial District, or any of the nearby neighborhoods? Our storage facility on 1st Avenue is just a short drive away! If you're looking for climate-controlled self storage in Seattle, Washington, you don't even need to leave downtown to find it! Our facility is located in Seattle's SoDo district near the Starbucks Corporate Center and the Sears building. We have 200 units from which to choose, and we also provide 100 onsite mailboxes for your convenience.
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Send a message with a description of your inquiry, and we'll respond to your request as soon as possible. With office hours every day of the week and the friendliest staff in the area, it's no wonder we're a popular choice for self storage in Seattle, Washington. Whether this is your first time renting or you're new to the area and in need of a new facility, we'll happily walk you through the storage process.
Our storage facility is conveniently located in Seattle's SoDo district. With moving truck rental, several loading docks, onsite freight carts, and a freight elevator, we have the tools you need for a seamless move-in experience. What if you forget packing supplies on the day of your move? No worries!
Our indoor, climate-controlled storage units are ideal for your sensitive belongings. No matter what you plan to store with us, chances are you can select something similar from the dropdowns below. Go ahead and give it a try - select an item! You'll notice that the previously empty unit now displays the proper unit size for the selected items.
Did you know that you can take a few simple steps to ensure the long-term protection of your belongings? Before you play Tetris with your items in one of our rental trucks, read up on our Seattle, WA self storage tips! We've compiled moving and packing advice for your furniture, appliances, boxes of clutter, and much more.
Reviews (23)
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Glenn D.
May 11, 2022
I rented a unit at 1st Ave Storage for close to 20 years, and management used to be great there (I believe Emmet(?) was the longtime manager there, but he left a few years ago). I just recently moved out, as things have gotten shadier and shadier around there. The security/safety around the building has become questionable, especially with the RV camp out back.

With that said--the worst part, frankly, is the owner. Charlie is his name, and he basically refused the pro-rated refund that 3 people working at his facility ALL said I would receive. I did a speedy move out April 16, as the manager there told me I could get the pro-rated refund if I cleared my unit out asap, rather than wait until end of month. Great! Sadly, I never received the refund, and even thought the 3 different employees told me I should get it--Charlie apparently refused to follow through, telling his manager "we don't pro-rate". But. all 3 of your employees told me you do.!?

When I asked to have Charlie call me directly, I was told Charlie said: "I don't talk to customers directly." I explained I would warn people on Yelp if Charlie doesn't bother calling me back, and his reply (through his employee, since he doesn't talk to customers): Fine, post on Yelp. Additionally, when I rented a U-Haul from them, the gas tank was not even filled.

Apparently owner Charlie keeps just a quarter tank in there, claiming it's due to the RV camp stealing gas. But. he will penalize truck renters if they don't return the truck at exactly the maybe kinda quarter-ish level the tank had. Makes it real hard for truck renters to fill up ONLY the amount they use. Hmmm. SO. Be warned. Charlie the owner does not follow through, and frankly does not step up when he should.

I moved to another storage facility that provided better rates in a more convenient location. and a safer location. I didn't realize perhaps the best benefit to moving: not supporting a shady owner. I'm giving 2 stars rather than 1 because of the years of good service I had when previous management was great, the place was more secure, and shady business practices didn't impact me. I guess owner Charlie's integrity was lost in parallel with the decline of the community around there :-\ Buyer beware--think twice before using 1st Ave Storage.
Brynn Crow
Apr 19, 2022
I was robbed by a former employee of Thiers for almost $900 worth of survival gear and the owner Charles Kline only compensated $250 cash and a lousy, month off @$121 that's only $373 of the gear we lost and to boot made my girlfriend sign a N.D.A to even get it but I did not sign so do not rent here thier are rats and he way over charges and offers way under what we lost over $900 in gear and I was told " I can't be in the restroom for 30-45 mins when u have Crones disease tried to deny A.D.A Access for a medical emergency bottom line all the guy cares about is$$$$ "EAT THE RICH!"
Henry Lowery
Dec 05, 2021
Very professional! My stuff was kept safe the entire duration, and plenty of space to park and load your vehicle.
Charles Christopher
Oct 31, 2021
Left waiting for a late employee to open the store. If getting a U-Haul early you might be stranded. Update: completely botched my pre paid reservation.
Alicia Richards
May 27, 2021
I'm not big into writing reviews, but came here just to make sure everyone knows how awesome this place is, which is such a funny thing to say about a storage facility. The renting process was incredibly easy, and the follow-ups and contacts were concise, polite and exactly what you didn't know you needed. Actual move in was a breeze, including that they set up autopay on the spot for you.

My previous storage places have nickel and dimed me to death, here, everything was incredibly strait forward and stress free. Then we had the mover move in all our belongings they (or movers) ended up very behind and we rushing to get everything in before closing, but the gentleman was so kind, saying no big deal and he didn't kind giving us a couple extra minutes to get everything in. So kind when you are trying to close on a holiday weekend! So, if you are looking for storage, this is the place.
David S.
Apr 27, 2021
Check out was over an hour late (I arrived early). Reserved truck given to someone else, needed to use a smaller truck resulting in extra loads and several hours of additional labor costs. Customer service agent was extremely rude. Truck was not road legal, as tire was under inflated and it was left to me to fix or not.
Max Bruccoleri
Dec 31, 2020
I've rented uhauls from this location a couple times, and both times the staff was very friendly and helpful, super easy experience.
Jacob Hubbell
Oct 29, 2020
Made my move easy! On a day I was otherwise dreading this was an easy start and end to my day. Front desk staff were very helpful getting me set-up. Return was simple and fast.
Jimmy Hill
Oct 08, 2020
This place is owned and run by 2 great people, who truly care about helping people and providing first class customer service.
Lisa Cobb
Mar 28, 2020
I previously posted a review concerning an interaction with an employee at this facility that was not flattering. I also talked with management about this. My concerns were received well and there was an appropriate response. I really appreciate the fact that I was heard. The manager was pleasant and listened to my concerns. Thank you. I will continually to use this facility. It is clean, convenient, and well priced. The security is great and there are plenty of dolly's and platforms to make transfers very easy.
Gregory Orr
Feb 20, 2020
Great uhaul connection. Great selection on many different size storage units, they offer free use of 2 big size flat carts and two medium size carts, and a very strong durable dolley. Great security plus 24/7 in house cameras and outside cameras. Staff is friendly and attentive to your individual needs. Great location within the SODO district on 1st Avenue South and South Stacy Street.
Ippei Taniyama
Feb 03, 2020
I came here because it was on July 4th and it was only place open besides U-haul Rainier location. I first went to U-haul Rainier since it was closer, but I wasted 45 minutes waiting for the clerk to punch in my information, but he didn't know how to do it. So I left and found 1st Ave Self Storage, and was so thankful that they existed. The lady working there got me a storage in 5min! She's my hero! Thank you guys!
Alex P.
Nov 03, 2018
This place fucking sucks! They're racist as hell! Do not go to this dump. The owner is a bigoted fool!
Yongfu L.
Jun 25, 2018
The stuff here are really amazing. Friendly and really helpful. Last time, I rented a 10-ft truck to carry my counter tops bought one block away. But unfortunately counter top werehouse was just closed when I got there. I returned the truck being frustrated. But the guy in the reception refunded me the whole charge because I didn't put any mileage. He totally didn't have to do that and I wouldn't complain. But that small good thing he did just made my day. Thanks!
Aerin Stebnicki
May 30, 2018
I had the best experience with 1st Ave Self Storage. Pricing was very competitive and their response to anything I emailed about was terrific. Erik at the desk went out of his way to help me with anything that came up. The location is convenient, parking is easy, everything is clean and felt very safe. really I can't say enough good things. I would definitely recommend them.
A. M.
Feb 25, 2018
Went to rent a U-HAUL truck here. While the staff on duty was nice, the facilities were obviously not stocked properly to handle U-Haul rentals. The mirror on the truck was completely busted on the driver's side door. The truck was dirty in the cabin and another user left moving blankets.
Alexey S.
Feb 10, 2018
Great customer service! Erik helped us a lot! Highly recommend this location! It's becoming harder and harder to get an easy service but this location is very cheerful and positive!
Erik D.
Nov 02, 2017
Amazing customer service! They made my U-haul rental a breeze, the truck was clean and ready to go when i arrived and provided me with the perfect storage unit to fit my needs at very reasonable price. As a bonus they also have a retail space built inside. I was able to buy boxes and tape and packing materials which saved me so much time and energy (that alone is priceless after moving across the country and dealing with all the headaches involved with that process) I would HIGHLY recommend this place to anybody who needs a rental truck or storage space or shipping materials Especially if you need all 3!
Rachel O.
Apr 04, 2017
All around a great experience! I needed a uhual and storage unit last minute due to a quick move. Erik at the front desk was able to make this a smooth and painless process! The kindest part was Erik helped me move my items from the uhual into my storage unit, even though he was off at 5. Best customer service I have ever received!
Chris C.
Mar 28, 2017
Great customer service! Stopped in to move in a car load and Eric at the front desk was extremely helpful. He put in all the effort to help with my storage unit and even got on the phone to make sure I was being properly taken care of. Great company.thanks Eric!
Luciano G.
Feb 25, 2017
I rarely review anything outside restaurants but this place needs praise. I Was in the process of moving but unfortunately my new condo was not ready and old space I had reached my last day to live. Always have driven by this spot on my way to work. Decided to see if I could park my belonging here for a month. Sure enough I could. Great price and affordable surprisingly being in the city.

Young Gent that got me setup was really easy going, super friendly and hooked me up. Facility is nice and secure. I trust this place. Between the friendly staff and pricing I was sold. Helped me out when I needed a quick spot to store.
Kath G.
Dec 30, 2015
I needed a place to store my belongings. I had just left my husband and had just found out that he was cheating on me with three women. So i rented a Uhaul and hired moving help and got my stuff out and Chris was outstanding in helping get a place that was super big, and easy access. Thank you Chris, your marvelous.
Scott T.
Apr 13, 2012
I came for the affordable pricing and will be staying for the incredibly friendly service. Every one of the three employees I've interacted with have been more than helpful and brightened my day.