Lake City Mini Storage

The pricing isn’t great, but I had a coupon so that helped. Staff likes to whine to customers about their coworkers and employees, which isn’t terribly professional.
Also not professional? Getting an attitude with me because my access code stopped working. I have the card you gave me with a code that worked for weeks, don’t get huffy with me and talk to me like a child who should know better. It’s not my fault the code changed and no one notified me.

When we were setting up our storage unit up to the day we moved our items into the space the team seemed nice and helpful. Now we’ve been there a while our experience has changed but strangely it’s the same staff.
There are strict hours regarding when you can access your things. This was my first storage space so I didn’t realize what a pain it would be on the weekend to only have access to my stuff between 9:00 — 17:00 PT. While they’re open Monday — Friday 9:00 — 20:00 PT this is only convenient if you live by the storage facility and don’t work during these hours. If you need more flexibility, I recommend looking elsewhere.
As a customer I feel the communication from the staff is challenging.
The first problem occurred when we needed to access our things to get measurements and there was a timeline to get someone else the information. We had to plan according to our work schedules, the hours, and the drive. When we made it out to the storage unit we found a note on the door stating it was closed for the day. When we emailed to ask if we missed an email about the closure they responded they’d put a note on the door. It’s a 45-​minute drive to the storage unit and with the limited access hours it takes some planning for us to get out there leaving us less than impressed with the management of the closure.
The more recent issue occurred when we were attempting to move a smaller unit because we’re using around a quarter of the space. We made a reservation to make the switch in person the weekend prior to the move. Again we were on a timeline because we were leaving the next day and we made the arrangements in advance to ensure we could take care of the move on time.
We were told to arrive at 9:00 a.m. PDT and to not be late due to the demands of the day. We arrived on time we learned the space wasn’t saved and was no longer available. The other staff member wasn’t aware of any changes, stated there was nothing in the system and didn’t offer any resolution — his attitude made me feel as if our business and their commitments were an after thought. Only after I asked about the final move out date in order to not be charged for another month he offered a smaller space which wouldn’t work for our needs.
The dumpsters onsite are for the use of the staff only and the customers aren’t able to use them at all.
We go to the space 3 – 4 times a month, we’re still asked for our IDs when we need to use the bathroom. A had a manager many years ago who explained to me getting peoples names and face correct is important, it builds your credibility and trust in a relationship. It’s a small thing but it’s important.
The last thing I’ll note is the rules posted in the elevator. There’s a rule stating if you’re combative or argue with the staff it will lead to your immediate eviction. When I saw this after having a less than satisfactory conversation about the reservation we made but wasn’t recorded or honored, I laughed to myself because I realized this statement wasn’t surprising in the slightest as I feel it sums up their thoughts on customer service.

It’s rare that you find a storage facility where you honestly feel your goods are in safe and caring hands. I’ve had many a storage unit in my day. Some places have been pits, and others are just okay. You feel very lucky when you find the okay ones.
So imagine the chances of finding one that is GREAT.
When I was looking for a new place to house my collectibles, I searched through Seattle and found lots of indifferent attitudes and management that could barely be bothered to offer a quote over the phone. When I called Lake City, I was given an appointment and a precise description of the services and rates of the facility and a direct contact person for when I arrived. Karenza met me and gave me a tour of the building and worked with me to pick an ideal unit, and stayed conscious of my budget along the way. After being in the unit for a few months, whenever I have a question or need help with billing, I’m always happy that she’s there to help and even remembers me by name. It makes a huge difference to me that I am doing business with people that I trust and feel comfortable that my stored items are being looked after.
The facility has easy access from Lake City Way. The units have high ceilings and are easy to bring items up through large elevators and well lit hallways. There are lots of flatbed carts at the ready. The facility is super-​clean. There are no weird people lurking around in their units for hours on end like I’ve seen elsewhere.
This is the place! Great staff and great facility. Highly recommended.

We went to pick up a U Haul truck that we reserved online. But the lady who was on duty on that day was extremely rude. I received the worst customer service experience I ever received in Seattle. Maybe they have other nice staff, but I would not recommend this place when Karenza is working.

I am writing with regard to a UHaul Reservation on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 3:00 PM. When I and a friend stopped by to pick up our UHaul truck at 300 pm today, we were told by the UHaul representative that she would be with us in 15 minutes. After telling her that our reservation was for three, she told us again «I’ll be with you in 15 minutes.» Since we had done the express checkout online, we asked very politely if she might give us the keys to the van. She said no, and made us step out of the office while she ran some errands for other customers. After 20 minutes she finally returned. As we gave her our information she accused us of being rude to other customers and herself.
Since she wasn’t wearing a nametag I asked her for her name. After hesitating she told me her name which was Karenza. Since they had form for customer feedback I began to fill out a comment. Karenza asked what I was writing. When I said I was writing about the service we had received. She said that she would refused to fill our reservation. She immediately called UHaul and told them that we were «rude» and that she would not honor the Uhaul agreement. When I asked to speak to the UHaul representative she refused. When I asked to speak to her supervisor she refused. In order to keep me from filling out the comment form she threatened to call the police. I told her that we were not a threat. We only wanted the van and we were now late for our moving appointments. She told us to leave.
So we left and went to another Uhaul location on Aurora Ave. at 165^th street. I have very rarely felt so personally offended. My friend is Chinese while I am a white male American — so while we were waiting we talked in Chinese. Perhaps this upset her? Was she just having a bad day? Is this her normal dispostion? My personal feeling is that she does a disservice to UHaul. I do not think a corporation such as Uhaul should be represented by employees who devalue customers to such an extreme extent.
While I have received normal polite service from this location before. I would not recommend stopping by when Karenza is working. I will not use Lake City Mini Storage for any services until I have been assured that Karenza no longer works there.

This place is the only good experience I’ve ever had with U-​Haul. I was in and out in about five minutes, the customer service person was brisk, but intelligent and very on-​the-​ball. My truck was squeaky clean and brand new, and my receipt did not include any bullshit.
In other words, thoroughly acceptable. And their hours are good.

pros:
–staff was helpful and genuinely nice
–convenient hours
–convenient location
–good price on my unit (no down payment!!)
cons:
–the elevator down to my floor is incredibly slow and is only a con because i tend to be impatient at times
–if the parking lot is busy it can be a little tough getting larger vehicles in and out
overall i am pleased with this establishment and would recommend it to anyone who lives nearby!

Nice staff. Clean. Convenient hours — for the most part. Seems secure. Good value.
Everyone was really friendly. I had some warm moments with the other customers as we were all loading and unloading. Maybe there’s something intimate about storing your stuff.