6 min read
Forward Storage vs CubeSmart: Honest Comparison
CubeSmart operates ~1,300 storage facilities across the US and positions in the genuine value mid-market — not premium, not budget, just solidly priced for what you get. Forward Storage operates 26 facilities across 12 states. The comparison is closer than most because we’re both targeting the same value-conscious renter segment. Here’s where each actually wins.
The big picture
| Forward Storage | CubeSmart | |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | 26 across 12 states | ~1,300 across US |
| Positioning | Value mid-market | Value mid-market |
| Lease terms | True month-to-month | Month-to-month |
| New customer promo | 50% off first 2 months (standard) | Varies; typically 50% off first month, or $1 first month with conditions |
| Military discount | 15% off first 3 months | 5-10% typical |
| Climate-controlled | Available at most properties | Available at most properties |
| Drive-up access | Available at most properties | Available at most properties |
| Mobile app | Clean web rental | Decent app, not industry-best |
| Independent operator | Yes — direct property manager line | Corporate model |
Where CubeSmart wins
1. Coverage in major metros
CubeSmart has ~1,300 locations vs. our 26. In Atlanta, Houston, DFW, SF Bay Area, NYC metro, and most other major markets, CubeSmart has multiple locations per metro area. If proximity to your home is your #1 factor and you’re in a major metro, CubeSmart will usually have a closer option.
2. Slightly newer facility average
CubeSmart has been moderately active in building new facilities and modernizing acquired ones. Their average property is somewhat newer than the storage-industry average, though not as new as Extra Space’s newest builds.
3. National brand recognition
For first-time renters who don’t comparison-shop, CubeSmart’s national brand provides comfort. Family members who used CubeSmart elsewhere will recognize the name.
4. Climate-controlled selection in dense urban markets
In Manhattan, downtown DC, downtown San Francisco, and similarly dense urban markets, CubeSmart has more multi-story climate-controlled facilities with wider unit-size selection than most regional operators.
Where Forward Storage wins
1. Promotional pricing depth
Both run new-customer promos, but ours go deeper:
| Promo type | Forward Storage | CubeSmart typical |
|---|---|---|
| New customer (no military) | 50% off first 2 months | 50% off first month, or $1 first month (with restrictions) |
| Military / veteran | Additional 15% off first 3 months | 5-10% off ongoing |
| First-quarter total cost | Substantially lower | Standard promo cost |
For military families, the stacking effect of Forward Storage’s promos makes the first-quarter cost meaningfully lower than CubeSmart’s standard pricing.
2. Independent operator service
We’re an independent operator:
- Property manager has decision authority
- Direct phone line, not a corporate routing maze
- Lease detail conversations happen with someone who can help
CubeSmart is corporate. Property managers are competent but have limited discretion for non-standard situations.
3. Military market focus
Our markets disproportionately serve military populations:
- Beaufort SC (MCAS Beaufort + Parris Island)
- Fredericksburg VA (Quantico + Fort Belvoir)
- Warner Robins GA (Robins AFB)
- Pine Bluff AR (Pine Bluff Arsenal)
- San Antonio TX (JBSA-Lackland + Fort Sam Houston)
- Magnolia TX (Houston metro near military)
- Gulfport MS (Keesler AFB nearby)
Our pricing, lease terms, and operations are oriented around military life patterns (PCS timing, deployments, frequent relocations). CubeSmart serves military families fine but isn’t specifically oriented around them.
4. True monthly stability
Forward Storage’s pricing is stable except for occasional annual market adjustments.
CubeSmart, like Extra Space, has historically used periodic rate increases that some renters experience as monthly micro-creep. Your starting rate is rarely your ongoing rate after a year.
Where they’re roughly equivalent
- Pricing on standard 10×10 units — CubeSmart and Forward Storage rack rates are usually within 5-10% of each other in shared markets
- Climate control quality — Both maintain comparable temperature and humidity ranges
- Drive-up access availability
- Security systems — Both modern (gate codes, video, lit facilities)
- Standard amenities — Online rental, 24/7 access at some locations, tenant insurance options
- Customer service tone — Both decent, with CubeSmart’s corporate scale vs. Forward Storage’s independent service being the main differentiator
Pricing comparison in our shared markets
(Approximate — varies by current promos and exact location.)
San Antonio
| Unit | Forward Storage HWY 87 / HWY 181 | CubeSmart SA |
|---|---|---|
| 5×10 climate | $75-115/mo | $80-120/mo |
| 10×10 standard | $95-150/mo | $100-155/mo |
| 10×20 standard | $180-260/mo | $190-275/mo |
Atlanta metro
| Unit | Forward Storage Buford | CubeSmart Atlanta-metro |
|---|---|---|
| 5×10 climate | $70-110/mo | $75-115/mo |
| 10×10 standard | $90-135/mo | $95-140/mo |
Memphis
| Unit | Forward Storage | CubeSmart Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 5×10 climate | $65-105/mo | $70-110/mo |
| 10×10 standard | $90-135/mo | $95-145/mo |
The base pricing comparison is close. The promotional pricing comparison favors Forward Storage by 15-25% in the first quarter for non-military renters and 25-40% for military renters.
Decision framework: when to pick which
Pick CubeSmart if:
- The closest CubeSmart is 15+ minutes closer than your closest Forward Storage
- You’re in a major metro where they have multiple convenient locations
- You’re outside Forward Storage’s 12-state footprint
- Brand recognition matters to you
Pick Forward Storage if:
- You’re military or veteran (discount stacking is substantial)
- You’re price-conscious and care about effective first-quarter cost
- You want independent-operator service with a real property manager line
- We have a property convenient to you
Pick neither if:
- A local independent operator is dramatically cheaper AND has good reviews
- You need premium amenities (in which case look at Extra Space)
- You need specialty storage (wine, art, large vehicle)
Honest tradeoffs
CubeSmart is a genuinely good operator and a fair value pick. If they’re meaningfully more convenient to you than Forward Storage, they’re the right answer.
Where we both have presence and convenience is comparable, Forward Storage’s promo pricing depth + true month-to-month + independent service typically wins on total customer experience.
The price comparison is close on rack rates; it’s the promotional stacking and the independent-operator responsiveness that creates real separation.
Frequently asked questions
Is CubeSmart cheaper than Forward Storage?
On rack rates, very close — usually within 5-10%. On promotional first-quarter pricing, Forward Storage typically comes in 15-25% cheaper for non-military and 25-40% cheaper for military renters.
Can I switch from CubeSmart to Forward Storage mid-lease?
Yes. Sign up online with us, get gate code, move stuff, cancel CubeSmart with 30-day notice. Some renters switch after experiencing CubeSmart’s periodic rate increases.
Is CubeSmart climate control as good as Forward Storage’s?
Yes — both maintain comparable temperature and humidity ranges. No meaningful operational difference.
What about Public Storage and Extra Space?
See our other comparisons: Forward Storage vs Public Storage and Forward Storage vs Extra Space.
Ready to compare your specific market?
Browse Forward Storage’s 26 locations → or call 888-684-4933 for current promotional pricing in your area.
CubeSmart is a solid pick if they’re substantially closer to you. We’d rather you find the right facility for your situation than rent from us inconveniently.
This guide is maintained by the Forward Storage team. Last updated: 2026-05-20.
