By Jake on August 25, 2026 Verified by Google

I rented a unit at SmartStop Self Storage in Barrie starting April 29, 2026. I signed up online, completed the paperwork in person, and authorized pre-authorized credit card payments. I moved my belongings in, locked the unit, and believed everything was secure.

Months later, I received an unexpected call asking whether I had removed my belongings when I “moved out.” I had never moved out.
I was then told my account had somehow fallen into arrears, my gate access had been removed, the unit was no longer in my name, and the facility had rented the same unit to another customer. The only reason this appears to have been discovered was because the new renter found my lock still on the unit. SmartStop had also placed an additional lock on my unit, meaning I no longer had access to my own belongings.

I immediately asked to inspect my property. They provided a temporary gate code and removed their lock for that day. Because I no longer trusted that my belongings were secure, I spent an entire evening unexpectedly removing everything from the unit. I am glad I did, because their lock was placed back on the unit afterwards.

The staff later acknowledged that this situation resulted from an error on their end and were eventually able to put the unit back in my name. They removed the late fees and extra charges that had accumulated, but I was still required to pay the regular rental balance in full, including the entire final month even though I had already removed my belongings and did not use the unit for the remaining weeks.

They offered a one-month credit only if I continued renting. I declined because, after this experience, I no longer trusted the facility enough to leave my belongings there.

To be fair, the staff were polite and the facility itself is clean. But I rent a storage unit for security and peace of mind. Instead, my access was removed, my unit was taken out of my name, another customer was assigned the same unit, and I only found out by chance.

Removing fees that were created by their own error is not compensation. I still lost time moving everything out unexpectedly, paid for a full month I did not use, had to return again to close the account, and now have to find another storage facility and move everything again.
I am relieved my belongings were still there, but this completely destroyed my confidence in the facility. I would not recommend this location based on my experience.

By Don McCartney on August 6, 2026 Verified by Google

I have leased a unit from them for over a year the amount went up four times with no advance notice they just send a bill will a new amount. The monthly rent tripled in a year! When I signed up on line I was told they have electricity (plugs and lights), which they don't have and the amount was for 6 months tax free which it isn't, they also charge a service fee on top of the rent! These units do not have any power and the outside lighting and snow removal are very poor. They increase the amount ever few months. The individuals working there are ok the one without glasses can be very moody though. To sum up they provide very little service poor snow removal, no electricity, poor lighting and no garbage facilities! I can't recommend them in light of the lack of services and the consistent rent increases. I recommend dealing with a Canadian company such as Apple or Access every time you call their 1-800 number you get an American with a southern drawl! Buy Canadian!

By Glenn Straughan on July 1, 2026 Verified by Google

The girls at the barrie location are awesome! The facility is always clean and well kept and they always greet me with a smile and ask how my experience is. Overall great experience.

By Karen Kentish on June 20, 2026 Verified by Google

I had a wonderful experience renting a storage unit earlier today thanks to Bari, the sales associate. Bari was very helpful, professional, and patient throughout the entire process. He took the time to answer all my questions and showed me the units available.
Great customer service like this makes a big difference. Thank you Bari, for making the experience so smooth and positive.

By E. Boonstra on June 4, 2026 Verified by Google

Samantha was super helpful. I popped by hoping to see my options instead of trying to understand the numbers on the website. She listened to my needs. Brought me to all the possible units she thought would work for my needs and I immediately signed on for a unit. Process was incredibly simple and relieved some of the stress related to this move.