Cordata Self Storage — Local services in Bellingham

I generally don’t like writing negative reviews, but I feel it’s important to share my experience for others to be aware of what they’re getting into.

This was my second time renting a storage unit here. My first experience, in 2004-2005, was excellent, which is why I returned. However, this time, it was different. Onsite management had changed. During my time there, the onsite manager never returned calls or emails. Jewel, the weekend manager, was the only one who made anything happen. (She should be the manager because she actually cares about doing an excellent job.)

Storage rent has skyrocketed. I don’t remember how much it used to be, but the cost of a 10x20 was $300+tax, and the cost for a 15x30 was $340+tax. I’m positive those prices are among the highest in town. If I’m paying high-end prices, I expect high-end service. I should trust my belongings are safe and secure, and I should feel safe accessing my unit at any time without feeling the need to look over my shoulder.

However, things got bad. Let me clarify what I mean. If you’re from Bellingham, then you’re aware of the rising homeless population and the issues that come along with it. Cordata is a popular area for them. I began to question the security of the property when I noticed homeless tents around the perimeter of the fence. Management told me they had notified the local police but had no authority to make them move. I completely understand that, but have you done your due diligence to ensure the property is safe? The answer was no.

Shortly after I noticed the homeless tents, I was at my unit dropping something off and noticed something strange. One of the cameras that had always been mounted was now just hanging by a few wires. Upon closer inspection, someone had knocked it down with a bat or something similar. Someone isn’t going to go to that extreme for no reason. I did a perimeter check and found a human-sized hole cut out of the fence on the far side of the facility, right under where the cameras used to be. This was also right by my unit. Troublingly, I also found a half-filled gas can next to the hole in the fence.

I took pictures of the cameras to show management on March 18, 2024. They said they were aware of everything and were waiting on estimates. A few weeks went by, and nothing had changed. I didn’t feel safe going to the unit at night anymore. I asked if I could move to a unit closer to the main office to cut costs. Jewel worked with me, and I was given some extra time. They didn’t double charge me.

The extra time allowed me to re-pack everything and consolidate things. Without it, I wouldn’t have discovered the dead rat that had eaten its way into one of my bags. I don’t even want to imagine what kind of nightmare it would have been if it had been rotting for months.

During my move, sometime in mid-April, the manager stopped by my unit with some questions and mentioned she was “freaking out” because one of the units had been broken into, and a bunch of stuff was stolen. Of course, it was one of the units right by the broken cameras and the hole in the fence.

I told a friend about all this, and he mentioned that his old storage unit had break-ins as well. People were able to enter one unit and go over the top of the side paneling inside the units. I had no idea this was possible. When I arrived at my unit the following day, I looked for any signs of entry and found obvious signs everywhere. Footprints all over the walls, my mattress, my ladder, and a piece of my furniture was destroyed. The insulation was torn up overhead, and pieces had fallen inside the unit.

After all this, I decided to leave and moved to another storage facility completely. I had to go through everything. I hadn’t considered the possibility of theft, but five high-end watches had been stolen. I was furious.

I turned in the lock on April 24, 2024. Nothing had been fixed/replaced. Management simply didn’t care. I hope Jewel takes over managing...

Within less than a month of renting out my unit, I discovered there has been a leak in the ceiling of the unit causing costly damages to my belongings. When confronted in the office, my parter was told that they were not liable for any leaks, pests, break-ins, etc. and that they were unable to offer a refund for the two months of storage Ive already paid for. I was not warned about any moisture problems or leaks in the unit. I rented the unit during a hotter week in April under the assumption that it would be safe for my things. We aren’t even in the wettest part of the year- be warned.

After I discovered the damage I inspected the ceiling and found multiple areas that had been patched with tape that is now coming loose. I feel deceived and upset. The management seemed extremely friendly and helpful when I moved in- but when confronted over the leak they said they had been taken over by a corporation in January and that their hands are tied when it comes to the lease and any refunds.

I had to shovel out hundreds of dollars to get my things moved urgently to a new storage unit so that the accumulated water and rust does not further damage my belongings. I am filing a claim with my insurance and will take legal action if necessary. I can only imagine what the damage would have been if I had not stopped by right after the rain this week. Unfortunate and a loss for...

The manager here is warm and friendly and her Integrity is top-notch. I was quoted a price that turned out to be a few dollars lower than what the unit was actually worth but she stuck to her original word and gave me the unit at the lower price . Couldn't be more pleased. The units are clean and I was even offered a free truck for my move in which I didn't end up needing but it's nice to know that it was available. I have had this unit for about 4 months now and I'm happy with my choice for Cordata Storage...