Best Storage Units in Chicago, IL

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      Skis, sleds and other seasonal items can take up ample space in a Chicago garage when not in use. Because of this, many Chi-town residents use self storage to keep seasonal gear in a clean, safe place during the offseason. Remember to consider cost, payment options and contracts when choosing storage facilities in Chicago.

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      Top 11 Chicago Self Storage Companies

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        Average cost of storage units in Chicago

        The average cost of storage units in Chicago is about $120 a month per unit. However, the price can vary greatly depending on several factors. Obviously, the size of the unit you need is key to the cost, but the payment option you choose may also affect the price. On top of that, the company's administrative fees, insurance and any discounts should be considered when looking at the value.

        Size

        The more space you need, the more you pay. In Chicago, you can expect to pay anywhere between $25 and $220 for a standard self storage unit. The smallest units are 5' x 5', while the largest are usually 10' x 30'.

        Location

        Self storage units cost more in the city center than they do in suburban neighborhoods. For instance, a 10x25 self storage unit in downtown Chicago can cost $228 a month, whereas you can find the same size units in Elk Grove Village for $154 a month. 

        Contract type

        Contract types also affect storage unit costs. Typically, most companies work on a month-to-month basis — this flexible monthly payment schedule works for Chicago residents who plan on storing their items temporarily. Other Chicago self storage companies require more extended contracts, which most commonly have a 3-month minimum. Remember, long-term contracts are usually cheaper per month.

        Insurance

        A storage facility’s insurance only covers the building in which the items are stored, not the valuables inside. This is why many Chicago residents choose to purchase insurance for their self storage units. Self storage insurance is relatively affordable — most plans cost about $0.50 to $2 per $100 worth of valuables in storage. If you are using your self storage unit to store valuable items, an insurance policy could mean the difference between reimbursement and a total loss. 

        Discounts

        Many self storage facilities in Chicago regularly provide deals and discounts. Most offer AAA member, college student, seniors and veteran discounts — sometimes up to 20% off. Make sure to check on the company's website for more information.

        How to choose a storage unit in Chicago

        Whatever the reason you need a self storage unit, doing research beforehand definitely pays off. Check online reviews, get referrals from family and friends, and take tours of the facilities before signing any contracts. Try to remember: there isn’t a shortage of self storage companies in Chicago. By taking your time, doing a little research and asking the right questions, you can find the right one for you.

        When researching for a self storage company, the main options any Chicagoan should look at are climate control, amenities, security and the right size.

        Size

        Having trouble visualizing how much storage space you need? Here is a simple breakdown of the most common unit sizes found in most Chicago self storage facilities:

        • 5’ x 10’ is the size of your typical walk-in closet
        • 5’ x 15’ is the size of a large walk-in closet. It could fit the furnishings of a single bedroom and Queen-size bed, dresser and nightstand.
        • 10’ x 10’ is half the size of a standard one-car garage. This unit can fit the contents of an entire living room or two bedrooms.
        • 10’ x 15’ is slightly smaller than a standard one-car garage. It can fit more significant items such as a piano, couches or lbig screen TVs
        • 10’ x 20’ can typically fit all the contents of a multi-bedroom house, including oversized items like washers and dryers and a dining room set. It is the size of a standard one-car garage.
        • 10’ x 25’ is slightly larger than a one-car garage and can fit all of the items in a fully furnished 3-bedroom house.
        • 10’ x 30’ is about the size of the one and a half car garage. It can fit everything from a fully furnished 3 to 5 bedroom house including oversized items such as beds, refrigerators, washers and dryers and entertainment centers.

        Climate control

        Chicago's brutal winters can wreak havoc on personal belongings stored incorrectly. Climate controlled storage facilities protect your items and valuables from the fluctuating external temperatures and humidity that could destroy them.

        Outside self storage facilities are more like garages — owners have access to their units via an exterior door. These units usually make loading and unloading far easier and more affordable than indoor units.

        Indoor/climate-controlled storage units

        • Pros:
          • Air-conditioned
          • Climate controlled
          • Tighter security
          • Resistant to dust, pests and humidty
        • Cons:
          • Ground floor units are more expensive
          • Climate controlled
          • Usually not accessible 24/7

        Outdoor storage units

        • Pros:
          • More affordable
          • Drive-up access for easy loading/unloading
        • Cons:
          • Risk of exposure to outdoor elements

        Security

        Chicago has a 150% higher instance of property crime than the rest of the state, and 180% higher property crime than the national average. For this reason, many Windy City residents consider the safety and security of their belongings a top priority. Most Chicago self storage facilities offer 24/7 surveillance, nighttime patrol guards, electronic gates with coded access and other security features.

        With that in mind, North Side, Lincoln Park and Lake View are consistently ranked as some of the safest Chicago neighborhoods. For this reason, these locations are a popular place for residents to rent self storage units.

        Amenities

        For some Chicago residents, all they need is a safe and secure place to hold their belongings temporarily. For others, they prefer additional amenities to ensure that their storage unit is safe, easy to get to and affordable. Some amenities that many Chicago-based self storage facilities offer include:

        • Digital self-serve kiosks
        • Advanced security measures (e.g., lighting, 24-hour video, tamper-proof locks, etc.)
        • Computer access
        • Wi-Fi
        • Vehicle storage

        Not sure how to choose?

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          Chicago self storage company information

          Life Storage Chicago

          There are 42 Life Storage facilities in the Chicago area, some offering 5x5 ground-level units at just $25 a month. These facilities can accept customer deliveries, provide 24-hour emergency services, and have both surveillance cameras and 24-hour access. Life Storage allows you to rent a moving van or truck with your storage rental. They even offer a specialty wine storage facility.

          • Address: 2361 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
          • Phone number: (773) 831-8099
          • Hours of operation: M - F: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat: 8:30am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
          • Website: lifestorage.com/storage-units/illinois/chicago
          Midway Storage & Truck Rental

          Midway Storage & Truck Rental offers customers drive-up units as well as climate-controlled spaces. If you choose a second-story unit, their convenient elevator makes it easy to access your unit. They sell moving and packing supplies and even rent out moving trucks. They offer free moving dollies and hand carts to make loading and unloading easier. The Blue Island location sells propane tanks. You can access your unit every day of the week between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

          • Address: 5660 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638
          • Phone number: (773) 581-7815
          • Hours of operation: M - F: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 4pm; Sun: 9:30am - 11am
          • Website: midwaystorage.biz
          SelfStorage.com - Chicago

          SelfStorage.com allows you to select a unit and reserve it for free. The website compiles data comparing the costs, availability, amenities and location of Chicago-based self storage facilities. You don't pay until you move in, and you can see all of your options on one user-friendly platform.

          • Address: N/A
          • Phone number: (855) 322-7416
          • Hours of operation: N/A
          • Website: selfstorage.com/self storage/illinois/chicago
          CubeSmart Chicago

          Customers can use CubeSmart’s website to search for self storage units in the Chicago area. CubeSmart runs special offers and moving discounts on their website. They offer free local moving trucks for up to four hours at many of their locations across Chicago. The website produces a list of Chicago locations along with how many units they have available, the size of the units they have available and the cost.

          • Address: 407 E 25th St, Chicago, IL 60616
          • Phone number: (312) 225-0116
          • Hours of operation: M - F: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat: 8:30am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
          • Website: cubesmart.com/illinois-self storage/chicago-self storage
          Chicago Northside Storage

          Chicago Northside Storage offers climate-controlled units in a carefully monitored storage facility. The premises are under 24-hour video surveillance and are fenced and gated. Customers use a private code to get inside the gate and a key to get into the unit. For avid wine collectors in Chicago, this is a popular storage facility because of its state-of-the-art wine storage facilities. They carefully monitor the temperature, humidity, vibration and light that affect the quality of the wine.

          • Address: 2946 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
          • Phone number: (773) 830-3745
          • Hours of operation: M - F: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat: 8:30am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
          • Website: chicagonorthsidestorage.com
          The Lock Up Self Storage

          The Lock Up Self Storage provides packing and moving supplies to safeguard your belongings and protect your valuables with climate-controlled storage units. They provide a free moving truck with every new rental and carefully monitored security to ensure your belongings are safe. They manage 18 locations in the Chicago area and offer one month free when you rent online.

          • Address: 350 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60610
          • Phone number: (312) 464-1900
          • Hours of operation: M - F: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: closed
          • Website: thelockup.com/self storage-chicago-river-north-illinois

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