Best Storage Units in Chicago, IL

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.

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