Find a self-storage facility in Chicago, IL
A self-storage facility rents units where you can keep belongings you do not have room for. People use storage during moves, renovations, downsizing, or for business inventory. A good facility is secure, clean, and clear about rent increases, fees and access hours.
How many self-storage facilities are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 70 self-storage facilities with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 239, or 4.6 per 100,000 residents: about the same as the US rate of 5.3, and 133rd of 165 large US cities per resident.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60607 (7), 60639 (6), 60638 (5), 60614 (4).
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 70 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 4.6 US: 5.3 |
| Rank among large US cities | 133 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 100% |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do self-storage facilities in Chicago help with?
- Standard storage units
- Climate-controlled units
- Drive-up units
- Vehicle, boat and RV storage
- Business storage
- Short-term storage
- Long-term storage
- Moving supplies
- Truck rental at some sites
- Package acceptance for business tenants
How do you choose a good self-storage facility in Chicago?
- Visit the facility and look at the unit before renting.
- Ask whether you need climate control for furniture, electronics, documents or photos.
- Ask about security: gates, cameras, lighting and on-site staff.
- Ask about access hours.
- Read the rental agreement for rent increases, fees and late payment rules.
- Ask about insurance or protection plans for your belongings.
Self-storage facilities are generally not licensed as a trade, but state laws govern late fees and lien sales; read the rental agreement carefully.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is the monthly rent, and how often can it increase?
- Are there admin fees?
- What are the access hours?
- Is the unit climate controlled?
- What security features do you have?
- What insurance or protection do I need?
Red flags to watch for
- Unclear rent increase policies.
- Poor lighting or broken gates.
- Signs of pests or leaks.
- Pressure to buy protection plans without explanation.
What changes the price?
- Unit size
- Climate control
- Location
- Access type
- Length of rental
- Insurance or protection plans
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many self-storage facilities are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 70 self-storage facilities with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023.
Do I need climate-controlled storage?
It helps protect items sensitive to heat, cold and humidity, like wood furniture, electronics, papers and photos.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Late fees may apply. If you stay behind, the facility may lock you out and eventually sell the contents under state law.
Can I store a car?
Many facilities offer vehicle storage. You may need registration and insurance.
Self-Storage Facilities in nearby cities
Self-Storage Facilities in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a self-storage facility.