The cost of renting a storage unit depends on its size, availability and location. In this blog post, we’ll compare the average cost to rent a storage unit. Looking at why prices vary from city to city and state to state, as well as other features that affect the average price of storage space. Most importantly, we’ll give you some useful tips on how to save money when you store your belongings.
Bigger Unit Sizes Cost More
Three of the most popular storage unit sizes in the US are:
- 5×10 (50 square feet)
- 10×10 (100 square feet)
- 10×20 (200 square feet)
You can see the sizes of all the units we have to offer here. Let’s compare our prices to the national average cost.
| Our Locations | |||
| Chicago | Loop/West Loop | River North/Gold Coast | Bridgeport |
| Cost of 5×10 unit | $81/month | $92/month | $90/month |
| Milwaukee | West Side | East Side | |
| Cost of 5×10 unit | $60/month | N/A |
Storage unit prices (national average): $90/month
| Our Locations | |||
| Chicago | Loop/West Loop | River North/Gold Coast | Bridgeport |
| Cost of 10×10 unit | $134/month | N/A | $135/month |
| Milwaukee | West Side | East Side | |
| Cost of 10×10 unit | $100/month | $145/month |
Storage unit prices (national average): $160/month
| Our Locations | |||
| Chicago | Loop/West Loop | River North/Gold Coast | Bridgeport |
| Cost of 10×20 unit (or similar size) | N/A | $344/month (10×25) | $273/month (15×15) |
| Milwaukee | West Side | East Side | |
| Cost of 10×20 unit (or similar size) | N/A | $330/month (10×25) |
Storage unit prices (national average): $290/month
Click here to view the national averages of storage unit costs.
As you can see, how much it costs to rent a storage unit depends on its size. Yet, storage companies in different states and cities offer different prices for exactly the same units. Why?
Factors & Features Affecting Storage Price
Availability & Location
Availability and location are major factors when it comes to the cost of monthly storage. Demand for certain unit sizes often increases prices. For example, New York has some of the highest prices in the country.
New York Prices:
5×10: $202/month
10×10: $420/month
The reason for this? Well, the majority of New Yorkers live in one or two bedroom homes. Often these are apartments with limited space. Demand for units grows greater as more people store items, meaning a storage facility can charge customers more.
The cost of our larger units is slightly more expensive than the national average. But we’re well within the mid-range when the cost is broken down per square meter. The average rate of which is anywhere between $1-$1.80.
Let’s compare storage rate per square meter for:
East Bank Storage:
Chicago (River North/Gold Coast) 10×25: $1.37
Milwaukee (East Side) 10×25: $1.32
Los Angeles
Unit rate per m2 for 10×20: $2.36
Like New York, Los Angeles has high demand for unit storage.
Storage Unit Type
Sometimes, storage facilities require certain features before customers even consider renting them. People want to protect expensive belongings in long term storage from mold. How much it costs to rent a storage unit also depends on whether it’s:
- Climate controlled storage units
- Portable storage
- Units used for vehicle storage
Climate controlled storage units are often located inside facilities. Ideal for people who need to store precious items, especially sensitive to the cold, heat, humidity, mold and/or dust. These units mechanically maintain the temperature and humidity levels.
Reduce Storage Costs by…
Renting a size that fits your needs
Different units are more suited than others for storing certain items. Our storage tool is free to use and is the best way to check which size fits your needs.
Maximizing the space of your unit
It’s important to make the most out of the space you’ve got! Here’s some thing you can do to optimize your space:
- Pack items properly
- Disassemble large furniture
- Store smaller items in bigger items
- Install shelving
Check out our guide on how to pack a unit properly.
Using your home insurance
Your homeowner insurance company may cover belongings in self-storage. You can ask your storage facility whether you can use your own insurance policy.
Finding alternative locations
As you already know, we offer multiple sites in both Chicago and Milwaukee. You might be able to save some dollars each month in a different facility. That’s if there’s space available!
In summary
It’s also important to remember what other services a facility can offer. For example, at East Bank Storage we offer 24 hour video surveillance, packing supplies, padlocks, truck hire, free parking and more!
Sometimes you just need the extra space regardless of the cost. But who’s to say you can’t get value too? That’s just what you’ll get with the additional services we offer at competitive prices.
Speak to a member of our team for more information. Also, if this blog post has been helpful, share it with someone who might need it. They’ll thank you for finding it!
