Illinois
Comprehensive Self Storage Resources for Illinois
Discover essential resources tailored for self-storage owners and operators in Illinois. From state-specific laws and regulations to connections with local associations and industry updates, this page is your go-to hub for reliable, up-to-date information to help you thrive in the self-storage business.
Illinois Self Storage Association
The Illinois Self Storage Association (IL-SSA) is a trusted organization dedicated to supporting the self-storage industry in Illinois.
By fostering collaboration among facility owners, operators, and vendors, IL-SSA promotes best practices, provides valuable resources, and advocates for fair regulations.
Illinois Self Storage Facts:
Number of storage facilities
Approximately 1,558 self-storage facilities in Illinois. (source)
Storage Space per Person
Illinois storage facilities offer 4.35 square feet of storage per person, which is lower than the national average of 5.4 square feet per person.(source)
Self-Service Storage Facility Act:
Illinois has a specific law that regulates the self-storage industry, allowing owners to lien and sell stored items after a default, but with specific notification requirements. (source)
Laws & Regulations
Operating Legally: Key Regulations for Self-Storage in Illinois
News & Updates
U-Haul Opens New Self-Storage Facility Near University of Illinois in Champaign
U-Haul has officially opened a new self-storage facility at 306 E University Ave., Champaign, Illinois, serving customers since January 16. The five-story facility offers a variety of unit sizes and features designed to meet the needs of the local community, including proximity to the University of Illinois.
Key Points
Facility Overview:
- Size: 84,360 square feet across five stories.
- Units: 1,125 indoor storage units, including:
- 740 climate-controlled rooms.
- 385 indoor heated rooms.
-
- Unit Sizes:
- Small: 25-50 sq. ft.
- Medium: 100 sq. ft.
- Large: 200 sq. ft.
- Unit Sizes:
Amenities and Services:
- Professional hitch installation and towing accessories.
- Retail showroom offering moving supplies.
- Drive-in load/unload bays for easy access.
- Access to truck and trailer sharing services.
Local Impact and Employment:
- Location: Less than 1 mile from the University of Illinois.
- Facility to employ 15 local staff members, as per U-Haul Co. of Illinois president Kevin Barringer.
Industry Context:
- According to a Yardi Matrix report, as of December, there were 3,305 self-storage properties at various stages of development across the U.S., with 790 under construction, representing 3.1% of total stock.
Events
Get Involved: Explore Our Calendar of Upcoming Events!
17-18 / 06 / 2025
2025 IL-SSA Great Lakes Owner Summit & Expo
Illinois Self Storage Association
Union League Club of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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News & Insights
Alternate Contact vs. Alternate Access in Self Storage: Key Differences Explained
When renting a self-storage unit, understanding the roles of alternate contacts and alternate access is essential for both tenants and facility operators. An alternate contact is a designated person who can be reached if the primary tenant is unavailable, but this individual does not have automatic permission to access the storage unit. Alternate access, on the other hand, refers to
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Unmatched Usability: Why Simplicity Isn’t Just a Bonus. It’s a Game-Changer
In self-storage, time is money, and ease of use is often the difference between a productive day and a frustrating one. That’s why at QuikStor, we focus on something many overlook: the little details that make a big impact. Unmatched usability is not just a design choice. It is a strategic advantage. Whether you are a site manager moving tenants
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Meet QuikStor on the Road: AZSA & ISS Spring 2025
The self-storage industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead means leveraging the latest innovations in facility management, security, and operational efficiency. That’s why QuikStor is on the road again, making our next stops at two of the most important self-storage events of the year: 📍 AZSA Annual Conference & Trade Show | April 16-17, 2025 | Wē-Kō-Pa Casino Resort, Fort
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🔥 Blazing-Fast Reporting: The Future of Self-Storage Data at Your Fingertips
Why Reporting Matters More Than Ever In self-storage management, data is your most powerful tool. Whether you’re tracking revenue trends, occupancy, or delinquencies, fast and accurate reporting is critical for making smart business decisions. But if you’ve ever had to wait minutes—or longer—just to generate a report, you know how frustrating it can be. Some operators even joke, “I run
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Function of State Self Storage Associations: Uniting and Advancing the Industry
State self storage associations play a vital role in supporting and advancing the interests of self storage businesses within their respective states. These organizations serve as a unified voice for the industry, advocating for favorable legislation and providing valuable resources to their members. State associations function as industry representatives. They lobby politicians on behalf of small business owners and promote
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QuikStor Unveils Revolutionary New Self-Storage Management Software Under New Ownership
QuikStor, a pioneering force in the self-storage industry since 1987, proudly announces the release of its groundbreaking new self-storage management software at the Self Storage Association’s (SSA) 2024 Conference in Las Vegas. This launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, reflecting a renewed commitment to innovation under its new ownership. The journey to this revolutionary software began in
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10 Pros & Cons of Owning a Storage Facility
As with any business, owning a storage facility isn’t always a walk in the park. There are a lot of things to plan, assess and consider before deciding if investing in self-storage is the right step for you. Before making the leap into the storage industry, you need to know about all the unique and rewarding opportunities as well as understand the
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Getting Your Storage Facility to Appear in the Google Map Pack
If you haven’t already made Google Maps a priority in your self-storage business SEO strategy (and especially if you don’t have an SEO strategy), now’s the time to boost your online presence by capitalizing on this powerful and free feature. What is the Google Map Pack? The Map Pack, also known as the Local 3-Pack or Snack Pack, is the
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Zoning Requirements for Self-Storage
Building and developing a self-storage facility is a rigorous process, starting with understanding the zoning requirements for self-storage in your desired location. One of the first steps in launching your self-storage business is obtaining a zoning permit. After selecting the general area where you plan to build your facility, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with all the zoning requirements and
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Storage Unit Auctions: When To Auction Delinquent Units and Why You Should
Self-storage units are a great way for people to store their items and personal belongings. Unfortunately, there are times when tenants renting the units don’t pay their dues and become delinquent. Storage unit auctions are the last resort facility owners undertake when these situations arise. When the tenant doesn’t pay their monthly dues or has simply just abandoned the unit,
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Should Your Facility Offer Tenant Insurance?
People store their personal belongings and properties in a self-storage facility unit to keep them safe and secured. Whatever reasons they may have for storage, they are entrusting their belongings to the facility. Items such as furniture, electronics, and motor vehicles are the most common items people store in their units, and these are all valuable to them. Even with
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