Oftentimes, moving houses results in the need for additional square footage. Whether you purchased new furniture and fixtures that can't be moved into you soon-to-be residence just yet or need a more permanent solution for seasonal items that don't need to make the journey with you, many Chicago movers like Pickens-Kane offer storage services as well.
The need for storage during a relocation is especially true for Chicagoans in the fall—autumn in the Windy City is marked by frequent and dramatic temperature swings, and many household items aren't designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, let alone the warmest and coldest parts of the day during this time of year! Below, we outline our top tips for keeping your valuables safe in storage during a residential relocation after the leaves begin to turn.
Tour the Facility
No matter what you're storing or for how long, we always recommend touring the facility beforehand. By seeing what a standard unit looks like and the overall condition of the warehouse, you'll get an idea for their cleanliness standards and if your belongings will be exposed to pests, leaks or other types of issues. If the facility looks well-kept and secure, you yourself will rest assured at night that your items are safe at your chosen household storage facility.
Check Access Options
Specific storage solutions will vary from one facility to the next, including accessibility. If you plan on moving things in and out of your unit with some regularity, check with the company about their access options. Some storage providers can offer around-the-clock accessibility and all you have to do is show up, while others may require you to pre-schedule a time to access your items or arrive within certain timeframes.
Prioritize Security
When searching for the right storage provider for your household items, make sure to ask about their security measures. Any storage facility should have at least some protective systems in place, but some may go the extra mile and opt for more cameras or staff, whereas others may just be trying to cover their bases.
At Pickens-Kane, we take the security of your belongings and our warehouse very seriously, and offer a variety of reliable security measures, including:
- Fully Alarmed Facility
- Anti-Fire Protection
- Anti-Theft Protection
- Surveillance Cameras
- 24/7 Security
Opt for Climate-Control
Perhaps most important thing this fall during your Chicagoland residential relocation is making sure you find climate-controlled storage options. Because of the extreme temperature fluctuations, any household items you store should be in airtight, climate-controlled units that won't allow for elemental damage to occur.
Pickens-Kane goes above and beyond when it comes to climate control, offering more than 20,000 square feet of museum-quality climate-controlled space for the most delicate of items, including fine art and antiques, which is why many of Chicago's major art museums choose to utilize our storage services time and again. We operate over 1 million square feet of total storage space, and offer customizable solutions based on what you need, including palletized, vaulted or open-racking options to suit specialty items, such as vehicles or boats.
Pickens-Kane has over 100 years of experience storing and moving valuables safely, and has earned a reputation for trustworthiness, reliability and quality among Chicago-area residents. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our household or commercial storage options and to receive a free estimate on our long and short-term storage services.
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