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When the Wrong Self Storage Unit is Worse than No Storage At All?

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One self storage facility is just as good as the next, right? Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. When it comes to storing your valuables, protecting technical equipment or preserving cherished heirlooms, you must take extra care in choosing the right facility.

Climate Control

Storage units that do not provide climate control leave your valuables open to premature aging, cracking, splitting, weathering and yellowing. Even worse, facilities that do not offer a self-enclosed environment are more open to damages resulting from flooding, pest infestations, debris and mildew.

Items and material that benefit from climate-controlled storage include:

  • Technical equipment: electronics, computers, video and audio devices
  • Tools and machines: construction supplies, restaurant equipment
  • Documents and Media: Paperwork , Cds, photos, videos, software,
  • Antiques and Heirlooms: Crafts, clothing, paintings, musical instruments
  • Wood: Furniture, antique frames, lumber, crafts

Security

Just about every available storage facility makes a claim about some type of security. However, the question becomes just how far-reaching are these security measures. Do they only offer a simple lock and key, or does the self storage facility go the extra mile, providing you with a long list of security options.

When looking for a storage facility, ask about the following features:

  • Surveillance equipment, onsite monitoring
  • Motion sensor lighting
  • Alarms systems, for both burglaries and fires
  • Fencing and perimeter alarms

Access

Establishing the rules of access is essential to protecting your valuables. First, it is important to understand when the storage facility will be open, and establish if these hours are convenient to you. Remember, while having a limited window to access your items may seem like a pain, it can be important to maintaining security.

Second, you want a limit placed on those people who are able to access both your storage unit and the facility as whole. Facilities that limit access with a personal access code are optimum. In addition, investing in your own private, quality made lock and key is a wise decision.

Get peace of mind by renting a secure self storage unit through The Lock Up. Find a storage facility near you.

Self Storage Do’s and Don’ts

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When you look around your home, do you think, “There’s too much stuff in here”? If so, that’s a good sign that you could use the help of The Lock Up Self Storage. But, once you’ve decided to get a storage unit, you are then faced with the dilemma of what to put in it. Here are a few suggestions of Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to self storage.

Storage Do’s
Furniture – Sometimes we find ourselves with extra furniture that we cannot part ways with. Whether it’s because you’ve inherited some new furniture or you just want to change things up a bit, a good solution for too much furniture is to place it in storage. Storing away lamps, chairs and tables is a great way to make sure you have those on hand when you need them, while keeping them out of the way when you don’t.

Paperwork – Receipts, documents and tax information need to be kept for years in some cases. Boxes of paperwork can take up lots of space and when space is at a premium, it’s best to put these items somewhere safe and out of the way.

Seasonal Items – Every year the seasons change and with them come changes in what we need and/or want to use. Sports and recreational items are often different for summer and winter. So are clothing items. Putting seasonal items in storage is a great way to have room for everything.

Storage Don’ts
Hazardous Materials – Any flammable or noxious liquids or solids should never be placed in self storage. Not only could they potentially harm you or anyone in your unit, they also could cause serious damage to your items as well as the self storage facility itself.

Perishable Items – Food left in your storage unit will attract pests and eventually rot, leaving you with a real mess to clean. Best to avoid putting food in your storage unit (unless, of course it’s all canned goods).

Live Animals – No matter what your pet situation is, locking an animal inside a self storage unit is unacceptable and downright cruel. Self storage units are not meant to be places to keep living creatures. If you have a pet and cannot care for it, do the responsible thing and bring it to a shelter or vet’s office.

If you’re ready to clear some clutter from your home, go to www.thelockup.com to find the right storage solution for you.

How to Store Thanksgiving Tableware

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With Thanksgiving just days away, most of us are whittling away at lengthy to-do lists that include planning dinner, actual food prep, and cleaning house in anticipation of friends and family. But as soon as the last slice of pumpkin pie has been eaten and your obnoxious cousin finally leaves, you’ll once again be faced with the conundrum of how to best store all your holiday serving gear. Here’s where The Lock Up can help.

Using a Lock Up Self Storage unit to store china, glassware and silverware that only gets used for special occasions is a great solution. Not only is it an easy way to make room in an already space compromised kitchen, but it’s also a safe location, far away from curious (and quite possibly, clumsy) young hands that might like to explore cabinets for fun. But don’t just throw your grandma’s fine China into any old box. Be sure to protect your serving gear for years to come with these quick tips:

  • Dishware
    Use quilted dishware packs for your china. If your set didn’t come with these, they’re easy enough to find online and a good investment. They are great because they are padded and fitted to the dimensions of standard dishware. There are cardboard box versions as well that are more affordable.  With either method, just be sure to individually wrap each dish in acid free tissue paper (available at most art supply stores) to avoid scratches and to help prevent discoloration; then place padding between each plate to keep them from chipping. Hint: a paper plate or large coffee filter works in a pinch.
  • Specialty items with lids
    Items such as teapots, sugar bowls and tureens all have lids that should be wrapped separately and stored back in the item upside down so that the top hangs inside the vessel.
  • Glassware
    Use glassware protection packs. These cardboard boxes have sections for glassware that keep them protected. For long stemmed glasses such as wine glasses, wrap with bubble wrap, but be careful to not wrap too tightly. Pack glasses snug enough so there’s no shifting or tilting but, again, not too tightly.
  • Silverware
    Polish your silverware before storing it. That way you won’t have to do much polishing (if any) the next time you have a fancy meal. You want to avoid tarnish and scratches on your silverware when storing. If you don’t have a felt lined box specific to your flatware, then roll your pieces up one by one in a sheet of acid free paper, making sure the pieces don’t have contact. Then place the rolls inside of a soft cotton or felt bag.
  • Linens
    Wash all table linens and napkins. Simply fold them and store. Don’t bother starching them before putting them away as the starch can cause yellowing and also provides a tasty meal for moths. When you pull your linens out the next time, then you can iron and starch them.

To save time in the future, be sure to clearly label each box you place your Lock Up storage unit; otherwise you’ll need to unwrap items in each box to figure out what’s inside.

We at The Lock Up hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Spotlight: The Lock Up Self Storage, Northbrook, IL

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The Lock Up Self Storage – Northbrook/Glenview
2600 Old Willow Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-724-3222

The Lock Up Self Storage located on Old Willow road sits right between Northbrook and Glenview, IL. It has served the storage needs of those town’s residents as well as the surrounding businesses for over thirty five years. And that’s no surprise. With ten buildings on the property and attentive on site staff members, the Northbrook/Glenview location has all the ingredients necessary for a great self storage experience.

This facility has primarily ground level units that open to the outside. This type of unit is great because you can drive right up to the doorway of your unit and load directly into or out of your vehicle. There’s no need to haul your items far distances. And if what you’re storing is a vehicle, then you simply pull right in…it doesn’t get any easier than that. If what you need is a climate controlled unit for more delicate items, don’t worry, there’s a building for that too. One truly unique aspect of this Lock Up facility is the fact that they have parking spaces available for rent. This is particularly handy if you’ve got an extra car on hand while your child is away at college. Local businesses benefit from this option as well; for example, the local restaurant Sweet Tomato uses The Lock Up’s parking spaces for their catering trucks.

As with all Lock Up Self Storage facilities, you can depend on the Northbrook/Glenview location for a safe and secure place to store your office, personal or business needs. Amenities such as security camera monitoring, motion sensor lights, electronic coded access and cylinder locks ensure that your goods are protected day and night. And with convenient hours of operation, you can access your stored goods anytime between 6am and 9pm.

Now you can get the 2nd and 7th months FREE with any new rental. Either stop in or call The Lock Up Northbrook/Glenview to get a self storage unit for all your storage needs. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask for Sam Rodriguez, the property manager. He’s always happy to help.

For more information, visit www.thelockup.com or call 847-724-3222 (press #1 for availability & pricing, or #2 to reach the facility directly)

Protect Your Summer Road Toys from Winter Woes

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The mercury is falling and soon snow will be too. This means it’s time to realize that summertime road toys like motorcycles and mopeds will need to go into hibernation. Snow, ice, salt and sub-zero degree weather are dangerous elements to ride around in, so it’s imperative to find a good storage solution for your trusty steed. The Lock Up is the perfect place for your two wheeled friend to wait out the winter. Storing your wheels in a Lock Up Self Storage facility will ensure that they’re safe, secure and protected from the harsh elements. Come springtime, you’ll roll out of your Lock Up self storage unit with a cherry ride.

Here are some tips for prepping your road warriors for a stay at the Lock Up over the winter:

  1. Give her a good wash & wax.
    Applying wax will protect painted surfaces from moisture and rust. A good spray of WD-40 on the engine and mufflers helps too. Doing this step will keep your wheels looking good for the long haul.
  2. Change the oil and filter.
    Byproducts created by the engine’s combustion produce acids in the oil and these will harm the inner metal surfaces over time. So, even if you’re not due for an oil change, you’d be wise to change what’s in there…and you might as well change the filter too.
  3. Add Fuel Stabilizer.
    Fill the gas tank, then add winterizing fuel conditioner. This will prevent the fuel from going stale. Fuel that’s gone stale has evaporated out certain compounds, making it thicker and sour smelling. If left too long, stale fuel will turn into gum that will clog up all the works. So it’s best to add the fuel stabilizer over winter.
  4. Remove the battery.
    When a motorcycle, scooter, or moped is stored for any length of time, you must remove the battery. Even when the ignition switch is in the “off” position, there’s often a small current that will drain your battery. A drained battery has a harder time sustaining a charge and will likely need to be replaced before your first springtime ride next year.
  5. Tires.
    Make sure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. FYI, this is a good thing to ensure even when in use.
  6. Service all fluids.
    It’s a good idea to change the brake and clutch fluids every two years. If you’re not familiar with these systems and your ride is due for servicing, have a professional help you.
  7. Rent a climate controlled Lock Up storage unit.
    A Lock Up climate controlled unit will protect your ride from the ravages of freezing temperatures and moisture. Rust on the metal parts and cracking in the rubber of tires or fluid lines will be averted with a storage unit that keeps the temperature and humidity at moderate levels.

Do you have good tips for winterizing your summer road toys? Tell us here!

Why Climate-Controlled Storage?

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Many tenants ask us, “What’s the big deal about climate-controlled self storage? After all, I don’t have to live in my storage unit.”

Because climate-controlled storage often costs a little more than traditional units, many customers choose forgo climate control. They agree that the feature may be a nice convenience for some people, but they don’t see it as a valuable benefit to them. This page is designed to point out some of the benefits of climate-controlled storage and help you decide whether or not the feature is for you.

What Is It?

First of all, we need to define what we mean by climate controlled self storage. At The Lock Up, all of our climate-controlled units are kept at between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit through heating and air conditioning. This is achieved through a commercial HVAC system rather than individually controlled units in each storage space.

Preventative Measures

Many items that seem sturdy can be reduced to worthless pieces of junk after a few harsh summers and winters. For many items, extremes and swings in temperature can cause:

  • Corrosion
  • Cracking
  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Yellowing
  • Warping

Items and material that benefit from climate-controlled storage include:

  • Antiques
  • Clothing
  • Computer equipment
  • Electronics
  • Leather
  • Paperwork
  • Recorded media
  • Tools
  • Wood

Find a Lock Up climate-controlled self storage facility near you.

Protection from Pests

An often-overlooked benefit of climate-controlled storage is that this type of storage can only occur in a finished building. Too often, self storage facilities are nothing more than flimsy sheds that are susceptible to infestation from all kinds of pest. Because The Lock Up self storage units are all inside finished buildings, they are much safer from infestation of insects and rodents.

Because the Lock Up’s units are inside, they are also safe from less obvious dangers like dirt and rain. By choosing a Lock Up climate-controlled self storage unit, you are making a long-term investment that may not be apparent until you’re ready to remove your valuables years down the road.

If you have further questions about climate-controlled storage, please call us at (866) 327-LOCK.

Top Five Ways The Lock Up Helps Musicians

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Being a musician requires that you have instruments and all the accoutrements associated with making sweet music. Oftentimes there simply isn’t enough space in a musician’s living quarters for all their gear. Never fear, The Lock Up is there to help. Here are five reasons to get a Lock Up Self Storage unit for your musical gear:

  1. Each and every Lock Up Self Storage facility provides the relief of a totally secure place to store precious gear. For any musician, ensuring that your gear is safe and secure is a top priority. Collecting all of the right pedals, microphones and guitars takes not only time, but money as well; and any seasoned musician knows the sorrow associated with losing any one of said items. Storing gear in a Lock Up Self Storage facility between gigs is a great way to ensure that it is safe and sound.
  2. Many Lock Up Self Storage facilities have indoor loading docks that are completely out of the elements. This is really helpful to musicians who are constantly loading their gear in and out for shows. Even in Chicago’s infamous weather, a musician using a Lock Up Self Storage indoor loading dock can rest assured that their instruments won’t get pelted by rain, sleet, snow or hail.
  3. Climate controlled storage units are the perfect place to store musical instruments. Storing your gear in a climate controlled Lock Up storage unit will protect even the most sensitive electronics such as amps, keyboards and pedals from extreme temperature fluctuations and damaging moisture.
  4. Not every musician has room in his or her apartment for all the musical gear that they own…especially if you’re a drummer. The Lock Up has storage units ranging from 5’x5’ up to 10’x30’ so you can pick the size unit that’s tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a one man band, or a full fledged orchestra, The Lock Up has a storage solution right for your down times between gigs.
  5. These days, one of the best ways for a band to make money is through merchandise. Unfortunately, to get a good deal on t-shirts, hats and CD’s, it’s usually best to buy in bulk. But, where in the world do you store boxes filled with thousands of units of band merch? In a Lock Up Self Storage unit, that’s where! Why get on your roommate’s bad side by filling up your dining room with boxes when you can store them in a Lock Up unit where they’re safe and secure?

If you and your band need a place to store instruments, electronics or band merchandise, let the Lock Up help you out. There are over 30 convenient locations in 8 states across the US.

Visit www.thelockup.com for more information.

The Lock Up: A Safe Harbor for Customers

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Sometimes in life, situations arise that require your full attention. Whether it’s a cross country move for a new job, a child going off to college, or the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to be bothered with is managing the material things in life. Yet, we all have lots of stuff in our homes and offices that needs to go somewhere when change erupts. Rather than letting all that stuff stress you out, remember that The Lock Up Self Storage is there for you when your mind is elsewhere. The staff in every location is ready and willing to help make the big transitions of life easier and less overwhelming.

Take, for example, what happened to Sandy, a long time Lock Up customer. After her grandmother passed away, she not only had to cope with her grief, she also found herself having to deal with the contents of her grandmother’s home when it sold. Suddenly there was a house filled with belongings that needed to be cleared out. “She lived a long and wonderful life and has the stuff to prove it,” said Sandy. She turned to The Lock Up for a safe and secure place to store the contents of her grandmother’s home. Sandy explained that “just being able to have somewhere to bring it gave me the time to go through her things and not see everything go right away.” That small luxury provided a welcome relief during a tumultuous time in Sandy’s life.

Once a tenant moves items into a Lock Up Self Storage facility, they have a private and safe location to sort and organize their belongings. Motion sensor cameras and keypad entry ensure that visits to any Lock Up unit are intruder proofed, allowing tenants to take their time while going through the contents in their unit. Sandy was able to sift through her grandmother’s belongings at her leisure, knowing that she would not be interrupted. This allowed her to decide which items were worth keeping and which items she would sell. Here is yet another way that The Lock Up can help you during big life transitions. Most people don’t feel comfortable having strangers show up at their homes, and lugging a piece of furniture to a public space like a coffee house is not exactly an option. “When it’s time to sell some of the things, Lock Up is wonderful because it provides me a sort of a neutral place where buyers can come and it’s very secure,” said Sandy. When having a potential customer meet you at a Lock Up facility, it’s nice to know that in addition to all of the security measures, there are also staff members on site.

From providing a safe harbor for the stuff that emerges out of big life changes, to serving as a safe space to meet people who are interested in buying the items that you decide to sell, The Lock Up Self Storage is dedicated to helping you to manage your belongings so that you can focus on the important things.

For more information on the services provided by The Lock Up, please go to: www.thelockup.com

Spotlight on The Lock Up in Willowbrook, Illinois

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The Lock Up Self Storage: Willowbrook, IL

755 Plainfield Road

Willowbrook, IL 60527

(630) 366-8135

Living outside of the city of Chicago does not mean that you must forsake convenience when it comes to finding a quality self storage facility; and the western suburbs of Chicago are no exception. The Lock Up Self Storage’s southernmost facility in Illinois is located in the heart of Willowbrook and services the residents of Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Darien and Clarendon Hills as well. With four stories and over 800 units ranging in size from 5’x5’ up to 10’x35’, this facility has all of the top notch amenities that one would expect of a Lock Up Self Storage. Whether you’re a business looking to store seasonal items for winter or a resident who finds themselves inundated with the stuff of life, The Lock Up in Willowbrook has a storage solution that’s perfect for you.

Built in November of 2008, The Lock Up Self Storage facility in Willowbrook is considered a hidden gem. It is located directly behind the Town Center shopping mall and the Willowbrook Lanes bowling alley, which means that you can stop by your self storage unit very easily while out running errands. In inclement weather, the indoor loading bay ensures that your items will not be damaged by wind, rain, sleet or snow. All of the units are immaculately clean as well as climate controlled so you can rest assured that delicate items or electronics will be protected from intense temperature fluctuations that can be so detrimental. There are even drive up units that are insulated and climate controlled. These are a great solution if you happen to have a car or truck that doesn’t have a garage space. Your vehicle can stay out of the elements and with 24 hour access on these drive up units, you have the ability to come and go as you wish.

Security is a top concern at The Lock Up Self Storage and the Willowbrook facility has electronic coded access, motion sensitive lighting and security camera monitoring, ensuring that your visits and your items will always be safe and secure. The interior units are accessible from 6am to 9pm and you can always rely on the friendly staff to help you with your every need.

For a limited time, can get 2 months FREE at The Lock Up in Willowbrook. Just rent a unit and your 2nd and 7th months will be free of charge.

If you are in the western suburbs of Chicago and need a storage unit, head to Willowbrook…afterwards, you can get a lane at the bowling alley next door.  Maybe you’ll get lucky and get a strike in your first frame! For more information on storage units, call the Lock Up in Willowbrook at (630) 366-8135.

How to Store Collectible Books

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In the age of electronic everything, there is one thing that some die hard purists refuse to give up on – the book. Cracking a book open, thumbing through the pages, and finally closing the cover after the last word is read is an experience that some people will never relinquish in favor of an e-reader. But the preponderance of devices available that can store hundreds (if not thousands) of books is slowly edging out retailers of the printed word. This is good news for book collectors. Whether they are vintage, first edition or extremely rare, books are highly collectible items, and that collectability will only increase as books are replaced by electronic devices. If you have an extensive library of books or are looking to become a collector of books, the Lock Up Self Storage can be an integral part of protecting and preserving your books.

You don’t want to store your books in an attic or garage because they will be subjected to heat and cold that will cause mold and mildew to grow on their pages. The Lock Up provides the optimal storing conditions for your book collection. A climate controlled storage unit is kept at a consistent temperature using heating and cooling systems. This means that your book collection will be safe from extreme temperature changes that can be so detrimental to their safety. Direct light is also a danger when it comes to storing books. The Lock Up Self Storage is an excellent way to keep your books away from direct sunlight. Another bonus to using a Lock Up Self Storage unit for your collection is that the units are all secure, clean and pest free…all very important factors to consider when storing valuable books.

Here are some more tips for storing your book collection in your Lock Up Self Storage climate controlled unit:

  • Remove any items such as bookmarks, papers or photos. These may damage the pages by either leaching ink onto the books’ pages or if the items are too thick, they could even distort the spine of the book.
  • Buy book covers for each book’s jacket. The pages within each book have protection via the binding, but the covers need a little extra help. Book covers will provide further protection for the covers of your book that are exposed to the air.
  • Do not put books in plastic bags. Book pages need room to allow air to circulate so that moisture does not gather on them. Moisture is a book’s number one enemy.
  • Do not pile your books in sealed containers. Doing so may trap moisture, and stacking books flat can damage spines of books from the pressure.
  • Purchase a sturdy bookshelf for your Lock Up Self Storage unit. Place books in an upright position with spines facing out. This will remove undue pressure on the bindings as well as allowing you to easily view what each book is.

If you have more tips for storing your book collection, share them here!

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