Life Storage brings storage and business needs to a new level
May 7, 2010
By Eva Hofmann
Whether you are downsizing, relocating, or growing your business, Life Storage Centers offer the 21st century way to manage your belongings, records, and merchandise.
Headquartered in Barrington, IL, Life Storage runs ten locations throughout the Chicago area, including facilities in the South Loop at 2361 S. State St. and in Little Village at 3245 W. 30th St.
Committed to service and reasonable prices, Life Storage offers convenient, safe storage units for personal and business needs. Amenities include office suites that can be rented with or without renting storage space.
“Office suites offer everything you need to run your business,” said Iwona Lach, Life Storage marketing coordinator. “Offices offer easy access to your inventory and allow you to run your business at a fraction of the cost of a traditional office space but with none of the hassle of maintenance fees, taxes, or utility bills.”
A friendly, upscale atmosphere helps create a productive work environment. Office rental includes high-speed Internet access, use of nearby conference rooms, private mail boxes, a full-service shipping center, photocopying, and faxing; every space rental comes with access to the business center, where customers can check e-mail, make photocopies, and enjoy complimentary Starbucks coffee. Deliveries are accepted in the main lobby and heated loading dock.
Tenants have 24-hour access to their offices and storage facilities, with a gate code and keypad code for getting in after hours.
Life Storage also offers shredding and data destruction services through a company called Shred Station Express. “All our locations are authorized for dropping off documents,” said Lach. “In addition to shredding, they can destroy sensitive materials on laptops, computers, cell phones, and printers. The company also provides a pickup service for businesses that need to bring in current documents for storage after the old records are destroyed.”
Shred Station recycles all shredded materials and gives clients a certificate of destruction once materials are shredded or data is destroyed.
Many businesses can benefit from Life Storage’s services, such as realtors, home stagers, and movers; pharmaceutical sales representatives; medical, legal, dental, and financial firms; and contractors, landscapers, plumbers, and electricians.
“Some businesses don’t need a large office or warehouse, and they might only need it short term,” said Lach. “We offer month-to-month leases, so there is no long-term commitment to renting space.”
The largest units are contractor units. “Some contractors have extra vehicles they can store with us,” said Lach. “Landscapers can store mowers, snow blowers, ladders, and other equipment. They can also store invoices, company records, and whatever inventory they have, creating a central location or mini warehouse.”
Some larger contractor units, such as those at the 30th Street and Kedzie Avenue location, have drive-up access as well as power and light.
Units are clean and climatecontrolled to ensure belongings, records, and merchandise stay safe from the elements and protected from unnecessary damage.
The temperature remains between 58 and 78 degrees F, and keeping humidity below 55% prevents mildew and mold from destroying stored items. Humidity control is ideal for furniture, electronics, paper, and fabrics.
In addition, while most storage facilities use concrete floors, LifeStorage floors feature the Vinyl Composite Tile typically used in retail settings to minimize dust and exposure to unwanted moisture.
“Our floors are very clean because they’re not concrete,” Lach said. “We buff and wax them regularly.” Each Life Storage property is well lit and features 24-hour digital surveillance cameras and an alarm. The company also sells locks for those who wants added security. “There is almost no possibility of break-in, so tenants can feel assured that their items are secure,” said Lach.
For setting up an office, Life Storage offers a one-stop shop with file boxes, shelving and racking systems, pallets, and tarps for storing and organizing files and merchandise.
Life Storage offers discounts for new customers of up to 50% off rental for the first two or three months, depending on the location. Tenants also can get two months’ free rental with 12 months paid at move-in or one month free with six months paid at move-in. There also is a refer-afriend bonus. Some restrictions apply.
Life Storage sponsors special events throughout the year at various locations. In March, the South Loop site held an Easter egg hunt. Last month, the Wrigleyville facility hosted an Earth Day shredding event. “We also will be doing some garage sales and car shows,” said Lach “In the winter we will have a Santa’s workshop on Dec. 11, where we have Santa at every location. We also will have wrapping stations at each location so you can wrap your presents and even rent a 5×5 to hide your presents away from the kids.
We provide wrapping stations the day after Thanksgiving, and it goes on until Dec. 24.”
For more information on LifeStorage or to find a location near you, go to www.lifestorage.net. You also can become a fan on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on the South Loop facility, call (312) 528-0001. For general information on Life Storage, call toll-free (888) 968-0001.
