Chicago Self Storage – What You Should Know

Whether you are moving, dealing with an inheritance, or helping family or friends, there are lots of reasons why you might find yourself in need of a Chicago self storage solution. However, there are some things you will need to consider as you select the best rental agency to suit your needs. One thing you will need to think about is security. If you are storing anything of value, whether it is sentimental or financial, you need to ensure that your possessions will be safe. When looking at different locations, you should consider the following items.

A Good Gate, The First Line Of Defense

The first thing you should see as you pull up to your Chicago storing location is the gate. There are many different types of gate available, so you need to look at it closely to observe how it works. Make sure that the gate provides complete closure, and has an obvious locking system. It should be a slide or roll gate, one that opens back and forth like elevator doors. You should avoid locations with swing gates as they can provide an opportunity for people to get in during the time the gate closes. The gate should also be visible from the office, thus adding another layer of security.

Look At The Access System

The next thing you will need to look at when choosing your rental agency is how access is granted to the location.  To open the gate you might have a keypad, to input a code like on an ATM machine. You might also have a card reader or clicker. In this case the agency will give you a card or some mechanical device that will open the gate.  Ask the agent if these systems are able to log activity, and only allow users into their authorized areas. If you can enter any storing building on the lot, that means everyone else can as well. In that case, many people have access to your stored goods. The most difficult of all the access granting systems is the biometric type, such as a fingerprint or eye scanner. This technology is still new and expensive, and few self storage rates include locations that have these installed currently.

Look For The Eye In The Sky

The next thing you will want to look for is cameras. The location you select should have multiple cameras, recording every access point, hallway and the parking lots. All Chicago locations should keep backups for a certain amount of time. Ask before you sign anything. It is important that the agency keeps a record for at least a certain period. This way you can rest assured that if anything were to happen to your valuables, there would be a record.

Door Alarms

Each store building should also be equipped with a separate door alarm. This is another way you can be certain that only the right people are being granted access to the building. These door alarms should also monitor and record who is going into the building, and how long they are staying. Make sure you purchase a high quality padlock for your storeroom. This can be an important last defense.

Security Guards

You can also see if your agency provides security personnel, and how often they do tours of the buildings. Although this service might cost you a little bit more, knowing that a security guard is in the location, and not just monitoring the cameras can change the minds of even the most dedicated of burglars.

Every rental agency should have some degree of security. Gates, cameras and alarms are not frills, and should not cost you more. The quality of security can improve with price, however. If you need to store valuables, it might pay to spend a few extra dollars each month and know that your valuables are safe.

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