Inside CI’s Climate-Controlled, Insured 65,000 sq ft Warehouse

In today’s fast-moving commercial environment, having a secure, flexible, and accessible warehouse can be the difference between a seamless project and a logistical headache. For furniture dealers, facility managers, and project leads, understanding where and how your furniture is stored is critical.

At Contract Installations (CI), our state-of-the-art 65,000 square foot warehouse in Lake Forest, IL is more than just storage—it’s a full-service solution designed to support the logistics of commercial furniture installation, relocation, and long-term project planning.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes our warehouse a trusted asset for clients across industries.

Why Warehouse Storage Matters in Commercial Furniture Projects

Commercial office moves and large-scale furniture installations often involve staggered timelines. Furniture arrives before a space is ready, offices are in transition, or phases are needed for multi-floor rollouts. In all of these cases, interim storage becomes essential.

Rather than leasing costly short-term spaces or risking damage with improper handling, businesses turn to professional warehousing.

Common Use Cases for Warehouse Storage:

• Storing new furniture shipments before installation
• Housing relocated items during a building renovation
• Holding assets for phased office expansions
• Consolidating surplus or reused items

CI’s Warehouse Features

Our facility is purpose-built to meet the needs of commercial furniture projects:

1. 65,000 Square Feet of Storage Capacity

Located in Lake Forest, our expansive warehouse offers plenty of room for both short-term and long-term projects, including space for high-volume rollouts or complete office decommissions.

2. Climate-Controlled Environment

Temperature-sensitive assets such as seating, wood casegoods, and specialty lab furniture are protected year-round from extreme temperature changes.

3. Wet-Sprinkler Fire Protection

Safety is non-negotiable. Our warehouse is equipped with a wet-sprinkler system for fire suppression, ensuring your assets are safeguarded 24/7.

4. Security Systems

Controlled access and monitored surveillance keep all items secure. Only authorized staff are allowed into the storage bays.

5. Online Inventory Tracking

We use digital systems to track every asset received, stored, and deployed. Clients have access to real-time updates, helping them manage their project schedule with confidence.

Full-Service Logistics: More Than Just Storage

When you store with CI, you’re not just placing furniture in a warehouse. You’re accessing:

• Loading Dock Services: Efficient in-and-out movement of deliveries with experienced dock staff
• Unloading and Labeling: Every item is checked, documented, and labeled upon arrival
• Staging for Installation: Items are prepped and organized for quick delivery to the job site
• Delivery and Transport: We offer white-glove delivery using our dedicated truck fleet

Who Uses CI’s Warehousing Services?

Our warehouse is used by clients across multiple industries:

• Furniture Dealers: Store large orders until all items arrive for full delivery
• Corporate Clients: Hold furniture during construction or renovation projects
• Education & Healthcare Facilities: Safeguard sensitive or specialty furnishings
• Architectural Firms & PM Teams: Use our space as a logistics hub for phased projects

A Real-World Example: Multi-Phase Corporate Rollout

A recent client with headquarters in downtown Chicago used our warehouse to:

• Receive 400+ workstations over three months
• Store them until each floor was completed
• Deliver and install in phases, floor by floor

The result? Zero delays, zero missing items, and a completely smooth process.

Why Work with CI for Storage and Warehousing?

When choosing a warehousing partner, trust, reliability, and transparency are key. At CI, we offer:

• Union-Trained Crews: All warehouse and delivery staff are experienced and professional
• Daily Oversight: Our team monitors activity to ensure all items are accounted for
• Integrated Project Management: Your warehouse solution ties into your larger install plan
• Scalability: Whether it’s one office suite or a national rollout, we’re equipped to handle it

Additional Services to Support Your Storage Needs

Alongside storage, CI provides complete commercial furniture logistics:

• Installation: On-site services for workstations, seating, conference rooms, lab furniture, and more
• Project Management: Coordination with GCs, timeline planning, and site supervision
• Removal & Relocation: Take existing furniture off-site or reposition it between floors or locations
• Delivery & Transport: Reliable and secure freight delivery using our eight-truck fleet

Final Thoughts: Smart Storage, Smarter Outcomes

Choosing CI for your warehousing needs gives you more than space—it gives you peace of mind. Our team treats every item as mission-critical, because we know your business depends on it.

From receiving and inventory to final delivery, every step is tracked, managed, and optimized. So when it’s time to install, everything is exactly where it should be.