For various reasons, there comes a time when you definitely need a place – other than your place or business premises – to store certain belongings. Perhaps you’re relocating, or maybe you’re anticipating your dream home renovation or office remodel.
In these and many other scenarios, storage units come in handy! But the question of how safe and secure your belongings will be while in the unit is often a concern for most people.
The following tips can help give you peace of mind knowing that your items are secure in a self-storage unit.
1. Rent from A Reliable Storage Facility
Security is by far among the most important things to consider when finding a storage unit. If the storage unit facility where you are renting has a bad reputation, you might want to go elsewhere.
This is why it makes sense to compare various providers in your area using a self-storage finder tool.
If you want a storage unit in Phoenix, a search on such a tool should provide you with various options to narrow down from in terms of unit prices, sizes, location, and other factors.
While at it, don’t forget to check if the storage facility is:
2. Well-Guarded
A good storage facility values its customers enough to keep the units guarded around the clock. If your present or prospective storage facility doesn’t have that, you might need to reconsider your decision to rent a unit there!
3. Adequately Lit
A well-lit storage unit exterior can help deter criminals and make you feel safe when accessing the unit after dusk. Proper lighting will also make it easier for you when moving your belongings in and out of the unit.
In addition, self-storage units should be monitored by motion sensor lights to keep burglary attempts at bay.
4. Has Well-Trained Staff:
This goes without saying. The staff that you work with must be qualified and thoroughly trained to care for your belongings.
5. Equipped with CCTV Surveillance:
Video surveillance is among the top security features of the century. It is used in homes, commercial premises, and even public places.
A storage unit provider should care enough to provide this. The cameras can help capture events that the guard might have missed during their security rounds, break, or when they took an unexpected nap.
6. Get Storage Unit Insurance
If not all, many self-storage facilities in your area probably offer unit insurance. But that may not be enough to feel secure putting your belongings there.
Rather than just having storage insurance coverage, you need to make sure that the policy covers fire, theft, and water damage, among other things. A reputable storage facility that works with a trustworthy insurance provider should offer high-quality insurance coverage.
7. Invest in A Secure Padlock
As you can see, securing your storage unit is necessary to ensure your possessions are not vulnerable to theft or burglary.
Get a padlock that’s high-quality, tamper-proof, and fairly affordable. Whenever you access your unit, always remember to double-check that the door is closed.
8. Access Your Unit Often
If possible, you should try to get in and out of the unit as often as you can. This will help your belongings get the attention they deserve from the facility guards, while also letting you keep your own guard personally.
After all, abandoned premises are more likely to attract burglars besides poor security features. And it might take a bit of planning to get in and out of the unit, but the ease of access will be worth it in the long run.
Self-storage units can be a convenient and affordable option for storing your belongings, but it all comes down to how well the storage facility you’re renting has been rated and the steps you take to keep it secure. The above points are just some basic tips on how to do so.