In a world where space comes at a premium, and the need for secure storage solutions is on the rise, self-storage units have become a popular choice for individuals seeking to reclaim their living spaces while safely stowing away their valuable possessions. Still, entrusting your valuables to a location outside of your home can be a bit nerve-racking. To help you have a stronger peace of mind, we’ll go over some essential tips for keeping your valuables safe in a self-storage unit.
9 Tips for Secure Storage
Self-storage facilities are a great way to take back control of your space at home, but they also offer a secure way to keep your valuables. While it’s important to consider each item individually, here are some of the best tips to help keep your stuff safe in a storage unit.
1. Understand the Risks
First, it’s important to understand that choosing to store valuables in a storage unit is never completely risk-free. While the facility, features, and location make a difference, nothing is ever 100% protected from thieves or disaster. This can make some people uneasy, but it might not differ from when you’re storing items at home. If you’d prefer to have more control over things, store your valuables at home in a locked safe. However, many storage facilities offer plenty of features that can give you peace of mind, so it’s really a personal preference.
2. Be Picky About Storage Facilities
For those who want to use personal storage for their valuables or other belongings, it’s important to be diligent about your chosen facility. Not every business offers the same quality storage solutions. For example, although outdoor storage might be great for vehicles, it probably won’t keep your antique furniture safe and secure. You should also avoid choosing a storage unit based on pricing alone. Yes, there are plenty of budget facilities available that offer extremely inexpensive leases, but they may not offer climate-controlled units or have any security measures in place. So, do your research and spend plenty of time comparing your options. It’s worth paying a little more to keep your belongings safe and sound.
3. Check Security Features
When looking at the different storage unit providers in your area, always ask about the security features. 24-hour video surveillance is a good option to have, but the facility should also protect your belongings with gated access. This is one of the best ways to deter thefts, as the gates are usually only opened or closed using a unique code for each renter. Other features to look for include perimeter alarms, motion-sensor lighting, and more. A secure facility will gladly share its features with you, so don’t hesitate to ask.
4. Use Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Even if the storage company you choose has top-of-the-line features to secure storage units, it won’t matter if the unit is not climate-controlled. Valuable items often need a little extra care during storage, and keeping things in hot, humid environments can quickly deteriorate them. Instead, you want a storage unit that has stable temperatures and humidity levels, regardless of the time of year. Therefore, always opt for a climate-controlled storage unit to keep items safe.
5. Get Renter’s Insurance
You actually can’t rent a self-storage unit without insurance in reputable facilities, so this step should be an easy one. Renter’s insurance will add a layer of protection to your valuables, just in case something does happen. When choosing your policy, take the time to thoroughly review it, as some things may not be covered. Some facilities also offer in-house coverage, or you can choose to get third-party or personal insurance. Take the time to compare your options and determine which one will give you the best peace of mind.
6. Follow the Storage Facility’s Rules and Guidelines
Always follow the storage facility’s rules and guidelines to help keep your belongings safe. They’re designed to create a secure and organized environment for all tenants, and disobeying them can often result in the termination of your lease. Familiarize yourself with access hours, prohibited items, and any specific guidelines regarding storage unit usage. By following these rules, you contribute to the overall safety of the facility and reduce the likelihood of incidents that could compromise the security of your belongings.
7. Pay Your Rent on Time
Find a storage facility that offers online payments to help ensure that you don’t miss a deadline. Otherwise, you might find that your items are removed or even auctioned off! While this is unlikely to happen after one late payment, repeated late fees or missed payments may result in eviction from your unit. If you’re not around when that happens, your valuables aren’t likely to be waiting for you when you return.
8. Visit Your Storage Space Regularly
Regularly visiting your storage unit is also recommended. This allows you to check on the condition of your items and identify any potential issues before they get more serious. Moreover, frequent visits help show an active presence, which can be a deterrent for thieves. While it’s unlikely they’d see which unit you’re going to, the in and out of tenants is always good for these types of situations.
9. Take a Proactive Approach
Of course, some things are in your control to help ensure your valuables are protected. Before signing any paperwork, inspect the unit and the door. If there is any damage to the door or locking mechanism, let the facility know that you’d like a different one. You should also keep your gated access code private from everyone and refrain from letting people know what you will be storing. While it seems odd to keep a secret, you shouldn’t broadcast that you plan to store sensitive items.
Moreover, if something is absolutely irreplaceable and holds a tremendous amount of sentimental value, you may want to reconsider keeping it in a storage unit facility. Your unit insurance won’t be able to replace sentimental value. Bringing your own lock that’s resistant to bolt cutters can also help, but many storage facilities sell them onsite. Ideally, choose a disc or cylinder lock for an added layer of protection. Finally, when storing your stuff, take pictures of everything and create an inventory. It may seem like a lot of extra work, but doing so can help if you plan to use long-term storage.
Keeping Your Belongings Safe from Damage
There are also certain ways to store your items to help keep things safe and in good condition. Some of the best ways to keep your belongings from getting damaged include:
Use Smaller Boxes
The more things you try to put in a box, the heavier it becomes. Then, when you need to put boxes into storage, you’ll need to start strategically stacking them. When heavy boxes are placed atop one another, they can damage the contents of what’s underneath. Instead, use smaller boxes and label them accordingly. When it comes time to organize your unit, keep the lighter boxes on top. You can also use a shelving unit within your unit to help reduce the pressure things put on each other.
Pack it Strategically
In addition to being smart with your boxes, try to be strategic with how you put in furniture. Avoid stacking heavy appliances on tables or couches, as this can create dents or issues over the years. Learn more about how to organize your storage unit here.
Learn How to Store Your Items
Antique furniture will require a different storage method than a vinyl table and chair set. Take the time to learn how to store your belongings properly in order to keep fragile items or valuable items in good condition over the years. Whether it be clothes, furniture, electronics, or collectibles, using the right storage techniques and conditions will make a big difference.
Consider renting a storage unit at The Lock Up Self Storage to ensure your valuables are safe and well taken care of. Our climate-controlled self-storage units are perfect for all your storage needs. We offer a variety of self-storage units in varying sizes to ensure all of your belongings fit without having to stack everything from floor to ceiling. With flexible leasing options, you can use our self-storage for as long as you need, whether short-term or long-term. Our facilities have top-of-the-line security features like perimeter alarms, gated access codes, and 24/7 CCTV. To learn more about our self-storage units at The Lock Up, call us today at 1-866-327-LOCK or stop by one of our locations for a tour.
