Self-storage units come in handy when you want to declutter your home, store furniture while you’re moving, or downsize your living space. But are storage units safe?
This is just one of the common concerns people have when thinking about renting storage spaces. These kinds of worries tend to make people want to avoid renting storage units altogether, which is, if you ask us, totally unnecessary.
Today, we’re here to tell you all you want to know about self-storage security (concerns and myths) and help you make the right decision. Let’s dive in!
Most Common Concerns About Storage Safety
We get it—you want all the facts before you consider renting a self-storage unit. Perfectly understandable! Understanding the potential risks and concerns you may expose yourself to is a crucial part of the whole process. So, let’s see what they are.
Concern #1 Are Storage Units Safe?
One of the most common questions storage users have is: should I avoid renting self-storage units?
Absolutely not. And here’s why.
Your stuff is usually safe and sound in a storage unit because most modern storage facilities provide high security and are well-equipped to prevent theft, burglaries, and damage.
In fact, your stuff can be even more secure in a storage unit than in your home, but again, this depends on the self-storage facility.
Security is a top concern in the self-storage industry. That’s why most storage businesses put a lot of effort into keeping their facilities safe from break-ins and less prone to damage, ensuring the peace of mind of their customers.
Concern #2 Will My Stuff Get Ruined in a Storage Unit?
Another common concern is whether stored belongings are vulnerable to rain damage, mold, mildew, fire hazards, etc. It’s natural to worry about these kinds of events, especially because they’re often out of our control.
Let’s consider rain for a moment. It can be a big problem, not just for your stored items but also for your home. When there’s structural damage to the property, it can seep into your belongings and cause serious damage from leaks, flooding, and moisture.
And moisture can be a big enemy to your stuff, even without heavy rainfall as it can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow.
But fear not—most storage facilities go to great lengths to protect your items from environmental damage and pests.
If you choose a reliable storage provider and pack your stuff properly, your stuff is far less likely to get ruined by mold, fire hazards, or any other pesky hazards that might threaten it.
Concern #3 Will My Items Be Accessible?
You might also be concerned about whether you’ll have flexible access to your storage unit. That’s a valid question, and you’re certainly not the only one who feels that way.
Renting a storage space should make your life easier, not more complicated. That’s the entire point of storage facilities!
While storing items in self-storage won’t replicate the convenience of storing them in your own garage, you still want to make sure easy access without any hassle.
It all depends on the storage facility, so make sure you look for accessibility when exploring your options. The truth is most storage facilities offer flexible access hours. But it’s always wise to double check with the storage facility about their access policies and hours so that they match your schedule and needs.
The bottom line is accessibility concerns shouldn’t be the reason to avoid renting self-storage units.
The Facts About Storage Unit Safety
We’ve addressed the most common concerns about storage unit safety. Now, let’s talk facts!
Here’s why you should absolutely not avoid renting a self-storage unit for your belongings.
Advanced Security Measures
Self-storage units are not what they used to be. After all, we’re living in the digital age, which means modern tech is on our side when it comes to preventing theft and burglary.
So, the number one reason you shouldn’t dismiss self-storage units is definitely that most modern storage facilities have high-tech security systems, including surveillance cameras, electronic gate access, and on-site personnel.
If you think about it, your stuff is probably even safer in a storage facility than on your personal property.
Environmental Protection
Storage facilities often have climate-controlled units to protect belongings from extreme temperatures, humidity, and pests. This level of protection tremendously lowers the risk of infestation and damage to sensitive items such as wooden furniture, electronics, or other high-value items.
If you pack your things properly and choose a reliable storage unit, you won’t have to worry about irreversible damage from annoying pests or extreme weather conditions.
Accessibility and Convenience
Many storage providers offer flexible access hours and convenient locations, ensuring you can get to your items whenever you need them. It may not be quite like your own home, but you can certainly find a convenient storage unit that checks all your boxes. This flexibility makes storage solutions a practical way to reduce clutter at home and make your life more organized.
Insurance Options
Some storage facilities often offer insurance options to cover potential damage, loss, or theft of your stored belongings. But if not, you can also always buy this yourself from your insurance agent. This financial protection is crucial in case of unexpected events, further demonstrating that storing your stuff in a storage unit is an absolutely safe and reliable option.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Stuff Safe
On top of everything else we covered above, there’s another factor that plays a role in keeping your stuff as safe as possible: you.
That’s right—you can absolutely play a significant part in ensuring the safety of your belongings. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
Choose a Secure Facility
The best way to keep your belongings safe is to choose a secure storage unit. This means opting for a self-storage facility with advanced security measures such as security cameras, alarm systems, and other security features.
Some of the key security features to look for when you’re exploring storage solutions are the following:
- Access control systems: This technology helps manage who enters and exits the storage facility. Each client receives a unique access code that adds extra security and prevents unauthorized access;
- Well-lit facility: If the entire facility is well-lit, there’s a smaller risk of theft and break-ins. So, check if the storage unit of your choice has proper lighting or at least motion-activated sensor lighting;
- Regular maintenance: A well-maintained facility will make you more comfortable when storing your belongings elsewhere. It shows that the company is serious about following security measures and keeping your property safe;
- Digital surveillance: Surveillance cameras are the first line of defense when it comes to storage unit safety. They help deter potential thieves and identify unauthorized access, ensuring your stored items remain secure.
Pack Your Belongings Properly
If you’re packing your stuff for long-term storage, you may feel especially anxious about keeping them in good condition. But this is also a valid concern even if you’re planning to store items for a short amount of time.
Rest assured, it all boils down to proper preparation. Follow these steps:
- Clean and dry your items properly to avoid mold
- Check for food stains because they can also attract mold and other pests
- Choose the right containers for your things to protect them against moisture (for example, use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and acid-free boxes for books instead of cardboard boxes)
- Add desiccators into your boxes to absorb moisture, keeping mold and mildew away
- Consider using mold-preventative products to prevent mold growth
Visit Your Storage Unit Regularly
If ‘out of sight, out of mind’ doesn’t apply in your case, you might want to consider visiting your storage unit on a regular basis to ensure everything is in order. This is especially important if you have expensive items stored or you’ve opted for long-term storage.
Visiting regularly can also help keep your belongings in pristine condition because you can catch early signs of mold or mildew and do something to prevent serious damage. If possible, aim to visit once a month so that you can open the door, allow the air to circulate, and check your belongings.
Consider Insurance
Finally, if you want to feel extra safe about your stored belongings, you can consider insurance coverage.
Ask your insurance agent about your options, especially if you have valuable items in self-storage. They’ll help you understand whether insurance is necessary and discuss your best options with you. This can be the final piece of the puzzle to ensure your stuff is safe and sound.
Choose MyStorageBox for Your Storage Needs
As you can see, there’s no reason to let these concerns deter you from the convenience and benefits of self-storage.
With a reliable self-storage provider, you’ll get the best of both worlds: a decluttered home and peace of mind.
When looking for a trusted self-storage unit, look for factors that are the most important to you, such as high-quality access control systems, regular maintenance, or flexible access. You’ll find that finding the right partner for your storage needs is like a weight off your shoulders.
At MyStorageBox, we keep all our units extremely secure, fully fenced, and gated with keypad access so you can come and go as you please but also be confident your stuff is in safe hands.
If you’ve got any questions, call us for more details at (580) 300-3006!