Self-storage is one of the most practical solutions to one of our biggest modern-day problems – owning too much stuff! Whether your house has been getting a little too crowded lately, you need a place to store your stuff while you move, or you just need space for your business inventory, self-storage facilities are the most convenient option. But you might wonder – how safe are storage units really?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the risks of self-storage security, what security features to look for when renting a self-storage facility, and how to protect your property as much as possible.
Are Storage Units Safe?
Yes, storage units are generally considered safe for storing belongings. This is because modern self-storage units are now equipped with the most advanced security features available.
The self-storage industry has evolved so much over the past decade that it’s practically become imperative to secure them like mini fortresses. Storage operators put a lot of effort into safeguarding items from human and climate dangers and protecting their customers’ peace of mind.
Many facilities nowadays have gate access systems put in place, video surveillance, high-security measures, electronic locks, and door alarms that all protect them from theft, fires, or floods. They also often have on-site staff and guards to complement the electronic security systems and further improve self-storage security.
That said, storage units are not invulnerable, and it’s important to understand their biggest risks.
What Are the Risks of Self-Storage Facilities?
While storage units are considered to be very safe, there are still some potential risks to security. Understanding these concerns is vital for customers to make well-informed decisions and take proper precautions. Here are some of the most significant threats to your items in storage units.
Theft and Burglaries
One of the biggest risks are theft and burglaries. Storage units are usually safe from crime, but there’s still a possibility of break-ins. Even though they invest heavily in safety measures and have on-site guards to protect the facilities, theft can still occur. That’s just the reality of today’s world. Even the most protected places can be challenged by determined criminals. That said, some storage units are better secured than others, so you can mitigate this risk by doing your research and avoiding the facilities that might have a history of break-ins or risky measures.
Environmental Damage
Another potential threat to self-storage security is environmental damage such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and other adverse conditions. They can cause permanent damage to sensitive items like electronics, antiques, or personal documents. That’s why it’s important to be careful about what type of belongings you leave in your storage unit. Alternatively, you can look for facilities that offer protection against extreme weather conditions and are waterproof.
Fire Hazards
While most facilities don’t allow flammable items on their premises, there’s still a danger of fires in storage units. Some situations can lead to a fire breaking out, whether it’s a broken electrical component or human error like smoking. However, storage facilities always try to think one step ahead and prevent fire hazards by investing in quality equipment like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and electrical systems.
Pest Infestation
Another potential threat is pest infestation. Storage facilities are more vulnerable to pests due to the quantity of items, the length of time between tenant visits, and the materials in storage. Unwanted guests like rodents, cockroaches, or insects can contaminate the storage facilities and damage or lose belongings.
5 Self-Storage Facility Unit Security Features to Look For
If you want to keep your belongings safe and reduce these risks, your best bet is to find a reliable self-storage provider. Here are the five most vital security features to look for in a storage operator.
Access Control Systems
Access control systems are a key feature you should look for when picking a storage unit. This is the latest technology in access control, and it helps regulate gate access. In other words, control who can enter and exit through the gate. Each customer gets their electronic key card, code, or another secure method to access the facility, which adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized individuals from entering. Depending on the storage provider’s system of choice, you might get access to keypads, gate systems, mobile access, and cloud-based management software.
Security Cameras
Another essential safety feature and a first line of defense are surveillance cameras. Ideally, you want to opt for a storage unit with 24-hour surveillance on their premises. Most facilities have cameras installed all across the property, not just the entrance, which ensures an even higher level of security. This also helps keep records of storage activity in case of unauthorized access, whether by non-customers or delinquent tenants.
Fire Prevention Systems
As we mentioned earlier, fires can happen, so that’s why it’s vital for a storage unit to have fire prevention systems in place. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are specially designed to detect and prevent these types of incidents in time. If you want to feel safer about your belongings, double-check if your storage facility has these systems installed.
Well-Lit Facility
A well-lit facility is always the most ideal option for a storage facility. Not only is it easier for you to store your items in a well-lit space, but it also keeps criminals away. Check if the property has decent lighting or at least has motion sensor lighting for improved visibility and security.
Regular Maintenance
Naturally, you want your precious belongings to be in a clean and regularly inspected place. So, if you’re looking for a storage unit that will make you feel confident about your stored items, look for a well-maintained facility. Avoid facilities with broken fences or faulty locking mechanisms because they tend to attract thieves more.
How to Keep Your Stuff Safe in a Self-Storage Facility
When keeping your items in a storage unit, you want to feel as confident as possible that they will remain in an intact condition. Aside from all the above-mentioned features you should keep an eye on, there are some small things you can do on your end to protect your possessions.
- Pack your stuff properly – Pack your stuff smartly before you put them in a storage unit. This means putting them in cardboard boxes, using bubble wrap, wrapping fragile items in paper beforehand, and using scrunched-up paper to fill any gaps.
- Keep an inventory – Write down everything you store or take photos of them beforehand. This will help you know where your stuff is at all times.
- Choose a reliable self-storage facility – We can’t stress enough the importance of picking the right facility for your items, especially if they are valuable or sentimental to you. A reputable storage company will give you the peace of mind that your stuff is safe and cared for.
- Consider purchasing insurance – In case of incidents, it may be best for you to get insurance coverage for your stored stuff. Check with your own insurance agent and let them know you have items in storage.
- Don’t give out your access code – Be cautious about giving your access code to anyone if you want to stay completely safe about your stored items.
- Visit regularly – Even though your items will be protected by automated gates, security system, and self-storage operations, you should try to visit the unit regularly to stay extra safe.
Choose a Trustworthy Storage Unit for Extra Security
When looking for a trusted self-storage provider, there are a lot of factors to consider, from high-quality access control systems to ongoing support. But once you’ve found a storage unit you can trust, it’s like a weight off your shoulders.
At My Storage Box, 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 have the peace of mind of knowing your stuff is in the right hands. If you’ve got any questions, call us for more details at (580) 300-3006!