How to Protect Your Self-Storage Unit
A self-storage unit is an excellent way to keep your items away and safe at the same time. Downsizing is not always easy. There are some things you can throw away easily such as items that don`t function anymore. However, there are also seasonal items such as gardening tools, or clothes that just take up space at your home. Or items that you cannot deal with just yet, so you decide to store them. When moving away, your new home might not be ready for a few more weeks so you need to store your items. A well-protected self-storage unit is the best place for your items. Learn how to protect your self-storage unit in just a few steps.
Choose the storage unit wisely
Choosing a storage unit wisely means that half the job is already done. You should take price, location, and size into consideration while choosing the best storage unit as well. Here is what a great storage unit implies besides these three things.
A high-quality fence is a must
You want to store your items at a facility that has a high-quality fence that will keep all the trespassers away. This can easily be checked when you visit the facility in person. There should only be one way in the facility, and usually only one way for the exit. If you see that the fence is not maintained and that the area looks suspicious, you should better look for another storage unit.
Video surveillance 24/7
If your storage unit has video surveillance, you may rest assured that thieves will have a harder time stealing anything. While the theft can occur, it will be much easier to find out who did it. And the surveillance will act as a fantastic deterrent. So, look for storage units that have video surveillance 24/7. While it may sound unexpected, the majority of self-storage thefts are done by the users of other self-storage units who have the access to the facility.
Proper lighting
Your self-storage unit must be well-lit during the night. Any aisle leading to your unit should be lit as if it was during the day, or at least have motion sensors for lighting. Burglars will not want to go anywhere near your storage unit in this case. Also, make sure that you have proper indoor lighting as well, as in case you need something from the unit you will be able to see it properly. The best way to check whether your unit has proper lightning during the night is to check it out by yourself in person.
Around the clock staff working on site
The best way to prevent any burglaries is to have guards monitoring the self-storage unit 24/7. Ask whether guards are monitoring the facility and whether there is a manager or anyone else you can call at any time. You should be able to contact someone any time during the day in case of theft or any other issue with your self-storage unit. The more people are in the facility, the smaller are the chances of burglary.
Individual door alarm
Like we already mentioned, usually, theft is committed by a person who also has a self-storage unit rented next to you. This means that the thief will be able to enter the facility and reach the doors to your self-storage unit without any hassle. This is where the individual door alarm comes in. In case someone wants to break into your self-storage unit, the alarm will immediately notify you and the staff of the storage facility as well.
Get a lock that will prevent any thieves from breaking in
When renting a self-storage unit, you will most likely have to buy a lock for the door. Some locks are easier to cut and hence break into your storage unit. Avoid any locks with a long shackle as they can easily be cut. Instead, opt for cylinder or disc locks. The more difficult the lock is to cut, the lesser are the chances the thieves will break into your storage unit. Protect your self-storage unit by obtaining a high-quality lock, as investing in such a lock will pay off long-term.
Make an inventory list
Sometimes we only want to keep our possessions inside the storage unit for a month or two, but they end up being stored for months or years. It becomes so easy to forget what exactly is in our self-storage unit. This is why it can be hard for you to notice that the burglary occurred, or what items are missing exactly. To prevent this, make a thorough inventory list, where you will list and describe the condition of each item you want to store.
How to pack your storage unit to protect your belongings?
Most self-storage unit burglaries happen very fast. Everything is over in a few minutes, as thieves do not have much time on their hands. This means that they will just grab the first few items that come their way. Luckily, you can store all of your most valuable items at the back of the unit. You can also label the boxes in a way that will confuse the thief.
Don’t store your most valuable items in a self-storage unit
Yes, there are ways in which you can protect your self-storage unit from burglary. However, accidents can happen, and sometimes despite our best efforts burglaries occur. This is why it is best not to store your valuable jewelry or cash for that instance. Your medical documents, medication, plants or pets, Hazmat items are also on the list of items you should not pack inside your self-storage unit.
We have seen several ways in which you can protect your self-storage unit. The best thing you can do for your items is to rent a storage unit from a reliable Brooklyn storage company. If the price of the unit is too good to be true then it probably is. Good luck!