Are Self Storage Units Safe?
Are self storage units safe? This is a question that many people are asking these days. The popularity of self storage units has exploded in recent years, as more and more people are using them to store their belongings. But are they really safe? In this blog post, we will take a look at the safety of self storage units and answer that question once and for all.
Why would you use self storage
Self storage units are usually used for two reasons: to store belongings that are not being used at the moment, and to store belongings that are valuable or sentimental. Either way, you want to know that your belongings are safe and secure when they are in self storage. So, let's take a look at what self storage units are made of.
The anatomy of a self storage unit
Most self storage units are made of metal, and they have a rolling door that can be locked. The units are usually stacked on top of each other, so there are usually security cameras and/or security guards on the premises. Some self storage facilities also have climate-controlled units, which are perfect for storing things like electronics or musical instruments. This will keep your belongings warm during the winter.
Types of things to store in self storage
Now that you know a little bit about self storage units, let's talk about what types of things are best suited for self storage. Most things are a good fit for self sdtorage like:
holiday decorations
out of season clothing
sports equipment
extra furniture
electronics
important documents
However, there are some things that are not a good fit for self storage, like:
Any food
plants
valuables over $200 in value
irreplaceable items
All self storage facilities do their best to keep your belongings safe, however theft does occur, so it is important to not store anything of high value in self storage, just to be on the safe side.
Security at self storage facilities
Most self storage facilities have security cameras set up around the perimeter of the property as well as throughout the individual storage units. In addition, many self storage companies will require that their customers use a padlock for their units. You can bring your own or purchase one from the self storage provider. A standard feature is gated entries. There is typically a gate with a keypad for you to enter and exit.
It's not common for facilities to have security guards on site. So you are limited to automated systems like cameras, gates, and locks to prevent theft.
What to expect if your unit is broken into
If your self storage unit is broken into, the first thing you should do is call the police. Next, you will want to assess the damage and see what, if anything, was taken. Be sure to take pictures of any damage that was done to the unit as well as inventory what items are missing. You will then want to contact the self storage office to see what options your insurance offers. There is usually a deductible and a maximum payout, so make sure you are not storing more than the limit in your unit. You can sometimes purchase additional insurance for your self storage unit if you feel it is necessary.
How to protect yourself against theft
There are a few things you can do to protect your belongings in self storage and prevent theft. First, make sure that you choose a self storage facility that has security measures in place, such as cameras, and gates. Second, make sure you take a look at the review on our website. They can sometimes indicate if a facility has a history of break-ins. Third, buy a good lock. This will make it harder for thieves to break into your unit. Lastly, do not store valuable items in your self storage unit. If you must, make sure you insure them.
In conclusion, security is never guaranteed, so take measures to protect your belongings and choose a facility with security in place to minimize the risk of theft. Storage units are a great way to store your belongings, but it's important to be aware of the risks involved. Storage for storage here to find out what storage is right for you.