Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Self Storage Security

With many people trying to downsize their living arrangements or simply moving to another city, using self-storage facilities have become a popular option. However, many people often wonder how safe their stuff really is. There are security measures that both you and the self storage company can take to ensure that you do not need to worry about your stuff.

Self Storage Security – Your Responsibility

1. Lock

Almost every self storage facility will make you provide your own lock. Many people go out and buy the cheapest padlock they can find. Unfortunately, not all locks are created equal. To ensure the safety of your stuff, it is important to get a padlock that cannot be easily cut by bolt-cutters Additionally, never give you key out to people that you do not completely trust. Sometimes, you will need to give a copy of the key to the self storage company, however this is only to protect you in case you loose your key.

2. Make a Record

Everything that you place in a self storage unit needs to be recorded. If it is an electronic device then record the serial number, the same is true for any other good that has a serial number. If it is not traceable, then take a picture. All of these tools are essential in order for police to find anything that would get stolen. While this isn't necessarily a preventative measure, it is important to keep in mind.

Self Storage Security – Their Responsibility

1. Gates

Gates and fencing are a primary means of deterring crime on a self storage complex. Many times, the gates will include a keypad for you to enter the key-code to get in. This makes it much more unlikely that a self storage unit will be a target of theft.

2. Video Surveillance

Many self storage facilities are now using video surveillance to help maintain a safe storage environment. Make sure that find out what areas the cameras cover as well as how the videos are recorded. This information will give you a good idea of whether or not the technology is up-to-date. Cameras that are just for show, are of no use if a theft actually occurs.

3. Someone On Site

Some storage sites never have anyone around, while others have someone (either a manager or security) on site at all times. Having someone on site is one of the best deterrents to theft. If you are concerned for the safety of your stuff, make sure that you choose a self storage site with 24-7 on site staff.

4. Environmental Protection

When it comes to the safety of your stuff, theft is not the only threat. Make sure that your storage locker can keep out the elements, such as rain, ice, and snow, while also being fire-safe.

Most self storage complexes are actually more secure than most homes. Just make sure that they have the essential security features, while also taken on some of the burden yourself. If you do this, then your stuff will always be safe.

6 comments:

Self Storage Owner said...

You HAVE to be sure that you are taking special steps to protect your belongings from seasonal changes in the temperature and the humidity.

Storage Locker Expert said...

I had never thought of keeping track of your serial numbers for electronics. That's some really, really good advice.

Jordan said...

This is a good article when it comes security. The sad things is that some people really do not value what they are storing as much anymore. Most of the time it seams as if they are looking for price more than anything.

Richard said...

Very few people seem to understand just how amazing on-site managers really are. For my money, I'm looking for someone who's going to watch over my belongings with THEIR OWN TWO EYES!

Nick Kristofferson said...

People never care about security because they always say that they are "just storing junk". Well, that can't be true. Why would you pay money to store "junk"?

Gyanendra Ojha said...

Property has now become the most expensive stuff in the world. Land, becoming the most extravagant thing, people is just managing to purchase a portion of land, which they can afford to. In such cases, people, sometimes, do not get sufficient space for their chattels and belongings. In such cases, self storage units come to their rescue. In other words, one can refer them as mini survival kit.