How Secure are Self Storage Units?
Storage units are very secure when the facility has modern security features like 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and strong locks. These measures protect your belongings from theft and break-ins. Choosing a reputable, well-maintained facility ensures your items stay safe.
- Self storage units are generally considered to be secure, with many facilities offering security measures such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and individual unit locks.
- However, it is important for renters to take their own precautions by using high-quality locks and ensuring that the facility has adequate security measures in place.
- While rare, break-ins can still occur at self storage units, so it is recommended to choose a reputable facility with a good track record of security.
- Renters should also consider purchasing insurance for their stored items in case of theft or damage.
- Overall, self storage units are a safe option for storing belongings, but it is important to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The most important security factors are gated access, 24/7 surveillance monitoring, and thorough screening of personnel with access to units,” says Essex Self Storage (who manages self storage units in Essex). “We also recommend tenants use high-quality disc locks and keep an inventory of valuables stored.
Most people will be able to put their items into self-storage and will find them safe and sound when they come back to check at a later date. But doing your due diligence is going to make all the difference in how well these items stay safe over the long-term. Let’s explore some of the ways that you can keep your storage items safe.
Is My Self-Storage Unit Secure?
Whether your self-storage unit is safe and secure will depend on a few different factors. Most of the time, you will not have to worry about it and you can keep your items in there without a worry or a care. But there are some things to look for when shopping around for a self-storage unit to determine whether it is going to be secure. These include:
The Management Company
You want to go with a management company that provides all the help necessary to keep your items safe. If this company owns a lot of storage units around the state, but there tend to be break-ins often, this is not a good sign and you should go with someone else. Many good management companies will take the time to add some security features into the mix, like someone working at the site, cameras, and more to help keep your items safe.
The Location
There are just some locations that tend to be better than others when it comes to storing your personal items. There are some areas where it just is not safe. You want to make sure that the storage unit is in an area with higher foot traffic so that there are witnesses to see when someone goes and takes stuff. You want good visibility, police that drive by on occasion at least, and easy access for yourself and others. Storage units that are out in the middle of nowhere could be left alone a long time before anyone noticed that something was missing.
Your Own Security Features
You should also consider some of the security features that you can bring to the table. For example, bring your own lock to put on the door of the unit. The management company may provide you one, but you do not know how many people have had access to the key and could walk right in. When you choose your own key and lock for the unit, you can choose who gets a copy and can be in control the whole time, knowing your items are safe.
Insurance
You should also consider getting insurance on some of the items that you place in your storage unit. This will protect you in case someone does break into the unit and tries to take something. The more value of the items that you have in the unit, the more important it is to get the insurance.
There are many insurance provides out there you can work with and you can shop around to find the one who will give you the best price and value for what you need. They will also provide discounts for other policies, for having a lock on the unit, and other security measures that you decide to take to keep your items safe.
“Insurance is crucial for self-storage renters,” advises Essex Self Storage. “Look for policies covering burglary, fires, natural disasters and ensure you’re adequately covered for the total value of your belongings.”
Choosing the Right Self-Storage for You
Your home or business will generally be safer when it comes to holding onto your items and making sure that they are safe. But if you do not have room for them or they are too big for the space you have available, a self-storage unit may be the best option for you to consider. Shop around to find the unit that has the right security and will help you take care of all your personal items.