The Question of Storage Unit Security
Renting storage units are becoming an increasingly popular way for people to declutter their living spaces. Yet, as more and more people move their cherished belongings from their homes to these rental units, many can’t help but think about a pressing preoccupation: security. Aside from safeguarding their belongings against possible corrosion or destruction from extreme temperatures, moisture, and humidity, the risk of theft is also of paramount concern.
This is why, when it comes to storage unit security, knowing which company to trust is key. This can be accomplished by a thorough appraisal of a storage unit company’s services and rates. Moreover, a careful and assiduous attention to the proper methods of packing and storing your items will provide another layer of protection. To help you through these steps, Mini-Entrepôts has compiled a list of tips and strategies to help maximize your storage unit security!
Storage Unit Security Tips
Assuring optimal storage unit security is a matter of balancing two primary factors:
- the prospective storage service company’s utilities and policies, and
- a careful packing and organization of your belongings within the unit itself.
To facilitate achieving that balance, it’s best to take heed of the following tips:
Tip #1 - Choose the Right Storage Company
Research
As you would do before you make any major purchase or investment, it’s good practice to research the company you’ll be doing business with. This can begin with a look at their website, making sure to check out features such as the various sizes of the storage containers as well as the rates and terms of rentals.
For example, Mini-Entrepôts offers an extremely wide range of different-sized interior and exterior rooms and containers to accommodate any storage need. Additionally, Mini-Entrepôts’ rental rates are not only competitive, but charged on a monthly basis. This not only frees potential clients from fixed or long-term contracts, but offers them the flexibility to shorten or extend their stays for however long (or short) a time is needed.
Visit the Site
Once you’ve done your preliminary research, it would be a good idea to physically visit the site where you’ll potentially store your belongings. Aside from getting a feel for the place and gauging the distance to it from your home, you’ll be able better discern if the building and its units are the right fit for your needs. Additionally, you can personally ask customer service representatives and site managers any specific questions you want as you’re on your tour. This will give you a better understanding and appreciation for how the company operates. Finally, you can witness first-hand what security measures are in place to protect your belongings from damage or theft.
Review Security Features
The security features offered by a potential storage unit company should be researched thoroughly and in-depth, as storage unit security hinges on it.
For its part, Mini-Entrepôts prides itself on its wide-ranging security features and measures, starting with our solid steel, concrete-reinforced units. All our units are constructed this way, offering strength, durability, and resistance to fire. Additionally, each of our units comes with a unique electronic access code that is given to each of our clients individually. This system allows for a lesser probability of theft or break-ins.
Mini-Entrepôts’ physical site is also replete with indoor and outdoor lighting and digital surveillance cameras, ensuring no movement in or around our premises escapes monitoring and detection.
Finally, each of our units is tied to our Central Monitoring System and Emergency Response stations, so that around-the-clock monitoring can give way to alerting the security alarm company, police station, and fire department for quick, on-site, emergency response in the unlikely event of an incident.
As is evident, Mini-Entrepôts takes its commitment and responsibility to storage unit security seriously.
Tip #2 - Invest in a Climate-Controlled Unit
Storage unit security isn’t just a matter of protection from theft, but protection from damage or corrosion. This is especially true if what you are storing is particularly sensitive or fragile, like antique furniture, electronics, or books. These items need to be stored in places where extreme heat, moisture and humidity will not reach them, which is why climate-controlled units need to be considered.
Climate-controlled units keep a consistent temperature and humidity level that ensures sensitive items will not warp, crack, mildew, or malfunction. Additionally, these units tend to be housed deeper in storage buildings, providing another layer of protection.
Tip #3 - Pack and Organize Well
Keeping your belongings safe also means ensuring they are stored well. After all, throwing everything from lamps to boxes indiscriminately into your storage space almost invites them to fall, tip over, and either get damaged or break altogether. As well, it complicates retrieving items should you need them, as you have to waste time looking.
For optimal storage unit security, you should begin by packing your items carefully, using the best materials. Wrap fragile items in newspaper or bubble wrap. When choosing between boxes or storage containers, opt for hard-plastic, stackable containers. Ensure that each container you use is labeled with the detailed contents of your box in a way that is visible to you.
Inside the storage unit itself, consider using shelving units along the walls. This will allow you to stack your items in a compact and organized way while giving you the space to access your belongings. As a rule, try to stack heavier boxes at the bottom, while lighter and more frequently used boxes go at the top. Additionally, try to store more frequently accessed items towards the front of the storage container, so you don’t have far to go to get your things!
Tip #4 - Visit Frequently
Visiting your storage unit regularly allows you to keep an eye on your things and see if they are still in the condition you left them in. If they are damaged or you suspect they have been tampered with, it’s crucial to inform the storage unit security team so they can investigate further.
Tip #5 - Stay Up-to-Date with Payments
Storage unit security is not a free service, and fees need to be regularly paid on time in order to continue to have access to the service. If you don’t, companies are well within their rights to limit or cut off access to their premises, or introduce fines and penalties until the balance owing is paid. Depending on the principality, some companies can actually vacate your storage unit and sell or auction off your items, so it’s best to stay in the black!
For more information on storage unit security, or to inquire about services and rates, contact Mini-Entrepôts today!