Safe Storage Tips
It’s ironic that when people decide to store their belongings at a storage facility, safety and security are two of their foremost concerns. Absurdly, there seems to be a false sense of security that comes from knowing your stuff is somehow “safer” at home, under your seemingly watchful eye. However, the truth is that storing personal items and cherished mementos at home opens them up to theft, vandalism, and possible destruction by flood or fire. The fact of the matter is that your items are infinitely more safe and secure in a storage facility, especially if you follow the safe storage tips outlined in this article!
Keep your Belongings Secure with These Safe Storage Tips
Deciding to store your personal items and belongings at a storage facility is a great way to keep them safe and secure, however, it is not the be-all and end-all of assured and reliable protection. By heeding the following safe storage tips, you can add an extra layer of guardrails and safeguards to your storage unit, ensuring your belongings are as safe and secure as a fortress!
#1 - Review the Storage Company’s Security Features
Before you commit to a plan or think about placing even one item in a storage unit, you need to review the prospective company’s security services and features. To their credit, Mini-Entrepôts offers a multitude of utilities and services that will keep your belongings safe and sound for however long you intend to store them:
Solid Metal Storage Units
Each of Mini-Entrepôts’ storage units is constructed of solid steel and reinforced by concrete. They are renowned for strength, durability, and resistance. This ensures your belongings are encased in impermeable walls that will not succumb to fire and structural collapse. Additionally, Mini-Entrepôts’ storage units are divided, making sure your privacy is respected!
Digital Surveillance Cameras & Lighting
Any storage company worth its salt will make sure its premises are replete with numerous and strategically-placed surveillance cameras and sources of high-quality lighting. Mini-Entrepôts is no exception and has installed the finest, top-flight surveillance systems on the market. In both indoor and outdoor areas, these cameras assiduously monitor the storage units and the overall premises, making them the perfect deterrent for any potential intruders. Also, these cameras operate in well-lit areas lighted by intense and superior lighting systems. Mini-Entrepôts goes the extra mile to keep their buildings very well illuminated both day and night, both for your convenience and security!
Electronic Access Systems
A storage unit facility should not be accessible to the general public, to keep clients’ belongings safe from potential thieves or vandals. For this reason, Mini-Entrepôts gives each of their clients a unique and different electronic code to enter their particular facility, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel can gain access at any time. Each client code provided by Mini-Entrepôts is unique – no two codes can ever be the same. This differentiation in key codes both identifies you, as a client, as well as your specific level of access to particular areas of the facility. This system provides much more peace of mind than many of our competitor’s systems access procedures, which can often be duplicated and used without a client’s knowledge.
For added security in a safe storage tip, don’t share your passcode with anyone, unless you know and trust them completely. The fewer people who know your passcode the better, as it reduces it being spread to those whom you haven’t sanctioned with the knowledge and lowers your chances of your storage unit’s security being compromised.
24-Hour Central Monitoring and Emergency Response
Each of Mini-Entrepôts’ on-site facilities comes equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art security systems that include features like motion, door and window sensors, and smoke detectors, to name a few. All these systems (as well as our security cameras) are monitored from a centralized hub, where computers and personnel account for each person who enters the building. In the unlikely event of an incident, Mini-Entrepôts’ buildings are directly connected to our security alarm company, local police stations, and fire departments for quick, on-site, emergency responses. Rest assured, our 24-hour central monitoring and emergency response systems will ensure nothing will happen to your valued possessions.
#2 - Get an Indoor Storage Unit
The game plan of every thief is to make a quick getaway, which can be facilitated if your storage unit happens to be outdoors. Renting an indoor unit provides another layer of security for all the reasons outlined in the previous section. An additional safe storage tip? Rent an indoor storage unit that is in the middle of the building, far away from an exit, to make the prospect of thievery even less appealing. Also, if you are storing fragile or sensitive items like antique furniture, books or magazines, or collectibles, consider renting a climate-controlled unit. This way, the temperature and humidity conditions within the unit are stable all year. Your belongings will not be susceptible to warping, curling, mold, or other atmospheric-related damage.
#3 - Get A Good Lock
When it comes to storing your precious belongings in the unit of a storage facility, you’ll need more than a lock from your local dollar store to do the job. You’ll need something sturdy, but also something that is tamperproof, break-resistant, and near impossible to cut with bolt-cutters. Eliminate the thought of padlocks, as they are easily shattered and susceptible to being picked. Your best bet would be to purchase a disc or cylinder lock, as they have hidden and inaccessible internal features that will hinder, frustrate, and straight-up halt even the most skilled thief’s efforts.
You’ll find that many storage facilities offer locks for customers to purchase or rent. Here’s an important safe storage tip: if you’re renting your lock, make sure to take all the keys. This way, you’ll be the only person with access to your storage unit and belongings.
#4 - Purchase an Insurance Plan
While the chances of theft, fire, or structural damage at a storage facility are low, they are not at zero. Whether or not your stored belongings are objectively valuable or valuable only to you, it is a good idea to have your storage space insured in the event of an unfortunate occurrence.
Investing in a good insurance plan is an excellent safe storage tip. It may cost a little more per month or year, but it will give you a good financial safety cushion to replace your items if the situation occurs.
For more safe storage tips or to rent a storage unit today, contact Mini-Entrepôts.