We put our belongings into storage for a variety of purposes: for the short term while we stage, sell, and buy a new home or complete a remodel; for the long-term during college or to complete an internship. No matter the immediate purpose, we all put our belongings in storage for the same reason: they are valuable to us. If your belongings are worth putting into storage, then they deserve a secure storage space.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right storage facility for your needs, e.g., distance, cost, accessibility. Don’t forget to take the time to assess if it is a secure storage facility to ensure your belongings will be kept safe while in storage.

Securing Your Storage Against Theft

We generally think of theft when we think of security, and this is an important element of a secure storage space to evaluate. Inquire about cameras, alarms, lighting, on-site staff, security personnel, gated entry, etc. If you don’t feel safe accessing your storage at night, perhaps it’s not the best place for your belongings.

Keep in mind that while a self-storage facility may have all the highest quality security measures in place, everyone who rents space at the facility or works there has access to it. As a result, your belongings are only as secure as the walls and doors to your space are impenetrable.

Securing Your Storage Against the Elements

While it is important to protect your stored items from theft, it is more common for stored items to experience damage from the elements, such as moisture, extreme temperatures, floods, fire, and pests. How can you protect your valuable items from the elements?

First, size up the composition of the storage facility. Many storage buildings are aluminum, which will not protect their contents from extreme weather. A concrete building, on the other hand, provides a secure storage space that’s protected against extreme weather, moisture, and fire.

Next, ask the facility manager about their pest-control and fire safety measures, such as a built-in sprinkler system. To identify a secure storage facility, ask if they store items on the ground, or do they use pallets or a similar system to lift the stored items off the ground, preventing the possibility of water damage if a pipe bursts.

Finally, consider the location of the storage facility. Some storage facilities are off the beaten path, all the more accessible to pests and vermin. Others are located within a business park or industrial center, usually with wide roads and parking lots that can act as barriers to vermin. Well designed industrial parks usually place their buildings with proper drainage in mind, providing a further protected secure storage space for your items.

If you are moving a long distance, you can choose to store your items at your origin or destination. Some regions are prone to natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Why not choose to store your items in the region least prone to such disasters?

Choosing the Security You Need

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best secure storage facility for your needs. The security of your belongings is one of these factors. While the details of what makes for a truly secure storage space can seem overwhelming, taking your time to prioritize what’s most important to you will allow you to ask your potential storage provider the right questions to help you make the right choice for your valued belongings.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, we have helped thousands of families find the right moving and storage solutions for their unique needs. Give us a call so that we can help you make a secure choice.