It’s usually a good idea to research advice about self-storage so that you can learn how to safeguard your valuables in the best way possible, whether you’re in need of storage for your collection of expensive shoes or the correct storage for your rare books. If you store your possessions in a rental storage facility, they’re far less likely to be bothered by thieves than they would be if they were still in your home. Self-storage units are quite secure, keeping your belongings locked carefully away, and you are the only one with a key.
Look for a self-storage unit local to you as it will save time travelling if you need to get access to your belongings regularly. Most towns now have facilities for storage in Watford, Reading, Birmingham etc..
Many rental storage units are monitored around the clock by CCTV, and others actually have full-time security on site. However, skilled thieves do know that if they break into one of these units, the items that they find may be well worth the work. Some will stop at nothing after spending the time to access your unit. Self-storage facilities that are well managed often focus on making sure that all items are stored correctly and securely.
This means that it makes sense to take all necessary precautions to keep your special items safe. If you’ll be storing things that are valuable to you in a self-storage unit for the long term, you’ll need to take steps to be sure that nothing negative happens. Let’s review some tips and advice to help you minimise the risk of losing your valuables from a storage unit.
Store Everything Carefully
It’s important to keep in mind that putting your important items into storage is a good way to keep them secure. This means that one thing that you’ll want to be careful to avoid is receiving your special property back damaged because you didn’t take the time to properly prepare it before putting it in your storage unit. One of the most important things to keep in mind about self-storage is how important it is to box and pack your items extremely carefully in order to avoid any possible damage.
Best Ways to Safeguard Your Valuables
Keep Careful Records: Be sure to make an itemised list of all of the things that you’ll be putting in the storage unit. This is extremely important if you’ll be using your storage unit on a regular basis and need ongoing access. Note the current replacement value of each item, along with the date, as well as serial numbers for any items that have them, such as firearms, electronics, and appliances. This inventory will be a very useful resource if you need to file any type of insurance claim in case of fire, natural disaster, or theft.
Lock the Unit Securely: It’s important that you take on the responsibility of keeping your items secure while they’re being stored. As you prepare to store your belongings, a quality padlock and chain should be among your first purchases. This will be an essential part of keeping your items safe. Be sure that any lock that you buy is listed as tamper-proof, and that it is high quality enough to resist bolt and wire cutters.
Any self-storage facility that is worth your money will have several types of security to protect your valuables. Do they have fencing around the perimeter? How secure are the gates? The best types of storage facilities will provide you with a unique electronic code to use to enter and exit. Does the facility offer video surveillance? This recording process can help catch a thief or intruder after the fact.
Environmental Protection: As you evaluate self-storage units, ask what process each facility uses to manage climate in their units. There are numerous items that do best in a unit that is climate controlled. Your rental unit should protect your belongings from the elements, and if possible, you should secure a climate controlled unit. It may seem like you’d be saving money by opting for a less expensive facility, but this saving is quickly eliminated if your belongings are damaged by the environment or temperature.
Be Prepared for Anything
Even the best of your careful plans can go wrong, even if you follow all of the recommendations that your storage facility gives you. This makes it important to carry insurance for every eventuality. Be sure to carry insurance that protects you against fire, against theft, and against damage in general no matter how it originated.