The need for a storage unit could arise for several reasons. You might want to store some things that you won’t need during winter so that they don’t succumb to any weather damage, or perhaps you just want to free up some space in your home or office. Regardless of what your reasons may be for arriving at the decision to make use of a storage unit, it is important that you know how to keep your storage unit secure. Security and safety are important when it comes to storage units because your valued items are being stored in a location that is not within a close proximity to you. The fact that you are placing them in a storage unit does not mean you don’t want them anymore, so it is extremely important that they are kept secure. Here are 5 simple things you can do to ensure that your storage unit is kept secure.
1. Research The Storage Facility
The first (and most important) thing that needs to be done, is research. Now, before you get freaked out by that word, I assure you that this is not as bad as writing a thesis or an end of term paper. It is still, however, a really important task that needs to be carried out. Choosing the right storage unit comes down to more than just reading a few yelp reviews. Make sure that you choose a storage facility that has a secure perimeter. This should be one of the first things that you need to look out for. If a storage facility does not have a secure perimeter, and it looks as if anyone can walk in without any hindrances, then you should definitely look somewhere else.
You should also check to make sure that the facility has round the clock surveillance in addition to having guards that are present 24/7. Essentially, you should aim to leave your belongings in the best care possible.
2. Choose A Facility With Adequate Security Lighting
Having a well-lit storage facility goes a really long way in keeping your items secure. Most storage facilities give their clients access to their units at all times of the day, so it is important for your safety, and to your belongings, that you make use of a storage facility that provides adequate security lighting. The benefits of having a well-lit storage facility are endless. It helps to see any suspicious activity in your immediate vicinity, and it also gives surveillance cameras and guards a better chance of spotting anything out of the ordinary.
3. Utilize High Security Locks
High Security Locks
The simple step of choosing the right lock cannot be overstated. On many occasions, the only thing that stands between a burglar and your belongings is a high-security lock. Some storage units will offer to give you padlocks to secure your items as part of the storage plan. However, make sure you research the locks that you are given before you decide to use them. In some cases, you will not be provided with any lock, which might actually be a blessing in disguise. This gives you the opportunity to pick one out for yourself. There are several options available when it comes to choosing the right lock. You can make use of a keyless entry lock, a high-security padlock. I would personally suggest a good disk detainer padlock like the Abloy PL362 or a similar device. These locks are hard to cut, and even harder to pick. A good lock will do wonders for increasing the security of the valuables you have placed in storage.
4. Place High Value Items In The Back
Think of your storage security as a really intense chess match between you and burglars. You want to make it hard for them to win, and to do so, you have to make a good number of moves to protect your king or your queen. It is important to place items that have the highest value (monetary or sentimental) in the back. In the event that a burglar does break into your storage unit, you need to realize that they only have a few minutes available to grab whatever they can and run off. For this reason you should work to make it harder for them to make off with anything that is really valuable. Essentially, use less valuable items as pawns, knights and rooks, and hope that the aforementioned security tips prevent a burglary from even happening.
5. Select A Unit With An Individual Alarm
In a utopian world, you wouldn’t even have to worry about burglars, or keeping your items safe and secure. Unfortunately, the human race has not yet reached that pinnacle of success. So, in addition to some of the tips and tricks listed above, it will come in handy if you choose a storage unit that has an individual alarm. This individual alarm will serve as a final security measure in the event that someone is able to make it into your unit without your permission. Many storage units offer these, all you have to do is ask. On the off chance that they don’t have one, you can request to have your storage unit retrofitted with one.
Conclusion
Storage units come in handy when you need to make extra space and declutter, but it does not mean you want to get rid of your stuff. As such, it is best to make sure that your belongings are always locked away securely even when you are not present to look over them all the time. The simple security tips mentioned above should help you choose the appropriate storage unit that will keep your valuables safe for a very long time.
