Evaluating A Storage Facility For Security

Posted on: 19 June 2018

Finding a storage facility you can trust with your belongings is a confusing and frustrating process if you don't have any previous experience. Thankfully, there are many signs you can look for to determine if a storage facility is secure and your belongings will be safe, including each of the following:

There is a Manager On-site 24/7

Some storage facilities have a manager who lives on-site and some only have staff who work during regular business hours. A location with a live-in manager is always going to be more secure than one without someone watching over the property. When choosing a storage unit, put emphasis on finding a location with a manager who lives on-site.

The Storage Units are Indoors or Secure Behind Locked Fences

When storing your belongings in a rented storage unit, it is always preferable to rent a unit that is located indoors. Indoor storage units have the additional layer of security provided by a locked door. Additionally, if the storage facility uses individual codes or key cards for access, then there will be a record of everyone who has entered the area. This can be very helpful in cases of theft or other mayhem.

If all of the storage facilities in your area only have exterior units, it is important to rent one behind the most secure fence. While all fences are climbable, they prevent theft of large items and act as deterrents for criminals.

The Storage Facility is Well-Lit at Night

Light is kryptonite for thieves. When given a choice between stealing from a well-lit place or one shrouded in darkness, thieves will always opt for the cover of darkness because it lessens their chances of being seen. For this reason, you always want to rent a storage unit in a facility that is well-lit at night.

You should check this by driving around after dark and looking at each of the storage facilities in your area. Think like a criminal and determine which storage facility would be last on your list to steal from, and that is the facility you should use to store your stuff.

All Public Spaces and Each Unit is Monitored with Surveillance Cameras

Finally, since storage units do have periodic issues with theft and other crimes, it is vital any storage facility you consider for storing your belongings has cameras that monitor all public areas as well as each storage unit's individual door. In the unfortunate case of a problem, the images can be reviewed by law enforcement and you will have a lot better chance of catching the perpetrator than if the cameras weren't in place.

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