Fitting It All In: A Blog About Storage

Preventing Damage And Theft In Self-Storage

19 March 2020

Jenny Shaw

Theft and damage are not common in most self-storage facilities. Unfortunately, you cannot be certain that your goods will be safe for the duration of storage if you don't take the necessary measures to protect them. Below are a few measures to help you prevent theft and storage.

Choose a Secure Facility

Few people break into storage facilities, especially if a facility looks secure. Some of the security features to look out for include:

• Surveillance cameras
• Onsite management
• Security alarms
• Fences
• Access controls

The best way to know the security measures in place is to talk to the facility manager.

Use a Strong Lock

Most storage facilities require you to provide your own lock. A good lock should be difficult to break and resistant to all manner of weather elements. At the very least, choose a lock with a short hasp (the U-shaped part of the lock) that burglars can't break easily.

Don't Share Storage Units

Sharing a storage unit lowers storage costs. Unfortunately, the more people have access to a storage unit, the higher the risk of theft. How do you know that your roommate or friend won't take your valuables when they access the unit in your absence?

Consider Climate Control

For sensitive items that weather can damage, climate-controlled storage units will suffice. Sensitive electronics, expensive leather, and artwork are some of the items you should keep in such units. The climate control will prevent damage related to humidity or temperature extremes.

Choose a Clean Facility

Apart from the weather, pests such as rodents can also damage your valuables in storage. Both you and the facility have roles to play in pest infestation prevention. The facility should be clean — pests use bushes to hide, so clearing away such bushes will help.

Clean and Dry Storage Items

Clean and dry your items before packing them for storage. Dirt will attract moisture, moisture will trigger corrosion, and both dirt and moisture will attract pests. Ensure everything, including the packing materials, are clean and dry.

Pack Properly

Choose the right boxes and packing materials for your valuables. The boxes should be sturdy, especially if you plan to stock them. The packing materials should prevent your fragile items from banging against each other during transportation to the storage unit. Use breathable and nonabsorbent materials to keep moisture damage at bay.

Both the storage facility and you have roles to play to keep your items safe. Choose a good facility and take the above precautions to safeguard your items.

To learn more about storage safety, contact company that provides household storage units. 

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