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When you store your belongings at home, a form of ‘indoor storage’, it’s easy to keep your valuable items safe from theft or harm. When you’re not at home, you know you can rely on your locks, and the rest of the time you keep an eye out for trouble. Regrettably, this cannot be said for every self-storage facility. Security is the major concern among storage users. While many reputable self-storage facilities provide peace of mind and security, you must know what to look for to ensure that your belongings and their contents are secure.
No doubt, self-storage facilities are excellent options for temporarily storing your belongings. Some will be pricey, while others will be significant, and yet others will have sentimental worth. This is why picking the correct self-storage facility is so important. Every consumer renting a self-storage facility should have confidence in the security and safety of their items.
At Bellhop, we believe self-storage facilities remain one of the best places you can store your belonging. We believe this because, over the years, we’ve been working with self-storage providers. Our trusted and preferred self-storage partners are spread all over the country and provide top-notch security for customers’ stored belongings. In this article, we take a look at some of the things that influence safety levels at a self-storage facility, tips for protecting your items in storage, and how to choose the right storage facility. But wait, before we dive into this – here’s a guide on how to compare moving company quotes for whenever you’re ready to get your things into storage. Finding a good mover can be just as important for your belongings as a secure storage unit!
Importance of self-storage security
It’s a bad idea to rent a property with a lax security system in place. An unsecured locker without adequate security is too tempting for some thieves, from everyone sharing the same locker key to burglars easily cutting the padlock.
With so many nearby self-storage facilities to choose from, you’ll need to make a more informed decision to preserve your possessions, especially if they’re important. The Internet is a wonderful location to start your search for self-storage facilities in your area. Check out the prices, look at the photographs, and, most importantly, read what customers have to say about the location’s safety and security. Break-in theft reports should be taken seriously since they show a lack of security.
Some of the basic security features a good self-storage facility should have include:
Quality lighting
Proper lighting of self-storage facilities is especially crucial when such facility is open 24 hours a day because it illuminates the surrounding areas and walkways to deter attackers and safeguard both workers and tenants in the dark.
Computer-controlled access
A storage facility should have a computerized gate entry system with a unique code for each renter. This allows the vendor to keep track of who comes and goes from the property to up the level of security.
Individual door locks and alarms
Individual door locks (and security pads) should be installed in each self-storage facility for allsafe self-storage, and each tenant should be given a single key for exclusive use. Individual units should also have an alarm system to alert workers in the event of a break-in. This is important to have a secure storage unit.
Well-maintained property
When selecting a secure storage unit, consider not only the security features but also the property’s maintenance culture and renters policy. This is important to prevent property damage stored. Facilities that are badly maintained or staffed attract thieves more than those that are well-managed, fully staffed, and safe. In addition, the facility should include an intercom system at each locker to give you the access to easily call the site manager if necessary, provide tenant insurance to all clients, and conduct daily inspection checks. A properly-managed facility will ensure things like water damage,
Motion detectors and fully-fenced perimeter
A self-storage facility should have motion detectors installed at strategic places within the facility. The public storage facility should also be fully fenced and access should only be given to authorized people. This gated access will is of utmost importance in ensuring security in the facility.
24/7 surveillance cameras
A public storage facility must have a 24/7 surveillance camera. Be sure to inquire with the facility administrator about the existence of surveillance cameras in place. Cameras and digital surveillance that is digitally stored delivers the finest video quality with the least possibility of coverage lapse.
24/7 on-site management
Because their houses are either on-site or close to the storage facility, some storage facility owners and managers can provide 24/7 surveillance in the spacious property. A storage facility should have a storage manager on duty during all business hours to keep an eye over customers’ properties.
At Bellhop, our self-storage partners have all of the aforementioned security features in their facilities, plus other advanced security features! That’s why we continue to maintain a relationship with them. Our preferred storage providers are equipped with everything needed for safekeeping your belongings in their facility. We work with trusted partners to provide our customers all of the necessary security features to have their properties safe and secure. If you’re looking for a storage unit service provider–either short or long term–Bellhop has got it covered!
Bellhop’s partners maintain all the security measures in their self-storage facilities to give customers peace of mind. And we continue to keep our relationship with our partners because we are confident your belongings–valuable items, archived items, irreplaceable items, delicate items, fragile items, expensive items, are safe and secure in their storage facilities and their hands!
Tips for protecting your valuables in storage units
While the facility must provide you with the greatest security measures, there are a few things you can do as a client to improve the security of your possessions. You can do the following to protect your valuables:
Use the best lock you can
Criminals will often target the easiest, quickest option. For the ordinary burglar, a bolt cutter-resistant lock or a cylindrical lock will be too difficult.
Avoid sharing your code or key with anyone
Unfortunately, theft occurs frequently close to home, and even your closest friends and family members may be the perpetrators. If you don’t completely trust someone, don’t tell them where your storage facility is or what you’re storing.
Purchase insurance
If you keep your belongings in self-storage away from your home, don’t assume that your homeowners’ insurance will cover them. Some storage facilities provide insurance; check with them (and your insurer) to be sure your belongings are adequately protected. Examine the policy carefully to determine what is and is not covered. Check to see if your insurance policy covers the full worth of your assets.
Make a list of your stored items
Keeping an inventory will assist you in keeping track of your belongings. In the event of a break-in, you can supply the insurance provider with a list of stolen things very away. Photographs that are clear and well-lit should be used to back up your inventory.
Don’t store easily-pawned goods
You should never store cash or fine jewelry in a self-storage locker. Not only are they easy to profit for a thief, but they also will probably not be covered by your insurance. Check with your insurer about what highly valuable items will be covered in the storage unit. Cash, jewelry, bonds, and stock certificates should all be stored in a safety deposit box.
Choosing the right self-storage facility
When you don’t have enough space to store your additional valuables, renting a self-storage unit is a great answer. Make sure the unit matches your needs before phoning the facility to rent a self-storage unit.
Here’s how to choose the right self-storage facility:
Understand the facility policies
Some facilities have pre-determined contract terms. Each facility has its own set of rules that prohibit specific objects from being stored in the unit. Follow their guidelines to ensure that your possessions are appropriately protected.
Location
Regardless of how good the offer is, consider the facility’s location. It’s crucial to have convenience, especially if you’ll be visiting the apartment frequently.
Know what to store
Do you intend to keep your furniture, paperwork, antiques, or vehicle in storage? Determine how much space you’ll need for the items you’ll be storing. What you need to store determines the type and size of the storage unit you require.
Unit size
The size of the unit is determined by the number and dimensions of the belongings. Renting a large storage unit will cost you more; yet, renting a tiny storage unit will be inconvenient.
Check reviews
Check out what prior customers have to say about the facility if you want to learn more about it. This will assist you in making a more informed selection while selecting the best self-storage facility.
Bellhop’s self-storage partners: safe and secure place to store your belongings
If you are looking for a safe and secure place to store your important belongings, why not store them with our trusted and preferred partners? Our partners offer you the best value for your money, with state-of-the-art technology and reliable staff to ensure the safety and security of your items 24/7. At Bellhop, our partners will provide you with a smart and secure solution to all your storage needs.
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