If you’re looking for a place to store your personal belongings, important documents, or excess inventory, self storage facilities can be a great solution. However, it’s crucial to prioritise the safety and security of your items while they’re in the self storage. Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or just need extra space, here are some helpful tips to keep your assets safe:
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Choose the Right Self Storage Facility
This is the first step in ensuring the safety of your belongings. Keep the following factors in mind when making your choice of self storage facility.
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Location of the Facility
Is the facility conveniently located and easily accessible for you?
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Reputation of the Storage Facility
Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. You want to choose a facility with a good reputation for safety and cleanliness.
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Security Features of the Self Storage Facility
Check out the facility’s security features and ensure they include surveillance cameras, alarms, access control systems, and on-site staff.
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Lighting
Security starts with visibility. Opt for a storage unit located in a well-lit area, especially if you anticipate needing access during evening hours. Adequate lighting discourages criminal activity.
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Security Cameras
Modern self storage facilities should be equipped with surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the property. These cameras act as both a deterrent and a means to monitor activity on the premises.
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Alarms
Intruder alarms will provide an extra layer of security. If someone tries to tamper with your unit, the alarm will sound.
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Limited Access Hours
Choose a storage facility with limited access hours. Restricting access to specific times reduces the likelihood of theft or vandalism during off-hours.
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Organise and Label Your Belongings
Proper organisation and labeling are important to keep your belongings safe and accessible.
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Create an Inventory
Make a detailed list of all the items you intend to store during packing. This will help you keep track of what is in your unit. Take photographs of valuable items, note serial numbers, and describe them accurately. This documentation will be essential for any insurance claims in case of theft or damage.
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Label Boxes Clearly
Label each box with its contents and the room of origin. This will make it easy to locate a specific item if needed later.
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Pack Your Unit Strategically
When packing your items, place the most valuable and irreplaceable items towards the back of the unit. This makes it harder for thieves to quickly locate and steal your prized possessions.
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Use Quality Packing Materials for Storage
Invest in high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings from damage.
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Use Sturdy Boxes
Wrapping your belongings and packing them in strong boxes will go a long way to keeping them safe in storage. New boxes can be stacked and shifted around without collapsing.
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Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper
Wrapping fragile items in these materials will prevent breakages.
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Furniture Covers
Covering your furniture will protect it against damage from dust, scratches, and dents.
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Mattress and Soft Furnishing Covers
These will keep your mattresses and upholstered furniture clean and dust-free.
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Secure Valuables Separately in Self Storage
Certain items such as important documents, jewellery, and expensive electronics should be stored separately in a deposit box at your bank, or a home safe. Important documents like passports, birth certificates, and financial records will be safe if they are stored in a fireproof box.
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Take Security Precautions
Once your belongings are in storage there are additional steps to take to ensure that they are safe.
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Lock Your Unit Properly
Invest in a high-quality lock that’s resistant to picking, cutting, or drilling. A sturdy lock adds an extra layer of security to your storage unit. Avoid using cheap padlocks, as they can be easily compromised.
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Check the Facility’s Security Measures
Ensure that the security measures such as surveillance cameras, lights, and secure access points are well maintained.
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Avoid Sharing Access Codes
Don’t share your gate access code or your keys with anyone who doesn’t need access to your unit.
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Be Discreet
Don’t discuss the contents of your storage unit with anyone except trusted individuals. Loose talk can inadvertently reveal the presence of your valuable items to potential thieves.
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Visit the Self Storage Facility Periodically
Regular visits to your self storage unit will help you check on its security measures and will allow you to keep an eye on the condition of your belongings.
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Inspect for Damage or Theft
Check your belongings for any signs of damage from pests, or to make sure that nothing is missing from your unit. Report any issues to the facility management immediately.
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Report Suspicious Activity
If you notice anything unusual or suspicious at the storage facility, report it to the management and, if necessary, to the local authorities.
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Keep the Storage Unit Clean
Give your unit a quick dust and clean during your visit.
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Pay Your Rent on Time
Avoiding late payments will prevent your goods from being seized or auctioned off.
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Insurance Coverage of Self Storage
Insurance coverage is essential for added protection. It provides financial protection in case of unexpected events.
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Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance
Some policies may cover items in storage units, so it is worth checking with your insurance provider.
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Other Insurance
Many facilities offer insurance options specifically designed for storage units, so it may be worth choosing one of these if it suits your needs.
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If you’re planning to store your valuable items, it’s important to take security seriously. To keep your belongings safe from theft or damage, it’s recommended to choose a secure facility and use the right locks. By being proactive and staying vigilant about security, you can have peace of mind while using self storage facilities. So, keep these tips in mind to make sure your valuable items are well-protected!
Stop & Store Lowestoft Self Storage Facility
Rest assured that our self storage facility is not only equipped with top-notch security measures but has a professional team in place to ensure the safety of your precious belongings.