Choosing a safe storage unit

Storage units can be a great way to store excess items if you are down-sizing and help reduce clutter in your home. There are a lot of storage options out there and picking the one best for you can be challenging. There are different factors that come into play when choosing a storage unit - location, price and size.
 

Regardless of whether you already have a storage unit or whether you are looking for self-storage options, safety should be in the first place for you. So here are some things to consider when picking the right storage unit for your needs.
 

Choose a unit with an alarm system
The best way to protect your storage from theft or robbery is to find the unit that comes with the alarm system. This is the best way to deter and scare anyone away who was thinking of breaking in. Some facilities provide individual door alarms for each unit. And some of these units have the ability to view real-time alarm and unit status using apps.
 

There are also locks that you can put on your unit to set alerts and prevent access. Also there are wireless signaling technologies that can provide you real-time communication with your storage facility so that's something you can inquire about.
 

Find a unit that is well lit
When looking at storage units you should consider one with good lighting. Bright light is important because it makes the unit less easy to access for someone who is not supposed to be there. It will also help you out if you ever have to go to your unit when it's dark out.
 

Look into gated storage facilities
You should always look for storage units that have private access. Typically you have to have a specific pin/password, security card or the staff will personally let you into the facility. This is a way that storage facilities can know exactly how many people are on the property at any given time.
 

Look for storage facility with a strong/tall fence

A high-quality fence is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect storage. So it is important that you have it. You should look for objects with things such as sliding gates, swing gates, and vertical swing gates, although the site design should determine which ones are installed.
 

Make sure you meet the facility management before making a decision
The management at your storage facility can be just as essential as choosing the correct unit. You want to make sure that there is round-the-clock management and that the whole property is being surveilled. Another reason this is good is because you want to make sure that you have a reliable team that you can rely on if anything were to happen.
 

You should also ask the facility’s management in advance about their rules, as there might be some things you can’t keep in your storage unit. Knowing these rules, you will have a better chance to make your storage unit safe.
 

Document everything to in your storage unit
This is very important when you are packing things into your storage unit. Sometimes families can leave belongings in units for years without re-visiting them - as you can imagine it can be hard to remember everything after that long of a time. With a list you will be able to know what exactly is in there if you ever need to get anything out and also keep track.
 

Know about the insurance that is offered at your storage facility
Before choosing a storage unit, you should familiarize yourself with their insurance policies for losses at the facility. What is their policy regarding fires, thefts and other losses? You should also call your insurance agent to find out what your personal homeowner or tenant insurance policy covers. By learning these issues, you will be better protected if anything happens.
 

Do your research
Storage units aren't all the same and some are better than others, as with everything. The only way to find out all the details is by doing your own research and looking into all the options that you have.
Also, you can ask to facility if they have any promotions or specials that you may qualify for in order to save some money!

When picking a storage unit it's important to be thorough with your research and ask as many questions as you feel you need to. Don't make a hasty decision because you are going to fill your unit with your precious belongings.
 

If you ever need us or have questions call us at (866) 295-7772 or inquire about an upcoming move on our website! www.expressmoveconsultants.com