During moments of change, such as moving, downsizing, or decluttering, it’s important to prioritise the safety of your valuables when seeking storage solutions. Self storage units offer a secure way to store your treasures, and taking proactive steps to protect them is crucial.
Here are 10 ways to safeguard your valuables in self storage.
Choose the Right Self Storage Facility
The first step in protecting your valuables is selecting a reputable storage facility. This is what to look for.
Security Features
Opt for facilities with robust security measures such as 24/7 surveillance cameras, secure access codes, well-lit premises, and on-site security personnel.
Climate Control
Climate-controlled units prevent damage from extreme temperatures and humidity for sensitive items like electronics, documents, and antiques.
Reputation
Read reviews and ask for recommendations. A facility with positive feedback and a solid reputation is likely to be reliable.
Pack Smart
Proper packing is crucial in protecting your valuables. Here are some general guidelines for you to follow.
Quality Packing Materials
Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and packing tape. Avoid using flimsy or second-hand materials.
Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents. This makes it easier to find items and ensures you handle fragile items with care.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Avoid overpacking boxes. Distribute weight evenly to prevent boxes from collapsing or becoming difficult to move.
Use Protective Covers and Containers
Here are some extra precautions to take for those particularly valuable or fragile items.
Furniture Covers
Use protective covers for furniture to prevent dust and scratches. Moving blankets or padded covers are excellent choices.
Plastic Bins
Use airtight plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for documents, photographs, and smaller valuable items. This provides better protection against moisture or pests.
Create an Inventory
Keeping an inventory of stored items helps in several ways:
Documentation
An inventory list is invaluable for insurance purposes. It provides proof of what’s in your unit in case of theft or damage.
Organisation
It helps you keep track of what you’ve stored and where it’s located, saving time when you need to retrieve something.
Peace of Mind
Knowing exactly what’s in your storage unit can help reduce anxiety about the safety of your valuables.
Insure Your Valuables
Even with the best precautions, unforeseen events can happen. Insurance provides a safety net.
Storage Insurance
Many storage facilities offer insurance plans specifically designed for stored items. These plans typically cover theft, fire, and other damages.
Homeowners Insurance
Check if your homeowners or renters insurance policy extends to items in storage. If not, you may be able to add a rider to cover these belongings.
Pack Your Self Storage Unit Strategically
How you organise your storage unit can affect the safety of your items.
Heavy Items on the Bottom
Place heavier items on the bottom to prevent them from crushing lighter, more delicate items.
Pathways
Leave pathways between boxes and furniture. This allows for easy access and reduces the risk of accidentally damaging items while navigating the unit.
Frequently Used Items
Place items you may need to access often near the front of the unit.
Avoid Storing Perishables and Hazardous Material
Follow these protocols to ensure that your storage unit remains clean and safe.
Perishables
Do not store food, plants, or any perishable items. These can attract pests and cause unpleasant odours.
Hazardous Materials
Avoid storing flammable, explosive, or toxic materials. These pose significant safety risks and are often prohibited by storage facilities
Maintain a Clean Unit
Keeping your storage unit clean can prevent damage and ensure the longevity of your items:
Regular Visits
Visit your storage unit periodically to check on your items and ensure everything is in good condition.
Pest Control
Take preventative measures against pests by using mothballs, cedar blocks, or pest repellents. Some facilities offer pest control services, so inquire about this when choosing a storage unit.
Moisture Control
Use desiccants or moisture absorbers to prevent mould and mildew, especially in non-climate-controlled units.
Secure Your Self Storage Unit
Physical security is paramount in safeguarding your valuables.
Quality Locks
Invest in a high-quality lock. Disc locks or cylinder locks are more secure than standard padlocks and harder for thieves to cut or break.
Double-Check Doors
Always ensure the unit door is properly closed and locked before leaving the facility.
Personal Codes
If the facility uses access codes, ensure your code is unique and not easily guessable. Avoid sharing it with anyone not authorized to access your unit.
Consider Additional Security Measures
Additional security measures may be worth the investment for those with extremely valuable items.
Alarms
Some storage facilities offer units with individual alarms that notify staff if unauthorized access is detected.
Personal Monitoring Devices
Consider placing a personal security camera inside your unit. While this may not be feasible in all facilities, it can provide an extra layer of security.
Storing your valuables in a self storage unit nearby requires thoughtful planning and proactive measures. You can ensure your treasured possessions remain safe and intact by choosing the right facility, packing smart, using protective covers, maintaining an inventory, insuring your items, and organising your unit strategically.
Remember, a little extra effort and investment in the right materials and practices can protect your valuables, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your storage solution.
Whether you’re storing family heirlooms, important documents, or cherished keepsakes, following these tips will help you safeguard your treasures effectively.
Stop & Store Penrith: Secure Self Storage Nearby
Whether you’re storing family heirlooms, important documents, or cherished keepsakes, following these tips will help you safeguard your treasures effectively. Choosing Stop & Store Penrith as your storage facility will ensure that your precious belongings are kept safe for as long as needed.
- Our storage units are inside a secure building within a fenced yard, constructed of steel, and monitored 24/7 by CCTV cameras.
- The units are fully galvanized and insulated with a thermal liner to maintain an ambient temperature for your storage.
- Renting a self storage unit in Penrith is simple. After providing your information, we’ll email you the contract to sign online. Once signed, we’ll process payment and send you access instructions. Our contracts are month-to-month.
Find us at https://www.stopandstore.co.uk/penrith-storage/
Or call us on 01768 800291.