Preparing Your Belongings For Self Storage

Posted on: 1 August 2017

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When you place your belongings in self storage, it is important to know what you want from your facility provider, so you can take the steps necessary to properly protect your belongings. For example, consider what type of lock to use and what protection you have against the elements. You can then take steps on your own to make sure your belongings are safe and sound until you can come back to get them out of storage. 

Security Considerations

When you choose a storage locker, you should make sure that the location the locker is in is well lit and that cameras get a good view of the door to the locker. Thieves are more likely to try and exploit dark locations or locations that are out of range of a camera. As for the lock you choose for your locker, you should make sure that the bar on the lock does not extend beyond the holes it must go through to secure the latch on your locker. If the bar does extend beyond the latch, thieves could use bolt cutters to cut the lock. If your locker has an alarm, make sure you set the code to the lock so that even if thieves are able to get into your locker, the alarm will sound and alert authorities so that they can respond quickly. 

Weather Protection

Dust and humidity provide a secondary threat to your belongings. If you have an outdoor storage locker, the roll-up door will typically not keep dust and humidity out of your locker. Thus, you need to take steps to protect your belongings. For example, if you have to contend with dry dusty conditions, placing a sheet of plastic over your belongings will help to keep dust away. On the other hand, if you live in a hot humid area, the plastic will not keep humidity away, but the plastic can create condensation where water condenses on the inside of the plastic and then drips onto your belongings creating water damage. Thus, if you have sensitive equipment, you should look for an indoor, climate-controlled locker. 

Even the best, top-of-the-line storage facility will have limitations. Make sure you ask about theft deterrent measures and weather protection when you look into renting a storage locker. You can then decide what if any steps you need to take to provide for your own security and to protect your belongings from the weather.