Checklist for Choosing a Self-Storage Facility

Posted by Basona Debi on March 17th, 2021

When placing valuable possessions in a self-storage facility, you want to be sure that your belongings will be secure in your rented storage locker, and that the storage unit company is concerned about the personal safety of its tenants, also. Before choosing a self-storage facility, use this checklist to assure yourself that the mornington peninsula storage unit facility has adequate security features.

Visit the facility yourself and take a look around the grounds. If you are unable to make a personal visit to the self-storage facility, call the manager and get the answers to these important questions:

What kind of security system is installed?

Is there 24-hour camera or DVR surveillance throughout the facility?

Does a security guard patrol the site after hours?

Does a security fence surround the self-storage facility, and does it have an electronically locked gate that requires a pass code from tenants to gain access?

Are the facilities well-designed and cared for?

Are the grounds clean and well-maintained?

Most self-storage lockers have garage-type overhead doors that are secured with a padlock. Are the doors of individual units easy to open and close?

Is the personal safety of the tenants taken into consideration?

Are grounds well-lit at night?

Do individual units have lights inside?

Fences surrounding the facility grounds should be intact and in good condition.

Shrubbery and trees near the fence should be trimmed and maintained so they don't provide a hiding place for intruders.

Are there other large buildings outside the fence that could disguise intruders?

Are individual units secure?

Are smoke alarms and sprinkler systems in place?

Do the buildings have seamless roofs, downspouts, and gutters that will protect your belongings from rain?

Self-storage facility employees should never have access to your unit, except in case of emergency. Don't allow the facility to supply their own lock. Supply your own padlock to ensure you are the only one with a key to your unit.

Most facilities offer locks for sale. Choose a high-quality, round lock that can't be cut off easily.

Brick-walled units offer additional security. The walls of sheet-metal units can be easily cut through with the right tools.

Is insurance available, and will it cover the full value of the contents of your self-storage locker?

What are the limits on available insurance? Few self-storage facilities include insurance in the rental fee, but many will provide insurance for an additional fee. The basic insurance that is offered by a self-storage facility will seldom cover the full value of your contents, however.

Check with your insurance agent to see if your policy covers household goods that are kept in a self-storage facility. You may need to purchase additional insurance, but the contents can be insured for their full value.

Keep a list and photographs (or video evidence) of what your storage unit contains.

Security isn't the only issue you need to be concerned about when choosing a self-storage facility. A convenient location, after-hours access, and rental fees are also important features to keep in mind. When you're not convinced that your belongings will be secure at the facility you are considering, it's time to do some more research, call other facilities, and find one that provides personal safety for tenants and adequate security for your valuable possessions.