No one wants to open their storage unit to find their belongings damaged or missing. Take the following measures to secure your stored valuables.
Choose a Secure Facility
Self-storage facilities have a variety of security measures in place to prevent theft and vandalism to their units. Typical security measures include security fences, restricted access, security alarms, and security cameras, among others. Talk to the facility's management for an overview of the security measures they have in place. Walk away if you are not satisfied.
Use Good Storage Boxes
It is safer to store your valuables in storage boxes instead of throwing them directly into the storage unit. The right boxes will protect your valuables from moisture damage and pest damage, should any of them affect your storage unit. Storage boxes also prevent scratches and dust exposure. Use sturdy boxes with adequate padding so that you can stack the storage boxes safely.
Prevent Moisture Damage
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to stored items. High humidity, leaks, and poor air circulation can all lead to moisture damage. Make sure your valuables go in clean and dry to prevent moisture damage. Organize the storage boxes in a manner that encourages air circulation to prevent moisture accumulation. You can also use desiccant to absorb any moisture that might find their way into the storage unit.
Prevent Pest Infestation
Apart from moisture, pests can also cause serious damage to storage items. Ants, termites, and rodents are some of the common culprits. Luckily, you can prevent pest damage if you don't take any pests to the storage, keep your storage unit dry, and don't store food in your unit. A good storage facility will also assist in pest prevention by keeping their facility clean and tidy.
Choose a Climate-Controlled Unit
To prevent damage related to weather elements, the best thing to do is to choose a climate-controlled unit. This is particularly true if you have sensitive or valuable items that extreme weather might damage. For example, valuable electronics, paintings, or clothing are best kept in storage units with climate control features.
Buy Self-Storage Insurance
Despite your best measures, you cannot be certain that nothing will happen to your stored valuables. Go the extra mile to protect these valuables by buying storage insurance. Note that standard home insurance coverage typically offers only minimal protection to items kept outside the home. A dedicated storage insurance coverage is the only way to ensure you will be fully compensated in case of damage or loss.
