Safety Tips for Self-Storage

When you’re storing your belongings, you want them to be as safe as possible. It’s important to find a storage facility with security measures in place but in reality, security is a team effort. Here are some tips to help ensure your things stay safe while they’re in self-storage.

• Buy the best lock possible. If there is a breach in the security of your storage facility, the thieves will go after cheap locks that are easy to remove. Choose a lock that’s resistant to tampering and bolt cutters, preferably a disk or cylinder lock.
• Know what’s safe to keep in a storage unit. Some items are restricted from a storage unit, like flammable things and food. However, there are other things that common sense dictates you shouldn’t store, like cash and fine jewelry that won’t be covered by insurance in case of a loss. Ask for guidance from the facility’s management as well as your insurance company before storing something questionable.
• Keep an up-to-date inventory list. In the future, you might forget exactly what is in your storage unit and where. Keep a detailed list of what you’re storing, along with clear, well-lit photographs. Update the list if you remove things to keep it accurate, and if there’s ever a theft, you’ll be able to provide details to the insurance company about exactly what was taken.
• Choose an indoor unit for an extra layer of protection. A unit that’s inside a storage building will be better protected than one outside, because the buildings usually require keypad access.
• Don’t share your access card or key. Often, thefts are the result of a friend, family member, or acquaintance accessing your storage unit. Keep the items you’re storing and your access information secret except from those who you trust completely.
• Buy the insurance, even if you’re not required to do so. Some storage facilities require insurance. Even if yours does not, purchasing insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your belongings. Your homeowners or renters policy might cover items in storage; if it doesn’t, you’ll need a storage insurance policy. Review your policy carefully so you’ll understand exactly what is and is not covered.
• Pick the right facility. The best way to keep your things safe is to choose a facility with good security. The facility should have a digital surveillance system that operates 24 hours a day as well as password protected access at the gates and doors. It should also be well-maintained and properly lit, with employees who are well-trained and responsive.

When you’re looking for a safe and secure place to store your belongings, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.