It is amazing to think how much the world of self storage facilities has evolved over the years. It wasn't that long ago that most storage companies weren't even worth using. They wouldn't alarm individual units or have security gates surrounding the facility,. Today, most self storage companies offer a wider range of security options to people looking to rent a public mini storage unit. It is still up to the individual, however, to ask the right questions.
When you go to visit all of the public storage units that you are considering using, you need to bring along a list of vitally important questions to ask. Each place will probably be forthcoming about what security features they offer, but many individuals don't realize that if a particular place doesn't want to spend the extra money on a particular feature, they likely won't tell you what they don't have to offer.
Public storage units might have the following security options:
- Individually alarmed units
- Several security cameras placed in ideal locations
- Resident managers to help deal with problems as they occur
- Personalized security codes to give you exclusive access
- Computer controlled gate systems so only those who have units have access to the facility
- Sprinkler systems to protect your belongings in case of fire
You deserve as much protection as you can get with public self storage, but you will have to ask about the company's features up front before you sign any type of contract.
We all define secure public storage differently. In the past, secure was defined by simply having a padlock on a door at a local facility. Today, secure public storage means having a proactive company behind you taking extra steps to safeguard your belongings. Having individually alarmed units is a step that most self storage facilities haven't taken yet, although the ones that have generally rank the highest in customer satisfaction and the lowest when it comes to crime rates. Before you agree to have your belongings kept in a local self storage facility, make sure they take proactive steps to keep your belongings safe.
