Are Storage Units Safe? Get the Answer Here!
You have boxes of family photos. Maybe an old couch from your first apartment. Or that expensive bike you bought but never rode. You need somewhere to put all this stuff, but one big question keeps bothering you: Will my things be safe in a storage unit?
The answer is mostly yes. Most people who rent storage units never have problems. But just like locking your car or your house, you need to know what to check to keep your items safe.
This guide will help you understand how storage units stay secure and what you can do to protect your belongings.
Are Storage Units Safe? Learn About Storage Unit Security
Essential Security Features that Protect Storage Units
The best storage places don’t have only one lock on the door. They have many different ways to ensure security:
Strong Fences and Gates
A good storage place starts with a tall, strong fence around the whole property. This fence should be at least six feet high. Some places put barbed wire on top to make it even harder for thieves to climb over.
The front gate is important too. It should close all the way and lock tightly. When you visit a storage place, watch the gate after you drive through. Does it close behind you? If it stays open or doesn’t close properly, that’s a problem.
The doors on each storage unit should be thick metal. Roll-up doors work better than regular swing doors because they’re harder to pry open.
Access Control Systems
Modern storage places use special systems to track who comes and goes. You might get a key card or a special code to punch into a keypad. These systems write down every time someone enters or leaves the property.
This tracking helps in two ways. First, it keeps out people who don’t belong there. Second, if something does go wrong, the storage place can see exactly who was there and when.
Security Cameras
Good storage places have cameras everywhere. These cameras should be able to see clearly, even at night.
The cameras must cover all the important spots. This means the hallways between units, the areas where you park your car, and any corners where someone might try to hide.
Good Lighting
The lighting should be bright enough that you feel comfortable walking to your unit after dark. If you find yourself looking over your shoulder or feeling nervous because it’s too dark, find a different place.
Some places have motion lights that turn on when you walk by. These lights save energy but still keep the area bright when people are around.
Storage Unit Safety Risks: What Can Go Wrong
Let’s talk about the real risks. Yes, sometimes things go wrong at storage places, but it’s not as common as you might think.
Theft and Break-ins
Thieves usually work in one of two ways. Some rent their own unit first so they can walk around and see what other people are storing. Others break into lots of units very quickly. That’s why good security systems are so necessary.
Water and Fire Damage
Sometimes water can be greatly problematic. This might come from a leaky roof, broken pipes, or flooding. If water gets into your unit, it can ruin everything.
Fire is less common but can be devastating. Once a fire starts in a storage facility, it can spread quickly from unit to unit.
Weather and Pest Problems
If your storage unit gets too hot, too cold, or too humid, it can damage your belongings. Wooden furniture can warp. Electronics can stop working. Important papers can get moldy.
Bugs and rodents can also be present, especially in dirty facilities.
How to Choose the Safest Storage Facility: A Step-by-Step Process
Do Your Homework First
Read online reviews carefully. Don’t stress over one or two bad reviews. Every business gets some complaints. But if you see many people complaining about the same problems, especially security issues, stay away.
You can also call your local police department. They often know which storage places in town have frequent problems.
Make sure the storage place has proper licenses and insurance. Any legitimate business should be happy to show you this paperwork.
Visit at Different Times
Try to visit the storage place at different times of day. A place might look great at two in the afternoon but feel completely different at eight at night.
Look around carefully. Are the lights working? Is the fence in good shape? Is there trash lying around? These details tell you how much the owners care about maintaining the property.
Climate-controlled indoor storage units with features like 24-hour video surveillance, keypad entry, and on-site security are considered the most secure by customers. If security is highly important to you, look for these features.
Ask the Right Questions
Don’t be shy about asking questions about security. How often do they change the access codes? What happens if the cameras break down? How fast can they respond if an alarm goes off?
Ask about their history with break-ins. The storage place might not want to share specific details, but they should be willing to talk about what they do to keep units safe.
Storage Unit Insurance: Insurance for Your Stored Items
Even the safest storage place can’t promise that nothing will ever happen to your items. That’s why insurance is crucial.
Understand Different Coverage Types
The storage facility might offer insurance, but read the details carefully. This insurance often doesn’t cover much and might not pay for expensive items.
You can also buy special storage insurance from other companies. This is made specifically for storage situations and usually gives you better protection.
Learn More About Storage Unit Insurance
Make Smart Insurance Choices
Add up the value of everything you plan to store. Then compare that number to how much insurance would cost.
Take pictures of everything you put in storage. Make a list with descriptions and values. If anything goes wrong, you’ll need this information.
Personal Security Measures: How to Keep Your Items Extra Safe
Pack and Organize Smart
Put your most valuable things toward the back of your storage unit. Keep less expensive items near the front. This makes it harder for thieves to quickly grab your valuable items.
Use good-quality boxes and packing materials. Even in climate-controlled units, proper packing protects your things from temperature changes and humidity.
Learn More About Packing for Long-Term Storage
Choose the Right Lock
The lock you use is one of the most important parts of your storage unit’s security. Avoid cheap combination locks as they’re easier for thieves to break.
Instead, use a strong disc lock or cylinder lock made of hardened steel. These are harder to cut or pick. Keep a spare key in a safe place, and if your lock gets rusty or damaged, replace it right away so your unit always stays secure.
Check on Your Unit Regularly
Visit your storage unit regularly, even if you don't need anything from it. This helps you spot problems early and shows potential thieves that someone is paying attention to the unit.
If you notice any problems with the facility's security or maintenance, tell the management right away. Good facilities want to know about these issues so they can fix them.
Emergency Response Steps: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
If you discover that someone broke into your unit or that your things got damaged, take pictures immediately. Don’t move anything until you’ve documented what happened.
Call the storage facility right away, but also file a police report. This creates an official record that insurance companies need.
Start your insurance claim as soon as possible. Many insurance policies give you only a limited amount of time to file a claim. Keep records of all your conversations with the facility, police, and insurance company.
Conclusion: Yes, Storage Units Are Safe
Storage units can be very safe when you choose carefully and take the right precautions. The key is remembering that keeping your items safe is something you and the storage facility need to work on together.
Get in Touch with Rock Solid Storage for Safe Storage Units in Rockdale, TX and Caldwell, TX
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are storage units safe? Are there any risks?
Storage units are mostly safe, but like anything else, there are some risks. Theft, water leaks, fires, and pests can sometimes happen. The good news is that most storage places use things like cameras, gates with codes, and strong locks to protect your stuff. If you pick a good facility and pack your things properly, you probably won’t have any problems.
2. Is it common for storage units to be broken into?
No, break-ins aren’t very common, especially at well-maintained places with good security. Some thieves do try to break into units, but that’s rare. Facilities with cameras, access control, and on-site staff usually don’t have these issues. Better check reviews and ask questions before choosing a place.
3. Can bugs get into storage units?
Yes, bugs and rodents can get in, especially if the place isn’t clean or sealed well. This is more likely if you store food or things like cardboard boxes that pests love to hide in. To stay safe, pack your items in plastic bins, don’t store food, and choose a storage place with regular pest control.
4. What is illegal to store in a storage unit?
You can’t store dangerous or illegal things. This includes things like fireworks, gasoline, chemicals, stolen items, or anything alive like pets or plants. Most storage places also don’t allow food that can spoil. Check the rules at your facility so you know what’s not allowed. Learn more here.
5. Is it safe to store money in a storage unit?
No, it’s not a good idea. Cash is easy for thieves to take, and most storage insurance doesn’t cover money. If you need to store cash, use a safe deposit box at a bank or a heavy, fireproof safe at home instead.