Leaving your belongings in a storage centre is an act of trust that they'll be well protected. Are storage centres or mini-warehouses safe for your stuff?
When entrusting your property to a storage company, it’s normal to expect that security measures will be taken to ensure nothing gets stolen or damaged by fire. In reality, theft and fire are the two biggest risks associated with storage centres. What measures should you expect your storage centre to take?
Security measures
Some companies won’t skimp on security because they know it’s their customer’s main priority. Examples of security measures for storage centres, also known as mini-warehouses, include:
- High fences (sometimes barbed)
- Motion detectors
- Identity verification for each visitor (some places even take photos of license plates)
- A register to record the entry and exit of each visitor, either manually or through a system of magnetic cards
- Indoor and outdoor cameras for each unit
- Security guards on the premises at all times
- Individual units that are fenced and locked with a key
- Extensive sprinkler system
- Security alarm connected to a central system with individual alarms for each unit
- Access to the unit using a personal identification number (PIN)
- Outdoor lighting at all times
- Heat detectors
- Firewalls
- Warehouses constructed entirely of steel or concrete
- Intercoms in the corridors to contact personnel
Of course, not all storage centers offer these kinds of security services. Some options, such as an individual alarm system for your unit, can come at an additional fee. The safer and more secure the storage the center is, the more expensive the rates will be.
Insurance
Despite even the best security measures, no one can 100 per cent guarantee the exclusion of loss or damage. For this reason that you should always insure your stored goods. Most storages centres require proof of insurance. Others will offer coverage through their own insurer.
- It may be that your insurance can cover your property for a certain amount of time at no extra cost. However in most cases, you’ll be required to make a change to your homeowner’s policy.
Shop around and ask questions
There are a lot of storage centres, so take the time to do your research and don’t hesitate to ask questions regarding security services.
- Choose a well-established warehouse with good security, one that answers your questions frankly and honestly.
In a nutshell, the risks of loss and damage are mitigated by the security measures in place. Now that you know everything that can be done to protect your property, it will be easier to make an informed choice when renting a storage facility.
