This is a collaborative post: The self storage industry is growing. New facilities are popping up across the country on a regular basis – pretty much every town now has at least one. From major nationwide chains to smaller independents, there are plenty of companies involved in the sector nowadays.
The UK Self Storage Association (SSA) estimates that there are now in the region of 2,500 sites active across the country, encompassing 52 million sq ft of rentable space. All this is from an industry that didn’t really get started in the UK until the ‘80s.
But has this rapid expansion of the sector come at a cost to security? Just how important do these businesses think the safety of your items is – and can you trust them to keep your valuables in one piece? Let’s investigate.
Security varies
There’s not a simple answer to this question, unfortunately – because every self storage provider is a little bit different.
There’s not an officially recognised ‘standard’ for a self storage security system, and it’s not a legal requirement for a storage business to have CCTV or on-site security staff in place.
What does this mean for you? Well, although it’s perfectly possible to find a secure storage provider, you may have to shop around a little bit first. Not every storage provider adheres to the same standards, so if security matters to you (as it does to most of us) think carefully about which company you choose.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, either. If it’s not made clear on their website, speak to a member of staff to make sure that the unit you’re paying for is going to be secure – and check reviews to see if any previous customers have experienced problems.
What to look for
If you’re planning on storing expensive, sentimental or confidential items in your unit, it’s likely a simple padlock won’t cut it for you. What you need is a facility with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. With an expansive network of cameras covering every corridor and entrance, anyone who tries to break into your unit will be caught on video – and modern CCTV systems can capture pretty clear images.
Not only does CCTV act as a deterrent to criminals, but if someone does decide to make a brazen attempt to steal your stuff, they’ll be caught on video. This dramatically increases the likelihood of them getting caught after the fact – and of your items being returned.
How to enhance security
Besides choosing secure, CCTV-monitored premises, there are a few things you can do once you have your unit to keep it secure. First, make sure you buy a heavy duty padlock; most storage companies don’t provide one to you anyway, so you might as well invest a little more money and get a beefy one!
We’d also recommend taking out a suitable insurance policy, just in case. However unlikely a break-in may be, it’s always good to have a little extra peace of mind – and if the worst does happen, you’ll be glad you did it.
As you can tell, they are a secure method of storing your valuables, whether you’re a family looking to save space in their home, moving to a new house or preparing for a life event. If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to store belongings, then look no further than a self storage provider.