The popularity of using self storage units has grown rapidly over the years. But are storage units safe? 

The increase in popularity has been brought about by the fact that more people are renting their homes. In England and Wales, the amount of people renting their homes has more than doubled over the last twenty years. And people are mainly living in privately rented accommodation which increases their mobility, leading more people to use self storage. 

The growth in popularity is also down to the lack of storage within many homes. Within new-build homes only a very small amount of space is allocated as storage space, meaning people are having to find other places to store their belongings. 

The rise in e-commerce has also changed things in the business world. Less and less businesses are renting a brick and mortar shop. Why spend the money when you can do it all online? This is, however, leading people to find storage solutions for their stock. Self storage units are proving to be a brilliant solution.

But, are self storage units safe? Within this article we are going to discuss all the ways in which storage units are indeed safe, detailing all the security features that self storage companies such as Cinch Self Storage have in place. 

Key Features of Safe Storage Units

Within this section we are going to be discussing all the key security features that safe storage units have. 

Robust Physical Security Measures

In all professional self storage facilities you will find that the units are housed with a well-built, robust building. 

Any units that are outside will be well-built and fitted with strong doors and locks. If there are units outside, there should be gates and fencing, to add an extra layer of protection.

With the units that are indoor, you will often find some form of coded access. At our stores, each of our customers is given an unique pin-code which allows them access to their unit, whilst keeping everyone else’s safe and secure. 

Surveillance and Monitoring Systems

Along with the units, building and fencing being well-built, there should also be some form of surveillance and/or monitoring system in place. This will include things like CCTV, alarm systems and onsite staff. 

Within all of our stores, our teams are on hand during office hours. Alongside our team’s watchful eyes, we have 24/7 CCTV surveillance around each of our facilities. Every single one of our storage units is fitted with an intruder alarm which will quickly bring police to the facility, in the highly unlikely event that someone manages to gain unauthorised access to the building and/or storage units. 

Fire Safety and Environmental Controls

In the event of an incident such as a fire, professional self storage companies will have measures in place to protect your unit. This will include things such as fire alarms and sprinkler systems. 

Alongside our intruder alarms, each of our units is equipped with fire and smoke detection systems.

Assessing the Risks: Common Security Threats

Though it is unlikely, if you choose the right self storage company, you have to be aware that there are always potential risks. Using a self storage unit comes with the risk of theft, vandalism and natural disasters, such as fire or flood. 

Facilities lacking robust security systems are more vulnerable to theft and vandalism so, before renting a unit, it is important that you make enquiries about the security in place and ask if there have been any incidents of theft or vandalism. It is important that you pick self storage companies with 24/7 surveillance and alarms. It is also important that you visit your unit often, checking your items, allowing to find any issues quickly. 

Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Maximum Safety

Within this section we are going to talk about the other things to look out for to know that you are picking a reputable company and that their storage units are safe. 

Location & Accessibility

This location of the self storage facility is important and it is a good idea to pick one that is close to the town centre and close to your home. 

It being close to the town centre will add to its safety as there is more likely to be other places of business and more people about. It is important that it is close to your home because this will make it more convenient for you to visit every month or so. These will both increase the safety of your storage unit. 

With all of Cinch Self Storage facilities, we have made sure to choose a space that is not far from the town and surrounding areas because we want our storage units to be as convenient as possible for your customers. 

Reviews and Reputation

Next, do your research into the company. Talk with anyone you know who already rents a unit in the facility. Read online reviews to see what other people have experienced when renting a storage unit within the facility. 

We are very happy to say that we have nearly 1000 reviews and 96% of them are 5*. And any queries we do get, we are quick to rectify. We want each of our customers to have an excellent experience with Cinch Self Storage. 

Insurance Options

To be on the maximum safe side, you may want to consider insurance options. A lot of home insurance does not cover items stored in a self storage unit so you will have to get separate insurance for your unit.

Many self storage companies offer their own insurance cover including us! Our insurance policy will cover you for water leaks, theft by forcible entry, insect damage, fire, flood, explosion, storm, earthquake, amongst others.

Future of Storage Unit Safety

In all professional self storage facilities, there will already be a high level of security but the future is set to bring even higher levels of security.

In the future, self-storage could see a groundbreaking transformation with the integration of biometric security technologies. Biometrics is a system which involves identifying individuals based on unique physical characteristics like fingerprints, iris patterns, or facial recognition and it is now at the forefront of securing personal and valuable items stored away from home. This technology will not only elevate the security standards of self-storage facilities but also adds a layer of ease for the customers.

Are Storage Units Safe?

So, are self storage units safe? 

The answer is yes but you have to make sure to pick the right self storage company that is in a good and convenient location, has good reviews, insurance cover options but, most importantly, is fitted with high-quality security systems. You want to choose a self storage facility that has 24/7 surveillance and alarm systems in place to protect you from every eventuality. 

If you choose right, you will find that self storage units are extremely safe and secure. 

If you would like to know more about our secure self storage units, please click here to find your local store.