By Jerry Brown
2/16/16
So you are running out of space for your extra tools, and the wife would really love it if you got your motorcycle out of her gardening shed. You need a self-storage unit! So just go find the cheapest facility, throw a lock on it and be done, right? Not exactly – your tools and bike are worth more than a few bucks, and you wouldn’t want them in a facility that looks inviting to would be criminals, would you? You need to think like a crook, and choose the place that your criminal alter ego would take one look at, and decide to pass by because it is just too risky. So what do you look for? Here are some tips designed to help you find safe self-storage.
Finding Safe Self-Storage
Curb Appeal – A facility that looks clean, with nice signage, that’s well lit and landscaped, sends up red flags for a would be criminal. In his mind, there just has to be an easier gig than this!
Resident Manager – Imagine a burglar pulling up to a facility and seeing a house or apartment adjoining the rental office, an extra mailbox out front, and lights on at night.
Lighting and 24 hour surveillance – Nothing deters a thief more effectively than a well lit area. Combine that with visible security cameras and motion detectors, and you have a safe self-storage area that is just too risky .
Secured Property – Look for a facility that has a heavy duty security gate (yes, believe it or not there are some that don’t) and that can only be accessed with a personalized security code. The property should also be completely fenced in and secure.
Yard support crew / activity – A sense of community and interaction between management and tenants shows the would be crook that this is a place where people look out for each other, and do not turn a blind eye to unusual activity.
So generally speaking, a clean, well kept, well staffed facility is usually a safe facility. If self-storage becomes necessary, and the items that you are storing have value, be it monetary or sentimental, use these tips to help you choose a facility that will put your mind at ease. Your wife will thank you!