When selecting a storage unit, we know safety is at the top of everyone’s list. We get it. Trusting your belongings to us – for however long or short a time – means you want to know they are being protected. We want you to feel confident about renting a storage space with us, so we’ve compiled five self storage safety tips.
Keep a record of your belongings
Make a list of everything inside your storage unit. Include the serial numbers of your electronic equipment and record the value of each item. Not only will this keep you organized, but it will also serve as an essential part of an insurance claim against theft, fire, or damage. We’d even recommend going the extra step and making a map of your storage unit (here are some great tips on mapping!).
Be smart about the way you organize your belongings. Store your most valuable items in the back of your unit. Don’t put collectibles in boxes with obvious labels. Should an intruder break into the unit, they will take what they can see and then leave quickly. They will search for easy-to-grab, valuable items near the door. Keep less valuable things close to the door as a way of keeping the valuable stuff out of sight. Cover things like flat-screen TVs with a sheet or blanket and lay them flat, so it looks like a box or table.
Home Depot has some great shelving and cabinets designed to keep your stuff organized inside your storage unit.
Pick a highly protected storage facility
Keeping your belongings protected is our highest priority at TMS Self Storage. We have instituted a variety of safety measures to protect your items.
- As the first layer of safety, we have high-tech security and surveillance systems. If an intruder were to enter, we will have video footage to help with identification.
- We have electronically controlled gate access and an enclosed perimeter to ensure that our tenants can get in, but others cannot.
- We have on-site professional management, which means our managers live onsite. With a manager onsite around-the-clock, intruders will be deterred, decreasing the likelihood of a break-in. It also means our manager can quickly call the police in an emergency situation.
- We have a great security lighting system in place with motion sensor lighting.
Invest in a good lock
Go the extra mile and put a strong lock on your storage unit. While we offer our tenants high levels of security, it’s important to take your own precautions as well. Disc or cylinder locks are especially strong (Amazon sells some great ones!). Want to shop locally? We sell heavy-duty padlocks in our management office. Chat with our staff about the best lock for your unit. Still looking for lock tips? Check out this lock blog to read about the 10 best storage locks.
Keep environmental protection in mind
It’s important to not only protect your belongings from intruders but also from weather-related disasters and temperature changes. That’s why, here at TMS Self-Storage, we offer climate controlled storage spaces to preserve the quality and value of your belongings. Our storage units maintain a consistent, year-round temperature to eliminate temperature fluctuations and give you peace of mind. This will protect your belongings from the damaging effects of mold, mildew, rust, and even rodents. Here are some tips on preparing your items for storage.
As an additional benefit, our units have insulated ceilings and intercoms to our office.
Be wise and follow these self storage safety tips
Don’t share your key or access code with anyone. Use caution when allowing someone into your storage unit, unless you know they can be trusted. Your belongings have value. Don’t give the wrong person access to them.
When you leave your unit, make sure the door is closed all the way and securely locked.
At TMS Self Storage, we believe in going the extra mile for our clients. We want you to feel comfortable renting with us and we hope our self storage safety tips help you breathe a sigh of relief. If you’re ready to put your belongings in storage, check out our Ways to Save page to read about the discounts we offer. Call us today at 940.648.5000 to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable associates to learn how you can rent one of our secure storage spaces!