Can you access your storage unit anytime

One of the more common questions asked when renting a storage unit is whether or not the storage unit can be visited at any time.

The answer to this is determined by the individual storage company that you chose, as their access policies vary from company to company.

There are many storage companies that promote extended access hours in order to make things easier on the customer but some companies cater to security and thus restrict the hours when you may access the unit.

Both types of policies have their advantages and understanding the difference should help you in finding the right solution to your storage needs.

At Pink Storage we do not offer 24 hour access to storage units and there is a very good reason for that. Our goal is to protect your physical property and it is our belief that by not allowing access to the storage unit for customers is one very good way to ensure that the storage area is restricted and thus more securely monitored.

Why Access Hours Vary Between The Various Storage Facilities

Each individual storage company sets its own and different schedule as to when the tenant can access his or her storage unit.

Some allow the tenant to have access 24 hours a day but most of the others set hours within the conventional business hours.

One reason for this difference is COMPANY, SECURITY, STAFFING AND LOCATION.

The effect of 24 access may be convenient to the customer but it presents a greater challenge concerning security.

The simple fact that anyone may enter the site at any time during the night is an opportunity for theft on the unit since vandalism or even unauthorized use may also be successfully carried out.

But for self storage units, limited access means an added level of security, as it allows the storage company to monitor those on site and allow for greater safety of its customers as well as their belongings.

Pink Storage permit access at specific times to ensure everyone who attends the site is either accounted for or can be visually checked in person or on CCTV. This means your self storage unit will be regularly monitored and your stock, equipment or personal possessions are safe from harm.

What Limited Access Will Mean for You

Limited Access does not mean less convenient. In fact this planned access to the site can often lead to better overall security levels, while not restricting potential access for most users.

If you wish to visit your self storage unit, it is best to check the opening and closing hours prior to this so that you know you are visiting the site when access is available, so not to waste a trip.

This time knowledge can save time for planning visits around various activities on moving dates, or work, or for planning around deliveries.

Our staff is available during opening hours to help you, whether it be to gain access to your unit, move things or pick up or deliver goods. Having staff on site means that there is always someone available to keep tabs on activities and report any difficulty that may arise.

Why Some Facilities Offer 24 Hour Access

Some self storage companies advertise 24 hour access as a preferred feature, and this may be an aide to certain users, such as trade people who may need to collect early morning tools and equipment from their storage space, or businesses that store stock for outside normal working hours.

It is essential to recognise that not every storage facility that offers 24 hour access is in fact safe. Storage units which are 24 hour through the use of security barriers and video surveillance rely heavily for protection against crime rather than the staff who may be on site!

Understanding accessibility for differing needs

How much accessibility you need will depend on what you are storing.

Standard opening hours will be enough for personal home usage or a few items being stored for a shorter period. In this case, it is easy to visit the site during the day to collect items such as boxes, furniture or archived paperwork.

In the case of those using storage for business and who keep stock or use the storage for an operational base, often normal business hours work well in these situations too.  However if you need items outside of these business hours then you may benefit from a storage provider that offers 24/7 opening times.

Making the right choice

So can you have your storage unit available to you at any time? This will depend on the individual facility, but at Pink Storage controlled access to the facility is part of the security procedure which allows it to maintain a high safety level for the customers property.

Although we do not have 24/7 access, the open times are suitable for most looking to hire a self storage unit.

When deciding on which storage companies to choose from, be sure to check the opening and closing times to see if they match what you need from your facility.