Is self storage safe

Self storage facilities are safe, they are purpose-built to keep your belongings secure.  While some people may use sheds, garages or even their home to store items, storage facilities use controlled entry, strong doors and have security systems to protect the contents of every unit and its inventory.

For most people, the idea of locking up personal belongings such as family furniture, business tools or sentimental keepsakes and then leaving them in a unit for weeks or months can feel risky; we understand that entirely.

However, the reality is that modern storage facilities in the UK are designed with security at their core. With features like round-the-clock CCTV, secure locks, controlled access and pest management, self-storage units are generally far safer than leaving valuable items in a shed, a garage or the back of a van.

For example, tradespeople who once kept expensive tools in their vans overnight often move them into secure storage because the risk of theft is so much lower. Whereas families who are moving house or renovating often find that their furniture and boxes are actually safer in a modern facility than in a damp attic or spare garage.

Biggest risks when it comes to self-storage

No system or facility is 100% safe from criminal activity, but break-ins are not that common when it comes to secure storage facilities, as they are much easier targets for criminals.

While serious break-ins are rare at reputable companies, it is always worth asking what level of security is in place and whether the units themselves are individually alarmed.

However, there are risks that first-time storage users may not think about.

A leaking roof or a burst pipe in the next unit can damage cardboard boxes and wooden furniture in a matter of hours, and even if nothing dramatic happens, long-term humidity or condensation can quietly ruin clothes, books and photographs. This is why we always recommend checking out your storage facility before signing up for one.

Fire is another risk that is thankfully rare but still possible, so it is reassuring to see smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in a facility.

Pests are another factor to consider. Mice or insects can find their way into units if items are put into storage with food crumbs or damp still on them, so we always advise our customers to clean their items before putting them into storage. Not only does this keep the pests away, but it can minimise your chance of mould in your unit too.

Minimising your risk

To minimise your risk of your items or furniture getting damaged while in storage, we always advise that you clean your items and wrap them in either bubble wrap or use suitable boxes.

Some units you will need to purchase your own locks, so if you do need to buy a lock, go for one that is sturdy.  A disc lock or a closed-shackle padlock is much harder for a thief to cut through than the cheapest brass lock from a supermarket, and it is a one-off expense that adds a real layer of protection. At Pink Storage, you don't need to purchase your own locks as our units are pin-controlled.

You should also arrange your storage unit inside so that air can flow and so that it isn't too crammed inside. This will keep mould from forming and also prevent items from getting damaged if they were to fall over.

Insure your belongings.

While self-storage facilities are safe, even the best security systems and the most careful packing cannot guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong, which is why we always recommend that our customers take out insurance before they move anything into storage.

Most self-storage companies either include a basic level of cover in their rental price or require you to have a policy in place before you can sign the contract. Sometimes they offer their own insurance, other times you are free to shop around with a third-party provider. We always recommend insuring your units, so check with your storage company what their insurance policy is.

When it comes to insurance policies, it is always worth reading the details. Some policies will protect you only against fire and theft, while others will also cover flood, water damage, accidental damage and even loss caused by pests. Be sure to get the policy that protects you and your goods.

If you are storing high-value items such as antiques, specialist equipment or business stock, check that the policy covers the full replacement value and not just a capped amount.

Before you take out a policy, you will need to create an inventory of what you plan to store and keep photographs of the most valuable pieces in your unit. If you ever need to make a claim, being able to show exactly what was in the unit will help with that claim.

For many customers, insurance might feel like an extra cost on top of their monthly rental, but it is a relatively small price for peace of mind, especially if you are keeping possessions that would be expensive or impossible to replace.