If you have more possessions than places to put them, keeping your things secure in a rented storage unit is often a convenient solution. However, it’s important to make sure that your belongings will be not just secure but easily accessible. Security measures vary according to geographic location, facility policy and cost, so here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right kind of storage for you.
Facility Hours
For security purposes, the majority of self-storage properties have set hours during which renters can enter the property and access their storage unit. The property’s security system will prevent you from entering the property other than during these hours. If your schedule is different than the hours the storage facility is open, storage may become more of a headache than a help. Be sure to know up front what times and days you will be allowed to access your belongings. Merthyr Self Storage’s hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm, with the weekend being 8:30am to 6:00pm. Although there are 24 hour patrolling security officers and a site administrator that will be able to grant you access 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
In some cases, you can rent a storage unit with 24-hour access for an increased fee – but not with Merthyr Self Storage; with us all of our costs are laid out before we start the contract.
Locks & Security Systems
Although no security system is totally foolproof, there are security features that the facility should have to make sure both you and your stored items are as safe as possible:
- When possible, choose a property that is completely fenced in. It should also be well lit. This is especially important if you will be accessing your storage unit when it’s dark, or at times when no managers are on duty.
- We have a manned, 24/7 guarded gate that allows access, so you can rest safely in the knowledge that the people through it are the ones that are authorised to use or access your unit. When you sign-up a contract with us we will ask you for the vehicle registrations that will commonly be accessing the site. But don’t fret if someone else brings you or you have a new vehicle, you’ll have your own unique password that is on file too.
- Finally, there should be at least one video surveillance camera at the main gate. Some storage facilities have video cameras – sometimes as many as 15 or more – at other spots around the site, too. Merthyr Self Storage’s cameras total almost 20 at various locations throughout the site – they can’t all be listed because of the issue of security, but rest assured that they are there, and they are monitored 24/7.
Manager on Duty
If you’re storing your belongings at a facility in a major city or town, ask the storage manager if the property is a “lock-down facility.” This means that a manager will be present whenever you have access to your storage, adding another level of security for you and your belongings. During opening hours a Manager will always be available at Merthyr Self Storage.
Deliveries
If you’re a business owner, and will need to have deliveries accepted at the self-storage unit, there are several additional questions you should ask before renting a storage unit:
- Can the storage facility accept deliveries on your behalf? YES.
- Are deliveries limited to specific times and days? NO.
- If deliveries are accepted, can they be delivered right to your storage unit? YES.
- If they can be delivered right to your storage unit, what is the maximum size of the delivery trucks that can enter the property and drive up to your unit? Depending on where your unit is. There is no limit to the trucks that can enter the property though.
- Does the property manager need to be present or can the delivery be made without the manager there? There will always be an authorised, trusted staff member to take your delivery in the absence of a Manager.
The peace of mind that comes from secured storage is an important benefit for both individuals and business owners, but security policies can become a hassle if you don’t know what you’re signing up for. Take the extra step to investigate the security options available at the storage facility of your choosing, and maximize the convenience of your storage solution.
