Wait a minute . . . aren’t all of your belongings protected in a self storage unit? Isn’t that one of the reasons why you rent storage units, for the protection they offer?
Yes and no, and we will unravel this riddle in this article. We are Mouser Self Storage, serving South Fort Worth, Alvarado, and Johnson County with affordable self storage solutions. Call us at 682-800-3949 for more information about storage solutions and current prices.
Self storage means secure self storage, right?
We are about to let you in on an industry secret, so pay attention.
Not all self-storage is secure self storage! We hate to be the ones to burst your “trust” bubble, but it’s the truth, and we really wish it was common knowledge.
For a self storage unit to be completely secure, the storage company must offer four levels of security:
- Fenced perimeter with only one access gate for ingress and egress.
- On-site management
- Video surveillance covering the entire property.
- Computerized, individualized access keys to main gate and individual storage units.
Anything less in a self storage unit really cannot be considered safe and secure from vandalism, theft, and the bad moods of Mother Nature. Many storage places will advertise secure storage solutions when, in fact, they fall short, and as a customer you need to be aware of that.
Having said that, even if you do find secure self-storage, you still need to take certain steps for further protection of your belongings.
Steps you can take for protection in a self storage unit.
The most common mistake made by people who rent storage is not packing their belongings properly. You need strong, sturdy boxes. You need packing supplies like bubble wrap for fragile items. You need to stack things properly. These are simple steps you can take to make sure you are not the reason why damage occurred while your things are in storage.
Secondly, beware of insects and rodents. We would love to be able to tell you that insects and rodents are not found in storage spaces but that would not be true. If you are going to be storing items for a long period of time, invest in some insect and rodent traps and space them liberally around your storage unit.
Finally, beware of extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures. The chemical effects of extreme temperatures, plus humidity, can damage your items in a matter of months. If you have valuables, like paintings or electronics, which can possibly be damaged by cold or hot temps, invest in a climate control unit. Yes, it will cost you more money, but it will also ensure that your items are not damaged by Mother Nature when she’s having a bad mood.
One added step to take.
And, finally, we have one more piece of advice: invest in rental insurance. It is usually available at the storage company; if not, check with your insurance agent. Renter’s insurance is extremely inexpensive considering it provides peace of mind no matter what kind of bad luck is heading your way.
A final word about Mouser Self Storage.
Mouser Self Storage and our sister company, Blue Mound 287 Self Storage, are locally owned and operated. Call us today and ask us about the many types of storage solutions we offer, including car insurance, RV self storage, boat storage units, small hobby shops, and storage for your household possessions.