Your storage unit is the spot that houses all of that extra stuff—stuff you don’t necessarily need to keep in your home, but definitely want to keep safe and protected. And, while it’s never recommended that you store your valuable, most prized possessions in storage, nobody can blame you for wanting to ensure that your unit is as safe and protected as possible.

However, it’s not something that you can easily keep an eye on 24/7. That “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy is usually reassuring. But, when it comes to your storage unit? Well, it can actually be pretty nerve-wracking.

Don’t get worked up quite yet! There are plenty of measures and precautions you can employ to make sure your unit is protected and your items are safe—even if you can’t keep a constant watchful eye on the space. Here’s what you need to know!

1. Find a Conscientious Manager

An attentive, ethical, and honest storage unit manager can go a long way in calming your fears and easing your nerves. So, make sure that you do your research and ask the right questions in order to find a manager that will truly always have your best interests at heart.

If you need some tips to find a manager that’s worthy of your trust, check out our recent blog posts about what to look for, as well as a few key questions you should ask.

2. Ask About Security Features

From PIN entries and door alarms to security cameras and around the clock security guards, storage unit complexes offer a diverse array of security features. Take note of what ones are available at your particular complex, and then make use of the ones that you think will keep your stuff most protected.

While there are never any guarantees, this amped-up security will definitely help protect your stuff and give you some peace of mind!

3. Pack Smart

Of course, theft isn’t the only thing you need to be conscious of when it comes to keeping your items in a storage unit. You also need to be wary of weather issues and pesky little critters getting into your belongings.

Place some palettes on the floor of your unit so that none of your boxes or possessions need to sit directly on the ground. This will be helpful in case you’re ever faced with flooding or standing water. Also, make sure that you keep your stuff in sturdy, durable plastic bins—rather than flimsy cardboard boxes. Those are too easily destroyed by the elements and unwelcome pests.

4. Avoid Storing Valuables

We’ve mentioned it plenty of times before, but it’s worth driving the point home. The simplest way to make sure that you don’t lose or damage anything of significant value is to not keep it in your storage unit in the first place.

If an item truly means that much to you, you should find the space to keep it in your own home. While there’s plenty you can do to step up the security of your storage unit (and, most often, people don’t have any problems!), you’re always better off safe than sorry.

5. Stop By Frequently

Although you may not have the time to keep a constant watchful eye over your storage unit, that doesn’t mean you should stuff it full of your belongings and then leave it. Plan to stop by every once and a while just to check in and ensure there are no major issues you need to deal with.

It might seem like a bit of a hassle. But, in the event of any sort of problem, you’ll be glad you stuck to that regular schedule of checking in!

For the most part, storage units can be incredibly safe places to store your extra belongings. But, taking extra steps to ensure the safety and protection of your items never hurts. Use these five quick steps, and you’re sure to rest easy knowing your items are well taken care of!

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Kat Boogaard

Kat Boogaard is a Midwest-based freelance writer and blogger who loves lending her voice to a variety of publications and organizations. When she manages to escape from behind her computer screen, she enjoys reading, babying her rescued terrier mutt and obsessively organizing her entire home.

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