Andre Marques

Self-storage is becoming increasingly popular in Australia with numerous companies opening branches countrywide. But is it a safe place to keep your belongings? 

For many just encountering the industry, the answer isn’t obvious. It seems like it should be safe, but is it?

As you will discover in this post, the answer is complicated. Unfortunately, security levels depend on the self-storage firm you use. Some companies, like Stockade Storage, go the extra mile to protect your items, while others don’t. 

 

Why Some People Worry About Self-Storage Security

Some people worry about self-storage security for several reasons.

Break-Ins

The primary concern is break-ins. Criminals see these facilities as ripe pickings for valuables. 

Most reputable self-storage firms implement strict security measures. However, breaches can still occur. 

Worse still, other customers can carry out thefts. Opportunistic thieves may see a chance to steal items inside a lock-up or return to get them later if they notice anything valuable. 

Limited Insurance

Limited insurance is another concern. Customers sometimes worry they won’t ever recoup their losses if criminals steal their belongings. Liability limits might cap the amount self-storage insurers are willing to pay for lost items. 

Document Storage

Finally, customers sometimes fear keeping sensitive documents on-site when using self-storage facilities. This issue is most concerning for businesses with data protection obligations. 

Security Features You Want At Your Self-Storage Facility

The self-storage industry knows security is a challenge. Because of this, reputable firms don’t take chances. Instead, they put systems in place that make it hard or impossible for thieves to break in. 

Here are some security features you should look for at your self-storage facility. 

A High Fence

First, you want a storage facility with a high fence marking its boundary. These make it more challenging for unauthorised personnel to enter the site. 

Don’t trust storage facilities that dump a load of containers in a field without a proper boundary. These services might be cheap, but they are also insecure. 

For the record, Stockade Storage uses a six-foot steel security fence around its premises. This barrier makes it more challenging for criminals to breach the site and gain access to the storage sheds. 

Continuous CCTV And Security Monitoring

You also want self-storage facilities to have continuous CCTV and security monitoring. Cameras should cover the entire facility (not just the entry points), providing real-time feeds to security teams.

The most advanced CCTV systems have AI-powered motion-detection sensors. These tell the difference between birds landing in facilities’ courtyards and people climbing over walls. 

Stockage Storage operates a robust continuous CCTV security protocol with added monitoring. Video feeds monitor access routes and unit entryways, enabling rapid security responses. 

Unit Alarms

Thirdly, look for self-storage companies offering alarmed units. These add an extra layer of security (similar to a car alarm) that alerts staff during a breach. 

The security alarms your self-storage company uses should be sensitive. Systems must detect various entry attempt types, including door-forcing or cutting through side panels. 

Stockage Storage operates individually alarmed units. These emit sound on a unit-by-unit basis, letting security staff know the precise location of the break-in incident. 

Be wary of self-storage companies claiming to offer alarms. Double-check these alarms are on every unit, not just for the facility as a whole. Criminals may bypass perimeter security measures and have free rein once inside if self-storage firms do not install these security devices. 

Vehicle Lockups

If you want to store vehicles at a self-storage facility, check whether it has dedicated vehicle lock-ups. These are specialist installations that provide additional layers of security to protect cars, motorbikes, vans, RVs, caravans, and motorboats. 

These units often have thicker doors and better ventilation to prevent moisture build-up. Many are also larger, with drive-up access and on-site battery charging available in some instances. In short, these facilities should be heavy-duty, sufficient to protect valuable vehicles from being stolen.

Access Control

Finally, you want to pick a self-storage facility with access control. The compound should only admit customers and staff – no one else. 

Most self-storage facilities have two layers of access control: one at the front reception, and another at the lock-up or unit. Customers must first sign in, writing the date and time of their arrival in a book or logging it on a computer. Then, staff should accompany them to their unit. Once they arrive, they should use a keycard or code to enter their storage lock-up and claim their items.

Self-storage firms that don’t operate procedures like these are taking risks. Property managers and site security teams should know who is on-site at any given time to protect other customers and employees. Keycards and codes should change whenever a new tenant occupies a unit. 

How To Keep Your Belongings Safe When Using Self-Storage Facilities

Besides choosing a self-storage facility with advanced security features, what else can you do to keep your belongings safe when using these services? Here are some ideas:

Use High-Quality Locks

The best self-storage units will offer keycard or code access with locking mechanisms built into the door and frame of the unit. However, if your facility requires you to supply your own locks, choose something sturdy. A disc lock or hasp for your unit can stymie criminals trying to enter. 

Keep An Inventory Of All Your Items

You should also write an inventory of all the items in the lock-up and their values. You can refer to this as evidence after a breach to secure the proper insurance payout. 

Get Personal Insurance

Finally, you might consider purchasing personal insurance if you aren’t happy with the coverage provided by the self-storage company. The added protection gives you peace of mind. 

 

So, How Secure Are Self-Storage Units? 

Self-storage units are as secure as their owners intend them to be. The most secure lock-ups, like Stockade Storage, use several layers of protection to keep your belongings safe. 

Avoid cheap services. While these are inexpensive, cost-cutting measures put your possessions at risk. 

 

What is self-storage? Put simply, self-storage units or lockers are clean, easy-to-secure spaces rented at affordable rates. They can be rented based on size, length of stay, or any unique features you may require, such as outdoor vehicle storage. Read more for an in-depth understanding.

 

Key Takeaway Table

No matter where you live or what kind of business you run, you will need space for general life management. Unfortunately, space is costly, and often comes at a premium. Moreover, securing valuables, arranging your long-term storage in amongst your daily-used items, and keeping track of everything you own, well, it can be a hassle.

This is why self-storage solutions such as those offered by Stockade Storage have become so popular. Services like ours provide a one-stop shop for storing everything you could possibly need, with clean, safe, climate-controlled facilities monitored around the clock. 

We also care about privacy, providing our clients with the principled discretion they deserve when moving personal belongings from place to place. In this post, we’ll discuss what self-storage is, its best uses, and just how such an investment may benefit you personally:

 

Understanding Self Storage

Some choose to leave their items in self-storage overnight (such as when moving house and needing room to hold their belongings before they drive to their new property), or for many years, perhaps holding valuable items of sentimental value in a proven safe space.

Self-storage units are often highly affordable and offer flexible rental terms, with the self-service management ensuring you can come and go at your own pace. They’re also secured 24/7, with security staff, regular patrols, multiple secure locks and surveillance equipment preventing break-ins and thefts.

Types of Self-Storage Units

Not all self-storage units are alike, which offers clients a vast array of options. For example, indoor vs. outdoor sheltered units can provide different features, the former sometimes offering climate control, while the latter may function as exterior, secure units similar to a garage space, where the temperature isn’t controlled.

Drive-up units allow you to park your car near your unit for easier offloading, while interior units are housed within the building and provide even further security. Of course, self-storage units are also categorised by size, as there’s no reason to pay for more space than you need – though remember you’ll require space to come in and out and store items correctly. In some cases, self-storage services offer lockers, which can provide a smaller amount of room but at more affordable rates.

Reasons to Use Self Storage

There are a plethora of reasons to use self-storage measures, and all are as valid as one another.

Some examples include:

 

• Decluttering a home – perhaps when moving or organising the property of a lost loved one.
• Moving house – having a “third place” to store your items can help you save costs on removalist fees, instead of collecting your items as and when you need them.
• Seasonal storage – perhaps you have ski equipment, camera gear you use in the summer, or even too many clothes in your wardrobe – seasonal storage can be ideal for this.
• Storing valuables – as safe as your home is, having a highly secure storage unit filled with valuable and sentimental property can grant you peace of mind.
• Commercial storage – storing assets such as old office furniture can allow you to deal with less-pressing tasks (like selling these assets) later on.

 

Please note that these benefits are just several examples worth, and are in no way an exhaustive list. Every reason that falls within our terms of service is a valid one, and if you have any questions about unique accommodations, please contact us.

Choosing a Self Storage Facility

It may seem as though all self-storage facilities are similar, and that many brands have a similar business model. This is untrue. Depending on the architecture, division, and utility of the space designed, self-storage facilities can differ quite dramatically.

Some may entirely pursue commercial clients, while others may be focused on individuals and residents. Location is by far one of the largest predictors of self-storage use, but if you’re storing your items for a long while, perhaps you don’t mind travelling some way for the best service.

Many self-storage facilities offer 24/7 access, but not all do. Moreover, some may have fewer or more security measures. It’s healthy to look at customer reviews and make your decision from there, or even test your chosen brand with a trial period.

 

Preparing for Self Storage

Few self-storage services will outright instruct you to bring and store your items within certain parameters. But of course, there are certain principles worth following. First, you must check the prohibited items list to avoid running afoul of the rules – any illegal possessions may be grounds to notify the authorities.

However, we’d recommend that you package your items before storage, and you can purchase boxes and other storage materials on-site if needed. Purchasing a little more space than you need can be ideal too, granting you more room to enter, organise, and select your items.

Boxing items can preserve them well, as while all storage units are free from leaks and pests, not all are climate-controlled unless explicitly stated. If you require any advice, please contact us and we’d be happy to help.

Access and Security

Depending on the service, access and security can differ. Almost all self-storage businesses will gain a reputation based on how well items are stored and protected, which is why many hire private or work with in-house security to keep their client’s belongings safe.

Please discuss access and security with staff on your arrival.

 

Contact Stockade Storage for all your Self Storage Solutions today!

Self-storage offers a convenient and secure solution for managing belongings, whether you’re decluttering, moving, or storing seasonal items. Stockade Storage provides clean, safe, and climate-controlled facilities monitored around the clock.

Consider self-storage options tailored to your needs today and experience the flexibility and peace of mind it offers.

Contact Stockade Storage today! Visit our facility, get a quote, and simplify your storage needs with us.