How Secure Are Storage Units? What to Look for in a Facility

Whether you own a small business with products in storage or are a student looking to store your items over summer break, safe storage must be the first thing on your list of essentials. Nobody returns to find missing electronics, ruined furniture, or missing documents.

But the thing is, not all storage units are created equal from a security standpoint. Some offer around-the-clock surveillance, and others are basically a padlocked garage. So, how do you choose wisely?

This guide will walk you through the most critical storage unit amenities to consider so that you can protect what's important and store with confidence.

Why Security Matters for Businesses and Students

Let's be realistic: business owners and students store more than just "stuff." They store assets of value.

Small businesses use storage units to house stock, equipment, or paper records. These types of items are not covered by insurance beyond their home office and therefore could be devastated with one burglary, putting a business back financially a considerable amount of money.

Students depend on storage units to hold laptops, electronics, schoolbooks, dorm room furniture, and even personal documents when transferring schools or taking breaks.

In either case, the financial and emotional stress of a break-in or loss can be significant. Choosing a facility with solid, secure storage alternatives offers peace-of-mind benefits as well as bottom-line benefits.

Basic Storage Unit Security Features

Security begins at the front gate and extends all the way to the unit door. Here's what to look for:

Gated Access

A fence is only the start. Look for units that have electronic keypad entry, where only authorized users receive one-time use access codes. This drastically reduces the risk of intruders who just wander through the property.

Surveillance Cameras

24/7 video monitoring centers not only discourage potential burglars, they help investigators track down any suspicious activity that occurs. Ask if cameras cover all entrances and corridors.

On-Site Management

Having staff on site during business hours is a useful additional layer of security. They can observe what's happening, respond to problems in a hurry, and assist you with any inquiry into your unit.

Unit-level Alarms and Locks

Some high-end properties go one step further with unit-level alarms or the requirement of disc or cylinder locks, which are far less susceptible to tampering than regular padlocks. A bit of an upgrade to the quality of locks will make a big difference.

Climate Control and Indoor Access as Added Protection

While not technically a “security” feature, climate-controlled units provide protection in another form—guarding against temperature swings, humidity, and moisture damage. This is especially crucial if you’re storing:

• Laptops and electronics
• Wooden furniture or instruments
• Documents or paper archives

And don't overlook indoor-access units. These are installed inside a building rather than facing outward, adding another physical barrier between your contents and the outside world. That extra barrier makes them ideal for students and small businesses with valuable or sensitive content.

Optimizing Your Storage Security: Tips to Keep You Safe

Even the most secure facility requires a savvy user. Here's how you can optimize your own storage security:

• Install a high-quality disc or cylinder lock. Locks are harder to cut or break than padlocks.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of everything that you keep. Utilize apps such as Sortly or even a plain spreadsheet.
• Do not label them with the words "iPad" or "inventory" that are so obvious. Instead, use codes or room names.
• Consider storage units insurance. Even though most facilities may have some level of security, unexpected events such as fires and natural disasters can happen. Insurance is an added layer of assurance.

Final Thoughts

If you're a new renter, a college student, or a small business owner, storage security isn't a luxury item—it's a requirement. From gates to climate control, being aware of the key storage unit features can protect you from costly losses and provide you with serious peace of mind.

Before signing on the dotted line, take a tour of the facility. Ask them what their security features are, how far the surveillance cameras cover, and if they have locks that they require. If it does not feel secure, keep searching—your belongings are worth it.

Ready to protect your equipment the smart way?

Go to our Storage facility in Coeur d'Alene to find the best storage unit and make your next storage experience as secure as it is convenient.