One of the reasons people like outdoor storage units is because of the convenience. You are able to park your car in front of the unit, which means items won't need to be carried far to get them in or out of storage. Unfortunately, an outdoor self-storage unit will be more at risk of theft than those that are indoors. Here is how you can make sure that your storage unit is safe around the clock.
Use A Good Lock
When renting a self-storage unit, one of the things you are responsible for is purchasing the unit's lock. With so many options available to you, it's difficult to know which ones are best for security when looking at them on the store shelf. For example, you will want to avoid the many locks that can be cut with bolt cutters removed using a drill.
Two of the best padlocks you can get for security are shrouded or disk locks. A disk lock will be difficult to cut through because of the disc shape, since there are not any straight metal bars that are easy to cut using bolt cutters. A shrouded lock has a steel covering, which makes it difficult to tamper with.
If you can put multiple padlocks on a storage unit, do so. All it will do is add to the time a criminal needs to break into a storage unit, but this may be enough to discourage someone from doing so. Especially if there is another storage unit nearby that has a single lock that is easier to break.
Look For Security Features
It is always a good idea to visit an outdoor self-storage unit during the evening as well as the day so that you are able to look at what kind of lighting the unit has. Ideally, the whole area should be lit so that a potential thief has nowhere to hide, but at the very least, make sure that your unit has adequate lighting at night.
Security cameras are another great security feature. When criminals see security cameras, it will deter them from breaking in. Security cameras will also help catch someone on film if they do break into a storage unit.
A main entrance gate can also help, so that there is a single entrance for people to get in and out of the area. It's even better if the gate requires a security code to get inside.
With these tips in mind, you'll be doing all that you can to make sure your belongings are safe in self storage. Consult with a company like Gray Storage Solutions for more information.
