Is Self-Storage Safe? What to Look for in a Secure Facility

When choosing a self-storage facility for your belongings, one of the key components you need to analyse — and most people fail to — is the security of the property where your items will be stored. Whilst most people consider cost, location, and ease of access, many assume their property will be safe, which could prove costly.

Whether you are storing furniture during a house move, archiving business documents, or keeping valuable collectables, the importance of security should never be underestimated. After all, if you didn’t particularly care about the items you are placing into storage, why spend the money on a self-storage facility in the first place? The challenge is that, with so many self-storage providers to choose from, how does a non-security expert assess the level of security at each? At Manchester Storage, security has — and always will be — our number one priority. This article provides expert guidance to help you choose a secure self-storage facility.

1. Cutting-Edge Security Systems

The first and most crucial layer of security that any professional and reliable self-storage facility should have is an advanced, hi-tech system that leverages multiple layers of protection. At MCR Storage, for instance, we have 24/7 video surveillance, motion-activated cameras, and digital recording systems. The benefit of this multifaceted approach is that it deters criminal activity and, in the unlikely event of a criminal incident, provides high-quality evidence that can be recovered.

Other key security features include electronic gate access requiring a unique personalised code or key card to operate. This ensures that only authorised staff or customers can access the premises, and allows the company to identify who entered and exited the property, and when.

2. Well-Lit and Properly Monitored Grounds

From both a security perspective and for personal safety, the surrounding area of the self-storage complex and the storage facility itself must be lit and monitored at all times. Many people using self-storage want access outside of office hours — for example, to collect or drop off stock — so it’s vital this can be done safely. Brightly lit buildings and complexes also deter criminals who want to minimise their chances of being caught.

3. High-Quality, Secure Individual Self-Storage Units

Whilst the first line of defence is the overall security of the complex, you should also check the security of the individual units you’ll be hiring. Ideally, your self-storage unit should feature steel walls and doors, as well as cylinder locks, which are much harder to cut than standard padlocks. In many facilities, there are multiple units along a corridor, so you don’t want to rely solely on a basic padlock as your last line of defence.

Although not directly security-related, temperature control is another factor worth considering, depending on what you are storing. Electronics, documents, and antiques, for example, need to be kept within a certain temperature range to prevent damage. An air-conditioned unit maintaining stable humidity and temperature levels can protect your property from heat, cold, or moisture damage. This is often overlooked by customers searching for a storage unit.

4. Controlled Access and Visitor Management

At MCR Storage, we believe access to our facilities should be strictly limited at all times. When evaluating a self-storage facility, ask what measures are in place to ensure access is restricted to those who need to be there. There should be a login system that records access points, times of entry and departure, and the names of all visitors. This should be a non-negotiable requirement, and any hesitation from a provider about such a system should be a red flag. Visitor policies must be clear and enforced. Facilities that track access records can quickly identify and respond to suspicious activity, reducing the risk of theft.

5. Insurance

Even with the best security measures in place, there is always the potential for something to go wrong — whether it’s theft, fire, or another incident. Ensure that whichever facility or company you choose has comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your belongings in the event of damage or loss.

At MCR Storage, we take great pride in the service we provide to our customers. Our commitment to detail and security has been the foundation of our growth, making us one of the leading self-storage providers in the Manchester area.

If you are interested in hiring one of our self-storage units, would like a tour of the facilities, or have any questions about our services, please contact our friendly and professional customer service team on 0800 170 1260. We’ll be happy to assist you.