Introduction
When it comes to storing valuable and fragile items, it’s crucial to ensure they are stored safely to prevent damage or theft. Storage units provide a practical solution to this problem, but it’s important to choose the right unit and practice safe storage techniques. In this article, we’ll go over the various factors to consider when choosing a storage unit, best practices for safe storage, and specific considerations for fragile and valuable items.
Choosing the Right Storage Unit
Not all storage units are created equal. It’s important to consider the location, size, security, and climate control of a unit before deciding to rent it.
Location: The location of your storage unit is a crucial factor to consider. Choosing a unit that’s easily accessible and located near your home or workplace can save you time and hassle. At Worth Storage, we offer storage units at two convenient locations in Australia: one in Newcastle and one in Central Coast. Both locations offer easy access and convenient amenities, making them the perfect choice for storing your valuable and fragile items. If you need to access your items frequently, choosing a unit at a nearby location can save you time and money on transportation.
Read more: How to Safely Store Valuables
Size: The size of the unit you choose will depend on the number of items you need to store. Make sure you choose a unit that’s large enough to accommodate all of your items, but not so large that you’re paying for space you don’t need.
Security: The security of your storage unit is of utmost importance. You want to choose a unit that’s equipped with security features such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and alarms. These features will help deter theft and keep your items safe.
Climate control: If you’re storing fragile items, you’ll want to choose a unit that’s climate-controlled. Climate-controlled units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which can help prevent damage to your items.
Types of Storage Units
There are various types of storage units to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are three common types of storage units:
Self-storage: Self-storage units are the most common type of storage unit. They’re usually located in commercial buildings and are accessible 24/7. Self-storage units come in a variety of sizes and are typically the most affordable option.
Climate-controlled storage: Climate-controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, making them ideal for storing fragile and valuable items. These units are more expensive than self-storage units but provide an added level of protection.
Specialty storage: Specialty storage units are designed to meet specific storage needs. For example, some facilities offer document storage, wine storage, or vehicle storage. These units are often more expensive than traditional storage units but can provide added security and convenience.
Preparing for Safe Storage
Before storing your items in a storage unit, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure they remain safe and secure.
Sorting and organizing items: Before packing your items, it’s important to sort and organize them. This will help you keep track of what you’re storing and make it easier to access items when you need them.
Packing materials: When it comes to packing your items, it’s important to use high-quality packing materials. Here are some essential packing materials you’ll need:
- Boxes: Use sturdy boxes that are the appropriate size for your items. Avoid overfilling boxes, as this can make them difficult to move and increase the risk of damage.
- Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is an excellent way to protect fragile items. Wrap fragile items individually and use plenty of bubble wrap to cushion them.
- Packing peanuts: Packing peanuts can be used to fill any empty spaces in your boxes, helping to prevent your items from shifting during transit.
- Tape: Use high-quality tape to secure your boxes and ensure they remain closed during transit.
- Labels: Label each box with its contents to make it easier to find what you’re looking for later.
Protective padding: For fragile items, it’s important to use protective padding to prevent damage during transit and storage. You can use a variety of materials to provide padding, such as packing paper, foam, or blankets. Place padding around the item and make sure it’s secure before placing it in a box or storage container.
Insurance: While you can take steps to prevent damage to your items, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to consider insurance when storing valuable items. Some storage facilities offer insurance as an add-on service, or you can purchase a separate policy through a third-party provider.
Best Practices for Safe Storage
In addition to choosing the right storage unit and properly preparing your items, there are several best practices to follow to ensure safe storage.
Inventory management: Keeping track of what’s in your storage unit is important for several reasons. First, it can help prevent loss or theft by making it easier to identify missing items. Second, it can help you keep track of what you have stored and where it’s located. Consider creating an inventory list that includes a description of each item and its location in the storage unit.
Temperature control: Temperature control is especially important for items that are sensitive to temperature changes. Items such as electronics, antiques, and artwork can be damaged if exposed to extreme heat or cold. If you’re storing these types of items, make sure the storage unit is equipped with temperature control features.
Humidity control: Humidity can also be a problem for certain items. High humidity levels can cause items such as paper, books, and clothing to become moldy or damaged. Make sure the storage unit is equipped with humidity control features, such as dehumidifiers, if you’re storing these types of items.
Access control: Access control is an important security feature that can help prevent theft or damage to your items. Some storage facilities use access control systems such as key cards or passcodes to limit access to the storage unit. Make sure you choose a facility that uses access control systems to ensure the safety of your items.
Security measures: In addition to access control, it’s important to choose a storage facility that’s equipped with other security measures such as surveillance cameras and alarms. These features can help deter theft and ensure the safety of your items.
At Worth Storage, we understand that the security of your storage unit is a top priority. That’s why we take extensive measures to ensure the safety of your valuable and fragile items. Our storage facilities are equipped with a range of security features to provide you with peace of mind.
- Surveillance cameras: Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance cameras that record 24/7. These cameras provide us with a clear view of the entire facility and can help deter theft or identify any suspicious activity.
- Access control systems: We use access control systems to limit access to our storage units. Only authorized individuals with a unique passcode or key card can access our facilities. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only you have access to your storage unit.
- Alarms: Our facilities are equipped with alarm systems that are monitored 24/7. If an alarm is triggered, our staff is immediately alerted and can respond quickly to investigate any potential security breaches.
- Lighting: We ensure that our facilities are well-lit to provide a safe and secure environment for our customers. Adequate lighting can help deter theft and ensure that our facilities are easily accessible and safe to navigate.
- Fencing and gates: Our facilities are surrounded by secure fencing and gated entry points. This provides an additional layer of security and ensures that only authorized individuals can enter our facilities.
Specific Considerations for Fragile and Valuable Items
Certain types of items require special attention when it comes to storage. Here are some specific considerations for fragile and valuable items:
Artwork storage: Artwork should be stored in a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage from fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Use acid-free materials to protect the artwork from damage, and consider using a professional art storage facility for valuable or irreplaceable pieces.
Electronics storage: Electronics should be stored in a dry, climate-controlled unit to prevent damage from moisture or temperature fluctuations. Consider removing batteries from devices to prevent corrosion and damage.
Document storage: Important documents should be stored in a secure, climate-controlled unit to prevent damage from humidity, pests, or theft. Use acid-free folders and boxes to protect the documents from damage, and consider making digital copies as a backup.
Specialty storage: If you’re storing specialty items such as wine, vehicles, or musical instruments, make sure to choose a storage facility that specializes in these types of storage. These facilities may offer specialized storage features, such as temperature-controlled wine cellars or vehicle storage with maintenance services.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a storage unit, the size is an important factor to consider. At Worth Storage, we offer a variety of storage unit sizes to accommodate your unique needs. Our units range from small, closet-sized units to larger units that can fit the contents of a whole house. It’s important to choose a unit that’s large enough to accommodate all of your items, but not so large that you’re paying for space you don’t need. Our friendly staff can help you choose the right unit size based on the number of items you need to store. This way, you can ensure that your valuable and fragile items are stored safely without paying for unnecessary space.