Taking The Guesswork Out Of Storage

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Keep An Eye Out For The Right Storage Features

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When shopping for a storage unit, what do you need? Are you storing old clothing, new clothing, electronics, furniture, or paperwork? Is it a mixture of all of those items and more? Every item has a set of requirements that may be similar to other items, and a few storage unit details can help you figure out which features are important for different belongings.

Climate Control Options

Some items need to stay dry. Others need to avoid reaching high temperatures, and many items are better off with less dust. Climate control covers all of these issues and more.

First, climate control maintains the temperature. A basic air conditioning system may be common in most modern buildings, but it's not guaranteed for your storage unit. The business office may have air conditioning, but make sure that your storage unit has a working vent.

Climate control also manages dust buildup. A filter needs to be installed and checked on a regular basis to make sure that dust isn't collecting at dangerous levels. This is mostly an issue with electronics, as dust can cause sparks or small fires if the electronics aren't dismantled and cleaned. To avoid a lot of that work, ask to see the filter and check on your belongings every few months for cleanliness.

Finally, humidity management is another part of many climate control systems. Air conditioning systems remove humidity from the air as another part of the cooling process, and dehumidifiers can be added to some storage units that have power outlets for customers.

Security Options For Storage Units

Depending on how valuable your objects are, your storage unit may be an increased risk of theft. Although anything can be stolen, it's more likely that thieves with a full storage facility to pick through will leave basic items such as old clothing and go for electronics or jewelry. You can size your security needs to fit your budget or concern level.

The most basic security option is having an indoor facility. Having a building that contains multiple storage units is safer than an outdoor facility except for in the most professional outdoor facilities with perimeter fences and other security features. Walls and a door will make it harder to sneak in unseen, and harder to leave without showing off what's being stolen.

The next tier involves security cameras. Cameras are both a deterrent and a way of gathering evidence, but make sure that your facility's cameras aren't fake. Some facilities install broken, gutted, or mock cameras as a deterrent-only solution, so be sure to stand in front of the cameras at a specific date and time, then ask to see that time's footage to confirm performance.

Finally, security personnel is one of the higher tiers of security in most cases. Security personnel need to be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or at least present during night hours when most customers and staff members aren't present.

Contact a storage unit facility like Northwest Self Storage to discuss other features available.


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