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  • 05/01/2025
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Missing Items: Is Your Unit Secure Enough?

Whether you need seasonal storage or extra space for large items, storage units are a great way to de-clutter your home without getting rid of your belongings. But don’t just choose any storage unit – you need a secure facility to minimize the chances of break-ins and theft.

At Clifton Rt. 46 Storage, we offer secure self-storage units in Clifton, New Jersey, and we do everything possible to safeguard your items on our premises. Here, we discuss steps to take before you rent a unit, what to do if you notice items are missing, and how to determine where the fault lies in the event of an incident.

What to Look for in a Secure Self-Storage Facility

The best way to assess the security of a storage facility is by requesting a site tour, allowing you to inspect the facility as a whole and each unit individually. On your tour, look for the following:

  • Structural integrity: A storage unit with a leaky roof, buckled walls, or siding cracks may let in water which could damage your possessions. Additionally, a weak roof or cracked walls are possible entry points for a burglar.
  • Security measures: The proper security measures can deter thieves from targeting your belongings. Look for well-lit hallways for indoor units, adequate street lighting for outdoor units, video cameras to monitor activity, and access codes for secure entry.
  • Professional service: Professional and reliable service makes all the difference when issues arise. You want to choose a storage facility run by people you can trust, who are ready to help, and who treat you with respect.

Steps to Take to Protect Your Items

The items in your storage unit are just as important as the ones in your home. Just like you can purchase home or renters’ insurance for the items in your home or apartment, you can purchase storage unit insurance for the belongings stored at a storage facility.

According to Forbes, your business, renters, or home insurance may provide some coverage for your belongings stored off-site, but your policy may cap it at 10%. Therefore, most experts recommend purchasing a separate storage unit policy. A storage unit policy won’t cover wear and tear or damage due to neglect or flooding. However, it will reimburse you for the cash value of missing or stolen items.

To get the most out of your insurance policy, we recommend making a detailed inventory list and labeling each box and shelf. However, instead of labeling each box with its contents, give it a number.  This numbering system hides the contents from anyone who may access your unit and deters theft. You should update your inventory list whenever you remove or add items to your unit, and it should have the following:

  • Clear photos of each item
  • Detailed descriptions
  • The box or shelf number of each item’s location

You should also visit your storage unit regularly to look for any possible signs of an attempted break-in, as well as to examine your belongings.

What to Do if You Notice Missing Items

Even in the most secure storage facilities, items can still be stolen or go missing. If you notice you are missing items, contact the police as soon as possible to report the theft. The sooner you report the theft, the better the outcome, and the higher the chances of recovering your stolen property.

Additionally, filing a police report makes it easier to request reimbursement from your insurance company. Your insurance company may request a description of the missing items, and it may want to talk to the storage unit facility, as well. From there, the police can access the security footage to determine how the break-in occurred.

If an outside door was left open by an employee, or the staff failed to maintain the lighting or security system, the storage facility may be at fault. If so, they may be held liable for your missing items. However, if its procedures were followed correctly, you may not have recourse with the storage facility itself, depending on the language used in your rental agreement.

Securely Store Your Belongings at Clifton Rt. 46 Storage

If you’re looking for a secure self-storage facility in Clifton, New Jersey, consider Clifton Rt. 46 Storage. We are a large, family-owned storage facility with many drive-up units that make it easy to load and unload important items. Our rates are consistent and reliable, and our security measures help us keep your belongings secure and safe. Contact us today to learn more about our different units and renting policies.

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