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When putting valuables in self-storage, protection can mean different things. From preventing physical damage to defending against theft, there are steps you can take to help make sure your belongings are secure and remain in good condition. Here, Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage discusses helpful ways to ensure your belongings are safely stowed away.

Pack Wisely and Take Inventory

Whether you’re temporarily storing your belongings during a big move or decluttering your home or office, renting a storage unit can give you the spare square footage you need. When stacking boxes and bins, take care to place heavier items on the bottom, and be sure your towers are stable. This can help prevent breakables from falling and getting damaged.

While loading up your storage unit, you should take note of each item, maintain tidy rows for easy access, and clearly label every box. Keeping an inventory of what’s inside and where it’s located can help you notice when something’s missing and make retrieving specific items later on quicker. Plus, it can also aid in selecting the appropriate size storage space for your needs.

While boxing everything up, keep these helpful packing tips in mind:

• Tuck cherished treasures away in an area that’s difficult to reach.
• Discreetly label bins of jewelry, antiques, and other valuable items.
• Store clothing in a wardrobe with a built-in hanger.
• Label more than one side of each box.
• Clearly mark boxes of breakables as “fragile.”
• Pack books flat to guard against spine damage.
• Fill boxes to capacity to avoid wasting space.
• Use packing paper, peanuts, and bubble wrap for extra support.
• Put pallets down on the floor to help keep boxes away from dirt, dust, and moisture.
• Use watertight bins for an extra defense against potential environmental factors.

Make Security a Priority

Choose a safe, fenced-in facility with a password-protected gate to ensure secure access. A well-lit area helps deter trespassers and makes it easy for 24-hour surveillance to pick up movement or unusual activity. In addition to on-premise security, cybersecurity is just as important. When it comes to paying rent online, ensure the facility uses protected software to help defend against identity theft.

After all your belongings are inside, lock the door with the best lock you can find. Select a tamper-resistant lock with a shorter shackle that’ll be difficult for a criminal to break, and only give trusted friends and family an extra key or the code.

Purchase Self-Storage Insurance

Even under the most secure circumstances, sometimes accidents happen. Say prepared for an unfortunate event with self-storage insurance. Self-storage insurance covers the contents of your unit in the event of theft or damage and can be fairly inexpensive. In selecting a policy, make sure to review it thoroughly to ensure you’re clear on what will and won’t be covered in your particular storage unit. If you’ve kept a careful inventory, estimating the value of what needs to be replaced will be easier if something should happen.

Rent a Storage Unit of Your Own

At Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage, we put security first. Learn more about our facilities in Clifton, New Jersey, and how we help keep your belongings safe. For more information about putting valuables in self-storage or our security practices, get in touch with our office today.