How Secure Are Self Storage Units?

Why Our Storage Facility is the Safest Place to Store Your Belongings

When you decide to place your personal possessions or business inventory into a storage facility, your primary concern is naturally the safety of those items. If you’re moving house or storing commercial stock, you need to be certain that the environment is protected against both humans and the environment. Many people starting their search for a unit will ask, ‘how secure are self storage units’ before they commit to a contract.

We have designed our Peterborough facilities with a security-first mindset. We understand that trust is important for you. This article explores the specific measures we take to ensure your belongings remain in the exact condition you left them in, and you can find more expert tips in our storage advice hub.

At our Peterborough facility, we have open-gate systems with 24/7 digital access control. This ensures that only authorised individuals can enter the perimeter, while high definition CCTV surveillance provides constant visual monitoring of every hallway and entrance. Combining these security protocols ensures your belongings are protected against both external threats and internal environmental damage.

Control and monitoring

The first part of security for any storage facility is how people enter and exit the site. We have moved away from open-gate systems to a digital solution. Our location is locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that the perimeter is always secure, regardless of the time or day. To maintain this high level of security, we use a combination of personalised entry methods and constant visual surveillance.

CCTV coverage

Physical barriers are supported by extensive CCTV surveillance. We use high-definition cameras that monitor key areas of the facility, including entrances, exits, and internal hallways. This constant monitoring acts as a powerful deterrent against criminal activity. In the highly unlikely event of an incident, our recorded footage provides a clear account of all movements within the site, which is key for both internal investigations and police requirements.

Protection from the environment

Security is not only about preventing theft, as it’s also about protecting your items from environmental damage. When considering how secure self storage units are, you should also think about the internal temperature. Items such as wooden furniture and paper documents are sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture.

Temperature control systems

We actively monitor and control the temperature across both of our Peterborough sites. The cold can lead to dampness, while heat can misshape certain materials. Having a stable internal environment will reduce the risk of condensation forming inside your unit. This proactive approach is a part of our commitment to being the safest place for your belongings in Peterborough.

Prevention of mould and rodents

A question we get from new customers is whether storage units are susceptible to mould. While the facility provides a clean and dry environment, the responsibility for how items are packed lies with the user. To ensure your belongings stay in peak condition, we recommend using breathable covers rather than plastic sheeting and ensuring all fabric items are thoroughly clean and dry before they are stored. However, our climate-controlled environment is specifically designed to prevent the conditions where mould would usually grow.

Similarly, customers often ask if storage units are susceptible to rodent damage. We maintain strict pest control protocols and high standards of cleanliness to ensure our buildings remain unattractive to pests. We provide a level of protection that a standard garage or garden shed cannot match.

Insurance and legal responsibility

Even with the best security measures in place, it is important to understand the legal and financial protections available to you. Understanding how secure self storage units are involves knowing who is liable if something unexpected happens.

Are self storage units insured?

A point of confusion is whether the insurance covers your individual belongings. The facility has insurance to protect the building itself, but this does not extend to the contents of your specific unit. It’s a standard requirement in the industry that customers have their own insurance policy in place.

You can often extend your existing home insurance to cover items in storage, or you can take out a specialist policy through a provider that we recommend. Having your own insurance ensures that you’re fully covered for the replacement value of your goods, which is needed when you request a quote for your unit.

Responsibility for damage

Our insurance policy outlines that while we provide a secure and well-maintained space, the insurance policy held by the customer is the primary source of recovery for damages.

Your trusted storage in Peterborough

When you choose self storage in Peterborough with 1st Access, you are choosing a partner that treats your items with the same respect that you do.

If you have further questions regarding the safety of your specific items, our team is always available to discuss the specific features of our units. Knowing how secure self storage units are at our facility allows you to focus on your move or your business, confident that your property is in professional hands.