Moving your belongings into storage is one thing — keeping them safe is another. Florida’s climate, along with occasional break-ins at less-secure facilities, makes it important to take security seriously. The right combination of facility choice, locks, and packing strategies ensures your items stay protected, giving you peace of mind.
1. Choose a Facility with Strong Security Measures
Not all storage facilities are created equal. Look for:
-
24/7 surveillance cameras covering entrances, exits, and interior hallways.
-
Gated access with personalized codes or keycards.
-
On-site management during business hours and clear policies for after-hours access.
-
Lighting in all outdoor areas — well-lit facilities deter unwanted visitors.
Even a few extra security features can drastically reduce risk.
2. Invest in Quality Locks
Your lock is your first line of defense:
-
Disc locks or cylinder locks are stronger and harder to cut than standard padlocks.
-
Avoid cheap combination locks — they can be picked easily.
-
Lock everything consistently. If you have multiple doors or cabinets inside the unit, lock each one.
3. Protect Against Environmental Risks
Security isn’t just about theft — Florida’s humidity and storms can damage belongings too:
-
Use moisture absorbers or desiccant packs in boxes and bins.
-
Lift items off the floor on pallets to avoid water damage during minor floods.
-
Keep electronics and sensitive materials in plastic bins or sealed containers.
4. Organize Your Unit Smartly
How you arrange your items can make them more secure:
-
Don’t block access to doors or walls where staff or emergency responders might need to get through.
-
Group valuable items together and place them deeper inside the unit, behind bulkier, less valuable items.
-
Label boxes clearly so you know what’s inside without digging — reduces handling and accidental damage.
5. Consider Insurance Options
Even with top-notch facility security, accidents can happen:
-
Check your homeowners or renters insurance — many policies cover off-site storage.
-
Facility-provided insurance can be purchased for high-value items if needed.
-
Third-party insurance providers may offer more comprehensive coverage at competitive rates.
6. Keep Access Limited
Control who can get into your unit:
-
Only share access with trusted family or friends.
-
If using a shared unit, agree on rules for who can remove or add items.
-
Never leave keys or access codes in obvious or unsecured locations.
Keeping your storage unit secure is a combination of choosing the right facility, locking effectively, organizing thoughtfully, and protecting against environmental risks. A little effort upfront ensures your belongings remain safe, giving you confidence that your items are well cared for until you need them again.
Stor-Rite Self Storage | Cape Coral Fl.
Public Storage | Cape Coral
Storage Mart in Wesley Chapel, FL
