Choosing a moving company? Make sure their storage facility is safe. This guide shows you what to look for, including fire protection, security,and cleanliness.
When using a “moving company with storage near me“, you need to know your items are secure.
An unsafe facility risks damage, weather exposure, theft, or even fire. But how do you evaluate if a storage site is up to par?
Use this checklist to inspect safety basics across fire, security, cleanliness and the physical building.
See Sufficient Fire Prevention Measures
Fire presents severe threat to possessions in storage. First, tour the entire facility inside and out.
Are functioning smoke alarms and sprinklers placed throughout? These detect and suppress fires. Note that areas should be well-ventilated to dissipate fumes.
Also verify there are cleared perimeters around the grounds. Overgrown brush or wood debris against buildings allow flames to spread rapidly. Make sure the facility has protocols for routine landscaping maintenance.
Finally, ask about fire inspections and alarm testing schedules. Responsible sites comply with codes and inspect systems regularly.
Walk away if anything seems outdated or lacking. Your belongings’ protection depends on it.
Key Signs of Fire Safety:
- Functioning smoke alarms
- Operational sprinklers
- Cleared vegetation
- Routine inspections
Confirm Sufficient Site Security
One of the easiest ways criminals target goods is through poorly secured storage sites. Scrutinize how well the facility restricts unauthorized access.
The entire perimeter should have secure fencing and exterior lighting on motion sensors.
This deters trespassers, especially at night. Gates should remain locked outside business hours with keypad or card access entry only.
Look inside too. Are rental spaces individually locked? What measures prevent renters accessing other units?
Ensure cameras cover driveways, doors, hallways and loading zones to catch suspicious activity. Guards patrolling grounds add another layer of protection.
Finally, check that move-in/move-out procedures verify customer identities and inventory items for extra security.
What to Look for in Security:
- Fenced perimeter with lighting
- Keypad/card access gates
- Individually locked spaces
- Security cameras everywhere
- Guards patrolling grounds
- Strict move procedures
Confirm Clean, Dry Conditions
Dirty, damp spaces also place stored goods at risk mold, mildew, bugs and rodents. First, sniff out musty odors and scan for water stains or leaks on walls or ceilings. Dampness enables mold taking hold.
Next, check for dirt build-up, especially in corners, behind appliances or under shelving. Step outside too assessing litter around grounds which can attract pests.
Open a sampling of storage units as well. Are interiors clean with functioning lights? Any signs of bugs or droppings from mice and rodents? Their damage can be costly.
A facility refusing inspection walk through likely has issues to hide. Protect your possessions by only using clean, maintained sites.
Signs of Clean, Dry Storage Conditions:
- No musty smells
- No leaks, moisture or stains
- No dirt or debris build-up
- No evidence of pests
Assess Structural Condition and Materials
An often overlooked safety aspect is the structural integrity of storage buildings along with resistant materials protecting contents.
Pay attention to signs of wear on structures like cracks in concrete or stucco. Are doors and windows sealed properly?
Damages enable weather or pests entering. Also look at roofing for bald spots allowing leaks.
Venture into some rented spaces. Are walls sturdy with quality insulation? Floors level and free of pits allowing water pooling? Strong structures and finishes prevent damage.
Finally, check if storage aids like shelving have coatings to resist rust from humidity. Also ensure overheads lights are sealed and exterior vents have mesh guards against pests. Little details matter in safeguarding your stored possessions.
What to Look for in Structural Condition:
- No cracks in walls or stucco
- Well-sealed doors and windows
- Intact, weather-proof roofing
- Sturdy, insulated unit walls
- Level, finished concrete floors
- Rust-resistant shelves
- Sealed lights and vents
Making sure a mover’s storage site meets critical safety standards takes an observant eye, but prevents unnecessary risk to your belongings.
Use this four-pronged evaluation covering fire, security, facility condition and cleaning practices when choosing any storage facility. Your peace of mind depends on it!
