How to Keep Business Equipment Safe in Storage Units

Self storage is required for the majority of businesses as a way of protecting equipment, stock, and papers from taking up office or warehouse space. You are a small business owner, contractor, or retailer, but renting a business storage unit will help you to streamline and protect your assets. But the safety of your stored items depends on meticulous planning.

The following are the best practices for keeping your business equipment secure in storage units:

Choose a Secure Self Storage Facility

Your business storage security starts with facility choice. Not all self storage facilities are equal, so research and choose one that will meet your security needs.

What to Look for in a Secure Storage Facility:

24/7 Monitoring: A site with CCTV cameras installed dissuades stealing and creates a paper trail.

Locked Access: Secure buildings with limited access, i.e., keypads or keycard entry, repel trespassers.

On-Site Personnel: Having employees on-site provides an added layer of security and keeps suspicious activity in check.

Well-Lit Facilities: Adequate lighting inside and outside the facility adds to security, comfort in surveillance, and less exposure to breaking and entry.

Selecting a facility that comprises these security features ensures that your business property is safe at all times.

Store Sensitive Equipment in Climate-Controlled Storage

When storing electronics, documents, or sensitive materials, consider renting a climate-controlled self storage unit. Long-term exposure to high heat and moisture can ruin sensitive business equipment.

Advantages of Climate-Controlled Storage:

• Avoids computers, printers, and office electronics from heat damage.

• Saves paper documents from yellowing and deterioration.

• Avoids rust or corrosion on metal tools and equipment.

• For businesses that have expensive equipment or sensitive products, climate control is necessary to prolong their lifespan.

Package and Organise Your Equipment in a Planned Manner

Organising and packaging your equipment within the business storage room is crucial in keeping it in shape. Sub-optimal planning will lead to damage, unused space, and not being able to locate important items when you need them.

Tips in Packing Business Equipment:

Use Heavy-Duty Containers and Boxes: Buy heavy-duty storage boxes that are strong in an attempt to protect delicate items from dust, insects, and moisture.

Label Everything Clearly: Label boxes clearly so that you don’t unpack unnecessarily when selecting items.

Use Shelving Units: Avoid having boxes stacked too high by using shelves to keep items within reach to prevent damage.

Stack Heavy Objects at the Bottom: Stack heavy objects at the bottom and light items on top to avoid crushing.

Invest in Quality Locks

All storage facilities do have security measures, but it is always better to place an added measure of security by locking your space with a quality lock. All locks are not created equal as far as security goes, so one must select the correct one.

Quality Locks for Business Storage Units:

Disc Locks: They are resistant to bolt cutters and provide better security than normal padlocks.

Cylinder Locks: They are built into the unit door, and thus they become difficult to tamper with.

Heavy-Duty Padlocks: Employ a padlock constructed of reinforcing steel such that entering is not possible.

Having a safe lock lessens the chances of theft, and you have the confidence that your business machinery is safe.

Insure Your Stored Business Equipment

While a secure building and good locks provide security, insurance gives financial protection against theft, fire, or other unforeseen damage. Most storage facilities have insurance options, but it is also a good idea to see if your business insurance policy includes self storage.

How to Make Sure Your Business Equipment is Insured:

• Call your business insurance company to verify coverage of storage units.

• Maintain a current inventory of everything in storage, along with receipts and photographs.

• You may want to buy additional insurance if storing valuable items such as electronics or machinery.

 Regular Checks on Your Storage Unit

No matter if you are visiting your business storage regularly or not, it is advisable to check it out from time to time. Checking out your unit will keep everything in order and allow you to detect any issues before they become big issues.

When to Check Your Storage Unit:

• At least once a month so things remain undamaged.

• After bad weather so that you can check for damage caused by leaks or freezing.

• If you are notified by the storage unit of safety problems.

• Periodic inspections help you keep your business equipment secure and everything still operational.

Store High-Value Equipment in a Secured Location

If your storage unit is loaded with valuable equipment, do not leave it parked in front of the entrance so that all people entering can spot it when the unit door is open. Leave valuable items towards the back and load the remaining space with other items to serve as a buffer.

You can also buy a portable safe or storage cabinet that can be locked within the unit for added security.

Limit Access to Authorised Personnel Only

For businesses with more than one person accessing the business storage unit, it is important to have good access policies. Giving too many people access can increase the risk of lost or stolen items.

How to Manage Access Effectively:

• Keep a record of who enters and leaves the unit.
• Issue keys or access codes only to reliable staff.
• Change access codes or locks if an employee leaves the company.

Final Thoughts

Keeping business equipment in a self storage facility is an effective way of keeping the organisation and security of your work area intact. Safety, however, requires proper facility choice, proper packing and organising items, secure locks, and regular checks. Following these best practices, your business storage can remain a reliable way of protecting your valuable equipment.