Spring is a time for renewing and refreshing. That is why many people choose spring as the time to clean and declutter their homes. Many items can be donated to charity or pitched into the trash or recycling bin. However, some items just have too much sentimental or useful value to donate or discard.
Self-storage can be the answer for keeping those items, but not having them constantly taking up valuable space in your home. Self-storage is a $40 billion industry in the U.S., with occupants in one in every 10 households nationwide renting a self-storage unit.1 Whether the items in your storage unit have actual or sentimental value, it’s important to make sure that the lock you use to secure your storage unit will prevent theft of those items.
Locksmiths offer good advice when it comes to security, including storage units.
Keep reading to find out how to optimize the security on your storage unit so that your belongings stay safe and dry.
Tip #1: Check with the storage facility for their lock requirements.
Contact the storage facility to see what type of lock they allow. Most storage units will allow either a padlock or a disc lock and won’t allow you to place a cylinder lock on a storage unit. Most people are familiar with a padlock, as they are the most common type of lock. Students use a Master Lock padlock-type lock with a combination to secure their lockers.
Basically, a padlock has a shackle (a rounded piece of metal) that is passed through an opening, like the round hole on a locker door handle, and then secured back into the lock to prevent access. A disc lock is a more modern-looking lock which is most commonly used to secure motorcycles and scooters by being placed through a motorcycle or scooter’s brake disc.
As the name implies, a disc lock is rounded in shape and has a locking pin at the top which can secure an object similar to how a padlock works. The disc shape makes the lock more secure than a padlock because it only has a small opening in the shackle.
The third type of lock, a cylinder lock, uses a cylindrical mechanism that is opened with a key that, when inserted into the lock, causes pins in the cylinder to line up to open the lock. Cylinder locks can be quickly rekeyed and reconfigured into several different locking mechanism types, but they are also prone to being opened by an experienced thief using a bump key or lock picking tools.
Tip #2: If you are storing valuables, make an investment in your lock.
We always want to get a “best” buy on an item. Locks for storage units start at around $10.00 online. You need to consider what you are putting in your storage unit before you purchase a lock. If it is mostly clothing or household goods that can easily be replaced, spending a lot of money on a lock may not make much sense. If however, as is the case with most self-storage situations, you are storing sentimental items or items of some value, investing in a good quality lock makes sense. Experts recommend that you spend anywhere from $40 to $200.2
Tip #3: When buying a lock look for one of high quality.
Evaluating the quality of a lock can get complicated. A locksmith can provide you with the best advice. They will know which locks types are more prone to being vandalized. They will also recommend a lock with a thick lock body and a thick shackle, which is the U-shaped loop of metal that opens up to lock and unlock the lock. For added protection they will recommend that the shackle be encased, shrouded or hidden completely to better deter a thief.
The type of metal most desired for a lock cylinder is hardened steel which makes the lock resistant to cutting, drilling and picking.3 If the items in your storage locker are extremely valuable, you’ll want a heavy-duty lock, but you also don’t want the lock to look expensive, advertising to thieves that the contents inside your storage unit are worth stealing.
Tip #4: Make sure the lock you buy is weather resistant.
If the door to your storage unit is accessed from outside, as many are, you need to make sure that the lock you buy is weather resistant. Look for the words “waterproof” or “outdoor” or “weather-resistant” when searching for the right lock.
Tip #5: Don’t just rely on the lock on your storage unit to thwart thieves.
When selecting a storage facility, it is also important to consider the type of security the facility provides. Basic security amenities offered by the facility should include good exterior and interior lighting and limited access to the facility, whether that is gated access, where you have to use a security card or passcode to enter, or on-site management that oversees access to the facility.4 Some facilities also offer advanced security features including video surveillance, a manager that lives on-site and units that have alarms to prevent break-in attempts.5
Locksmiths know security, so if you have questions contact a trusted local locksmith for advice. Action Locksmith in Michigan is a family-owned locksmith business that has been providing residential and commercial locksmith services for over 30 years. We have experience in all areas of locksmithing, not just emergency lock out service, and can help with your security needs. Whether you need new locks and doors, a camera security system, or need to bring your business up to code, we’ve got you covered.
Call and speak to one of our trusted locksmiths today!