How To Keep Your Belongings Safe While in Storage

Whether you need to take advantage of short term storage unit during a move or long term storage solution when downsizing to a smaller house, you want to know your belongings are safe while in storage. Follow these tips to avoid theft, damage, and other problems.

Choose a Safe, Secure Storage Facility in Washington DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland

As a customer, the possibility of theft is always top of mind when storing possessions, which is why security should always come first. In order to minimize the chance of theft, choose a self storage facility that implements multi tiered security.

Georgetown Moving and Storage Company employs the latest security features, such as:

• Top notch surveillance cameras
• High end alarm systems
• Advanced fire safety technology
• … and much more

To ensure the most coverage, it is advisable to have 24 hour digitally stored video surveillance. This system offers the greatest video quality and significantly decreases the risk of missing critical moments. Cameras should not only be placed at the main entrance, but instead, throughout the entire facility.

Moreover, additional security is provided by keeping non tenants out through uniquely coded keypads. This, as well as the other measures outlined, help assuage any concerns you have when utilizing storage services.

Best Practices for Employee Access and Key Management

Apart from the advanced security systems, a significant consideration is how employees manage access to the storage units. Employees should not retain a key to your secure storage unit unless permission is given. This guarantees that access to your belongings is solely in your control.

Staff need to ensure that physical checks in your unit are done on a daily basis to verify that it is securely locked. They need to report any problems like an unsecured unit immediately. This preventative practice protects the condition of your unit and assures the safety of your belongings.

Having selected a facility that has great security measures in place and stringent employee guidelines, you can rest easy knowing your valuables are taken care of. Since the warehouse manager is the sole accessioioner of the facility, your valuables are always safe from potential theft.

Choose Climate Controlled Storage Unit When Possible

Materiel Storage facilities how ever arenot conditioned and the elements can be harsh to stored belongings. Self storage units or student storage are subjected to damages from external climate conditions including but not limited to, the fluctuation of hot and cold which can eventually disastrous on delicate items whereas high sticker level of moisture humidity attributable to deep breathing may create mold and rust.

The more moisture that is present, even without flooding or heavy rains, can pose as a risk for mildews or molds to occur. Any unit that does not have air conditioning or any form of climate control is much more prone to mold accumulations. Without addressing these problems, one risks sustaining severe damage to their property, so climate control should be taken seriously.

The climate controlled unit is different from the rest. Your possessions are stored away in self contained storage rooms with temperature and humidity controls as well as anti rust technology. This environment not only protects against rust, but also prevents mold and mildew from developing, thus protecting your belongings from harm.

Climate controlled storage unit with Georgetown Moving and Storage Company looks different. Our enclosed storage facilities have temperature and humidity controls to protect your items.

Find Out if You’re Insured

In case of loss, theft, or damage of property, insurance comes in handy. Verify whether off site items are included in your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If they are not, have peace of mind with the knowledge that Georgetown Moving and Storage Company guarantees coverage of your belongings while you store them with us. This ensures you are protected in the the very unlikely event of theft or damage.

It is essential to the importance of insurance when it comes to your stored items. Most storage units have disclaimers about neither damage or loss. Personally, insurance may be necessary. Some facilities offer tenant insurance, which may not be as good compared to other places.

Here’s how to ensure your items are protected:

• Consult your insurance company to see whether your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers off premise personal belongings in order to review existing policies.
• If your existing policy lacks coverage for self storage unit or if further protection is necessary, contact an independent insurer for additional coverage. These independent agents will help you secure policies which contain essential coverages concerning theft, fire, and other natural disasters.
• Know the Different Types of Policies: Distinguish between actual cash value policies and replacement cost policies. Actual cash value pays for damages subject to depreciation, whereas replacement cost policies pay for the wholesale value of the possessions that were damaged. Analyze which is the most appropriate for you in order to obtain adequate coverage.
• Further Risks: Specify what incidents are covered. Certain exposures, such as floods, earthquakes, or mold, may require you to buy supplemental coverage.

Finally, be mindful of sentimental items. Insurance can’t replace the emotional value of photographs or memorabilia, so consider storing such irreplaceable items elsewhere.

Pack Small Items in Boxes

To reduce the likelihood of breakage when packing items for storage unit, wrap loose pieces in protective covering and place them in boxes. For the most efficient stacking, choose one or two box sizes. In addition, fill each box to capacity so that crushed bottom boxes and shifting top boxes are not an issue.

Prepare Furniture & Appliances Properly

Put some fabric and wrappings around wooden and upholstered furniture for adequate protection. Stack mirrors with cardboard lined picture frames on top of each other to protect the frames from getting damaged. To deter insects, clean and dry appliances before placing them into self storage unit. Refrigerators and freezers should be kept slightly opened to prevent the formation of molds.

Keep a Record of Stored Items

If you have ever put things in storage container before, you know how easy it is to lose track of those items. To prevent forgetting what you held onto and what you put in storage unit, write down what you place in boxes and load into your storage unit.

To make the process easier, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company offers an inventory sheet for insurance claims purposes – to guarantee that you do not forget what you are storing with us.

Maintaining an accurate log as well as taking unobstructed photos of your stored possessions is immensely helpful while dealing with insurance claims. This is why:

The Importance of Inventory

• Comprehensive Record Keeping: Each individual item that is being stored is documented so that there exists reference. In case a claim needs to be processed, you’ll have a list that verifies what was in self storage unit.
• Simplified Insurance Process: An inventory can profoundly speed up the claims process. The presence of strong documentation enables insurers to act promptly, causing a decrease in the endless communication that typically accompanies such claims.

The Power of Photography

• Visual Evidence: Photographs act as powerful evidence for the existing condition and whereabouts of your personal items. A properly lit, high quality picture guarantees no argument about the state of the item prior to the event is possible.
• Photos aid in the proper description of specifics such as make, model, and state of preservation, which in turn, assists in providing accurate quality estimates. This will help dispense just payments in a timely manner.

Basically, pairing a thorough listing of items with photographic evidence serves as an insurance policy in and of itself. This approach protects your claims procedure against obstacles, ultimately guaranteeing that you are compensated in a timely manner.

Keep Up With Storage Payments

Like with rent and mortgage payments, you must pay your monthly storage service payment if you wish to have guaranteed security over your belongings.

Compared to other providers around Washington, DC, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company is more affordable which makes payments easier to keep up with. The most effective way to avoid forgetting payment dates is by automatically charging your credit card.

How to Securely Store Valuable Items Which Can’t Be Replaced

This sentence explains the procedure to protect and guarantee the safety of unique valuables. It relays that careful scrutiny is essential toward the method of storing valuables. One must keep in mind their preservation as a priority consideration.

Evaluate Sentimental Value vs. Insurance Coverage

• Sentimental Value: As mentioned, sentimental value exceeds the monetary assessment. It is priceless and cannot be covered by any insurance policy.
• Limitations of Insurance: Understand that insurance will pay for the replacement cost, but not for what emotional value associated with it.

Choose Secure Storage Solutions Options

• Home Saftes: Store your valuables in a high quality fireproof safe and keep your belongings secured and within reach.
• Safety Deposit Boxes: For extra security, look into renting a safety deposit box at a bank you trust. Make sure the bank adequately protects the box.

Environmental Considerations

• Climate Control: Utilize climate control equipment to mitigate damage incurred from temperature and humidity extremities.
• Protection from Disasters: Select an area with a low probability of being impacted by a natural catastrophe such as a fire or flood.

Inventory and Documentation

• Updated Inventory: Maintain an itemized inventory which includes photographs and written descriptions of each item of value.
• Appropriate Notarization: Ensure that all items have supporting documents such as appraisals and certificates of authenticity.

Accessibility and Security of Storage Solution

• Access Control: Restrict access to these valuables only to the most trustworthy personnel.
• Regular Checks: Conduct periodic checks on the items to monitor their preservation state.

Taking everything into account will help ensure that your invaluable properties are thoroughly safeguarded and secured.

Understanding Insurance Coverage: The Difference Between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost

Understanding the distinctions between actual cash value (ACV) policies and replacement cost policies is important when selecting an insurance policy. Each of these options informs how your claims will be managed in the event of an item’s destruction or loss.

Actual Cash Value Policies:

• Depreciation Considered: ACV policies focus on what your property is worth rather than what you originally purchased it for because it has depreciated over time. Therefore, the payout is based on the market value not the purchase price. 
• Lower Premiums: Policies with these features pay out less tend to be less expensive.

Such a policy would work best if you want to lower your insurance premium and are willing to accept a reduced payout for depreciation on older items.

Replacement Cost Policies:

• Full Replacement: These policies ensure reimbursement for the entire cost for replacing your items as they do take any depreciation into account, ensuring that you can buy a similar item of the same kind and quality.
• Higher Premiums: The risk taken by the insurer is covered under comprehensive insurance at a higher cost than regular insurance, thus increasing the price of the premium.

This option is best suited for those whose primary concern is recovering their items to their pre loss state.

To summarize, the key difference is in how much payment will be made and in what form. Evaluate your requirements and budgetary constraints in order to determine which option is most favorable for you.

What To Carefully Consider Regarding Regular Maintenance at a Storage Facility?

A few primary indicators can help you ascertain whether a self storage facility is clean, secure, and well maintained. These include:

Cleanliness and Upkeep

• Note the presence of continuous scrubbing. Facilities usually dedicate resources toward upkeep if the area is orderly and presentable.
• Verify if the intersection of commons and corridors is neat and uncluttered.

Structural Integrity

• Examine the fencing and locking mechanisms. Any apparent damages such as shattered locks or gaps in the fence can expose possible security threats.

Regular Inspections

• Verify the scope and detail of facility inspection procedures on a regular basis. Doing so prevents problems from festering because regular checks are in place to catch them.

Pest Control Measures

• Request to review the pest control contract. Routine pest control services is indispensable to avert infestations that can ruin the stored items.

Unit Inspection for Water Resistance

• Check the unit for seepage signs like cracks or gaps. Water getting into the unit will lead to mold growing or belongings getting damaged.

By targeting these areas, you guarantee that the quality of the storage facility you select is up to standard and also secure.

Rent a Storage Unit Near Washington, DC

Georgetown Moving and Storage Company offers secure, affordable, climate controlled storage facilities in Washington DC, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, and Landover MD. Our units measure 7’ high by 5’ wide by 7’ deep, and stack in a “portable vault” for an economical, safe storage option. For any storage needs please contact Georgetown Moving and Storage Company, we are right storage facility with options for multiple storage types. We do offer climate controlled storage unit of any size, perfect for your storage need! Storing heavy items, plastic bins, cardboard boxes or household goods? We do offer quality packing materials as well as help with packing boxes durig your move.

Call (703) 889-8899 today for storage tips and more information about storing your items safely with Georgetown Moving and Storage Company.