Tips for Choosing Locks for Metal Storage Units

Many steps have been taken to make sure your storage unit is secure. You’ve probably chosen a facility with as many security measures as you thought were necessary. There may be a security guard or cameras. The facility is probably fenced in, if it’s not indoors. But, even given all these precautions, it’s a good idea to choose a lock for your unit that’s as secure as possible, because you never know when the security of your objects will come down to this one last line of defense!

Some cities and neighborhoods have high crime rates. If the area where your unit is located is one of these, you’ll want to be especially conscious of the steps you take to protect your belongings in the storage unit. One thing you’ll want to do is consider the following steps for choosing a good lock.

In choosing a convenient lock for a storage unit, one needs to consider the environment in which it is located. In an area where crime is high, the best available type is preferred. A disk lock is one of the best option when it comes to security locks. To break through this lock is almost impossible. It is made of stainless steel which cannot be drilled with any type of drilling machine. It also cannot be broken by means of using any metal. Therefore thieves do not think of trying storage units where they find out that they are being secured with such locks.

Also, you’ll have to consider what you need to unlock the lock you choose. Does is use a key, in which case you’ll have to be responsible for the key? You’ll have to have the key with you every time you visit the unit, and you’ll have to store it in a safe place the rest of the time. If the lock uses an access code, you’ll have to remember the access code.

Some locks are in some cases being accessed illegally by criminals. A typical example is the padlock. Some padlock keys can be duplicated. With this duplicate key, the criminal can be able to gain access to the proposed victim’s storage unit. Therefore one should be ready to hold himself responsible for any theft encountered in his storage unit if he uses an unreliable padlock. Also, some access code machine doors are being hacked by people who have the knowledge of doing so. Therefore its users should try to make use of reliable ones to avoid theft.

The Process of Renting a Storage Unit

If you have made up your mind to rent a storage facilities, you should follow certain processes so that you will get a good one and at affordable price. The process starts with your searching for the storage units. There are different ways through which you can find available storage units. You can hire an agent to do that for you for you. It is always easy to get a nice storage unit through the services of an agent but you have to pay the agent fee. You can also make use of the internet in searching for one.

However, whether you are searching for it yourself or you’re are doing the searching through your friends or an agent, it is better that you visit the storage facility by yourself to see how the environment looks like before you can make any commitment. It is not good to assess a facility based on what people tell you. Visit the place yourself and have firsthand information. Speak with the management to find out what services they offer. Some facilities also provide packing services free of charge while others do not.

Normally, the renting of a storage unit is similar to that of apartment. However, the rental fee is mostly paid monthly or little by little. This is because unlike apartment rental, storage facilities are normally rented for short term bases. However, there are also some people that may rent them for long term purpose. So, payment is made as long as one continues to use the storage facilities. If you pay for a long time and you are no longer in need of the facility, you may have problem getting back your balance. This however, depends largely on the agreement between you and the company. This brings us to another aspect of storage unit renting process.

The rental agreements should be properly done. There is the tendency for some people not to take it serious. But just like every other type of agreement it is necessary that you take the rental agreement serious. As it has been said above, the storage unit renting is the same with apartment renting. So, every caution that is applied when one is renting an apartment with regard to the agreement should also be applied here. It is advisable that you get your lawyer involved here. If the business has already prepared the agreement, before you sign the contract, make sure that you understand every word in the contract and their legal implication. This is why getting an attorney is important.

Terms that are used in the apartment renting are used here also. So, you should also know some of these terms so that you will be able to understand the contract very well.

Another important factor that you should always consider when you are renting a facility is the integrity of the company. Take time to research on the reliability of the company, if the business has history of theft, you may consider having another option.

The Variety of Sizes for Metal Storage Units

Metal storage units together with concrete storage units are the most popular types of containers that many storage facilities are using today. Owing to the fact that the storage needs of consumers differ, there are various sizes of metal storage units provided by these facilities. It is the item that a consume wants to store that will determine the right size for the person. There are different sizes of metal containers that can be used for storage purposes. The popular ones are 10, 20 and 40 feet containers. It is important that you under the difference between each of these types of metal containers in order to know the type that will be suitable for you.

The 10 foot containers are those containers that are 10 feet in length which is 120 inches. They are small size of metal containers for the storage of little item. However, as metal can be cut into parts, it is also possible to join two 10 foot containers in order to form a 20 foot container. It is also possible to cut it into half to form a smaller metal storage unit. This size of containers is more flexible and so can be used for movable storage unit though a bigger size container can also be used.

The 20 foot containers are double of 10 foot containers. They are equal to 240 inches. They are moderate size and are suitable for people whose items are not much but cannot enter 10 foot containers. It is used in ships for storage purposes as well as in storage facilities. It can either be made directly or by joining two 10 foot containers together. They are normally rectangular or square in shape.

The 40 foot containers are larger than standard size containers. The length of this type of container is equivalent to 480 inches. It is indeed a very large size of metal containers. It is used for the storage of large items in the ships and storage units. It is the commonest type of containers that are used for movement of heavy goods from one place to another. Cars and other heavy items are normally stored and shipped with this type of metal container.

A number of features can be included in each of these types of metal containers to suit the type of things that will be stored in them. For example, alarm system as well as fire alarm system can be installed in any of these sizes of containers in order to beef up the security of the storage unit. Normally, they do not come with windows. They all come with one door. However, extra doors and windows can be created depending on the purpose they are meant to serve. For example, 40 foot containers can be used to create an office space. In this regard, it will require the addition of window and extra doors if there is a need for that. Space can also be created for the installation of air conditioner and other features that are available in an office.

Storage Unit Renting Terms

Just like in the renting of apartments, there are terms that are used in the renting of storage units. If you want to rent a storage unit, it will be nice for you to know these terms. Knowing the terms will be of use to you in a number of ways. For example, if you do not know these terms you will not understand the contract agreement. This is because the terms are utilized in the writing of the agreements. The implication is that you will be entering into the agreement that you do not fully understand. It is a terrible mistake to sign any contract that you do not know what it is all about. Here are some of the terms that you should know.

Administration Fee: This refers to the fee charged by some facilities in order to carter for the paperwork process cost. It is different from other refundable or non-refundable fees that may be charged by some storage facilities. The administrative fee is not as much as the normal traditional deposit amount.

Business Storage: This refers to the storage space meant for businesses and not for individuals and families.

Brass Lock: This is a special type of lock given to an individual using a storage facility. The brass locks normally are corrosion and weather resistant. They also come with anti-pick tumblers.

Climate Control: This refers to a special type of storage unit that has special system for controlling the temperature of the unit. In this type of unit, the temperature control system can keep the unit warm during cold weather and cooler during warm weather. This is specifically meant for the storage of items that are sensitive to changes in weather or items that must be stored under a specific temperature such as drugs and other chemicals.

Non-climate control unit: this is also known as cold storage. It is a type of metal storage unit that is not protected from changes in temperature.

Locker: This refers to the storage space rented by an individual. There are various names that they can be called, namely, space, units, storage units or store rooms. Units are available in a number of sizes to suit various needs.

Month to Month Lease: This is a payment option used in the rental business. Here, it is used to mean that the payment for the unit will be made on monthly basis until the tenant stops using the unit.

Pro-Rate Rent: This is the rent you pay for the month you start using the unit. The pro-rate rent is calculated based on the date you start using the unit. So, it is always less the monthly rent unless you start from the first day of the month.

Rent: This is the amount you pay on monthly basis for the use of the storage facility. However, the payment mode is normally stipulated in the agreement.

Rental Lease/Rental Agreement: As implicit from the name, this is where the agreement between the rental business and the renter is stipulated. The agreement becomes legally binding on both parties once it is signed.

Security Issues to Consider when Renting a Metal Storage Unit

One of the reasons why people rent storage units is because they want to secure their items. This is why most people do not overlook the issue of security. If you are renting a metal storage unit, there are several security issues that you should take into consideration. Experience has shown that items can be stolen in storage units. Such cases are most of the time difficult to handle because in most storage facilities, the owners of the properties are responsible for the security of their property. Given the above, it is highly necessary that you take the issue of security seriously. Here are some issues that you should take into consideration to reduce the security risk involved in the use of storage facility.

The Location

When people talk about security with regard to the storage unit, they rarely consider the location of the facility. Most people only check the security systems in the facility. Though this is good but you should also consider the location of the place. There are some areas that have history of crimes while some areas have clean records as far as crime is concerned. So, it is important to look for a storage facility in areas that are crime free. This will at least give you the peace of mind that your items are secured. But if you rent one in areas that have history of security risk, the tendency of losing your item through burglary is high no matter how strong the security of the facility is. You can even be waylaid when you are taking back your item from the storage unit.

The Security Systems in the Facility

This is of importance. The fact that a storage facility is located in an area with no history of crime does not in any way mean that burglary or theft is impossible in the area. Remember, it takes only a day to begin a history. Just have in mind that anything can be possible at any time. This is why you have to ensure that the facility has reasonable security systems like cameras, surveillance systems, security alarm and others.

Human Security

It is not enough to install security systems in the facility. There is also the need for human security. If there is no human security, the security systems are to a certain extent useless. This is because they can be manipulated also. Besides, if there is no person to ward off the thieves when an alarm system rings, then it will be of no use. The alarm will ring and ring while the thief will carry out his evil deeds.

The Metal Container used for Storage

It is good that metals are very strong and reliable, but you need to check the container very well to see if there is any flaw in the construction that can make it easy for thieves to break in. For example, the container should not have any opening except the door.

What Type of Lock do you Have?

Your metal storage unit is only reliable to the extent the lock is reliable. If the lock is not reliable, the reliability of the metal construction means nothing.

Metal Storage Units at a Glance

There are different types of storage units and they can be made from different types of materials. There are some that are made with strong plastic materials. The most popular ones are made from metal or concrete.

Metal storage units are normally constructed with corrugated metals such as steel and aluminum. Just like every other type of storage unit, metal storage units regardless of the type of metal that is used for the construction are available in a number of sizes.  There are 10×5 feet storage units made from metal as well 20×30 feet ones. There are also extra large metal containers that can be converted into an office. Each size is meant for the storage of a particular size of item. In other words, it is the size of items that you want to store in them that will determine the size of metal storage unit that will be suitable for you.

Metal storage units are highly durable thanks to their metal construction. This gives them an edge over other types of storage facility. Normally metal storage units come with only one door. There are no widows in them unless the unit is converted to an office.

Normally, metal storage facilities are located mostly in rural areas rather than in the cities. You will also find them in places close to the cities. However, this does not mean that there are no storage units in the cities. You may find few of them but storage units owners prefer locating them in the villages because it is more cost effective there than in the cities. A good number of metal storage units are kept in single storey buildings.

Metal storage units also differ in their features. There are some units that have many features such as security alarm system, fire alarm, temperature control system, automatic gates, surveillance cameras and others. You may not find all the features in a single storage unit but there are some that may have all of them.

There are different types of metal storage units that you will find. There are climate controlled units meant for the storage of items that can be affected by extreme weather condition. They can be used also for the storage of invaluable items. The temperature control system installed in this type of containers ensures that the temperature does not vary to the extent of causing damage to the item stored in the units.

Besides temperature controlled units, there are also standard metal units and portable or moveable storage units. You can store items that are not affected by changes in weather and that are not so much of great value in standard metal units. The portable metal storage units as implicit from the name are the type that you can move from one place to another. They are normally attached to a truck for easy movement. They also vary in size. The size will depend on the size of what will be stored in them and also on the capacity of the truck that will carry them.

Metal Storage Unit – Security Measures

Insecurity is one of the major factors that affect any business. To ensure adequate security in any established business unit, some measures are to be taken to that effect.

Precisely, in a metal storage unit where valuable items are stored by people who wish to keep it safe for future use, it is excessively prone to suffering the wrath of criminals who know fully well that they are invading a place regarded as a home of great affluence. A metal storage unit suffers almost the same misfortune with banks because of how similar the nature of their business is.

In the course of securing a metal storage unit, the first means normally used is that of “padlocks.” They are used by the management to lock up the storage unit so as to restrict it from unwanted unauthorized individuals who have inimical plans towards the unit. In most cases, the keys to these padlocks are given to the management of the storage unit. This is only after an agreement has been reached by the manager of the storage unit and his client. Sometimes, customers try to be a little bit more astute by opting to keep the keys themselves. This is for two major reasons; one of which is for fear of being betrayed by the managements and staffs of the metal storage unit at one time or the other. The other is to avoid risking his/her private storage unit keys to misplacement by the management which might be the story one day.

In recent times, keys are not found reliable due to the poor quality ones being produced by its manufacturers. People who do not wish to fall a victim of theft and the already affected ones now opt for the use of “access codes.” This is a more dependable means of securing valuable items. Despite its dependability, it seems to be risky in some aspect.

As this access code involves the use of numbers, alphabets and symbols which only the owner of a particular storage unit or any second party whom it has been entrusted to should know. There is a risk of forgetting the code in future. This will now require a lot of processes to be undergone before the victim can get access to his belongings.

In some cases, the access code machine might develop some faults which if not rectified the affected user cannot get access to his belongings. Sometimes, this is the major reason why its users prefer to confide in someone than to keep it all to themselves.

Another medium of securing a metal storage unit is by making use of monitoring video cameras. With this one can monitor whoever goes in and out of the unit, what they do, when they enter and when they leave. This is to track thieves who try to penetrate the storage unit. It also monitors the activities of the staffs to which the upkeep of the storage unit is entrusted to their hands.

Metal Storage units – Extra Office Space

The need for extra office space can never be ignored. Growth in business and organization operations leads to extra employees and functions that must be housed for smooth running of operations. This makes it necessary for business owners or organization mangers to look for extra office space. Rather than incur extra expenses in constructing new office blocks, businesses and organizations can simply make use of pre-built metal offices that are readily available in the market.

Designed and manufactured by different companies, metal offices for extra office space not only affordable but also take a short time to put up, which ensures that a business’ or organization’s operations are not adversely affected. Putting the offices up is also cost effective considering the fact that one does not need to have any technical knowledge to put the same up. This is because the pre-assembled offices come as complete pieces that only require assembling.

Because extra office need for different businesses and organizations differ, pre-assembled metal offices are available in different sizes. A business owner or an organization management only need to determine the amount of extra space required before shopping for the same. Although some of these offices can be found in local hardware outlets, the Internet has turned out to be the main source of the same. There are a good number of manufacturer sites that specialize in selling and shipping the same to different parts of the world. Businesses and organizations can also have these offices custom made to meet their unique office need.

Areas where pre-assembled metal offices are in use are diverse. It is now very common to find office establishments with ample grounds having metal offices nicely located in a part of their ground to serve a specific office function. Construction companies are perhaps the major users of metal offices, particularly in construction sites. Relief organizations are the other users of these offices, setting them up both as offices and for storage to serve the needs of those affected.

The use of pre-assembled metal offices is however not limited to businesses and organizations. It is nowadays very common to find many people working from home instead of working from their main offices. This can be because of varied reasons. Because working from home is usually has its challenges, setting up an office is always the best option. This is where pre-assembled metal offices become useful. Putting up such an office at home in the garden eliminates many challenges that include interruptions while working. Setting up such an office also eliminates the need to transform a room into an office.

Setting up n metal office at home is not only easy but also cost effective. It is a fact that city authorities have restrictions when it comes to adding additional room to an existing building. There are no restrictions when putting up a metal office in the yard. Most authorities only require notification of the same just to ensure that the office does not interfere with neighbors.

How to Pack your Items in a Metal Storage Unit

Storage units are widely used in the US. A good number of people, including families, individuals, students, and businesses are keeping their items in storage facilities for one reason or another. Whatever your reason for using one, one common factor is that when filling a unit, you need to have a strategy to make sure that your items are safe and easily accessible. Rather than filling the unit with no thought to retrieving items, think ahead, and plan for your next visit to the unit. This is because if you do not pack your items correctly or as you are supposed to do, you will find it difficult to locate any one that you want. Improper packing of items in the storage units can also cause damage to the unit. Here are some of the tips that you should use when you are packing your things in storage units.

For most items, sturdy cardboard boxes are appropriate for storage. Find boxes that are small enough that when filled, they will still be able to be moved. You may need to move things around in the unit to get to the box you want, and if all the boxes are too heavy for one person to life, you’re going to have a hard time. Label boxes clearly, and fill according to type of object or to how or for what purpose the items are used. Keep two lists of what’s in each box: one inside the box, and one separate, in a file in your home or office.

As are you packing the boxes in the storage unit, keep the boxes containing the items that you will need regularly on top or in position that you can easily access them without having to remove other boxes. Also, while packing the unit, leave some floor space in the shape of walkways among boxes. This way you won’t have to move 75% of your boxes to get to the one that’s buried at the back of the unit. You’ll just have to approach it from the correct walkway, and then maybe move one or two boxes that are on top of the one you want.

Metal objects can easily get rust when they are exposed to wet or when they are not properly treated. So, if you are storing any metal object in the unit, you should try to treat the object against rust. First make sure that the unit is dry and the object is moist free before you keep it. Apply rust protector on the object so that it will not rust. For machines that have movable parts like lawnmowers, it is advisable that you apply oil or grease on the movable parts so that it will not rust.

Warning: You should never store flammable liquid or gas in the storage facility. If you do, you are putting your item and the entire facility into serious problem. There is the probability of the liquid catching fire due to high temperature. It is also possible for somebody or even you to enter the unit with a cigarette forgetting that such liquid or gas is kept there. You should keep these consequences in mind.

Benefits of Using a Storage Facility

Many individuals, families, organizations and businesses are now making use of storage facilities. This is simply because of the multiple benefits that they derive from their use. Here are some of the benefits storage units.

Less Expensive Alternative

The cost of renting a home with many rooms or enough space that will accommodate all the items a family may acquire can be very exorbitant. It is not every family that will be able to pay for such accommodation. But renting a storage unit is not very expensive. It can be within the financial means of many families. So, storage units are cheaper means through which family can create more space in their living home. The good news is that virtually all household items can be stored in them in so far as they are not perishable food items.

Besides families, businesses can also rent storage units in order to keep some of their business equipment or even documents. It is cheaper keeping heavy materials and important files in these storage units than renting a large office room for them. In other words, storage units are cheaper means of storing things.

Safety

Though there are other places where you can keep your items like warehouses but storage units offer more safety and security of property than others. If you keep your items in a warehouse, it will be packed with other people’s items. This may have some security implications. But in storage facility, you are given the key or lock of your unit. You are the only person that can access your storage unit. This makes it to be more secure than other type of storage spaces. Besides, storage units are mostly made from metals and concretes. Thus they are more reliable and very difficult to burgle. It is difficult for any thief to break into the metal or concrete storage unit.

There are some items that are sensitive to temperature. Even if you have enough space in your home or office, you can store such items there unless you have the required temperature controlled system. Today, there are many temperature controlled storage units where you can safely keep such item. So, it is better and cheaper to keep these temperature sensitive items in these temperature controlled units than to keep them at home.

Privacy

Storage units offer more privacy than warehouse. As it has been said above, warehouses are being used by many people. Access is probably given to the people that are packing their items in the warehouse. So, there is no privacy in such storage spaces. This is not the case with storage units. It is only the user that has access to it. No other persons knows what the user packs in the storage unit. This also helps to checkmate conspiracy and theft since nobody knows whether what you stored in the units is valuable or not.

Multiple Options

Storage units have many options. There are sizes that will serve every need. If you are on the move, you can rent mobile storage units.