Private storage lockers have become increasingly popular in the U.S., with the number of families that use them having grown some 65 percent in the decade and a half leading up to 2013. Unfortunately, with no formal regulation governing the standards, the occurrence of theft in storage units is largely considered to be the nature of the beast. 

That doesn't mean you need to wait until the private-storage industry has established new protocols before you lease a unit. If you suddenly inherited an entire household of items from the loss of a loved one or are just clearing out space in your own home, you can lease storage space and still sleep well at night by taking matters into your own hands.  

Check For Working Surveillance Cameras

Just because you see evidence of video cameras on the corners of the storage buildings doesn't mean the activity around your locker is being recorded. Don't wait until it's too late to find out. Otherwise, not only might your private storage locker be violated, but the authorities might not be able to identify the crooks if there's no video evidence. 

To avoid this, request evidence that the video cameras are not only monitoring but also recording activity surrounding each storage space before you sign on the dotted line. 

Go High Tech

While the storage facility certainly has an interest in keeping your belongings safe, many rely on the use of a simple padlock to protect your items from thieves. Even if the facility you're considering has ample lighting surrounding individual lockers, it won't necessarily deter thieves, who have been known to break into units during the day. 

Look for a private-storage facility like the one featured on http://midwaymoving.com/ that has installed a more secure system. For instance, high-tech access systems designed specifically for smartphones give facility owners more control over the use of each unit. Secure access systems monitor the use of each unit and can also activate alarms if needed.    

Get Additional Insurance

A private storage facility might not only recommend you have insurance for your items but may require it. While they're likely to offer you some coverage, it may not be enough based on the value of your things. Consider that your homeowners insurance policy might have an off-premises allowance in which a percentage of your goods are covered. However, depending on the economic and sentimental value of the items you're storing, you might consider taking out an additional policy for the storage unit.  

Conclusion

Identifying a safe private storage facility may take some time and effort on your part, but in the end you'll have a greater chance of safeguarding your valuables.