How to Choose a Good Lock for your Self-Storage Unit
Let’s talk about locks for your self-storage unit. While a good self-storage facility will offer you security in terms of guards, walls, electric fencing, CCTV cameras, and a solid building, all of this can be compromised if you, don’t put a good lock on your self-storage unit. It is important that the right kind of lock be placed on your storage unit to ensure the final stage of security for your goods.
So what should you look for in a lock? The first thing the lock should say to you is, “I am strong.” Not that anyone is going to try to break into your unit, but if someone did want to your lock should be large enough that anyone with bad intentions will just move on. So choose a good sized lock for your unit.
The second thing you might want to consider is a lock that has keys that cannot be copied. With these kinds of locks you get a set of 4 keys, which should be enough to ensure you always have a spare. While this is not a have to do, these types of locks do add an extra layer of security..
There are also combination locks available. These locks are good and the advantage to them is that you don’t have to remember to bring a key. You do have to remember the combination of course. One thing to watch out for with combination locks is that you don’t accidentally leave the lock combination filled out. Sometimes a combination lock can looked locked, but if you pull on it, it opens. Also, make sure there are no prying eyes trying to figure out your combination. Strength wise, however, they are just as good as any key lock.
There are a lot of different kinds of locks out there that do a great job of protecting your goods. Locksmithnerd.com has a list of the top locks for self storage units that you can visit https://www.locksmithnerd.com/best-padlocks-for-storage-units/ .
Don’t forget that one of the most important aspects of why you chose your storage facility was security. So make sure that you don’t compromise all of that security the facility offers by choosing the wrong lock. Choose a lock that won’t pop open if accidentally banged by someone’s trolly. A lock that not only looks strong, but is strong and not a cheap imitation.
Choosing the right lock ensures that your household or business goods are fully secure and gives you peace of mind.
Dedicated Work Areas for Meetings and WIFI Usage at Storage Facilities
A lot of businesses use self-storage facilities around the world for a variety of reasons, from last mile delivery to stock overflow, to document storage. The reasons are endless and this is no different in Nairobi.
One thing people need in addition to their storage unit is a place where they can sit and work for a little bit. Whether it is for a meeting or to get online to check email, the good storage facilities will provide a dedicated area where people can work for a short while. These work areas should be clean, comfortable, well lit areas with WIFI and refreshments. These are not offices, but rather well thought out dedicated spaces where people can check in on their business before leaving the facility.
When you visit a self-storage facility, make sure to check around for a work area. Those facilities that have them can be located anywhere, from industrial zones to city centres. So if this is something that interests you, on your next visit to a storage facility make sure to ask the Facility Manager or Sales Representative if this service is available.
Having the ability to quickly check emails or meet with someone in a pleasant well thought out space at a self-storage facility is a great additional service for clients. Business clients in particular can really benefit from the service, allowing them to access their storage unit right up to the minute of departure. And in a just-in-time world, this can mean a lot a business.
Why use Shelving in a Storage Unit
Shelving. It is interesting to see that most people who rent self-storage units don’t ask for shelving. Yet shelving offers a an excellent way to save space, keep your things organised, and ultimately save money.
Here are a few reasons why shelving is good to consider:
1) Occupying more space – When you use shelving in a storage unit you are actually creating more space to be used in the unit. Shelving allows you to stack your items vertically, giving you more surface area to use than just the floor space.
2) Keeping your belongings orderly – A lot of items businesses and individuals put in a storage unit have some weight to them. For instance, files. File boxes can weigh up to 20kg, meaning that you are limited as to how many file boxes (usually cardboard) you can stack on top of one another. Let’s say you can put 1 box on top of another without crushing the bottom box. With shelving, you can easily stack 6 boxes, allowing you to take up more vertical space. Shelving also allows you to keep things in order and easier to access.
3) Money Saving – Even though you may have to rent the shelving from the storage facility, they will cost less than an additional SQM of space. If we use our box stacking analogy, this means that you could reduce the the size of the unit you rent by around 40%. So instead of renting 12m2 to house all of your files, you may only need 6m2. This is a significant cost savings.
The next time you visit a storage facility, ask if they provide shelving. If they don’t you may want to think about getting your own. Shelving is an excellent way to take the most advantage of your unit space.
The Importance of a Convenient Location for Storage
At any warehousing facility around the globe, fire safety is always foremost on the mind of the facility operator. Because of the severity of the damage fires cause to facilities as well as the potential for the loss of human life it imperative to take all of the proper measures to ensure that the storage facility you choose has taken all of the right steps regarding fire prevention.
Extinguishing supplies
When you visit your next facility, have a look around and see if you see any fire fighting equipment. Look for fire extinguishers, the red bottle, that can put out a localised fire. The fire extinguishers tend to use a foam to put our fires and are very effective. You should also see if there are any water hose reels that can fight against larger fires. Water hoses are good for larger fires that require a longer soaking than a fire extinguisher may be able to provide. Lastly, you might also see if the building is equipped with fire sprinklers. These are usually found up in the rafters or ceiling and can douse the entire floor with water and new sprinkler systems can emit a powder which extinguishes fires. So there are a lot of options.
Fire safety, however, is not only about fighting the fire, but also about getting to safety should a fire erupt. While at the facility look around for fire exits. When you are in a self-storage facility you will be going down long corridors and you want to make sure that there is more than one fire exit on the floor. These should be marked with bright green signs saying “EXIT’“ on them. It is also important to remember never to use a lift as a means of escape in a fire situation.
As the old adage goes, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” This is no different if a fire is started indoors or outdoors, so look around for smoke detectors in the next storage facility you are visiting. Having smoke detectors can greatly reduce the a fire getting out of control as well as save lives by alerting people early that something is smoking and if caught early may be put out even before it starts.
Most modern buildings are obliged to build to fire code, but there are a lot of older tired facilities that don’t always meet these specification, especially in East Africa. So when it comes to fire prevention and safety, make sure that you look for fire extinguisher systems, fire alarms and fire escapes. If you don’t see them, you might want to reconsider leaving your belongings there and find a facility that takes fire safety seriously.
The Nature of Goods Stored and the Importance of what should NOT be Stored
If you have ever taken a long distance flight, train or ship, you will notice that there is always a section in your ticket dedicated to what you are NOT allowed to carry with you. These items include things like fireworks, firearms, animals, explosives, lighters, foods, etc. Of course as passengers we appreciate that the airline, train company or shipping company has ensured our safety and empowered their employees to say to any passenger that any of those goods are simply not allowed aboard.
When it comes to self-storage, many companies follow the same rules as do the transportation companies. This is a good thing. For instance, you would not want to store your beautiful furniture in a facility where next door someone is storing grain or onions. These are perishable goods that will certainly attract rodents, birds and insects. So it is vital that you choose a storage facility for your furniture or office equipment that takes what cannot be stored at the facility seriously.
Here is a list of goods that your self-storage facility should not let people store.
Hazardous materials
Corrosive materials
Explosives
Stolen goods
Toxic materials
Illegal goods
Poisonous materials
Gases
Flammable
Infectious
Just like when you travel on a train, you want to have peace of mind that when you store your goods, they are not going to be affected by someone else’s items. Ensuring that the storage facility has a good policy on the items that cannot be stored is a step in the right direction.
So the next time you visit a self-storage facility, make sure to look in the contract and see what limitations people have for storing before you sign with them. It is often more important to know what people cannot store at the facility, than it is to know what they are storing. This will ensure that you have a better storage experience no matter where you go.
Fire Safety in Self-Storage Facilities in Kenya
As the old saying goes, “the 3 most important things in real estate are location, location, location.” This rule definitely applies to self-storage, especially here in Nairobi where the traffic can be hectic.
When it comes to storing your goods or belongings, it is important to pay attention to the location of the storage facility you are choosing. Gone are the days when your facility had to be located in the cheapest and often dirtiest part of town. Today you can find self-storage facilities on heavily traveled roads and in good neighbourhoods.
The location of a storage facility can mean the difference between quickly accessing your goods or it taking a better part of the day. For those of you using self-storage for your business, remember that you and your colleagues may be accessing the facility often, so choose a location that is convenient and a place you want to visit, not one that you have to visit.
Location is not only about convenience, however, it also has to do with accessibility. A storage facility that has bus service running in front of it, ensures that everyone can have access. Not everyone you may send to the storage facility may have a car, so having a facility located in an area well serviced by public transportation, can be very helpful.
A good location also means saving money traveling to the facility, whether it is by car, the bus, a matatu or boda boda. Knowing that you can access your stored goods or belongings without having to navigate back roads in an industrial or other degraded area where there is often traffic due to commerce or lorries, saves time, which in the end saves you money.
Lastly, a good location should mean that you feel safe going there. You should not feel that you have to go into a bad neighbourhood to store your goods or belongings. After all, if you don’t want to be in that particular part of town, why would you want to leave valuable possessions there? A good location is one where you feel comfortable going yourself and feel good about leaving your goods or possessions in that location.
When thinking about where you want to store your belongings or your goods, take a good look at where the storage facilities are located. You should find the location to be convenient, accessible by multiple means of transport, in a place you feel comfortable frequenting, and directly on the road. A location like this will save you money and time and will also give you peace of mind that your possessions are secure. All of these make for better business and a better night’s rest.
Co-working next to your own small private warehouse
When you look at the East African economy, 85% of it is supported by micro, small, and medium sized companies. Yet this is irrefutably the most underserved company category in East Africa when it comes to warehousing and office space.
Seeking to support these SMEs, Storage Central offers storage and redistribution spaces that measure from 75M2 to 475m2 with 5m high ceilings at very affordable prices. Housed in a new building located on the Mombasa Road in-between the CBD and JKIA and only minutes away from the SGR port, Storage Central also proposes a co-working centre where SME’s can enjoy a professional working environment equipped with tables, chairs, couches, coffee tables, a private meeting room, kitchenette and WIFI. The co-working space is steps away from clients’ dedicated storage/redistribution units allowing clients to be professional and efficient.
Why Renting a Storage Unit Is Your Best Bet - Storage Central Kenya
In today’s fast-paced world, where keeping options open and managing budgets is crucial, deciding between renting a self-storage unit or buying container is more relevant than ever. Many people jump straight into buying, seeing it as a smart investment. But does that fit everyone’s needs? Here at Storage Central, we see quite a few perks in choosing to rent, especially if you’re not ready to settle down or fork out big bucks upfront. Let’s unpack why renting might just be the savvier choice for you.
Key Benefits of Renting a Storage Unit:
It Saves You Money Upfront: Think about it: renting slashes those hefty initial costs. You’re not stuck with a big purchase price or ongoing property rental. Just a simple monthly fee that usually includes maintenance, so no extra cost surprises, which is a relief, especially if you’re pinching pennies or running a lean operation.
You Get Flexibility: This is a biggie. Life changes, and so do your storage needs. Renting gives you the freedom to scale up or down without the drama of having to sell or buy more units. It’s perfect for businesses that see their inventory ebb and flow or if you’re in the midst of big life changes like a move or downsizing.
No Strings Attached: Buying means you’re in it for the long haul, with your cash tied up. Renting? It’s like a breath of fresh air. Use the space as long as you need, on your terms, with leases that match your timeline. That’s flexibility that buying just can’t offer.
Top-Notch Security Without the Hassle: At places like Storage Central Kenya, you get access to the best security and extra services without having to invest in them yourself. We’re talking 24/7 surveillance, private parking access, and expert management—all without lifting a finger.
Convenient Access: Our location is picked for ease of access. Renting means you get a spot that’s convenient, not just available. This is crucial for businesses that need quick access regularly.
So, What Should You Do? Think about what’s on your plate right now. Are you looking for ease and minimal commitment financially? If you’re nodding yes, then renting might just be the way to go.
Wrap-Up: Sure, buying a storage container might sound like a solid investment, but renting offers up a flexibility and ease on your wallet that buying can’t touch. If you value convenience and freedom from long-term binds, consider renting a storage unit at Storage Central. Why lock yourself into something permanent when you have the flexibility to choose what’s best as your needs evolve?