Creepy Self Storage Stories

Self Storage seems innocent enough. When you run out of space, you rent a unit from a Trusted Self Storage location, move your belongings into the space of your choice, lock the door, and go home, comfortable in the knowledge that your possessions are safe, secure, and conveniently out of your house. For the most part that’s true, but did anyone ever tell you about the insane things that sometimes happen at those other self-storage facilities? In honor of the Halloween season, we thought you might find these spooky stories amusing and maybe a little bit scary. If you want to hear about everything from a meth lab to a chop shop being run out of a storage unit, read on.

 

Somewhere in a self-storage unit near you …

Looking for spare parts?

A man in Hartford, Connecticut was using two storage units for his “business.” No, I don’t mean his auto supply business; I mean his chop shop. He was dismantling stolen cars and selling the parts or using them to build new cars. This operation was discovered when a picture of a stolen car was posted on Facebook. A good Samaritan who saw the post contacted the victim and explained that he had seen the car in a storage unit. When the Sheriff opened the unit, he found several cars, along with parts and engines. An 18-year old man was later arrested. How’s that for creative vehicle storage?

Need a place to live?

We all know that a storage unit is not for storing “people.” It’s meant to be a home away from home for your belongings, not for you. You can visit your stuff, but you can’t live with it. Unfortunately, the homeless population doesn’t see it that way. Not only did a group of them break into a unit, but they weren’t happy with the chilly temperatures. When firefighters responded to an early-morning fire in a storage unit, they found that it was caused by a heating source that was placed too close to combustible items. Twenty-eight units were affected, causing a $240,000 loss in structural damage and stored items. Fortunately, there were no injuries.  

Is your basement meth lab exhausting your space?

Remember Walter White’s storage unit meth lab in Breaking Bad? Well, it seems that he doesn’t have the exclusive on that idea. A man and his uncle bid $80 on an abandoned storage unit in California and ended up with boxes full of meth lab equipment. Another man was arrested in  Florida when passersby noted that he was acting strangely. The owners of the property happened to be allowing local law enforcement to use the facility to train their drug-sniffing dogs. When one of the dogs became suspicious, they ran an activity log. The odd tenant at this 5 x 5  unit accessed it twelve times in one week and was always accompanied by a “lookout.” I don’t think he was checking on his vintage Barbie collection.That was the end of his meth lab and his freedom.  

Is your pet part of an ugly custody battle?

During a divorce settlement, arguing over custody of pets is becoming commonplace. Pets are not children, but they are part of the family. One cold-blooded fellow took things too far. He trapped a beloved cat in a bin and stored it in a unit. The bin had no air holes, no food, and no water. There are no details as to how long the cat was kept in these conditions; I can only imagine. Not only is this an extreme way to deal with relationship issues, but it is outright animal cruelty. I hope this was reported to local police, and this heartless person was punished appropriately.

Need any spare body parts?

A former Florida assistant medical examiner enjoyed taking his work home with him, but he must have run out of space in his garage. After conducting hundreds of autopsies between 1997 and 2007, he decided to keep a few souvenirs — in his storage locker. Police say Michael Berkland stored more than 100 body parts, including brains and hearts, in his storage unit. He kept them in formaldehyde in specimen cups, trash bags, styrofoam cups and plastic containers. The worst part? Some of the containers were leaking. The body parts were found when the purchaser of the facility was cleaning out the unit. Mr. Berkland is no longer with the medical examiner’s office. 

Do you know a missing person?

Mother’s instinctively protect their children, but this is over the edge. For two years, a worried California family searched for a missing relative who had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. His body was eventually discovered in a Southern California self storage unit in a freezer. He was murdered in cold blood by his ex-girlfriend’s son. The girlfriend aided her son in hiding the body in the freezer. Can you say, “Bad Moms”? 

Need a place to hide a dead body?

By this time, I’m sure you’re feeling pretty creepy, but I have one more spine-chilling story. Most storage facilities try to avoid auctioning the contents of a tenant’s unit; but, if the monthly rent isn’t paid within a certain time period, the facility is within their legal rights to do so. The owners of a self storage facility in Florida contacted a family to inform them that they would be auctioning off the items in their unit due to unpaid bills. The family explained that they couldn’t do that because their grandmother’s body was still inside! When the unit was opened, the police found a blue painted coffin with the skeletal remains of a woman who had been dead approximately 17 years. The body had been properly prepared for burial, but she was never buried. It seems Page 2 of Google isn’t the only place to hide a dead body.

 

A certain segment of the population thinks self storage is for more than their cast off furniture. Luckily, with advances in technology, most facilities incorporate state-of-the-art security that will keep even Hannibal Lector from being able to break in or use his storage unit for, let’s say “unusual” items. If you’re considering renting a self-storage unit, choose wisely. You never know who’s watching.

 

How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs

 

The school year is off to its usual confusing start. Fall is a few weeks away, and family gatherings, overnight guests, celebrations, and holiday decorating are closer than you think. Look around your home. Do you have enough space for these events? Is the guest room overflowing with stuff that you have no place for, is the kitchen in need of an update, and are the main rooms crowded with too much furniture? Did you ever think about renting a storage facility as a solution to all of these problems? 

The demand for self storage is high, and storage providers are working hard to meet this demand. Renting a facility is as easy as making a phone call or locating a website and clicking a “Reserve” button. There are so many great facilities available that you might need a system to help narrow down the competition. 

The following tips and suggestions will help you organize your ideas, prioritize your needs, and find storage that is the best fit for you.

Find the Perfect Self Storage Solution

Understand Your Needs

Think about what you’re storing and how long you plan to store these items. 

  • Make an inventory of all the items you plan to store. 
  • Identify the items that you might need to access while they are in storage. 
  • Measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store.
  • Account for extra space to provide ventilation and ease of access.

Arrange your belongings for easy access. When storing items for short periods of time, it’s fine to pack everything close together. If you’re storing for a longer time, provide extra space for ventilation and for an aisle so that you can access belongings that you may need regularly. 

Decide Whether You Need a Climate-Controlled Unit

Climate-controlled spaces keep the temperature and humidity within a specific range.

Whether or not you need a climate-controlled unit depends on the climate in which you’re storing your items. For example, dry climates can cause wood to crack and split, and humid climates can cause mold and mildew. Make your choice based on the value of your belongings and the cost of the unit. Climate-controlled units can be more expensive but worth the cost over time.

Think About Location

How many times will you need to visit your storage facility? If you’re going to need regular access, a convenient location is important. Be aware that a facility located in the heart of the city will be more expensive than one outside of town. If you don’t need quick access to your items, a facility farther from the city will be less costly.

Consider Size Options

Self-storage units are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Naturally, larger units cost more per month, so it’s a smart to have an overall idea of how much space you’ll need. You don’t want to pay for extra, unused space unless you’re planning to store more items over time. Another factor to consider is the design of the space. Some units are narrow but have a lot of vertical space; others are wider with lower ceilings. In some cases, one layout may be preferable.

Storage Facility Cost Can Vary Considerably

Because many storage facilities are independently owned, business owners have the option of setting their own prices. It’s always smart to shop around because you may be able to find a better deal by making a few phone calls. Storage companies frequently offer promotions. If your preferred facility isn’t offering any deals, it pays to ask. You can also mention a competitor’s promotion; the facility of your choice may be willing to match the deal.

Verify Security

Cost should not be your only consideration. You need a reputable company with state-of-the-art security, a variety of customer amenities, and a range of unit sizes that will be a good fit for your needs. Look for video surveillance, perimeter fencing, security locks, and electronic access. You’ll also want a knowledgeable management team that is willing to provide you with answers to your questions, a tour of the property, and a professional level of customer service.

Check Insurance

If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, call your agent to verify that your stored belongings are covered under your present policy. You may find that your facility must provide specific security features in order for your items to be covered. If your policy does not cover stored items, you should be able to purchase insurance from your preferred storage Company.

Tenant Protection Plan

Some facilities offer a tenant protection plan. This plan is not insurance but a contractual agreement between the facility and the tenant, with the facility assuming limited responsibility for the tenant’s belongings while they are stored in a locked unit. In other words, operators agree to pay customers for damages to belongings up to a specified dollar amount. These plans are typically offered in several coverage options and paid for along with monthly rent. They’re inexpensive and add an extra layer of protection to already existing security systems. It’s worth a discussion with the facility manager.

Conclusion

Whatever you do, choose carefully. It’s worth the time and effort to find the facility that is your best option. Once you’ve moved your belongings into a unit, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll want to take the time and trouble to switch facilities. 

Keep Your Home as Secure as Your Self-Storage Unit

Finding a safe, secure self-storage unit is easy because most of them are equipped with digital video monitoring, electronic gates with keypad access, bright lighting, and secure perimeter fencing. Many facilities are equipped with smart technology security that does everything from monitoring unauthorized activity at your unit to allowing for mobile entry and digital key sharing. Shouldn’t the people and belongings in your home be as secure as the items in your storage unit?

Safety.com has identified what, in their opinion, are the top providers and best values in home security systems for 2020. Take a look.

How to Compare and Choose a Home Security System

Choosing a home security system can be an overwhelming task. Do you want all the bells and whistles or just the basics? The Safety.com site will give you all the details and information that you need to make an informed decision for you and your family. The following information will help you get started on finding the right equipment for your needs.

ADT 

ADT has the most experience and the best guarantee in the industry. They have certified monitoring centers, a competitive equipment lineup that includes intrusion protection, environmental monitoring, video surveillance, and smart home automation. There is a contract required, no option for self installation, and no mobile app access.

Vivint 

Vivint provides professional monitoring, home automation, mobile app access and extensive smart home options as well as flexibility with your equipment configurations. They also offer flexible payment options; but, if you decide to finance, you’re facing an extended contract. Vivint has no self-installation option.

Frontpoint 

Frontpoint has a great customer service reputation and a competitive range of security equipment and monitoring services. They also offer flexible month-to-month contracts, which are perfect for renters. The outdoor and doorbell cameras are only available as add ons, and their home automation devices are limited.

Protect America

If you’re looking for a no-frills home security system that you can install yourself, Protect America is a low-priced option. They offer a price-match guarantee, smart home devices, and mobile app access. There is a contract required. Video surveillance, smart features, and smoke detection are upgrades. Cellular monitoring is the most expensive option.

SimpliSafe

A 60-day risk free trial is a plus with SimpliSafe. They offer self-installation, self-monitoring, video verification and month-to-month pricing. You can take advantage of inexpensive professional monitoring, wireless equipment and cellular monitoring, but mobile alerts and smart home devices and capabilities are not available in the basic monitoring plan.

Alder

Alder does not have a selection of packages, but works with customers to build security systems that are the best fit for their needs. The price of professional monitoring varies depending on the equipment you choose, but you are covered by a lifetime warranty. DIY installation is easy, but there are no smart home devices.

Cove

Cove is relatively new to the home security market and features the advantage of locked monitoring rates and a lifetime warranty. They offer a $5 credit each month which can be used toward future equipment purchases. Cove does not offer packages, but you can easily build your own online. You will be able to use the InstaText function for fast notifications of activity in your home. A premium app subscription is necessary for many of the features, and there are no smart home devices.

Blue by ADT

Blue home security systems give families flexible and affordable DIY security solutions. Their focus is more on privacy for your personal and home data with encrypted networks. You’ll find smart cameras, ADT professional monitoring, and smart home compatibility. There is a 7-day practice period but no smart-home add ons.

Brinks

Brinks has flexible pricing and bridges the gap between DIY smart home security and conventional professional monitoring systems. Your options run from flexible monitoring for a Google Nest system up to a long-term plan with extensive equipment. A contract is required for all packages, and only top tier packages include the smart home hub. Award-winning customer service is a plus.

Link Interactive

Link is the nationwide DIY branch of Mountain Alarm Fire & Security, a commercial and residential protection company founded in Utah in 1952. It’s family owned and operated and professional installation is not an option. You can build your own equipment package, but there are no smart home or video monitoring capabilities in the base plan. Contracts are offered on a 1-, 2-, or 3-year basis.

 

If you’re in the market for a home security system, you want to make an informed decision. This article gives you information on the 10 best options for 2020 according to Safety.com. Keep your family and your home as safe as the items in your self-storage unit.

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