Property Protected! The Security Staples and Advanced Systems That’ll Safeguard Your Self-Storage Facility

Regardless of its location, a self-storage facility can be vulnerable to criminal activity such as arson, burglary or robbery, data breach, vandalism, and even acts of violence against staff or tenants. It must be properly fortified to prevent incidents, and that means using different equipment today than it did just 10 years ago.

“With the rise of automated facilities and reduced onsite staffing, security systems are more critical than ever to monitor activity, manage access and provide peace of mind to both operators and tenants,” says Tony Maskell, account executive for QuikStor, a provider of self-storage security and software products.

While self-storage facilities face an increase in crime and unauthorized access, today’s tenants set a high bar for security, expecting surveillance cameras, electronic access control and real-time alerts as part of the rental experience, Maskell says. With an increased need for superior systems, how do you fortify your property and business? Consider the following advice from industry experts and owners.

The Value of Strong Security

“In considering the qualities that matter to today's tenants, safety and security are often at the top of the list as both a comparison point for prospective customers and as an ongoing loyalty and retention aspect of the overall customer experience,” says Randy Scott Wong, owner of I-5 Self Storage in Tustin, California.

Natolie Ochi, president and CEO of SKS Management LLC, which manages 32 facilities in California, says tenant move-in surveys cite protection measures among the top reasons for choosing her properties over competitors—even ahead of value for price.

Alternatively, poor security is bad for business. It can lead to break-ins, stolen items, property damage, negative reviews, a loss of trust and reputation and ultimately, a failing business, according to Taylor Pierce, vice president of Great Oaks Capital Partners LLC, which operates four self-storage facilities in Tennessee and Florida. “The right security measures don’t just protect the facility; they safeguard the business itself.”

Self-Storage Security Staples

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” security solution in self-storage, according to Loftin. Each facility has unique needs that’ll determine which tools are most effective. However, there are a handful of tried-and-true components that have stood the test of time.

“Some security measures have been industry staples for decades because they work,” Pierce explains, citing features like gate access with perimeter fencing, video cameras, high-quality lighting, durable disc or cylinder locks, and onsite managers. “While new technology continues to evolve, these core components remain essential because keeping it simple and effective is always better than operating without one and leaving a site with vulnerabilities.”

Robust fencing and gates controlled by smart-access systems that integrate with the facility’s property-management software are among the essentials every site requires, advises Chad Lewis, chief operating officer for Otter Storage Management, which operates the Honey Bee RV and Otter Self-Storage brands.

Another fundamental is video surveillance with long-term, secure storage that enables you to monitor activity, investigate incidents and maintain accountability, according to Maskell.

An often-overlooked staple is good lighting. “Well-lit areas, especially around pinch points including hallways and gates, make it less inviting to criminals and safer for those tenants who decide to come to a facility during unmanned hours,” says per Steve Reeder, director of marketing at PTI Security Systems, a provider of security and technology products for the self-storage industry.

In addition, many self-storage operators consider onsite staff an essential protection component. For this reason, Saf Keep Storage employs more workers than other facilities in its markets. “Extra staffing, especially outside the office, gives customers peace of mind and prevents criminals from choosing our property to commit a crime or the unhoused to use their units to ‘camp out’ in,” Ochi says.

I-5 Self Storage takes a holistic approach. “Some of these measures may take more time to implement and use, but we feel the additional security measures all work together to benefit everyone in our community,” Wong says.

Emerging Products to Consider

While these security basics continue to provide a strong foundation for self-storage businesses, evolving needs combined with sweeping advancements in technology have ushered in a wave of new products and processes.

Smart locks, which allow tenants to access their units using their phones, provide added convenience by eliminating the needs for standard keys. They can also offer real-time alerts for unusual activity such as forced-entry attempts or prolonged access, which adds another layer of protection, Loftin explains.

Artificial-intelligence-powered video-surveillance systems can identify objects that are recorded, a human vs. an animal for example, to more accurately detect unusual activity. They can also send real-time alerts to operators, issue an audible warning to intruders and even call the police if the activity persists.

Reeder points to access-control systems that use Bluetooth technology, which “binds a device to a specific property and/or unit, thereby making codes obsolete and reducing—or completely mitigating— others from peering over a shoulder to discover an entrance code to a facility or unit,” he explains. The technology also gives operators more data points, which can provide valuable information when a crime occurs and further helps operators identify issues like loitering.

Motion sensors and unit cameras detect movement within the space and trigger alarms or notifications, which Loftin says enhances property protection during off-hours and prevents crimes by tenants who have facility access.

Looking ahead, more AI solutions are on deck for self-storage security. “In the near future, we can expect to see more advanced AI-driven systems that predict and respond to security threats in real-time,” Loftin says. “These systems will leverage data analytics to identify patterns and anomalies, enabling proactive intervention.”

Using AI-driven predictive technology, security systems may soon be able to detect unusual patterns and trigger alerts or verification texts, Maskell says. For example, they might pick up on multiple failed access-code attempts or self-storage tenants who enter the facility outside their normal schedule.

Let’s not forget about biometric access control, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, which will become more common in the industry. Likewise, automated license-plate recognition (ALPR) technology is gaining traction. “ALPR systems can identify and track vehicles entering and leaving the facility, ensuring only authorized vehicles have access,” Maskell says.

Drone surveillance can offer aerial views of a self-storage facility to improve perimeter monitoring and respond to an event more quickly, Loftin says. He also points to “smart sensors” placed in storage units to detect unauthorized access, environmental changes or potential hazards such as fires or flooding.

Finally, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which can include sensors and other smart components, enables various security technologies to share data and adjust to information gathered throughout the network. IoT integration in self-storage will enable “a more interconnected and responsive security infrastructure, providing operators with unprecedented control and insights,” Loftin says.

Choosing the Right Products

To help you choose from the exciting security options on the self-storage market and implement the most effective measures, Loftin encourages you to evaluate your property’s unique needs, location and customer base. For example, a rural site might not need advanced features, as tenants in those areas often have lower expectations for technology-driven solutions, according to Maskell. He suggests striking a balance between protection and market appeal so upgrades meet both the operational needs of the facility and the expectations of the target audience.

Here are a few other tidbits of advice:

Choose systems that can grow with your self-storage operation and function seamlessly across multiple sites, Pierce advises. Similarly, ensure that any new components integrate with the site’s property-management software.

Keep your budget and long-term business goals in mind, advices Maskell, taking into account the total cost of ownership, including installation, maintenance, recurring charges and future upgrades.

Ask yourself: Has this security technology been designed with a self-storage application in mind, and does the provider have industry experience?

“While you know your facility’s vulnerabilities, industry-specific security providers can help address them effectively,” Lewis says. “Partnering with vendors specializing in access control, surveillance, fencing and video management ensures you invest in the right technology from the start.”

Any potential vendor should also offer robust customer support and ongoing software updates that keep systems secure and up-to-date, Maskell adds.

Time for a Refresh?

The time for a self-storage security overhaul isn’t always apparent. While there are many factors to consider, watch for tell-tale signs that it’s time for an upgrade:

Frequent malfunctions

Outdated technology

Systems that are no longer supported by vendors

Increased security issues

Slow technical responses

“If the current system no longer meets the facility's security needs or fails to integrate with newer technologies, it's time for an upgrade,” Loftin says.

Efficiency is another important metric that can be used to gauge whether your system needs a refresh. “If your security measures create more work for your team than protection, they aren’t serving their purpose,” Lewis says.

Maskell advises conducting periodic audits and consulting with trusted vendors to identify gaps and prioritize improvements.

Being attentive to customer feedback can also reveal when an issue is at play. “If tenants are expressing concerns about safety, it's time to take action,” Pierce says. In fact, difficulty in attracting new self-storage tenants can signal a problem that warrants improvements.

Newer security technology that increases automation while lowering operating expenses can help you maintain profit margins while keeping your rental rates competitive, Reeder concludes.

Practical Tips for the Transition

The transition to a new security technology can cause upheaval for self-storage tenants and staff, underlining the importance of careful planning. “Start by mapping out your existing systems and identifying which components need to integrate with the new software,” Maskell advises. “Schedule the transition during a low-activity period to minimize disruptions.”

Reeder suggests focusing on how new security software will affect the rental process and training staff to know the differences, including new data points provided by the improved system.

“Technology is only as good as the people using it,” Wong adds. “We make sure staff is fully aware of systems operations and also comfortably interfacing with vendors and law enforcement, proactively, before an incident happens. As it's been said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and I truly live that motto as best as possible.”

Some installation factors can affect the process, too. For example, adding smart door locks to occupied units requires notifying tenants in advance to coordinate access to their space. If it impacts the customer experience, it’s important to communicate changes early to maintain trust and minimize confusion, Maskell says. “Similarly, upgrades that involve new wiring or network infrastructure might require extra planning to avoid interfering with day-to-day operations.”

Achieving a safe self-storage site requires a multi-faceted approach. “Security is critical, but community is just as important—if not more,” Pierce says. “At the end of the day, a well-connected industry is a more secure industry.”

Rachel French is a freelance content writer and copywriter. Her background is in business-to-business media and copywriting for web applications. She’s covered a range of industries and markets including self-storage as well as financial, food and beverage, healthcare, and nutraceuticals. She previously worked for Inside Self-Storage as an intern turned associate editor.

About the Author

Rachel French

Freelance Writer

Rachel French is a freelance content writer and copywriter. Her background is in business-to-business media and copywriting for web applications. She’s covered a range of industries and markets including self-storage as well as financial, food and beverage, healthcare, and nutraceuticals. She previously worked for Inside Self-Storage as an intern turned associate editor.

See more from Rachel French

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