What are common security features in storage units

3rd March 2025
Common Security Features in Storage Units

When you are choosing a self storage provider, one of the most important features to assess is the overall security of the facility. It is essential to make sure the facility you are choosing has the proper security measures in place to protect your valuable belongings from potential theft, damage and unauthorised access.

Common Concerns About Storage Unit Security

When you are storing your belongings in a self storage facility you need to know they are safe and secure, there is no risk of damage from any source. Ensuring they are safe from malicious damage and issues from any other outside source. But if you are choosing a reputable self storage facility operator, they should have good security in place to ensure your belongings are safe while in their facility. The units should all at least be secure locked units, with CCTV and security gates, fencing and doors.

 

What Makes a Self-Storage Unit Secure?

All storage facilities need to be secure, weather they are external yards with containers or internal warehouse storage. The facility should have a secure access which can only be accessed by tenants of that facility, each storage unit should be locked, secure and only accessible by the tenant. The access to the sites, this should be monitored and controlled. The site and units should also all be covered by CCTV so they are monitored at all times to ensure they are always safe and secure.

 

unsecured open self storage container with boxes on the floor

 

Key Security Features to Consider

When choosing a self-storage facility, security should be a top priority. Whether you’re storing valuable business inventory, personal belongings, or important documents, ensuring the facility has robust security measures in place can provide peace of mind. From physical security barriers to high-tech surveillance and access control systems, a well-protected storage unit can significantly reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, or damage.

Physical Security Measures

The physical attributes of the storage units and facility its self can offer a higher level of security depending on what is on offer. If the storage units are made out of cauterised steel this ensures it is of a higher strength. The site is fenced on all sides with a high security fence which cannot be moved or easily climbed. And there is a controlled access gate which is locked at all times only allowing for authorised access. These simple attributes are key to look out for when accessing the security of a self storage facility.

Monitoring & Surveillance

One of the best security features for a self storage facility can have is 24/7 monitored CCTV. This can detect any potential threats and allow for them to be addressed straight away, and can act as a big deterrent to penitential thieves.

Access Control Systems

Ensuring that only authorised individuals can access the secure gated site is essential. The gate system must be locked at all times and only be able to be opened by authorised individuals. There are various ways of allowing for multiply people to have access to one gate for sure access. If this be by a pin pad, electronic fob or smart phone enabled entry systems, all of which can be monitored and checked to allow the storage facility operator to maintain a secure site.

Individual Unit Alarms

An additional layer of security can be individually alarmed units, these are often more common in the internal self storage facilities. But they can then alert security and staff to any unauthorised access attempts to a storage unit within the facility

High-Security Locks

Locking your storage unit is essential to ensure it is safe and secure, using the right lock can add an additional layer of security. Many self storage facilities will provide you with a high grade padlock often specifically designed to be used on a self storage unit. These locks are often disc or cylinder locks made from solid steel and brass. This means they are harder to access and tamper with providing enhanced protection.

Well-Lit Areas

A well light facility can not only offer peace of mind to you and easier access to your storage unit, it can act as a deterrent to any unauthorised entry. The facility should be fully light, especially at the entrance and exits. Hallways and corners should also be light, enhancing security and a sense of safety for users of the facility to come and go as and when they please night or day.

Smoke and Fire Alarms

There needs to be a safe procedure for dealing with the event of a fire. Fire can be devastating so this needs to be prevented. Again, this is more of an issue at an internal self storage facility, you need to ensure there are the correct fire safety measures in place, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinklers and fire extinguishers to protect your belongings from fire.

Uniformed Security Personnel

Having onsite security guards, can really enhance the security of the site. They can be a big deterrent to potential intruders. They will carry out patrols, respond to any incidents and monitor the premises enhancing the overall security of the site.

 

How You Can Enhance Storage Unit Security

Choose the Right Lock

You can improve the security of your self storage unit yourself with a few simple steps. Choosing the right padlock can be key, it is important to get a high grade security padlock, you can get padlocks designed specifically for use on storage units, and disc and cylinder locks are the best type of padlocks to use.

Store Items Strategically

If you are wanting to store valuable or sensitive items within your storage units, it would be best to make sure they are stored in a sensible way. Keeping them out of sight and out of view, put them into unmarked boxes to avoid drawing any attention to the contents and what is stored inside your unit.

Insure Your Belongings

Again, if you are wanting to store valuable items, it is essential to ensure they are insured. Often the store storage operator can offer you insurance and there are also many providers online who specialise in insurance for self storage units. Insurance will then protect against damage or loss due to theft, fire or other unforeseen events.

Protect Against Weather & Pests

It is the best to keep your belongings safe and secure while they are in a storage unit, to store them correctly. You will want to make sure your items are within the correct containers, sealed plastic containers offer a high level of protection from moisture and pests. If you are concerned about moisture, you can use plastic covers and moisture captures.

 

In Conclusion

It is key to ensure your items are fully secure while they are in a self storage facility. It is imperative to choose the correct facility for you and what you want to store, making sure they have the correct security features they should do for a reputable self storage facility. There are also measure you can take yourself to help while using a facility. To ensure you belongings are store correctly with the correct insurance and locked up and secure.

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