(This post has been updated for 2025)
Customers need to feel like their stuff is safe with you!
As a self storage operator, one of the best ways to provide your customers with confidence is by investing in security features. There are many options, but it's always a good start with basics like security cameras.
Most businesses have security cameras these days (whether they're in operation or not is up for debate), so you may be wondering: just how important are security cameras, and do they actually make a difference?
According to the 2023 SSA Demand Study, security is an important factor when renters are choosing a storage facility. In fact, roughly 30% of Millennial and Gen Z renters would like to have an individual storage unit alarm or some kind of on-site patrol.
Of course, all of this makes sense!
The majority of storage units are long-term rentals, so these customers are storing their valuable possessions for months to years at a time. They want to ensure that their stuff is safe no matter how long it's stored!
While individual unit alarms are and on-site patrol are options, neither of these are capable of catching every sneaky criminal that waltzes into your facility.
Storage unit alarms are only designed to notify the tenant of entry, while an on-site patrol is too expensive for most operators. However, security cameras can be in multiple corners at once, and they can even aid in identifying the person of interest.
Not only do these cameras provide eyes for every square foot of your facility, but they can bring peace of mind to your tenants, too.
Plus, they're more affordable than a lot of other options.
Security comes in many forms at a self storage facility, from gated entrances and exits to perimeter fencing, bright lighting, and on-site managers. Perhaps the most essential form of security at a storage facility is an effective and up-to-date surveillance system, especially in today’s world.
Surveillance cameras allow facility managers to monitor everything that is going on at the facility since they can’t stand guard at every unit at every hour.
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Cameras should record 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to account for when managers aren’t on site. This is especially true if your facility is open 24/7 (which customers really love).
Ideally, you'd have cameras to the entrance and exit gate, cameras in the office, and multiple cameras in every corridor and aisle to properly cover all storage units.
And make sure that any potential thieves know! Post signs on the property saying surveillance cameras are monitoring the property 24/7. Think of where you might try to access the facility and place signs in those areas.
According to Defend Security Group, visible security cameras can deters up to 60% of criminals. If you aren't sure that they'll see your cameras, make sure they see your signs!
Most facilities are several acres in size and located back from busy roadways. That, coupled with all the valuable possessions that are inside, makes them prime targets for criminals.
That’s why surveillance cameras are so important for your storage facility, both in terms of attracting new customers and keeping those customers’ possessions safe. A robust security system gives customers confidence, which helps you build a valuable relationship with them.
However, only having surveillance cameras and posting notices about them is not enough. It’s also crucial that you choose the right type of surveillance system.
You should prioritize cameras that record 24 hours a day, store their data digitally, and allow you to access the feed remotely at any time.
In the event a criminal somehow gets through the entrance gates and breaks into storage units—or if a current customer with access to the property breaks into other units—your surveillance system becomes the only way to identify and track down the criminal.
When it's time to invest in security cameras, you don't want the cheapest brand with low-quality footage and frequent errors.
You want a surveillance system that you count on. One that provides high-resolution, night vision, and the ability to store footage for several days to a month. And don't worry!
You don't have to break the bank for good quality surveillance.
With the constant advances in technology, surveillance systems can now be purchased for $1,000 or less depending on how much video coverage you need for your facility.
Large facilities spanning several acres of land and various buildings may have to dish out more for comprehensive security coverage, but if it provides your customers with a sense of safety and potentially wards off criminals, it's worth it!
Remember - if you get one new renter because of your new camera system, you've probably made your money back!
While it may come at an expense to get a surveillance system in place, remember that your customers are counting on you to keep their possessions safe. A tested surveillance system can do just that.
There are many factors when choosing a surveillance system, such as the number of cameras, the type of cameras, where to position the cameras, and how the cameras will operate. There will also need to be considerations about handling the subsequent footage.
For these reasons, it may be best to consult a surveillance system vendor to help you meet your storage facility’s security needs.
Some of the top features facility managers should consider when choosing a surveillance system are:
High-definition video is critical, as it produces a clearer video that can help facility managers and police identify criminals easier than ever before.
It’s also crucial that employees or managers can monitor the video feeds from a remote location and not just on-site at the facility. This capability is especially helpful when no manager is at the storage facility.
Once those two features are present, it’s time to move on to the issue of data itself.
The surveillance system must have a backup power supply. In the case of a standard power blackout, a storm that knocks the power grid off, or a smart criminal who can cut the main power supply, you'll want to make sure your security cameras can still operate.
This backup power will keep the surveillance cameras running at all times.
Finally, the data the surveillance cameras are producing should be stored in the cloud and on storage devices off-site, not on tapes located in the storage facility.
While a video surveillance system can't guarantee zero break-ins, it can significantly reduce the chances and provide important footage for your customers and local police.
Once your surveillance system is installed and signage is posted, you can stress less and assure your customers that their belongings are safer now.
As a storage facility manager or owner, if you have peace of mind about your security system, then your customers will, too.
For more self storage articles, take a look at:
At StoragePug, we build self storage websites that make it easy for new customers to find you and easy for them to rent from you.
