How to Ensure Safety and Security in Your Self-Storage Space

Owning and investing in self-storage space is a great, easy way to keep the consistent cash flow coming. However, it doesn’t come without its safety and security risks. Luckily, there are many ways to ensure you’re providing top-notch security for your storage units and your tenants. Below, we’ll cover the risks at hand before diving into some great preventative measures to consider. 

Potential risks

The number one thing to keep in mind when it comes to the safety and security of your self-storage space is that your renters are trusting you with their personal possessions. In order to attract renters and keep your tenant turnover rate fast, you’ll want to send the right message to them with your security measures. Outside thieves are the most common risk at hand, but even your own tenants can break into other units in the facility; this is why you’ll want to make sure you not only have great security for your entire property, but for each individual unit as well. Other issues to keep in mind include environmental protection; the weather can be just as much of a threat as thieves when it comes to damage! Below are a few tips for keeping your facility safe and secure–and, in turn, keeping your tenants happy. 

Measures to take 

Video surveillance

One of the most important and beneficial things you can do to keep your self-storage facility safe is to install some sort of video surveillance. For the most part, security cameras are essential to assessing a crime after it happens. If something goes wrong and a burglar, unfortunately, makes their way into your storage space, a surveillance camera will at least be able to help you figure out what happened and who committed the crime. But cameras are also good for preventing theft–as long as you’re making them as obvious and easy to spot as possible. No thief wants to be caught on camera! That’s why placing one in plain sight is one smart way to keep them away.

Access control systems

Installing an access control system in your facility is an essential part of keeping burglars out and ensuring that the only people who can get inside are the ones who are supposed to. An access control system can be as simple as a keypad requiring a 4-digit pin to more advanced systems that can even work to lock out delinquent tenants who have failed to pay their rent. There are tons of options out there; maybe you’ll opt for the typical keypad, or maybe you’ll go with remotes or security cards. Some access control systems even go as far as to provide complete records of who’s been in and out of the facility. It can be as high-tech and as in-depth as you want it to be. The important thing is that it lets the right people in and keeps the wrong people out. 

Door alarms

Sometimes fences or alarms to protect the parameters of your facility as a whole just don’t cut it–thieves may, unfortunately, find a way to get past those things. That’s where individual alarms for each unit come into play. You can never have too many layers of protection! Access codes for electronic door locks that double as alarms are a good measure to take. If someone tries to override the code needed to get inside and open the door with force, the alarm will sound. Keep in mind that this sort of technology isn’t cheap–but it can make all the difference in the security of your self-storage facility and the peace of mind of your tenants. 

Property fencing

If you really want to show prospective renters that you mean business when it comes to keeping their belongings safe, property fencing is a great way to get the message across–it’s also an effective security measure! A good fence should, first and foremost, do its job while also remaining somewhat pleasant to the eyes so as not to drive renters away–but it should definitely keep out thieves! Fencing options range from basic, ornamental fencing to cut-resistant mesh and even razor wire and other climb-resistant fencing if you’re in an area that’s prone to lots of crime. Assess your location, the risk, and the type of storage units you’re providing in order to come up with an option that works best for your facility. 

Environmental protection

Theft isn’t the only threat when it comes to storage units! The weather can really take a toll on the belongings being stored in these facilities. That’s why it’s always good to consider the level of environmental protection you’re providing, including climate control. You should ensure that your units are sealed and secure at all times, keeping your tenant’s assets safe from things like water damage, rust, corrosion, and fire. 

Trust TyMac

For the best self-storage investment options, you can get, partner with TyMac Group LLC. When you invest with TyMac, you’re guaranteed peace of mind and incredible return rates. We have everything we need (including a wealth of experience and a winning acquisition formula) to help you on your investment journey. Learn more by visiting our website.