As a self storage facility owner, you know that your security solutions will better protect your site and even integrate with other business systems, streamlining your operations. But have you considered how your security solution can set you apart from competitors, attract customers, and build trust in your facility?
The self storage industry continues to grow at record pace globally, valued at over $64 billion in 2023 with projections indicating the market with amount to $85.27 billion by 2030. However, with a recent sharp rise in popularity, the competition has also increased.
Self storage security systems, when fully embraced, can do more than just protect your site. They can unlock growth, streamline operations, and give you an edge over the competition.
Why self storage security is important
No self storage facility can operate without robust security solutions. When investing in storage, tenants assume that their units will be protected from theft or vandalism. If security measures are ineffective, this will erode trust and lose business.
However, with the advancements in today’s self storage security systems, maintaining physical security has become a hygiene factor. The importance of these systems goes beyond safeguarding a facility and tenants’ items, they are now strategic assets that play a pivotal role in addressing a range of challenges faced by facility owners and managers.
Take National Mini Storage for example. When the storage facility opened its first site in Auckland, New Zealand in 1991, they relied on a natural form of perimeter security. However, after three break-ins, the on-site managers, acknowledged that the company’s long-term success was reliant on a safe and secure storage facility for customers.
After installing a Gallagher security system, the company benefited from being able to solve problems and reset alarms remotely saving the business time and money. The Gallagher system has become important to its continued success and a major point of difference for its customers compared to other suppliers.
The benefits of self storage security solutions
Investing in self storage security solutions offers facility owners a multitude of benefits. Not only do these systems deter unauthorised access and provide peace of mind for tenants, they also enhance the overall appeal of the facility.
- Investment Appeal
Self storage facilities have gained significant popularity among real estate investors due to their potential for generating consistent rental income. But what makes a self storage facility stand out in the eyes of potential buyers and investors often comes down to the presence of a well-designed and maintained self storage security system.
Investors are constantly seeking opportunities that offer both a reasonable return on investment and a lower level of risk. A self storage facility equipped with a comprehensive security system ticks both boxes. The presence of state-of-the-art perimeter deterrence, intrusion detection, access control measures, and alarm systems reduces the risk of theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. Consequently, potential investors perceive such facilities as safer, less prone to disruptions, and more reliable sources of rental income.
- Attracting new customers
People all over the world are becoming more and more security conscious. They want to make sure that their belongings are protected at all times. By providing a secure environment, self storage facilities can attract customers looking to protect their high-value items.
Effectively providing robust self storage perimeter protection and self storage access control, protected by an end-to-end cybersecurity approach, is essential to meet the unique needs of self storage sites of all sizes and security requirements. Controlled from one centralised platform, a comprehensive security system should be fully customisable and configurable. Such a system should also provide visible protection to your potential customers, giving them the confidence to choose your facility over competitors who may offer a lower level of security.
A comprehensive self storage security solution, such as Gallagher’s, gives facilities an edge in attracting long-term tenants whose valuables deserve the best protection.
- Increased revenue
A self storage security system isn't just about keeping the facility safe - it also allows for the establishment of premium rental rates. Tenants are often ready to pay more for storage units in secure facilities. This increased revenue from higher rental rates translates into greater cash flow, a key factor that investors consider when assessing a self storage facility’s profitability.
Additionally, a secure environment not only attracts new tenants, but also encourages existing ones to renew their contracts. Reduced instances of theft and damage to stored belongings create happier, more loyal customers. Consequently, well-maintained self storage security systems contribute to higher occupancy rates, ensuring a steady stream of rental income.
- Setting your facility apart from competitors
Creating a secure environment beyond expectation ensures a self storage facility will stand out from the competition by providing customers with unprecedented trust and security. A holistic, all-encompassing self storage security solution deters and protects against threats to storage facilities, including theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. Such a system should combine perimeter fencing, access control solutions, and other advanced security integrations that keep customers' stored items safe and secure.
By utilising state-of-the-art technology to monitor activity inside and outside the facility, a storage facility security system provides customers with peace of mind knowing their belongings are safe. The result is higher customer satisfaction levels that can lead to greater revenue opportunities for self storage owners. With a comprehensive top of the line security solution in place, self storage facilities can have peace of mind that they have taken the necessary steps to ensure maximum safety and protection for their customers.
- Providing a frictionless experience for renters
Frictionless experiences are fast becoming an expectation for many people. For self storage facilities, the opportunities within their access control system are endless. Most people use a mobile device to manage different aspects of their lives, from banking to accessing public transport. When implemented as part of a full site security system, mobile technology can considerably enhance how people interact with their unit by combining everything they need in one simple app. Mobile credentials remove many complexities to make managing units as straightforward as paying for a coffee while offering significant cost savings to self storage owners.
Creating an efficient and safe customer experience has become one of the top considerations for self storage facilities to attract tenants and visitors and add benefits beyond the spaces and services they provide.
- Building trust with customers
Once you have secured renters, attention turns to maintaining their trust so they continue storing their belongings at your facility. To achieve this, self storage owners must implement a comprehensive site security solution. By prioritising safety and security, you reinforce their decision to choose your facility, fostering long-term loyalty and satisfaction.
With a comprehensive storage facility security system, owners and managers can convey to customers that their possessions are being stored using the highest levels of protection, allowing them to trust that they’re in good hands. In addition, features like perimeter protection, access control, and flexible credentials provide added peace of mind when it comes to storing valuables.
Ultimately, a visible self storage security solution offers your customers peace of mind, knowing their storage unit is secure even when there's no one there.
- Enhanced cybersecurity
Physical security threats are not the only challenge storage facilities face, the digital world has become a battleground too. Cybersecurity incidents have been on the rise over the past few years and the statistics are alarming. In 2023, there were around 8 billion records breached, but by May 2024, that number had already shot up to over 35 billion.
Partnering with a cyber responsible security vendor, alleviates some of the pressure on storage facilities by designing cyber-protective measures into all parts of their security systems. These systems meet robust credential standards, data security compliances, and cybersecurity regulations.
By investing in advanced cybersecurity measures, storage facilities can stand out in a competitive market. Enhanced security features attract new clients who seek the highest level of protection for their belongings, while also retaining existing renters by consistently demonstrating a commitment to their safety. This dual benefit of attracting and retaining clients through superior security measures can lead to increased customer loyalty and long-term success for self storage owners.
Investing in a leading security solution can help self storage facilities provide their customers the best offering, attract new clients, and differentiate themselves from the competition. By delivering a safe and secure environment for their belongings, storage owners can build trust in their facility, increase customer loyalty, and provide added value to their offerings.
So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and provide your customers the best possible experience, consider investing in a self storage security solution today.