Storage Unit Locks and Alarms for the Best Security

The need for self storage often comes out of necessity — whether you’re transitioning between homes, deploying for active duty or downsizing. Many different qualities impact your search for the right storage facility, including distance, access hours and cleanliness, but security is the highest priority. This is why we provide individual security alarms on every storage unit at all of our locations.

You may be wondering how the individual security alarms work and if you still need a lock for your unit. Individual alarms provide an added level of security and work in partnership with the locks you place on your unit door. It may be tempting to think that any lock will protect your storage unit, but that’s not always the case. In addition to the individual alarms installed at our facilities, you need a high-quality lock.

How Do Individual Security Alarms Work?

We recently shared a video on our social media accounts showing how the individual alarms work on our storage units.

Each customer is issued a unique code that is keyed in at the entrance gate. When this code is entered, the alarm inside your unit is disabled. If the code isn’t entered and someone else tries to open the door on your unit, it sets off a very loud, audible alarm. We are notified of this alarm in the office, and it can be heard everywhere in the facility.

This technology is especially effective at SPS, as we have professional on-site managers who monitor and respond to these alarms. They are built into the storage unit doors and connected to the security system throughout the facility. You won’t see an alarm on the door like you would a lock, but it’s there and ready to protect your belongings from intruders.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit Locks

Your locks work hand-in-hand with the individual security alarms at SPS. Each of our units includes a security alarm, but as the customer, you need to provide a lock for the door. Not just any lock will do the trick when ensuring the safety of your belongings. For example, you don’t want to use a tiny suitcase lock or a bike lock. We’ve seen customers attempt to use these kinds of locks, and we don’t recommend them.

At SPS, we recommend heavy-duty disc padlocks with stainless-steel, laser-welded bodies for the very best security. Disc locks function similarly to traditional padlocks, but their round shape makes them difficult to cut off or break into. We sell these types of locks at SPS, and they are also available at most hardware stores. Disc locks have become the industry standard for storage units, as they cannot be removed with bolt cutters, because the hasp (or the U-shaped part of a padlock) cannot be reached. Remember to confirm that the lock you purchase will fit the latch on your storage unit.

Cylinder locks are the most difficult to break into. Only certain sizes of cylinder locks will fit into a standard storage unit door. It’s important to check with the specific facility before purchasing this type of lock.

Ordinary padlocks can be used, but they are not the most secure option for a storage unit. Although you may be the only one with the key, padlocks are the easiest kind of lock to cut off. Closed-shackle padlocks are similar, but the shackle, a U-shaped bar that locks shut, is thicker and shorter, which helps deter bolt cutters.

Storage Unit Locks to Avoid

You want to avoid using a combination lock on your storage unit. These types of locks are the easiest to break into, and there’s also the hassle of forgetting the combination to the lock. Some self-storage facilities don’t even allow you to use a combination lock because of the risk.

We also don’t recommend multi-combination locks, like bike locks, as they are not a secure option for protecting your storage unit contents. Spending the few extra dollars on a high-quality lock will be worth it in the long run, as cheaper options cost less due to lower-quality metal used by the manufacturer.

Secure Storage Units for Rent

At SPS, we want to ensure you get the most out of your secure storage unit rental at our locations. We have invested in state-of-the-art security monitoring systems, individual alarms on all of our units, high-definition video surveillance, updated lighting and unique access codes. A lock is the last line of defense when it comes to protecting your storage unit from a potential break-in. Make sure you have a quality lock compatible with your storage unit in order to provide your belongings with the best protection.

Do you have additional questions about our individual security alarms and how to select a lock for your storage unit? Contact our knowledgeable storage managers at the SPS location nearest you so we can answer your questions and help you select the best storage unit and lock for your needs.