Self-storage facilities are responsible for protecting hundreds, sometimes thousands, of valuable items. From business inventory to personal keepsakes, tenants trust these spaces to keep their belongings safe and accessible.
But that trust comes with risk. Storage facilities are frequent targets for break-ins, vandalism, and theft. They have multiple access points, rows of isolated units, and often operate with minimal staff. Without the right video security system in place, it becomes difficult to track activity, verify incidents, or prevent loss.
This guide covers everything you need to know about self-storage video security. We explain how modern systems work, what cameras are best, where to place them, and how smart tools like AI and cloud access make your facility safer and easier to manage.
Whether you’re upgrading an older system or planning a new facility, this guide will help you choose the right video security setup to protect your property and your tenants.
Security is one of the most important factors tenants consider when choosing a self-storage facility. If they can’t trust that their property will be protected, they will look elsewhere.
Video security helps facility owners and managers reduce risk, increase visibility, and respond to incidents faster. It acts as both a deterrent and a source of evidence. Clear, high-quality footage can confirm or disprove claims, track suspicious activity, and support investigations.
Facilities that invest in video security also benefit from stronger tenant trust and often see lower insurance costs. Providers may offer better rates to locations that can prove they have real-time monitoring, recorded footage, and a plan in place for handling break-ins or damage.
In an industry where staff coverage may be limited and physical patrols are not always possible, video becomes the front line of defense.
What is self-storage video security?
Self-storage video security is a system of cameras, software, and storage tools used to monitor a storage facility in real time and record activity for later review. These systems help protect tenants’ property and provide visibility across high-risk areas of the facility.
A typical setup includes indoor and outdoor cameras, cloud or on-site video storage, and a video management system (VMS) that lets staff search, view, and manage footage. Many modern systems also include motion alerts, mobile access, and AI-powered features like object detection or zone tracking.
Video security is most effective when it works as part of a larger system that may include access control, alarms, and perimeter protection. Together, these tools help facility managers see what’s happening at all times and take action quickly when something is wrong.
Core components of a self-storage video security system
Security cameras
These are the eyes of your system. Cameras should cover:
Entrances and exits
Drive aisles and gates
Office and reception areas
Blind spots and high-risk zones
Look for cameras with features like:
High-resolution video (1080p or higher)
Night vision or low-light performance
Weatherproof housing for outdoor use
Wide-angle or zoom lenses for large spaces
Video management system (VMS)
This is the software that lets you:
View live and recorded footage
Search by time, camera, or motion
Set up alerts for suspicious activity
Manage user access and camera settings
A good VMS makes it easy to review incidents and manage the system from anywhere.
Video storage
Storage keeps your footage safe and accessible. There are three main options:
Local storage: Uses DVRs or NVRs onsite
Cloud storage: Uploads footage to secure offsite servers
Hybrid storage: Combines both for flexibility and backup
Choose your storage based on how long you need to keep footage and how you want to access it.
Remote access
Facility managers often need to monitor activity without being onsite. With cloud access, you can:
Log in from any device
Get alerts in real time
Share footage instantly with law enforcement or tenants
Remote access is a must for multi-site operators or teams with limited staff.
Smart features
Modern systems come with built-in tools to save time and improve response. Look for:
Motion detection: Highlights movement in specific areas
Video alarms: Notifies you of real threats
Zone tracking: Monitors activity in custom zones
Spot checking: Allows for quick video reviews by time and location
These tools reduce the need to watch hours of video and help you act faster when something happens.
Best types of cameras for self-storage security
Bullet cameras
Bullet cameras are distinguished by their long, cylindrical shape, which allows for targeted monitoring of a specific area. They’re ideal for outdoor use due to their robust design and ability to cover long distances.
Bullet cameras often come equipped with protective casings to withstand adverse weather conditions and sometimes include infrared capabilities for night vision. Their conspicuous appearance can also act as a deterrent to potential intruders, making them a popular choice for perimeters and open spaces.
Dome cameras
Dome cameras are encased in a transparent protective dome, making them more resistant to vandalism and discreet in appearance. Their design also allows for a wide range of coverage.
Dome cameras are versatile for indoor or outdoor use, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. The dome housing also obscures the camera’s direction, making it difficult for potential intruders to tell where the camera is pointing.
Turret cameras
Turret cameras, also known as eyeball cameras, feature a ball-and-socket design that enables them to rotate freely and provide greater angle flexibility compared to bullet cameras. This versatility makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
360 or fisheye cameras
Fisheye cameras offer ultra-wide-angle recording, capturing a 360-degree panoramic view with a single device. This capability makes them ideal for monitoring large areas like lobbies or open office spaces.
Outdoor cameras
Outdoor security cameras are essential for monitoring the areas around your property. They provide visibility at entrances, parking areas, delivery zones, and other exterior access points. By capturing activity before someone enters the building or facility, these cameras allow for faster detection and response to suspicious behavior.
Outdoor cameras are designed to perform reliably in harsh environments. They often include features that make them well-suited for continuous use in changing weather and lighting conditions.
Common features include:
Infrared night vision: Records clear footage even in complete darkness
Weatherproof housing: Protects against rain, snow, heat, and cold
Wide dynamic range (WDR): Handles lighting contrast from shadows and sunlight
High-resolution video: Captures clear detail such as faces and license plates
Motion detection: Flags movement in key zones for review or alerts
Remote access: Lets you view footage from any location with an internet connection
These cameras help protect the perimeter of your facility and can act as a strong visual deterrent to trespassers or intruders. They also support investigations by providing recorded video of any events that happen near entry points or outdoor assets.
Wired vs. wireless cameras for self-storage security
When setting up a video security system for a self-storage facility, one of the first choices you’ll make is whether to use wired or wireless cameras. Both options can deliver strong results, but the right choice depends on your facility layout, budget, and long-term needs.
Wired security cameras
Wired cameras connect to the recording system and power source using physical cables. Most modern setups use Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows both data and power to run through one cable.
Benefits:
Stable connection with no signal interference
Consistent video quality, even across long distances
Supports large installations with many cameras
Less maintenance since there are no batteries to replace
Considerations:
More complex installation, especially in larger or older buildings
Less flexibility if you need to move or add cameras later
Wired systems are ideal for larger facilities that need reliable, long-term video coverage.
Wireless security cameras
Wireless cameras use Wi-Fi or a dedicated wireless network to transmit footage. Most still require a power source, though some battery-powered models are available.
Benefits:
Faster and easier installation, especially in locations where wiring is difficult
Flexible placement in hard-to-reach or temporary areas
Remote access is often built-in for mobile viewing
Considerations:
Dependent on network strength and bandwidth
May require more maintenance if battery-powered
Not ideal for large deployments without strong infrastructure
Wireless cameras are best for smaller facilities, expanding coverage in specific areas, or situations where cabling is not practical.
Which is right for your self-storage facility?
Many facilities use a combination of both. For example:
Wired cameras for main entry points, drive aisles, and areas with existing infrastructure
Wireless cameras for temporary setups, remote buildings, or fast deployment in new zones
Choosing the right mix ensures you get the coverage you need without overcomplicating your system. Solink works with both wired and wireless camera setups, giving you the flexibility to build a system that fits your facility now and scales with you over time.
Where to place cameras in a self-storage facility
Strategic camera placement is key to getting full coverage and protecting both the facility and your tenants’ property. Poorly placed cameras can leave blind spots, slow down response times, and limit the value of your video footage during investigations.
Here are the most important areas to monitor:
Facility entrances and exits
Capture every vehicle and person entering or leaving the property
Record license plates and time-stamped footage
Help verify access logs or investigate incidents
Main gate or access control points
Monitor who is using gate codes, keypads, or card readers
Track unauthorized access attempts
Support access control integration with synced video footage
Drive aisles and vehicle paths
Cover movement between rows of units
Deter theft and monitor suspicious activity
Help track vehicles involved in property damage or break-ins
Office and reception areas
Keep an eye on staff interactions, payments, and customer service
Provide evidence for disputes or insurance claims
Protect cash registers and sensitive documents
Elevators and stairwells (for multi-level facilities)
Monitor tenant movement within the building
Increase safety in less-visible areas
Track patterns that may help with layout or staffing decisions
Perimeter fencing and exterior walls
Detect attempted break-ins, fence jumping, or vandalism
Provide early warnings with motion detection or smart alerts
Boost deterrence with visible outdoor bullet cameras and signage
High-risk or blind spot zones
Cover areas with poor lighting, sharp corners, or limited visibility
Use PTZ or wide-angle cameras to maximize coverage
Ensure no unit rows or walkways go unmonitored
Where AI comes in regarding self-storage video security needs
AI is not just a buzzword. It’s built into many modern video systems, and it plays a real role in helping self-storage operators protect property, reduce liability, and save time.
Zone tracking
With AI, you can monitor specific zones like gates, stairwells, or blind spots. If activity is detected in a restricted area or after hours, the system can alert your team or log the event for later review.
Zone tracking helps enforce access policies without needing constant live monitoring.
Spot checking and anomaly detection
AI tools can highlight unexpected activity across multiple cameras – such as someone staying in one place too long, moving against normal traffic flow, or triggering motion in multiple zones. This lets managers quickly “spot check” key areas with minimal effort.
Smart alerts and video alarms
AI can detect unusual movement or access at off-hours, then send alerts in real time. If paired with video alarms, these alerts can be verified before triggering a response, reducing false calls and improving emergency response times.
This is especially useful for facilities with limited on-site staff.
Integrating video with access control systems
Combining video security footage with access control gives self-storage facilities a complete picture of who enters, when they enter, and what happens next. While access logs show a record of credentials used, video provides the context behind each event.
Together, these systems help improve security, reduce liability, and make it easier to investigate suspicious activity.
Why integration matters
Access control systems track user activity through gate keypads, door readers, and smart locks. When integrated with video, you can:
Verify entry events with video footage of the person or vehicle
Without video, you’re relying only on data. With both systems working together, you get visual evidence tied to each access event.
Replacing on-site guards with video alarms and smart video security
Hiring on-site security guards can be costly and inconsistent, especially for facilities that operate 24/7 or cover large areas. Modern self-storage operators are turning to smart video systems with video alarms to get better protection without the high overhead.
Instead of relying on someone physically watching every area, video alarms use smart cameras and motion detection to monitor your facility in real time. When something suspicious happens — like movement after hours or access to a restricted zone — the system flags the footage and notifies your team immediately.
What are video alarms?
A video alarm is triggered when motion is detected in a selected area during a defined time window. Instead of a generic alert, the system captures the actual video clip and sends it to the right people.
With Solink, verified video alarms can be routed to:
Your internal security team
A third-party monitoring center
Local law enforcement (if escalation is needed)
How video alarms replace on-site guards
24/7 coverage: Smart cameras never lose focus or take breaks
Faster response: Alerts are sent in real time with visual proof
Lower cost: No need to staff overnight shifts or patrol low-traffic areas
Consistent accuracy: Cameras don’t miss blind spots or forget to check a door
Better documentation: Each alert is backed by recorded footage
In many cases, just the presence of visible cameras and signage that video alarms are in use is enough to deter break-ins and unauthorized access.
How Solink powers smarter self-storage video security
Solink gives self-storage operators a smarter way to secure their facilities. Instead of relying on outdated systems or disconnected tools, Solink brings everything together in one platform that’s simple to use, flexible to install, and built for real-world operations.
Solink works with your existing cameras, so there’s no need to start from scratch. Whether you’re using analog or IP cameras, Solink connects to your current setup and streams footage securely to the cloud. You get access to modern tools without the cost of full replacement.
The built-in video management system makes it easy to view live feeds, search recorded footage, and manage alerts from anywhere. Whether you’re on-site or remote, Solink gives you a clear view of what’s happening in real time, across one or multiple facilities.
Smart features like motion search, video alarms, zone tracking, and spot checking help you find key moments fast. Instead of watching hours of footage, your team can quickly confirm incidents, investigate claims, or check for after-hours activity in seconds.
Whether you’re managing a single location or an entire portfolio of properties, Solink scales with your needs and helps you keep every site secure, efficient, and easy to monitor.
Ready to see how Solink can simplify your self-storage security?
Book a demo to explore the platform in action.