Let’s be real—if your storage facility isn’t locked down properly, it can quickly turn into a hotspot for unauthorized guests. And once the word spreads in the homeless community that your place is an easy target, it snowballs fast. I’ve seen it all—units turned into apartments, U-Hauls used as temporary homes, RVs broken into, and even storage units being used for exotic animal breeding (yeah, really). I’ve cleaned up more human waste than I care to admit while managing properties across the U.S over the last decade.

Beyond the obvious headaches, this kind of activity can wreck your Google reviews, hurt your reputation in the community, drive up your utility bills, and create serious fire hazards. So, how do you stop it? Here’s what works:

Cut Off Easy Access to Power & Water

People look for places where they can live comfortably. Don’t make it easy for them.

• Remove or secure outdoor electrical outlets.
• Keep water sources locked when not in use.
• Require a code or key for restroom access (if you even have one).

Lock It Down: Security & Access Control

A weak security setup is an open invitation. Tighten it up:

• Install keypads on every gate, entry door, and hallway.
• Keep U-Hauls, RVs, and other large vehicles locked.
• Regularly inspect fences, doors, and other potential weak points.
• Change up your patrol routines—don’t be predictable.

Surveillance & Lighting: Eyes Everywhere

People don’t like being watched. Make sure they are.

• Cover the entire property with cameras—no blind spots.
• Regularly check footage and make sure cameras are working.
• Install motion sensored lighting to save on electric costs and draw attention to activity.
• Tag or lock vacant units so no one can sneak in.

Be Proactive: Spot Problems Before They Start

If you wait for an issue to arise, you’re already too late.

• Walk the property like you’re trying to break in—find weaknesses before others do.
• Check door closers and other security hardware.
• Remove door chocks, rocks, and other things used to hold doors open.
• Review gate logs daily for suspicious patterns.

Lease Protections: Make It Clear They Can’t Stay

Your lease should make squatting impossible:

• Use clear termination clauses for month-to-month rentals with a 3-10 day notice.
• Avoid words like “eviction” that could give squatters legal loopholes.
• Explicitly prohibit living in units.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t take security seriously, your facility can go from a business to a shelter in no time. The key is staying ahead of the problem—lock things down, monitor constantly, and make sure your lease is airtight. Your business, reputation, and sanity depend on it.

Megan Graham is a District Manager at Atomic Storage Group, where she oversees multiple portfolios of self-storage facilities across the United States. With over a decade of hands-on operational experience—from the front lines to senior management—Megan brings a grounded, realistic approach to third-party management, revenue strategy, and storage consulting. She works closely with property owners to align operations with their long-term goals, whether that means maximizing value for a future sale or building lasting community connections for sustained income. Megan doesn’t promote storage as “passive income”—she delivers honest insights and measurable results.