Self storage customers want three things: a great deal, the right location, and to know that their belongings are safe.
While gates and cameras can deter thieves, if someone gets past your gate and you aren’t paying someone to monitor your cameras 24/7, you won’t know that a break-in is happening until it’s already done.
Individual unit alarms–whether a motion sensor inside the storage unit or a door alarm–provide instant notifications when a break-in happens, giving you the best chance to catch thieves in the act.
So, which one should you choose? Both motion sensors and door alarms give your customers a sense of greater security, but offer different kinds of protection. Door alarms can be easier to install, since you don’t need to go inside the unit to install them, but don’t protect against people tunneling through your property. For our full break-down, read on!
Door Alarms: Protection From Entering
Wireless door alarms are installed on the door frame inside of the storage unit, and detect whenever the door is opened or tampered with. When a tenant arrives and enters their gate code, the door alarm for their specific unit is disarmed, so they can open their lock and use their door freely.
However, if someone enters the property–with or without a gate code–and tries to open the door or break into it, the door alarm will notice the activity using its contact sensor and tamper alert, and notify the property manager via text and email.
SpiderDoor’s new wireless door alarms, launching in July 2025, make this process seamless. They integrate with your gate code system, work within a mesh network (20-30 feet between units), and send battery life notifications when power drops below 20%. Easy to install and maintain, these alarms provide reliable unit-level security with minimal hassle.
And with our special offer for launch—Buy 2, Get 1 Free up to 50 alarms—it’s a perfect time to try them out. Fill out our quote request form so we can help you figure out the right set up for your building, including the alarms and their wireless Gateway hub.
Motion Sensor Alarms: Protection From Within
Motion sensor alarms detect movement within a single storage unit–but why would you focus on protecting the inside of a storage unit?
Imagine that someone signs a lease for a storage unit. One night, they use their personal gate code to get onto the property, open up the door to their storage unit, and use their storage unit to break into the units next to them, and then the units next to those. Without opening a single door (other than their own), they can quickly clear out multiple storage units without ever tripping a camera.
Depending on how active your storage facility is, it could take days or weeks for anyone to even discover that there was a theft.
SpiderDoor motion sensor alarms work by integrating with your existing self storage access control system. A customer keys in their gate code, enters the property, and has access to their storage unit and only their storage unit. If they enter another storage unit (even without using the door), they’ll trip the motion sensor, sending you an instant alert that something is wrong.
Like the door alarms, motion sensors also connect through a mesh network, have a 3–5 year battery life, and provide automated notifications when batteries run low. They’re a strong deterrent against insider theft and an excellent up-sell feature for security-conscious tenants.
Individual Unit Security: Motion Alarms vs Door Alarms
| Motion Alarms | Door Alarms | |
| Installed… | Inside the storage unit, using a Velcro or magnetic bracket | On the door frame |
| Primary Purpose | Detect movement within the unit space | Detect door access and tampering |
| Best For Detecting | Internal Thefts | External Break-Ins |
| How Do They Work? | Motion sensors | Magnetic contact sensor and tamper alert |
| Integrates With… | (Systems) | Syrasoft Domico Doorswap Storedge Web Self Storage Self Storage Manager Sitelink Storedge Storage Commander Tenant Inc (coming) Cubby (coming) |
| How Do Tenants Gain Access? | Gate code disarms the alarm for their unit | Gate code disarms the alarm for their unit |
| Battery Life | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| When Tripped, Notifies… | Property Manager, Tenant (optional) | Property Manager, Tenant (optional) |
Which Alarm Is Right for Your Facility?
Choosing between motion and door alarms often comes down to your security priorities and operational realities. Both offer strong benefits:
Choose Door Alarms If…
- Your top concern is preventing unauthorized entry through the door
- You prefer a simpler installation with fewer concerns about room layout
Choose Motion Alarms If…
- You’re concerned about inside jobs or tenants breaking into neighboring units
- Your facility has low foot traffic or long periods between unit checks
- You want additional protection layered with other security methods
Many facility owners find that a combination of both alarms gives them the best overall protection—door alarms for external break-in detection, and motion sensors for internal activity monitoring.
A Great Time to Upgrade: SpiderDoor’s Launch Offer
SpiderDoor is proud to be rolling out its new door alarms in July 2025, with pilot testing happening now. These alarms are easy to install, work seamlessly with your existing systems, and provide advanced features like:
- Mesh network connectivity
- Gate code integration for smart disarming
- Text and email alerts to managers and tenants
- 3–5 year battery life with auto-notify at 20%
To celebrate the launch, we’re offering a special promotion: Buy 2, Get 1 Free on up to 50 door alarms. It’s the perfect opportunity to level up your facility’s security before peak season.
Contact us for a quote to get started!
Whether you’re securing a single facility or managing multiple locations, SpiderDoor’s individual unit alarms offer scalable, affordable protection you can count on.
Final Thoughts
Making sure your self-storage facility feels safe and secure not only helps your current customers feel like they’re getting exceptional value, it makes it easier to promote your business to new customers. Whether you choose motion alarms, door alarms, or both, you’re giving your facility a competitive edge.
Want to be among the first to try SpiderDoor’s new door alarms? Don’t wait. Take advantage of our launch offer and see the difference it makes.
Contact us today to learn more or reserve your discounted units.
