Summer vacation season is here, which means families are packing bags, hitting the road and leaving properties unattended for days or even weeks at a time. While the break is well-deserved, an empty property can quickly become a target for break-ins, vandalism and theft, especially when you have valuable tools, equipment or outdoor storage in a freestanding shed or portable building.

If you’re planning to be away, it’s important to think beyond locking the front door. From smart locks and solar lighting to the strategic placement of your portable buildings, there are several steps you can take to protect your property while you're gone.

Use Tougher Locks for Access Control

Traditional locks are common, but they’re not always the most secure. Many padlocks can be cut with bolt cutters or shimmed open with a little know-how. That’s why upgrading to battery-powered smart padlocks or hardened, shrouded locks is a smart first step in preventing break-ins.

Smart locks can:

• Let you control access remotely using a smartphone
• Provide time-stamped access logs
• Eliminate the need for spare keys hidden outside

There are now weather-resistant smart padlocks made specifically for sheds, gates and outdoor storage. Some even offer tamper alerts, so you’re notified immediately if someone tries to break in.

If you prefer mechanical locks, choose heavy-duty options like disc locks or hidden-shackle padlocks, which are harder to cut through or pry open. Pair them with hasp covers to make access even more difficult.

Install Motion-Activated Solar Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter criminals. Thieves prefer dark corners, and a sudden spotlight can be enough to scare them away. But not everyone wants to run electrical wires out to a shed, free-standing carport or portable building.

Solar-powered motion lights are the perfect solution. They’re affordable, easy to install, and require no wiring. Many modern solar lights can:

• Detect motion up to 20–30 feet away
• Stay charged through cloudy days
• Are capable of illuminating entire driveways, side yards or storage areas

Place them above entrances to your shed or portable building, near gates and around your home’s perimeter. For added coverage, choose dual-head lights that can be angled in multiple directions.

Strategically Place Portable Buildings and Sheds

Where you place your shed or portable building can impact how easy it is to break into. A structure tucked away behind a fence or hidden by shrubs might be out of your sight, but they may also be out of sight from neighbors or security cameras.

When possible, place your shed or portable building:

• In visible areas that are well-lit
• Within range of home security cameras
• Behind locked gates or inside fenced yards
• Facing the home or main structure, rather than away from it

It may be tempting to “hide” storage structures to make your yard look more open, but visibility is often your best defense. Criminals are less likely to target a building that looks monitored.

Secure Windows and Doors

Many sheds and portable buildings come with windows for ventilation and light, but these can also be access points for intruders.

Make sure windows are equipped with locking mechanisms, and consider bars or security screens if you’re worried about break-ins.

Doors should be solid and equipped with reinforced hinges and locking hasps. If your building has double doors, consider installing a drop bar or deadbolt inside to secure both sides when not in use.

Don’t Advertise Your Absence

Simple details can tip off opportunists that no one is home. To avoid making your absence obvious:



• Put interior and exterior lights on timers
• Pause mail or have someone collect it
• Keep lawn care on schedule to avoid overgrown yards

If possible, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your property every few days. Just the presence of occasional movement can be enough to discourage a would-be intruder.

Lock Up Tools and Equipment

Tools left out in the open aren’t just easy targets, they can also be used to break into your home or shed. Before leaving for vacation, store all yard tools, ladders and construction equipment inside your shed or garage. Lock everything down using wall hooks, shelves or anchor points.

Inside your portable building, consider using a secondary locked cabinet or anchor cables to secure expensive tools and valuables. Even if someone breaks in, added barriers can slow them down or stop them altogether.

Don’t Forget About Fire Safety

While break-ins are a major concern, vandalism and fire are also risks. Avoid storing flammable items like gas cans or fireworks in your shed when you’re away. Make sure outlets and extension cords are unplugged and remove any paper, cloth or fuel-soaked materials that could catch fire in extreme heat.

Plan Ahead With Our High-Quality Portable Building Services in Panama City, FL

A portable building is only as secure as the materials, hardware and layout it’s built with. At Bestway Portable Buildings Inc., we design sheds and structures with long-term durability and safety in mind.

Contact us here on our website or give us a call at (850) 747-8974 for a free consultation and let us help you protect what matters, whether you’re home or away.