As we have seen in recent years, the trend of using container homes as alternative housing is not dying off. In anything, research shows that the container home industry market size will grow to US$ 70.49 billion in 2025 and 126.57 billion by 2034.
Thanks to their benefits, no wonder people worldwide are still interested in trying container homes. Apart from being cheaper than most conventional homes, their structural integrity is also a major appeal.
However, there is still a catch. Much like any unlocked home, even these homes aren’t safe from home invasion and other threats when unsecured. Just because a container home is structurally sound, it still needs the best security features to protect homeowners.
As such, we have several trusted methods of securing container homes divided into categories for easy reading. Check them out here!
Also Read: Prefab Container Home: How to Extend Its Lifespan
Securing Entry Points
Install Heavy-Duty Locks
Your doors are the first line of defense against intruders, which means investing in high-security locks is important. To boost the doors, use drill-resistant and pick-proof locks with reinforced strike plates.
Additionally, you can use a multi-point locking system, which secures the door at multiple points rather than just at the handle. This makes it harder for home invaders to break in by kicking or prying the door open.
Reinforce Windows with Security Bars
Windows are a common entry point for burglars, especially if they are unlocked or made of weak glass. Installing steel security bars or grilles as physical deterrents makes it much harder for intruders to break in.
If you prefer a less intrusive look, use roll-down security shutters that have the same level of protection while staying hidden when unused.
Use Shatterproof Glass
Replacing glass with laminated or tempered glass significantly enhances security. Laminated glass has a protective film that holds shattered pieces together and makes it harder to break through.
If replacing all your windows with shatterproof glass isn’t an option, applying security window film can provide additional protection. This transparent film reinforces the glass and prevents it from shattering.
Secure Entry Points with Steel Reinforcements
Because container homes are steel-based, they naturally have strong walls. However, the entry points such as doors and windows are areas that need additional reinforcement. Steel door reinforcements can help prevent forced entry by making it harder to break through.
Installing reinforced door frames is another important step. Standard door frames can weaken over time and make them susceptible to forced kicks. Upgrading to a steel-reinforced door frame adds structural integrity and keeps your door secure even under pressure.
Install Sliding Door Locks
If your container home features sliding glass doors, these can be an easy target for burglars. Sliding doors often have weak locks that can be easily forced open or lifted off their tracks. To improve security, install reinforced sliding door locks that prevent unauthorized access.
Adding a security bar or rod in the track of the sliding door can also prevent it from being forced open. This simple yet effective measure blocks movement, even if the lock is tampered with. Some security bars are adjustable and can be easily removed when needed.
Relying on High-End Tech
Add Motion Sensor Lights
Installing motion-activated floodlights around your container home is an effective way to deter unwanted visitors. When a motion sensor detects movement, the lights instantly turn on, exposing potential intruders and making them think twice before attempting a break-in.
Place motion sensor lights at all entry points, including doors, windows, and pathways leading up to your home. Solar-powered motion lights are an excellent option for container homes in off-grid locations, as they don’t require a wired power source.
Install a Smart Security System
A smart home security system offers round-the-clock monitoring and instant alerts that give you full control over your home’s safety. These systems typically include security cameras, motion sensors, alarms, and remote monitoring. With this system, you can keep tabs on your container homes’ security anytime and anywhere.
You can include these in your home security system to maximize your home’s safety:
- Door and window sensors that notify you when an entry point is tampered with.
- Glass break detectors that trigger alarms when a window is shattered.
- Environmental sensors for smoke, carbon monoxide, and flooding.
Set Up Security Cameras
Visible security cameras are one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins. Intruders don’t want to be caught on camera, so placing surveillance cameras at entry doors, windows, and driveways can reduce your home’s risk of being targeted.
When choosing security cameras, consider the following features:
- Motion-triggered alerts: Notifies you whenever movement is detected.
- Night vision: Ensures clear footage in low-light conditions.
- Two-way audio: Allows you to communicate with anyone near your home, even when you’re away.
- Cloud or local storage: Saves video footage for later review.
Furthermore, you can install cameras at all main access points, including the front and back doors, side windows, and any outdoor storage areas.
Use Remote-Controlled Door Locks
Traditional locks can be picked or forced open, but smart locks offer an extra layer of security by allowing you to control your doors remotely.
Smart locks come with several advanced features, such as:
- Keyless entry: Uses a PIN code, fingerprint, or mobile app for access.
- Auto-locking: Automatically locks your doors after a set time.
- Guest access codes: Allows you to give temporary access to visitors, cleaners, or delivery personnel.
If you frequently travel or rent out your container home, remote-controlled locks can allow you to monitor access at all times.
Install an Alarm System
A loud alarm can instantly scare off intruders before they have a chance to enter your home. The best alarm systems must have these:
- Door and window sensors that activate when tampered with.
- Motion detectors that detect movement inside and outside the home.
- Emergency alerts that notify local authorities when triggered.
Keeping Valuables Safe
Hide Valuables from Plain Sight
One of the easiest ways to deter burglars is to keep valuable items out of view. Intruders often scout potential targets by peering through windows or doors, looking for expensive electronics, jewelry, or cash. If they see something worth stealing, they may find motivation to break in.
To prevent this, place TVs, gaming consoles, and computers away from windows or cover them with curtains or blinds. Avoid leaving purses, wallets, or expensive watches on tables near entryways. If you have large glass doors, use frosted film or privacy shades to obstruct direct visibility while still allowing natural light inside.
Use Timed Lighting to Simulate Occupancy
A dark home clearly shows that no one is inside and make it a prime target for burglars. Using timed lighting can create the illusion that someone is home, even when you’re away.
Smart home automation systems allow you to schedule lights to turn on and off at different times throughout the evening. This makes it look like someone is moving from room to room occasionally. You can even set up TV and radio timers to mimic normal household activity.
Get a Safe for Valuables
Even with strong security measures, a determined intruder may still find a way inside. That’s why having a fireproof, bolted-down safe is crucial for protecting important documents, jewelry, firearms, and cash.
If you have multiple valuable items, consider using diversion safes disguised as everyday household objects, such as books, food containers, or air vents. These safes can confuse intruders and you extra time to report the break-in.
Use a Peephole or Doorbell Camera
Never open your door to a stranger without verifying who they are. A peephole or smart doorbell camera allows you to see and speak with visitors before unlocking your door.
If you don’t want a smart device, installing a wide-angle peephole lets you discreetly see who’s outside before making a decision.
Additional Safety Measures
Get a Guard Dog
A well-trained dog can be an excellent deterrent against burglars. Even if you don’t train your dog to attack, its presence and loud barking can scare off potential intruders before they get too close.
If you want to have a guard dog in your home, choose breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Belgian Malinois. However, even smaller dogs with strong barking tendencies can serve as a good early warning system.
Secure the Roof Access
If your shipping container home has rooftop access, make sure it has locks, security grilles, motion-sensor lights, or reinforced barriers.
Additionally, if you use your rooftop as a garden or deck space, make sure there are no easy access points, such as nearby trees or fences, that burglars could use to climb onto the roof.
Strengthen Wi-Fi Security
Many modern security features like smart locks, security cameras, and alarm systems depend on the Wi-Fi network.
If a hacker gains access to your network, they could disable your security system or unlock smart doors remotely. That’s why protecting your home’s Wi-Fi is just as important as physical security.
You must do these if you want to protect your Wi-Fi network from home invaders:
- Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi router.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for smart home devices.
- Update router firmware regularly to fix security vulnerabilities.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your internet connection with network encryption.
- Set up a separate Wi-Fi network for smart home devices to keep them isolated from personal data.
Keep Emergency Contacts Ready
When a home invasion or other security threat happens, having emergency contacts readily available can make a significant difference in response time.
Instead of scrambling to find numbers when you need them most, prepare a list that includes local police departments (non-emergency and emergency numbers) and trusted neighbors or family members who can assist.
Stay Alert and Aware
Ultimately, one of the best ways to prevent home invasions is to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
Pay attention to suspicious activity, such as strangers lingering near your property or looking into windows and unusual vehicles parked on your street for extended periods.
Also Read: Storage Container Homes and Apartments: Unique Floor Plans
Conclusion
By following the best security measures to protect your container homes, you can be sure that such homes can be some of the best lifetime investments ever. Furthermore, if you need trusted container homes or convertible containers for building your new home, contact Tradecorp today! With its comprehensive product catalog, you can find anything from standard containers to container homes to meet your various personal needs.
