Self Storage has grown to become a major industry. It offers a variety of options from clothing and furniture to car and boat storage.
People who are moving or downsizing often use it to store items until they find a new place. It also serves as a convenient option for contractors and businesses that need extra space.
1. Convenience
Over 54,000 self storage facilities exist in the United States, ranging from large companies with a national footprint to local and regional companies and even stand-alone independent “mom and pop” facilities. Many people rent self-storage space for personal uses, ranging from small items to furniture or vehicles. There are also a number of commercial businesses that use storage space, including retail outlets, warehouses and offices.
For individuals, storing household goods and personal belongings in a self-storage facility can be a convenient way to free up living space. It can also be an ideal solution when moving home, renovating a house or apartment, relocating for work, caring for a family member or dealing with the effects of a natural disaster.
A well-designed storage business plan can help entrepreneurs understand the opportunities in this industry and how to maximize profits. It can also serve as a vital tool for obtaining funding, as most financial institutions require a business plan before loan approval. The business plan can be developed on a solo basis, or the owner can hire an outside consultant to help create one.
In addition to offering a variety of storage sizes and types, many self-storage facilities offer a range of services and amenities that can make their spaces more attractive to customers. For example, some offer a drive-up access feature that allows tenants to drive their car directly up to the unit to load or unload items. Other facilities offer climate-controlled units that protect temperature-sensitive goods such as electronics, wooden furniture, cosmetics, candles/soaps and paper products from extreme temperatures or excess moisture.
Another convenience is 24/7 access to storage units. This feature can be particularly valuable when dealing with a storage unit that holds sentimental or heirloom items, as it gives customers the flexibility to retrieve them at their leisure without having to arrange to have someone transport them from an alternate location. It can also be a big benefit for business owners who need to quickly locate documents or merchandise that have been stored for a short time. Having quick access to inventory can significantly improve productivity and efficiency in many businesses.
2. Security
Self Storage companies take a number of security measures to protect the belongings of those who rent storage units. Some of these security features are physical and others involve advanced technologies. For example, a robust perimeter security fence is often the first line of defense in a self storage facility, with automated gates that only allow entry using a specific code or card. This provides a layer of security that deters criminal activity and can be integrated into sophisticated systems to track who is coming and going from the facility.
The use of high-tech locks is another common practice in self storage facilities. These are designed to prevent lockpicking, and some even include built-in alarms that trigger when unauthorized activity is detected in the unit. Some advanced locking solutions also feature integrated access control, allowing customers to manage their storage facility and individual storage unit through a smartphone app.
Surveillance is an important aspect of self storage facilities, with cameras placed throughout the property to monitor all areas and record all activity. Round-the-clock surveillance acts as a visual deterrent and can be used to identify any suspicious activity, providing vital information for security teams in the event of a security breach. Some storage companies hire on-site security personnel to add an extra layer of protection for the goods of their customers, acting as a visible deterrent and offering a personal touch that can help to build trust.
To ensure the most effective security measures are taken by self storage companies, they should engage a professional security integrator to carry out a detailed risk assessment that highlights unique facility needs and how those may be addressed. A skilled professional can help internal teams to develop bespoke systems capable of being optimized and scaled as needs change. By prioritizing security and implementing cutting-edge technologies, storage company operators can create an outstanding value proposition for their customers while helping them to stay ahead of the competition.
3. Climate Control
Many customers who are looking for storage for their valuables and sentimental items want climate control. This helps protect them from the damage that can happen from both high and low temperatures. Fluctuating temperatures can cause wooden pieces of furniture to crack, melt or warp plastics, and can also make papers deteriorate quickly over time, causing them to yellow and fall apart.
Offering storage units with climate control can increase your revenue stream and draw in a more diverse clientele than standard drive-up self storage buildings. It can also help you compete with other facilities by providing a premium service that people are willing to pay more for.
When planning your climate controlled storage building, it is important to have a consultant work with your contractor during the design stage to ensure that you are designing the space in a cost effective manner. This will help you to avoid over-engineering and escalation of costs, which can significantly affect your budget.
It is also important to have a good understanding of the temperature and humidity requirements for your climate-controlled spaces, as well as what types of units are best equipped for these conditions. The temperature range should be around 55 to 85 degrees and the humidity levels should be controlled in order to prevent mold, mildew, corrosion, and pests from forming.
Some common items that are often stored in climate-controlled spaces include musical instruments, electronics, wine collections, photographs, documents, antiques, and furniture. These types of items are expensive to repair or replace if they have been damaged by heat, cold or moisture over the long term. By storing these items in a climate-controlled environment, they can be preserved for the long term and can be used again once they are no longer needed. If you are constructing a storage facility that offers climate controlled space, be sure to consult with experts on the requirements for these spaces so that your clients’ belongings can be properly protected and stored. This will help to ensure that they are able to enjoy these items when they are needed once again in the future.
4. Access
Self storage offers individuals or businesses a place to store their belongings for a short or long term, whether they’re looking to declutter their home or business, need some extra space during renovations, or are moving. Self storage facilities are located all over the world and come in a wide range of sizes. Some even offer climate control and vehicle storage units.
Whether you’re storing items from your home or office, it’s important to choose the right size for your needs. Use a tape measure to estimate the dimensions of your pile and compare them with available unit sizes. You can also stack up your belongings in your driveway or garage to get a feel for how much space you’ll need.
If you’re unsure of which unit to choose, speak with the facility manager or customer service representatives for help. They’ll be able to guide you and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. You can also visit the facility in person to see the different types of units and sizes. Once you’ve selected a unit, the process is simple: sign an agreement, pay the rent and bring your belongings to the unit.
Access to the unit is via a keypad and tenants can enter during operating hours. Depending on the size of the unit, some have lights or power outlets for additional convenience. Some facilities also offer 24-hour access to their storage units and allow customers to park vehicles on-site for easy accessibility.
It’s not uncommon for some strange items to be stored in self storage units. From taxidermied animals to film celebrity memorabilia, the wild side of storage can make for some entertaining stories. However, regulations dictate what can and cannot be kept in storage spaces so that they comply with safety laws.
The key to running a successful self storage business is to provide a safe, clean and well-maintained facility that’s easily accessible to your clients. This will ensure they’ll continue to be your client for the long-term and recommend you to others. Another way to set yourself apart is to have a streamlined and hacker-proof access management system.
