Starting a self-storage business requires putting yourself in the shoes of potential customers and weighing the factors that would make you choose one storage facility over another. Identifying those needs either independently or through research can help your business pull in customers on or before day one and succeed long-term. Some of the most important factors to consider for self-storage are location, setup, quality, and retention.

Location matters

Storage units are a popular amenity because renters, homeowners, and businesses often find themselves in need of overflow space. Sometimes the need is short-term, such as temporarily stashing items for a staggered move or housing seasonal inventory, but other rentals can be long-term due to more permanent archiving or space management concerns. For both types of consumer needs, proximity to the storage unit is often a deciding factor, particularly when service offerings and prices are fairly competitive across providers. 

A homeowner using storage for household decorations or tools requires easy access as needs appear while a business may prefer to periodically check on or pull inventory to meet customer demands. By choosing a location near a busy or growing neighborhood or a business center, it can be easier to pull in local customers.

Setup and quality

Designing a high-quality storage facility with a practical layout and customer-centric features is essential for success. Storage units need to be housed on a slightly elevated lot and with a firm, elevated foundation to prevent water ponding and potential leakage into units. Each outdoor unit needs easy direct access with adequate space in front of doors for both a standard vehicle and a pull-behind trailer to navigate. Indoor units need easy access to moving carts and equipment, and the building itself should provide large doors and parking for loading and unloading big vehicles, such as moving trucks.

Additional features, such as climate control, can help set a new storage facility apart, but these buildings also cost more to construct. The additional cost of building and powering these facilities means higher rents, making them a better option in higher-income areas. 

Retention

Providing high-quality customer service for any issues at the storage facility is important, but it is reactive customer service management. A successful self-storage company needs to focus on proactive customer care through regular maintenance, such as grass mowing, cleaning of the parking lot, pressure washing of the buildings, pest management, and enhanced security when required. Many self-storage lots utilize gate systems with codes and rely on cameras to monitor access and ensure the site stays secure. When you provide a clean, safe, and well-maintained facility, customers are more likely to stick with your business as long as they require a storage unit.

For more info, contact a local self-storage company.