5 Tips To Managing A Self-storage Facility

June 13, 2024

Self-storage facilities have evolved as a vital solution for space management, both for personal and business needs. This surge in demand highlights the importance of effective self-storage management. Wigwam Storage Management exemplifies the best practices in managing these facilities. Their approach, grounded in customer focus and operational efficiency, sets a standard in the industry.

Understanding The Self Storage Business:

The self-storage industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of facilities increasing by 10% between 2019 and 2020. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for storage space, inexpensive construction costs, and high profit margins. As of 2020, there were approximately 50,000 self-storage facilities in the United States, with a total of 2.3 billion square feet of rentable space.

Self-storage facilities are necessary for several reasons:

1. Flexibility: Self-storage units provide a flexible solution for individuals and businesses that need additional space for their belongings or inventory.

2. Convenience: Self-storage facilities are often located in convenient locations, making it easy for customers to access their stored items.

3. Security: Self-storage facilities offer a secure environment for storing valuable items, with features such as security cameras, access control systems, and on-site personnel.

4. Affordability: Self-storage units are generally more affordable than traditional storage solutions, such as renting a larger home or office space.

Tip 1: Incorporation of Advanced Technology for Enhanced Security

Security is a crucial aspect of self-storage management, as it helps protect customers' belongings and maintains a safe environment for the facility. Ensuring the security of your self-storage facility can lead to increased customer satisfaction, retention, and overall success.


Advanced technologies play a significant role in enhancing security in self-storage facilities. Some key technologies include:

  • Keyless Technologies: Keyless entry systems, such as electronic keypads and smartphone apps, provide a more secure and convenient way for customers to access their storage units.
  • Remote Features: Remote monitoring and control systems allow facility managers to monitor and manage the facility from a distance, ensuring that security measures are always in place.

Wigwam Storage Management, a self-storage facility management company, has implemented advanced technologies to improve security at their facilities. By incorporating keyless entry systems and remote monitoring capabilities, they have enhanced the overall security of their storage units and provided a more convenient experience for their customers. This case study demonstrates the importance of incorporating advanced technologies in self-storage management to ensure a secure and efficient environment for both facility managers and customers.

Tip 2: Using Efficient Operation Strategies to Reduce Costs

The Need for Operational Efficiency

  • Operational efficiency is crucial in self storage management as it directly impacts the bottom line. By streamlining processes and reducing waste, facilities can lower costs and improve overall profitability.

What it Means and Its Importance

  • Operational efficiency involves optimizing the use of resources, such as time, money, and energy, to achieve maximum productivity and minimize waste. In the context of self storage management, this translates to effectively managing tasks, reducing unnecessary expenses, and improving overall facility performance.

 How Remote Features Aid in Reducing Operating Costs

  • Remote features, such as remote monitoring and management systems, enable facility managers to oversee operations from a distance, reducing the need for on-site personnel and lowering operational costs. Additionally, remote access to facility systems allows for quick response to issues, minimizing potential damages and associated expenses.

Wigwam Storage Management has successfully achieved operational efficiency by implementing remote monitoring and management systems. This has allowed them to reduce on-site staffing needs, lower operational costs, and maintain a high standard of facility oversight, showcasing the tangible benefits of efficient operation strategies in self storage management.

Tip 3: Excellent Customer Support

Customer service is a crucial aspect of self storage management, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and retention. Providing excellent customer support can lead to positive reviews, repeat business, and referrals, ultimately contributing to the success of a self-storage facility. Technology plays a significant role in enhancing customer support in the self-storage industry. Some key technologies include:

  • Online Booking Systems: Online booking platforms allow customers to easily reserve storage units, providing a convenient and efficient way to manage reservations.
  • Tenant Management Software: Tenant management software helps facility managers track customer information, communicate with tenants, and address their concerns in a timely manner.
  • Remote Access: Remote access to facility systems allows customers to manage their storage units and make payments from anywhere, improving the overall customer experience.

Wigwam Storage Management, a self-storage facility management company, prioritizes customer support by implementing advanced technologies and maintaining a high level of customer service. By offering online booking systems, tenant management software, and remote access features, they ensure a seamless and convenient experience for their customers. This approach demonstrates the importance of incorporating technology and excellent customer service in self storage management to maintain a successful and satisfied customer base.

Tip 4: Strategic Engagement in Joint Ventures and Partnerships

Joint ventures and partnerships involve two or more businesses working together to achieve a common goal. In the context of self storage management, joint ventures and partnerships can provide opportunities for growth, increased revenue, and improved customer service. Working in partnerships can add value to self storage management in several ways:

  • Access to Resources: Partnerships can provide access to additional resources, such as capital, expertise, and technology, that can help improve facility operations and customer service.
  • Increased Visibility: Partnerships can increase the visibility of a self-storage facility, attracting new customers and expanding the customer base.
  • Shared Risk: Joint ventures and partnerships allow for shared risk, reducing the financial burden on individual businesses and increasing the likelihood of success.

Wigwam Storage Management has successfully engaged in partnerships to improve their self-storage facilities. For example, they partnered with a moving company to offer customers a seamless moving and storage experience, providing added value and convenience. This case study demonstrates the benefits of strategic engagement in joint ventures and partnerships in self storage management, highlighting the potential for increased revenue, improved customer service, and overall success.

Tip 5: Selecting the Right Location for a Self-Storage Facility

Location is a critical factor in the success of a self-storage facility. Choosing the right location can attract more customers, increase revenue, and improve overall profitability. Factors to consider when selecting a location include population density, competition, accessibility, and visibility. Wigwam Storage Management prefers to locate their facilities in towns with a population of 15,000 or more. This is because larger towns typically have a higher demand for storage space, providing more opportunities for revenue growth. Additionally, larger towns often have less competition, making it easier for a new facility to establish itself in the market.

When selecting a location for a self-storage facility, it is essential to consider the availability of existing buildings and land for units. Repurposing existing buildings can be a cost-effective way to establish a new facility, while vacant land provides the opportunity to build a custom facility that meets the specific needs of the market. Careful consideration of these factors can help ensure the success of a self-storage facility.

Conclusion:

Managing a successful self-storage facility hinges on five key strategies: implementing advanced security technology, maximizing operational efficiency, delivering exceptional customer support, engaging in strategic joint ventures and partnerships, and choosing the right location. By applying these tips, facilities can enhance security, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and capitalize on growth opportunities. Interested in elevating your self-storage management? Contact Wigwam Storage Management for expert guidance. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments and on social media. Let's explore the world of efficient self-storage management together!

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