Restoring Your Self-Storage Facility to its Former Glory

Renovation is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as the act of restoration to life, vigor or activity. This definition is particularly relevant as it applies to the current state of the self-storage industry.
As self-storage management and development consultants, we often work with operators of older facilities whose most common question is: “How can we now compete with newer facilities?” The fact is an older self-storage facility can benefit greatly from a makeover of its appearance and operational procedures.

Unlike the early days of self-storage, today’s customers have more choices. As first-generation facilities—those built in the ’70s and ’80s—begin to show wear, and as new, modern feature-laden facilities come online to compete, an increasingly large number of owners are considering renovation. While these older facilities function well, they are not maximizing their potential to effectively compete for market share.

What factors should you consider when deciding on renovations and improvements for your facility? Which improvements have the most potential to affect your bottom line? To answer these questions it’s essential to start with the customer in mind.

The Customer’s Choice

Your goal should be to enhance the quality and value of your facility through changes your customer will clearly see and relate to positively, knowing tenants’ perception of security and convenience will greatly influence their decisions of where to store their belongings.

Like any other business, curb appeal is critical to creating a good first impression. In our everyday lives we are continuously making decisions about people, places and things as a result of subtle hints from first impressions. If customers find your facility well cared for, they will likely think their belongings will be safe. Conversely, if your site is in disrepair, they may be leery of doing business with you. 

Office Comfort

The self-storage customer is often in a state of transition, changing residences, undergoing familial changes, or just downright tired from the strain of moving. A soothing comfortable office environment will help him feel more at ease, enabling him to make the decision to store at your facility.

The office should be inviting, clean and professional. Some of the most cost-effective means to create the right ambiance are as simple as a new coat of paint, improved lighting or a fresh welcome mat.