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ISS BLOG – Celebrating the Season Self-Storage Style: Decorations, Donation Drives and MoreISS BLOG – Celebrating the Season Self-Storage Style: Decorations, Donation Drives and More
Many self-storage operators capitalize on the holiday season to make impactful gestures to their customers, community and staff. The following offers ideas on how you can get in the spirit by decorating your facility, helping out a charity and rewarding your employees.
5 Min Read
Like many people, I find myself looking for ways to give back to my community during the holiday season. While I’ve donated food and toys here and there, I got serious about it a few years ago.
I launched my plan at the beginning of the year, aiming to provide new toys and clothes for children. Over the course of many months, I purchased a variety of items, creating a substantial box of goodies before the holiday season began. I also determined which charity I would offer them to, and when I needed to make the drop-off to ensure it fit the organization’s timeline.
Many self-storage operators organize donation drives around the winter holidays. Among them are Absolute Self Storage, which is partnering with the California Highway Patrol to collect toys for local children, and Great American Self Storage, which combined its grand opening with a charity drive to benefit Toys4WNC. And while these efforts are to be celebrated, it’s just one facet of how your self-storage business can make an impact this month on your tenants, staff and community. Consider these ideas, then join this conversation on the Self-Storage Talk online community to share your plans.
Dress up your site. Some storage business go all out with lights, giant inflatables, a Christmas tree and other holiday-inspired decorations. Check out this video of Burbank Self Storage to see what I mean! If this is how you roll, kudos! You’ll definitely stand out and be remembered. If you have something truly interesting, people will talk about it with others. It’s also a smart branding strategy. While they might not need storage today, they’ll remember you when they do!
Of course, it’s not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars, either. A simple showing can deliver plenty of holiday cheer. You can even keep it neutral if you’re worried about offending anyone. If you have a candy bowl—as many operators do—swap it with a holiday-themed one and add some festive treats. A few strings of lights will provide sparkle. Or perhaps you can “giftwrap” your wall pictures. Another idea is to paint or add decals on your windows. A restaurant near me hired a painter to create an elaborate snowy mountain scene complete with kids on sleds and evergreen trees. It’s a delight to see!
You can pick up holiday-themed decorations just about anywhere right now, including inexpensive items at low-cost and thrift stores. A $20 investment can go a long way to making a great impression on your tenants. Plus, it creates a fun environment for staff!
Treat your staff. Speaking of employees, what are your plans to reward them for their hard work this year? Many owners earmark this time to offer bonuses. You might also host a dinner or party for employees and their families. Another idea is to close the office early a few days this month, giving them some paid-time off. Or you can organize a team outing such as to a local adult recreation center, a bowling alley or other “party place.”
If you want to hand out presents, think about what they’d appreciate. While a gift card is always a safe choice, there are many specialty online retailers that enable recipients to choose an item within a budget that you set. Food is always a great reward! Think bagels one day, a catered lunch for another, a giant holiday cookie or simply stock the employee breakroom with snacks all month long!
Give back to your community. There are so many avenues for this! Keep it simple by placing a donation box in your office and asking tenants to contribute. Be sure to send out an email about your efforts to your customers and add some simple signage around the facility. While it’s certainly fine to collect canned food and other non-perishables, think beyond the basics. Ask a local animal shelter what needs they have. Everyone loves to help these organizations by offering blankets, food, dog toys, etc. Then there are shelters that crave basic necessities like toothbrushes, socks, soap and shampoo. These are inexpensive and common items that people can easily pick up and drop off at your facility.
If collecting donations isn’t in the cards for you this year, make a monetary contribution to your charity of choice. Here are some helpful tips from the Federal Trade Commission to ensure your information is safe and your funds are given to a reputable organization.
Research the charity. Once you find one (or two) you like, search its name with the words “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” “fraud” or “scam.” If you find bad reviews, move on to another organization. Next, check their website. Look for longevity, details about their programs, how they use their funds, and whether they’re registered with your state.
Don’t pay with wire transfers or gift cards. Scammers will often use these means because they’re hard to track. Plus, gift cards can be easily lost or misplaced.
Instead, pay with a credit cards online. Ensure the website where you enter the payment has the “https” in the web address. This means your information will be encrypted and transmitted securely. Be sure to review your bank account or credit card statements to make sure the charge is correct. Finally, be aware that some charities have a “recurring” donation button. If this is a one-time gift, make sure to check the appropriate boxes.
While the holiday season can be a joyous time of year, it can also be extremely stressful. There can be true mental and physical fatigue as well. Whether it’s the many social gatherings, overindulgence in food, or even holiday spending that taxes your bank account, keep in mind that the season is just that … a season. To keep things calm, prioritize self-care, delegate tasks when you can, and seek support if you need it.
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