Harnessing the Full Power of Your Self-Storage Signage Through Proper Care and Maintenance

Signage is a necessity for all self-storage facilities, especially those that are remotely managed with less onsite staff. Signs aren’t only a primary method of communicating with customers, they promote your brand, attract new renters, increase sales and impulse buys, advance your marketing efforts, reflect professionalism, and more. In short, they can provide you with a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace!

Consumers can be attracted to a particular self-storage company for many reasons. Some choose a facility based on needs such as unit size, climate control or low price. Others prioritize proximity and ease of access. Whatever your prospects seek, it’s important that your facility makes a positive visual impact. Attractive signage with bright colors that’s easy to see and clearly communicates who you are is a must. It’ll help customers instill trust in your business—but only if you take care of it and keep it looking fresh.

Harnessing the power of signage is a game-changer for any self-storage operation. When properly chosen, installed and maintained, these eye-catching and informational displays can fuel facility success. The following strategies will help you keep them clean and attractive while extending their lifespan.

Selection and Installation

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If you want your investment to last, choose self-storage signs made of high-end materials and ensure they’re installed correctly. Prices can vary dramatically. Less expensive options might seem like a good deal upfront, but it’s important to consider more than the initial cost.

As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Quality plays a big role in pricing, and not all signs are created equal, even if they look similar. If you buy an inferior product at a lower price point now, you may need to replace it sooner than anticipated, costing you more in the long run. Opt for signs made from high-grade materials by reputable manufacturers. They’ll be more durable and last longer.

Also, make sure your signs are installed properly. Follow your supplier’s recommendations or hire a licensed professional. For exterior signs, use silicone to seal the edges. For interior ones, use high-quality, very-high-bond tape to ensure long-lasting adhesion.

Exterior window signage

Maintenance

Keeping your signs in good shape is key to ensuring your self-storage property and business image stay fresh. Signage isn’t just about sharing information, it signals to customers that your team is on the ball and willing to help. If you don’t keep it up-to-date, it can lead to confusion. Make a great impression and show you care with clear and well-maintained visuals!

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Caring for your self-storage signs isn’t as simple as grabbing a Scrub Daddy and using a bit of elbow grease. If you’re too rough, you could scratch the laminate, detach the vinyl or even scrape down into the raw base material. To properly clean your signage without damage, wipe it with a soft cloth and minimal soap and water. Follow up with a soft, dry cloth to remove any remaining wetness.

For persistent dirt or stains, add a little vinegar to your soapy-water mixture. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing materials, or you’ll need a replacement sooner than later. Keeping your signs clean not only creates a good impression of your self-storage property, it ensures they last longer.

U-Store-It Self Storage in Carol Stream, Illinois

Replacement?

It’s easy to recognize when it’s time to order new signs. If your existing ones are fading or hard to read, it’s time. You also need new signage when your self-storage facility undergoes significant changes, for example, you update your policies or procedures, add a building, relocate, or rebrand.

If your transitioning from onsite to remote management or refreshing your marketing campaigns, consider updating your signs with QR codes and website links. Clear signage is essential for helping customers navigate the property. They serve as a central source of information and enable users to make payments, place orders and get live help.

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If your facility is in a high-crime area where vandalism is frequent, consider paying a little extra for anti-graffiti laminate and longer-lasting, more-durable material to avoid replacing signs as frequently.

Full Service

An easy way to maintain the appearance of your self-storage signs and ensure consistent messaging across locations is to work with a full-service signage company. It won’t only be easier to manage your purchasing and accounting, you’ll have access to everything from unit numbers and signs that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act to exterior electrical displays and monument signs. It’s also important that the supplier can accommodate your current footprint and future growth needs.

Signage is a crucial part of self-storage success. High-quality, well-maintained signs with clear messaging boost communication, enhance branding, attract customers, increase sales, reflect professionalism and build customer trust, all of which gives you a competitive edge. Just remember: Investing in superior materials and proper installation reduces the need for frequent replacements. In a competitive market, strategic signage is essential for thriving and standing out from the crowd!

Alana Falcon is a visual consultant at Self Storage Signs, a partner of FastSigns that has provided signage to the self-storage industry since 1979. She joined the company late last year with primary responsibilities in project and client management and business development. To reach her, email [email protected]; call 305.546.1905.