In the self storage industry, the physical appearance of a facility plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining customers. In the simplest of terms, in the self storage industry, curb appeal reigns supreme. When someone needs to store their valuable possessions, they seek spaces that are secure and appear well-maintained. Facility maintenance, repairs, and improvements are paramount to customers comparing their many choices of places to store their possessions. Let’s explore these aspects in detail to understand their impact on the success of a self storage business.
The Cornerstone of Trust: Facility Maintenance
Regular facility maintenance is the crucial first step in ensuring that a self-storage facility remains in optimal condition. Facility maintenance requires routine inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs that prevent larger issues down the line. Whether it’s ensuring the lighting is bright, the aisles are clean, or the security systems are operational, think of facility maintenance as a continuous process. A well-maintained facility not only ensures the safety of your customers’ stored items, it also instills confidence in customers about the professionalism of the storage provider.
Repairs are Inevitable
No matter how rigorous your maintenance routine is, wear and tear are inevitable. Over time, storage units face issues like leaks, rust, or damaged doors. Addressing these problems promptly is crucial. Repairs go beyond fixing what’s broken – timely repairs help signal to all viewers that your brand values maintaining its infrastructure in the best possible condition. That, in turn, conveys to customers the valuables they store with you are as safe as possible.
Additionally, a quick response to emergencies showcases your business’s commitment to excellence. Moreover, timely repairs prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, saving time and money in the long run.
Evolution: Facility Improvements
The self-storage industry, like any other business, evolves. For example, customer expectations change, new technologies emerge, and industry standards update. To stay competitive, storage facilities need to adapt and improve. This could mean upgrading security systems, renovating storage units, or even enhancing the overall layout for better accessibility. Facility improvements are investments that, while requiring upfront costs, deliver long-term returns in the form of increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Remember – it’s easier and more economical to keep existing customers than obtain new ones.
Tying Together Maintenance, Repairs, and Improvements
While each of these aspects—maintenance, repairs, and improvements—has its unique role, they are interconnected. Regular scheduled maintenance can reduce the need for frequent repairs. At the same time, while repairs are made, opportunities for improvements often emerge, creating an opportunity to implement an improvement or update the existing infrastructure item or technology. For instance, while repairing a security camera, the management might decide to upgrade to a more advanced model.
Key Takeaways
A well-maintained and regularly updated facility is more than just a point of attraction for customers – it’s a statement of your business’s values. Customers perceive such self storage facilities as reliable, professional, and safe to store their items in your facility. Moreover, in the age of online reviews and social media, the state of a facility can significantly influence public perception and, consequently, the business’s bottom line.
Facility maintenance, repairs, and improvements are not just operational tasks in the self-storage industry. They are strategic endeavors that directly impact customer trust, business reputation, and overall success. By prioritizing repairs and maintenance and seizing opportunities to improve, self-storage businesses project safety, reliability, and quality. In the competitive landscape of the self-storage sector, this commitment to excellence can set a facility apart and pave the way for sustained growth and success.
Do you have a facility maintenance question or any other question related to owning, operating, acquiring, or building a self storage facility? Contact Peter Spickenagel at 248-600-4970.
Peter Spickenagel, President and CEO of Citizen Storage Management, is a nationally recognized expert in self-storage management. A frequent speaker at national conferences, he advises industry leaders and owners on key topics such as Revenue Management, Operational Best Practices, Creative Marketing Campaigns, and technology trends.
