A great product isn’t just a collection of features. It’s how they work together. It’s how they make you feel.
Tim Cook during a September 2014 Apple event
In the self-storage industry, there are many options for consumers to choose from. This is great, because people like options. And not all consumers are looking for the same things. The trick is to know the most popular and sought-after features for your facility. Demographics play a big role in determining just what’s important to your client base. Are you near a college or destination resort? Do you have a lot of first-time home buyers or retirees in your area? Are there a lot of large businesses locally? In all of these instances, there is a need for storage. And having just the right features at your facility is key. So what are the most popular features in self-storage? The location of the facility itself is a huge deciding factor. Next, a customer will look at unit sizes, security, cleanliness, management, and overall convenience.
Every self-storage facility is different, which is a beautiful thing. And each customer comes in with their unique wants and needs. It’s key to know what your clients are looking for. Often times, you can offer tiered pricing to highlight certain, sought-after features that people will pay a premium to rent. For example, did you know that some customers will pay top dollar for a self-storage unit based upon its location, security or condition? Take good inventory of what types of units and self-storage features you have. Then offer your clients these options within a tiered pricing structure. The more popular features will be the most expensive. You get the idea.
So, what are the most sought-after features in self-storage in 2022? To meet the current demand for storage, you need to offer a variety sizes. The layout of your facility is also important. Think: convenient. Storage units that are close to the entrance are well-sought after. People like the convenience of the easy-to-reach location. They may like to be close to the office as well. For facilities that have multiple levels, consider how accessible units are from the stairs or elevators. Next, it’s a key feature when units are well-lit at night. Seems simple, but it’s a must for some customers. Storage facilities need to feel safe and secure, and lighting certainly helps. Speaking of security, a very popular feature is having cameras and entry systems in place. People will pay a premium for smart locking and entry systems. Lastly, your self-storage facility can tout how well it is maintained. Be sure you know how to boost your curb appeal for those customers looking for a clean, fresh place to store their belongings.Highlighting your best storage features with tiered pricing is a win-win for you and your customers.
