The Ultimate Self Storage Maintenance Checklist For 2024

Whether you’re converting an empty building into a thriving self storage facility or expanding your current business, effective self storage maintenance is key to your success.

A well-maintained self storage facility not only attracts customers but also ensures peace of mind for facility owners, driving long-term success. Modern storage facilities have excellent self storage management software to streamline operations, but that is not enough. You must stay on your toes to ensure a clean and well-managed storage facility in the competitive industry.

An effective way to manage self storage operations smoothly and ensure top-notch upkeep is to maintain a self storage maintenance checklist and use it to streamline your maintenance activities. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are crucial for pest control, maintaining property condition, and avoiding costly future repairs.

What is Self Storage Maintenance?

Self storage maintenance involves keeping self storage facilities in top condition by managing their infrastructure, equipment, and amenities. This ensures your facility remains competitive and appealing to customers.

Proper maintenance helps your storage facility attract customers, even if it is old. It is as essential as other amenities, such as remote monitoring through modern self storage management software, fool-proof security, and quality customer services.

Some everyday self storage maintenance activities include cleaning, garbage disposal, safety checks, repairs and improvements, and landscaping. The major areas you must work on include doors, lighting, cleanliness, technology, and security.

Why is it Important?

Ensuring good self storage maintenance and timely renovations is the backbone of self storage maintenance. For a self storage facility owner, it improves the property value and makes your business appealing to customers.

Here is why having a self storage maintenance checklist is essential for your business.

• Regular upkeep keeps your facility in excellent condition, making it more attractive to customers.

• Upgrades such as implementing contactless solutions at your self storage facility allow you to earn high rental incomes.

• Up-to-date security measures protect your investment and provide peace of mind to customers.

• Routine maintenance helps avoid costly repairs, maximizing your return on investment.

• Clean and well-maintained facilities are more likely to satisfy tenants, leading to higher occupancy rates.

Self Storage Maintenance Checklist-Daily Tasks

Self storage maintenance may seem like a lot of work, and it is, but smart work can prevent you from wasting energy and resources. The expense ratio in this industry is around 30%-40%, so be sure to spend it wisely. Some tasks need a daily inspection, so it is better not to delay them.

Your daily self storage maintenance checklist may vary depending on your property, but generally, you must include the following tasks.

Check Security Measures

Make security a top priority in your daily maintenance routine, ensuring all measures are effective and up to date. For that, make sure the following:

• No unauthorized access is allowed through entryways.

• All CCTV cameras are working.

• Security devices are storing recordings properly.

• Did any security issues arise today?

Cleanliness Check

Regular attention to general maintenance tasks is essential for keeping your facility clean and well-organized. Incorporating these tasks into your daily self storage maintenance checklist will streamline your workflow and ensure consistent upkeep. These tasks include:

• Is the storage facility spotless?

• Are the walkways free from obstructions or blockages?

• Is all equipment in its proper place?

• Is there any debris or signs of spillage inside and outside the warehouse?

• Are flammable materials safely away from fire hazards?

• Are all cleaning supplies correctly stored?

• Do all the doors on vacant storage units operate smoothly?

• Is the office area clean?

Safety Operations

The safety of both the stored items and your employees should be a top priority. It’s crucial to regularly check that all safety protocols are being followed and that everything is operating smoothly without any signs of non-compliance.

Make sure to include these key safety checks in your daily routine:

• All containers containing liquids are leak-proof?

• Are emergency and regular walkways obstruction-free?

• Are emergency exits accessible and debris-free?

• Are staircases free from spills and clutter?

• Is every item appropriately placed on shelves to avoid falling?

• Are walkways well-lit?

• Are all fire extinguishers in their designated places?

Utilities Check

Proper lighting is crucial at a self storage facility. It’s one of the key factors that well-informed customers consider when selecting a storage provider.

• Is the lighting system working correctly?

• Are storage units, walkways, entrances, and parking well-lit?

• Is the climate control system working correctly?

• Is there electricity backup in case of a breakdown?

• Do the electric wiring, switches, boards, and sockets need any repairs?

Legal Compliance

Not everything can be stored in a self storage unit due to specific restrictions. These regulations can vary slightly depending on the country. For example, in the UK, storage facilities must have controlled alarm systems. In the US, self storage laws focus on maintaining homeland security, while in Australia, customers are required to sign a service agreement when renting a unit.

To ensure compliance, consider including the following items in your self storage maintenance checklist:

• No customer is to use the storage unit for living.

• No animals are to be kept in the storage unit.

• All storage units are to be free from flammable items.

• No arms, ammunition, or weapons are to be kept in storage units.

• All abandoned storage units must be clean and free from prohibited materials.

Exterior Check

The exterior of your self storage facility, including parking areas, gates, fences, lawns, and bins, plays a vital role in the facility’s upkeep and overall appeal. Make sure to include these areas in your maintenance checklist to keep everything looking and functioning at its best.

    

• Is the driveway clean and obstruction-free?

• Are the vehicles in the parking lot appropriately parked?

• Does it have enough lighting fixtures?

• Is the gate and fence up to the mark?

Use this checklist as a starting point, and be sure to add any specific tasks that are unique to your storage facility.

Self Storage Maintenance Checklist-Annual, Quarterly, and Seasonal Tasks

Seasonal tasks are an important part of your self storage maintenance checklist and must be given due importance. They include the inspection needs at different times of the year, in addition to the daily maintenance needs, forming a crucial aspect of preventative maintenance to ensure facilities remain in top shape.

The frequency of seasonal tasks varies depending on a self storage facility’s size and operational structure. Usually, the following areas need seasonal maintenance activities.

    

Safety Measures

Certain safety and security measures, like software upgrades and equipment repairs, require attention on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. It’s important to establish a schedule for these tasks and consistently monitor their completion.

The following items must be on your checklist.

• Are all emergency exits free from obstructions?

• Are all fire extinguishers working correctly?

• Are fire and security alarms in order?

• Is the first aid cabinet stocked?

• Are all emergency safety tools appropriately placed?

• Are all fire extinguishers inspected regularly?

• Is the regular examination of the roof done?

General Maintenance

General maintenance tasks like lubrication, repainting, and enhancing curb appeal are important upkeep activities to monitor. Be sure to include these in your quarterly or annual self storage maintenance checklist.

• Are there any cracks in the walls that need repairs?

• Are pesticides sprayed regularly?

• Are all the doors washed and lubricated?

• Does the gate need a fresh coat of paint?

• Is any grass surrounding the property mowed?

• Are sidewalks and entryways free from debris?

Staff Training

A well-trained staff is crucial to keeping the storage facility and related amenities in good condition. This is a must-have on your self storage maintenance checklist to look after on a seasonal basis.

You may conduct quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly training drills to evaluate their emergency prep. You can include the following points in your self storage maintenance checklist.

• Are the staff trained to evacuate correctly during an emergency?

• Are the staff trained to use fire extinguishers?

• Does the team know about all emergency exits?

• Does the team know how to use emergency tools?

• Do all staff members know the location of fire extinguishers, first-aid boxes, etc.?

Tips for Following Your Self Storage Maintenance Checklist

Managing a self storage facility, whether remotely or on-site, can be challenging. But with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. Planning and executing maintenance tasks is crucial for a self storage facility owner. Besides creating a good self storage maintenance checklist, the following tips can improve your self storage maintenance efforts and bring desired results.

Plan Ahead

Studies show that effective planning boosts organizational efficiency and optimizes resource use. A comprehensive plan gets you halfway through your journey, so make it count.

Your action plan is to create a to-do list or a self storage maintenance checklist. Invest time in doing your homework and identifying your facility’s maintenance needs. Consider your available resources, and remember to analyze your competitors.

All this research work will help you create an actionable checklist and make result-driven efforts.

Engage Customers

Your customers significantly impact the cleanliness and maintenance of your property since they are the ultimate users. Just like your staff, they also need awareness and sometimes training to keep your facility and its amenities in good condition.

Here is how you can engage them to help you with maintenance.

• Inform them about the cleanliness standards they must maintain in their respective storage units.

• If you have automatic doors or high-tech locks, show them how to use them properly.

• Tell them the proper location of all the loading and moving tools and equipment.

• Explain how they must use different equipment (carts, pallet racks, pallet trucks) without damaging them.

• Tell them about the right channel to seek help if they face an issue entering or using their storage units.

Define Actionable Goals

A self storage maintenance checklist allows you to monitor the maintenance status of your property. To achieve the desired level of perfection, you need to define realistic and actionable goals.

For instance,

• All unit doors, windowsills, and fixtures will be cleaned weekly.

• The walkways and aisles must be cleaned twice a day.

• The floor must be mopped every other day.

• The HVAC system of the climate-controlled storage units must be inspected twice a year.

• Fire extinguishers must be inspected once a year.

You can define such goals for your storage facility and assign duties to the concerned staff to ensure the completion of defined tasks.

Prioritise Tasks

Once you have made a to-do list, prioritizing tasks is next. Sometimes, multiple things are due at once, and you must decide the order in which they must be completed.

For instance, the fence is broken and needs an upgrade, the pipes are leaking, and the fire extinguishers need an inspection. Now, you must prioritize these tasks so they are completed in order of importance and ensure smooth operations.

Stay Proactive

Taking a proactive approach helps you achieve high standards of self storage maintenance. If you outsource some of your services, ensure your vendors are readily available when needed.

It is good to delegate most tasks to in-house staff, but if you face a complicated problem, seek professional help. It may incur costs but can save time and ensure high-quality work. Facilitate regular equipment inspections to ensure equipment well-being and detect potential issues before they become problems.

Make Necessary Renovations

Your self storage maintenance checklist may highlight several areas that need upgrading or renovations, such as potholes in the parking lot, broken fences, cracks in the wall, or out-of-order equipment.

Not all upgrades are equally important. Identify the self storage facility renovations that improve property value and avoid the unnecessary ones (for now). Prioritize impactful repairs and maintenance needs and make necessary renovations to keep your facility functioning well.

    

Besides these tips, the most important thing is to learn about your storage facility. Careful vigilance and prompt actions can save you many inconveniences and ensure excellent upkeep.

Self Storage Maintenance Checklist-Bottom Line

Running a clean and well-maintained self storage facility does not have to be stressful. Although streamlining all operations takes time, organized efforts can help you achieve your goals quickly. Implement this self storage maintenance checklist and tailor it to meet your facility’s unique needs. With organized efforts, you’ll achieve your goals more quickly and efficiently.

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