Managing Your Self Storage Facility Remotely

Remote working isn’t going anywhere. How can self storage managers effectively oversee their facilities from afar?

self storage remote management

Entering 2022, we can reflect on how the pandemic has changed working conditions all over the world and throughout many different sectors. With so many of us working from home since the pandemic began, as well as the fluctuations that have happened since, you might wonder whether it’s worth working from home entirely, even after the pandemic ends. When considering that, you’ll have to think about what it takes to remotely manage a self-storage facility from home, including questions such as whether it’s feasible, what it entails, what technology needs to be put in place for it to be possible, among others.

In FEDESSA’s annual 2021 report, 7% of self-storage facilities were entirely unmanned, and it seems like this trend will continue in 2022. 71% of workers reported moving to work from home since the pandemic, according to a study by the Pew Research Centre, and more than half would choose to continue working from home if given the choice. Given these statistics, it would seem as if working from home is here to stay, and with that in mind, we’ll consider how you can effectively manage your self storage facility remotely.

What Is Self Storage Remote Management?

Remote management is essentially having a system in place at your facility which allows you to manage all aspects of your business from a remote location. While more and more things are being shifted online, remote management means you also employ a large variety of technological tools to help you deliver the service that your customers expect from a normal, physical store. In trying to achieve this, you’ll have to consider various stages of the customer experience and tailor your technological ecosystem to suit their needs. Both pre-rental and onsite visitation experiences will be vital to allowing your facility to function while you manage it remotely.

As most businesses have transitioned to online for marketing and advertising anyway, you shouldn’t need to adjust much in terms of your customers pre-rental experience being online. There are still some best practices though. Making sure all your information on Google and your social media are accurate. This means having the right phone number, email, physical address all in one place, and all up to date. You also have to make sure your points of contact are responsive, otherwise potential contacts will be turned off and look towards other facilities. A final point is to have an effective marketing campaign and SEO strategy. Particularly focusing on SEO for self-storage businesses. This won’t be covered in depth here, but all of this is to say that remote management likely incorporates methods you probably already employ.

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When it comes to onsite visitations, it is arguably the hardest part of remote management. After successfully landing a customer, you’ll have to make sure everything is set for them to visit their unit and finalise their lease. Communication is key here, the customer needs to know how their visit will go, and what to expect when they get there. Brief them on how they can access their unit, how you will finalise the lease, where to pick up a lock if needed etc. Of course, using further technology here can help. Two-way video feeds, kiosks, and electronic locks all help with communication and the process. Using these will help you give the customer a more traditional experience, as if there were a physical employee there. Having these technologies in place will also be essential for your continuing remote management strategy as customers can enter and access their unit in their own time.

Benefits and Challenges of Remote Facility Management

The biggest benefit on your end is added flexibility to both your work arrangements as a manager to your employees. With the right technology, you’ll be able to oversee and perform the key functions that your customers expect, but all through the internet and at a remote location. Getting integrated access control and property management software will only grant you more oversight to ensure your facility is running efficiently. A second benefit lies for the customer. With consumer trends increasingly being drawn towards technological solutions and less physical interaction, pivoting to a remote management style can be appealing to a certain demographic, especially the younger generations.

The primary challenge you’ll face when moving towards a remote management system is also the most obvious. The more you incorporate elements that are not directly in your control, i.e. employing technologies that aren’t created by yourself, the more it opens up to the opportunity of malfunction and other surprises that can affect your service. Customer service then becomes a major point of focus. Ensure that you have solutions to when your automated solutions fall short, whether that be a call centre, rapid response through video, or even a member of staff getting onsite quickly. Managing remotely will also require a high level of web connection. You’ll need high quality internet to run your cloud-based softwares, and to provide the quality customer service that might be required.

Remote working is not going away soon, and it might be favourable for you to consider managing your self-storage facility remotely. Thankfully, the industry has adapted well to recent challenges, and you are able to take advantage of various technological solutions to help you. Overall, it’s a beneficial method of managing your facility, even if it has certain risks.

What Can Storeganise Do for Your Business

With Storeganise, you can manage your business from anywhere. Our modern, super intuitive software works on any device, enabling you and your team to monitor and manage your business remotely.

Related Article: Self storage automated – breaking down key features

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Self Storage Remote Management?

Self storage remote management refers to a tech-based management system that facilitates remote management of a storage facility. It means that the manager does not need to be present at the facility all the time to look after facility operations.

Instead, they use cloud-based software and mobile apps to monitor various aspects of facility operations distantly. Usually, remote self storage management includes tenant management, billing and payments, maintenance, unit availability, and security.

A self storage remote management system provides managers with real-time data analytics to improve their decision-making and business efficiency.

How To Manage Your Storage Facility Remotely?

To manage your storage facility you can follow these tips.

  • Choose a high-quality self storage remote management system that meets your facility management needs and fits your budget.

  • Train your staff to use the software.

  • Set up the system according to your self storage facility and integrate it with other tools.

  • Use the system to monitor your facility operations and streamline them.

  • Evaluate and improve your performance to improve customer experience.

What Features Should I Look for in a Self Storage Remote Management System?

When choosing a self storage remote management system, you should consider the following features to get the desired results with your management system.

  • Automation: The software must automate repetitive tasks such as unit booking, generating invoices, and reminding tenants about the rent due.

  • Security monitoring: You must be able to monitor the security of the facility by integrating the system with surveillance cameras and security alarms.

  • Unit tracking: It must facilitate tracking of vacant storage units and notify about unit availability.

  • Data analytics: The system must provide real-time data and analytics to aid decision-making.

What Are the Benefits of Remote Management for Self Storage Facilities?

The benefits of remote management for self storage facilities are numerous. The biggest benefit is the automation of tasks to add flexibility to business operations. Other benefits include improved efficiency, enhanced security, and better customer service. These benefits all lead to increased profitability.

Business owners have better control over their operations and can make data-backed decisions. The overall impact of remote management on the growth and profitability of self storage businesses makes it vital for self storage facilities.

Can I Manage My Self Storage Facility Remotely From My Mobile Phone?

Yes, you can manage a self storage facility remotely from a mobile phone using remote self storage management software. Many storage management software offers mobile app integration that allows managers to monitor self storage facilities from a mobile phone or tablet.

They allow you to access various features and receive alerts and updates on your device. The mobile-friendly interface ensures easy navigation to make remote management effective and efficient.

How Do I Ensure the Security of My Self Storage Facility When Using Remote Management?

To ensure the security of a self storage facility when using remote management, you must use secure remote self storage management software. Choosing a reputable vendor eliminates the risk of security breaches and hacking attacks.

Make sure that you only allow access to limited and authorised accounts to avoid the risk of unauthorised access. Use strong security passwords and encryption where needed. Maintain strong physical security measures to protect your facility from theft.