The Complete Guide To Purchasing And Maintaining A Storage Facility
Before you begin packing your belongings for storage you should take inventory. It is easy to do this in just a few steps. First, label each box with a permanent marker (or printed labels). The label should be on the front side of the box. You can also number the boxes and write down what they contain on a separate piece of paper. Then, save your inventory list in a safe location where you can easily refer to it.
Self-Storage Business
It is important to understand the industry before you purchase a self-storage unit. This industry is constantly changing and you need to be aware of the latest trends and technologies. Your property will be more valuable if it is modern and up-to-date. Upgrading to meet the needs of your customers is also a smart way to attract loyal customers.
You will need a business plan to get started. This is essential for every business, as it will help you achieve success. Many online templates for business plans are free and required by lenders when they extend loans. A business-plan specialist can help you if you are still not sure how to create your plan.
How To Buy A Storage Unit
If you’re thinking about renting a storage unit, it’s important to understand how to properly maintain it. A storage unit is a great way to store your belongings without worrying about where they will go. However, there are several things to keep in mind to make sure you’re protecting your belongings from damage. You must ensure that the unit is adequately ventilated. You should also monitor the temperature and humidity levels.
Another important consideration is the location of the storage facility. The ideal location for the storage facility is in an area that is growing. This way, you can take advantage of available real estate and add more storage units. Customers should also be able to access the location. Having a poor location will negatively impact your occupancy rates. This consideration can be made easier by new construction, but existing storage facilities should be looking for ways to improve visibility.
Taking Inventory Of Belongings
When purchasing and maintaining a storage unit, it is important to make an inventory of the items inside. This can be done with a smartphone by taking pictures or videos of the items. It is important to note the model and serial number of each item. If possible, you can also record the purchase price and date. You can add a description to your photo with some smartphone apps.
It is also a good idea to update your inventory at least once a year. This can be done if you have purchased a new item or have sold something. It’s a good idea to organize the inventory by room as well. For instance, in the living room, you should list your furniture, including the TV, coffee table, sofa, and recliner. Books, knick-knacks and other small items that make up your house should be included. You should also include items such as your kitchen, clothes and jewelry.
Managing A Storage Facility
Managing a storage facility involves all the aspects of running a business, from building maintenance to hiring employees. Although this is a complicated task, it can be made easier by automated software. Rerun automates payment processing and invoicing. It also allows you to set up recurring rentals or one-time payments. Rerun also allows you to charge credit cards surcharges. This offsets the cost to process payments.
As a storage facility manager, you must ensure that your facility is well maintained and clean. You must be dependable and responsive to customers. You should also be able to handle harsh criticism.