If you’re a new self-storage business owner, you should know that the storage units you choose for your facility can make or break your business.
You want to look at key indicators such as the quality, accessibility, technology, and safety of your facility’s storage units. If you want your business to make it onto the map, let’s take a closer look at buying storage units.
A Business Owners Guide to Buying Storage Units: What to Consider
Before you splash your cash on storage units, it’s important to take a closer look at why people need them in the first place. With consumerism at an all-time high, we all tend to accumulate more than our homes or apartments can handle.
This is common across most age groups — whether your customers are students, working adults, or retirees, they all need somewhere to store extra stuff.
This is where your business comes in to handle the excess with your state-of-the-art self-storage solutions. Here’s what to consider when choosing these units for your business:
1. What Exactly Are Your Customers Looking For?
It’s crucial that you get to know your target market before diving into a purchase. Learn all you can about your target demographic and what they’re looking for from self-storage units.
What’s the most common size unit they’re looking for? Are they looking for extra security or modern features? Consider the material type, longevity, accessibility, and maneuverability of your units.
2. Look For Storage Units With Up-to-Date Technology
Storage units have come a long way in recent years, and your customers have also become all-the-more specific in what they’re looking for. That’s why it’s important to opt for storage units that are modern, versatile, and technologically up-to-date.
This includes storage units with features such as climate control for more delicate and particular collectibles. Not every single storage unit in your facility needs to offer this high-end technology, but make sure you offer several units like this for rent.
3. Consider the Security of Your Storage Units
Another important factor is the level of security that each storage unit offers. When you’re researching storage unit options, make sure to ask about lock systems and mechanisms.
Go for a storage unit that offers the best locking system to deter thieves. These lock systems generally include a shackle, locking mechanism, and lock body. Look for a pin-lock mechanism with at least 5 pins for good protection, however, the more pins, the more secure the lock will be. Make sure locks are made from hardened steel or titanium.
4. Think About How Customizable the Units Are
Nowadays, there are storage units on the market that are fully customizable, such as those offered by FLEX Systems. This means you’ll be able to reach more customers because your units can be tailored to their needs.
These units are generally made from composite materials that require little-to-no maintenance. They can be easily assembled in a matter of hours to suit your customer’s specifications.
The units are also easy to maneuver and can be strategically placed to maximize the storage space of your facility. You can also scale your business according to how you grow with customizable units.
5. How Much Maintenance Do the Units Require?
Ultimately, you should choose storage units that require little maintenance so that your precious business hours can be spent on more meaningful tasks. Also, the less maintenance each unit requires, the quicker turnaround time between each new customer looking for storage.
Look for storage units that are easy-to-clean, and made from long-lasting materials that are fully weather and UV-resistant.
Find Customizable Storage Solutions With FLEX Systems
If you’re in the business of buying storage units for your facility, look no further than FLEX Systems. We offer both traditional storage unit options, as well as fully customizable units which are great for the growth of your business.
Our turnkey solutions offer your business ultimate flexibility — get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help your self-storage business find its feet.