Tag Archive for: self storage

Self Storage Kiosks

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The Self Storage Association of Australasia recently held their annual convention at the Gold Coast. New to the industry I thought this was a fantastic opportunity for me to attend and meet other people in the business and to more importantly learn more about the industry and where it is heading.

As part of the convention, there was an opportunity to visit other facilities that show cased new innovations in the industry. There was one that was built on Eco friendly and sustainable principles and another introducing the latest in self storage technology.

It was the later that really got me thinking about the future and the direction the self storage industry is heading. Self service storage kiosks is one emerging technology that enables people to rent a storage unit or pay a monthly storage fee 24 hours a day. The machine looks similar to an ATM machine with a touch screen computer and automated prompts and are very popular in the US and are now being introduced in Australia, the first at a site in Helensvale, Queensland.

The kiosk can generate a lease and take payment for a unit, like most self storage web bookings. However unlike website bookings, it can go through the entire sign up process and also scan ID, issue a secure and unique gate PIN, print off a map with directions to your unit and can even dispense padlocks. The kiosk I was introduced to can take a fingerprint scan and a photo of your face as you sign up. The machine demonstrates all of the administrative skills and processes that a self storage employee performs and it can perform these tasks as efficiently and effectively as any human. The kiosk also outshines web bookings by completing the whole process and allowing a tenant to move in immediately – with most web bookings the tenant will still need to attend the facility before moving into a unit. It allows a facility to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This convenience and flexibility could give a facility the competitive boost it is looking for.

In order for these to be effective, businesses need to use them as an assistant to staff, especially during peak times and to service customers after hours. The self storage industry is a customer service industry and I believe it is one of the most important skills your staff can have, so to introduce a self storage kiosk as a substitute to staff could be detrimental to your business. People still need people to listen, sympathize and tend to varied needs, all of which a machine cannot do. If used in combination with your staff, it could potentially raise occupancy and decrease late payers which in turn would increase revenue.

When I first trailed the kiosk at the site at Helensvale, I was a little skeptical. I believe as a self storage manager, it is important to know who is storing at your site for stringent security practices and to deter any illegitimate activity. Peoples behaviors, body language and sometimes aura can be a give away as to a persons character and I am a big believer of the “gut” feeling you get from people when you meet them. Usually you can trust your gut feeling to stop you signing up any persons that may turn into trouble tenants. The kiosk cannot do this. The kiosk does not have instincts or gut feelings to go off of. At the end of the day, someone may sign up on the kiosk and you may not see them again. As much as I am all for increasing customer convenience and making your business operable 24 hours a day, I believe that by having a kiosk that allows 24 hour sign up could generate an increase in bad storers.

Although there are drawbacks to the kiosk, I think that it is smart for businesses to integrate new technologies with current practices. Kiosks make 100% sense if you wish to generate business 24 hours a day. There are many other technologies that could be used as well and as new technologies are created, there will be more need to have these machines in the self storage industry to stay competitive.  A kiosk may not be the answer to this but I am sure more technology will be introduced to partner staff in the self storage industry.

Tips for Storing Clothes in Self Storage

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Self storage tips

Whether you have a shopping obsession, too many clothes or you’re wanting to store your Summer clothes during Winter. Your wardrobe at home can only hold so much and sometimes you’re not ready to let go of certain items. So, why keep them stored at home taking up needed space when you can be storing clothes in self storage?

Storing clothes in self storage can be a great storage solution. Using self storage for your clothes can help free up needed storage space in your home. And allows you to hold onto some items for longer whilst you decide whether you really need them or not. In addition, renting a self storage unit near you is the best way to go. That way you’re able to access your clothes whenever you want or need.

Furthermore, storing clothes in a self storage unit is great. But, it’s important to know how to correctly store your clothes so that you can ensure they won’t get damaged over time. So, here are some great tips and tricks to help you with all your clothing storage needs!

1. Prepare items before storing clothes in self storage

Wash and iron your clothes before storing them in self storage. Surface stains and dirt will set into the clothing overtime and when you do finally get them out of your storage unit to use again the stain will be difficult to remove. Dirty clothing can also attract vermin and insects which may also damage your clothing. Ensure you wash all items as per their washing instructions. As well as dry clean your dry cleanable items prior to storing them.

Furthermore, follow these instructions when storing clothing in self storage to ensure your items are safe from being damaged. Preparing your clothes for storage correctly will also mean that your clothes are clean and ready to wear when needed next.

2. To vacuum seal or not to vacuum seal

There is a large range of storage bags available that are perfect for clothing storage. For example, vacuum storage bags are great space savers. However, over a long period of time storing your clothing in these bags will lead to damage.

Storing your clothing in vacuum packed bags will not only leave your clothing creased and wrinkled. But also quicken the process of deterioration as natural fibres need air to maintain its structure and integrity.

A better way for storing clothes in self storage is to use plastic storage tubs. This will help to avoid suffocating your items. Ensure you lightly pack them and start with the heavier items on the bottom. In addition, if you need to purchase a storage tub head to your local hardware store.

3. Say no to plastic bags and cardboard boxes

Like mentioned above, airtight plastic containers with a lid are the best options when storing clothing in self storage. This will keep your clothes dry and stop the growth of mould and mildew, in most cases. If using plastic containers, ensure they are clean, dry and line them with old (but clean) cotton sheets. Avoid plastic bags as these can trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics.

In addition, packing your clothing in a cardboard storage box will not protect them against vermin or the elements. Your storage unit shouldn’t have pests, but it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Again, depending on the expense and sentimental value of the item, it’s best to use acid free boxes and tissue paper. Especially for heirloom items as not all plastic boxes are safe and some may release chemicals which could have subtle to grossly negative effects on the clothing.

4. Mothballs

Not only do mothballs leave your clothes smelling terrible, they are not 100% effective. They can also be potentially dangerous if found by children or pets. A better alternative is the natural wooden cedar balls. These will protect your clothing from moths, mildew and musty odours. Therefore, when storing clothes in a self storage unit it is always best to add a few cedar balls.

Furthermore, when using wooden cedar balls, make sure that they are not placed directly on the garments. It is best to place them at the top of your storage container for further protection.

5. Clean, cool, dark and dry

When choosing a storage unit for clothing storage, ensure you choose one that will protect your clothes in the best way possible. It’s best to choose a storage unit that is dry, dark and cool.

Ideally it is suggested that clothing should be stored in conditions that do not exceed 23°C and have low humidity. However, this is more of a guideline if you were storing any heirlooms or expensive sentimental items. As long as the storage space is clean, protects items from elements and doesn’t have direct/bright light, your clothing should be safe.

In addition, a climate controlled storage unit would be the best option for long-term clothing storage.

6. Check and do not protect!

It’s important to check on your items in storage, wherever and whatever you are storing. Checking your items at least once a year you will help minimise the risk of them getting damaged. As well as possibly save them before they do get damaged. Items may fall from storage shelving or you may have packed something too heavy/tight. So, checking your storage unit often is important.

Looking for a facility in Adelaide for storing clothes in self storage?

Furthermore, if you’re looking to store your clothes in self storage, Store Ur Stuff if a great choice for this! Store Ur Stuff is an Adelaide storage facility that offers a range of cheap storage options. Whether you’re needing a large storage unit or just something small, we have the perfect storage solution for you.

View our storage options online and make an enquiry today. Or alternatively, call our friendly team on 8371 0000.

When the fire starts to burn – a self storage fire

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When I tell people that I work in Self Storage, they immediately think of the TV program Storage Wars. Yes, I have watched the program and the thing to keep in mind is that it is an American TV reality program – parts of it have to be set up or scripted. Even though working in self storage is not as exciting as the program depicts the most interesting thing I like about it is the stories that you hear about. Below is a true story that I would like to share with you. It is a little bit cheeky and gave me a little bit of a chuckle, so I hope that you get some enjoyment out of it as well. Fortunately, these incidents did not occur at our facility.

It is all facility owners nightmare when you get a call from emergency services to inform you that part of your facility is on fire. You could imagine the owners surprise when the reason for the fire was discovered!

The investigations lead to a candle being knocked over as the cause of the fire. When the tenant was interviewed, the real use of his storage unit was revealed.

The tenant had the unit for a while, which had 24 hour access, and the staff often noticed the late hours the tenant was coming and going. There was no suspicious behavior so the staff assumed that he worked odd hours or that it was the only time he could get to his unit. It turned out that he was using his storage unit as a rendezvous to meet up with his girlfriend. The unit had a queen size mattress in the middle of the floor that was surrounded by candles. The couple had been meeting at the unit with their partners none the wiser about the arrangement. A storage transaction on a monthly bank statement I suppose does not raise many questions, unlike multiple hotel charges. On that fateful night, a candle was accidentally knocked over and clothing nearby caught a light. The couple had to flee the burning unit and were left shaking and cold and in shock.

The accidental knocking over of the candle not only caused the tenant to have a very costly storage account to cover the damage that was caused, but it also caused huge embarrassment.

Let this be a little lesson to those reading this blog; do not use your storage unit as a makeshift love hotel – not only for the above reason, but also because I am pretty sure it is illegal too!!

Store UR Stuff Staff Profile – Jodie

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Jodie

 Photograph depicted may not be a true representation of Store UR Stuff staff. Actual appearance may vary.

Hi my name is Jodie and I am the Manager at Store UR Stuff.

Whilst on maternity leave last year, I received a phone call asking me if I was interested in a new challenge and a new career opportunity. Not knowing much about the storage industry, I thought that a fresh start into the workforce after being away for 12 months was something that I really needed to get my baby brain back into gear.

Coming from a strong customer service background, most of my previous employment was in the travel and hospitality industry, I figured that selling empty space was similar to selling an empty hotel room; the only difference being instead of people occupying the space, there was going to be people’s stuff occupying the space. With that in mind along with a need for a challenge, I took on the role.

I was very fortunate to see our facility grow right before my eyes. When I left to go on leave, the warehouse on the premise was being used as a liquor distribution warehouse, and by the time I got back, the concrete had set and a new roof installed and left was a blank canvas to fill. Whilst I was busy learning about the industry, talking to our competitors and also experts in the industry, the Self Storage Association of Australia, the construction of the units in the warehouse took no time to complete. Once completed, I was left with 112 ground floor self storage units to fill – and thus the challenge began.

I have learnt a lot in my role since taking it on and learnt so much more about the industry. To be honest, it is not a career path that I would actively pursue, but it has definitely been an interesting and rewarding path. There are so many reasons why people need storage and each customer has their own story to tell, and it is this interaction that I enjoy the most. Now that I am in the industry, it is going to be a while before I consider leaving. As the industry grows and expands, I hope that my knowledge and expertise can grow along with it.