Buyers Guide

Table of Contents

• What is Self Storage Software?
• What are the common features of Self Storage Software
• What are the benefits of using Self Storage Software
• How much does Self Storage Software cost?
• Key consideration when purchasing Self Storage Software

What is Self Storage Software?

Self Storage Software is a management and automation tool designed for businesses in the self-storage industry. Self-storage facilities are businesses that provide individuals and businesses with space to store their belongings, typically on a short-term basis.

This software helps self-storage facility owners and their self storage managers to manage their operations, such as tracking allocated units, simplifying administrative tasks related to billing and invoicing, and providing a better customer experience. Self-storage management software also helps with online storage booking for customers.

What are the common features of Self Storage Software?

• Rental management: Enables self-storage facility owners and operators to track rentable storage units and allocate them to customers.
• Tenant tracking: Stores comprehensive tenant information, including contact details, identification, emergency contacts, and special notes or tenant requests. The feature also helps track upcoming payments and subscriptions for storage units.
• SMS reminders: Sends out SMS reminders to customers, notifying them if their storage subscription is ending or if there are any changes to their storage plans.
• Sitemaps: Provides a visual representation of the self-storage facility's layout, helping facility managers and customers easily navigate the premises and locate storage units.
• Pricing management: Allows you to define and implement various pricing structures, such as monthly or annual rates, discounts, promotions, and rates for different unit sizes, types, or features. You can also use dynamic pricing to adjust rental rates based on occupancy levels, demand, and availability.

What are the benefits of using Self Storage Software?

• Makes rental management more efficient: Self storage software simplifies day-to-day operations, helping facility managers efficiently allocate units, manage tenant information, and handle rental agreements. The software automates processes such as billing, invoicing, and payment processing. This reduces the need for manual data entry and paperwork, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
• Offers real-time updates on storage availability: The software provides real-time information about storage unit availability and occupancy to your space manager, allowing facility managers to make quick and informed decisions about unit allocation. Many self storage software solutions offer online reservation and rental capabilities, allowing customers to book and pay for units online.
• Eliminates the need for manual access approval: Most self storage solutions provide customers with access codes or cards to access a storage unit. This improves security by adding a digital security layer and reduces the need to have on-site staff to manage access.

How much does Self Storage Software cost?

Most self storage software products on the market are priced “per unit per month,” and their entry-level pricing plan ranges from $9 to $45+*. An enterprise product that’s priced higher may include additional features such as automated unit tracking, third-party integrations, and reporting and analytics.

*The pricing included is for the entry-level/lowest-priced offerings found on vendor websites as of October 27, 2023.

Key considerations when purchasing Self Storage Software

• Check for the availability of sitemap functionality in the self storage solution. Sitemaps are crucial to visualize your storage unit space and make it easier for the administration to allocate units to customers. They also help gain better visibility in terms of understanding overall availability and occupancy rates.
• Assess whether the software is compliant with legal regulations. Self-storage facilities often have the right to enforce liens** on tenants' stored items in case of non-payment. These laws outline the procedures for notifying tenants, conducting auctions, and handling the proceeds. Ask vendors whether their software is compliant with such regulations.
• Check for competitor analysis functionality with the software. Self storage software should offer pricing analysis to help you understand how your pricing strategy compares to that of your competitors. Additionally, it should also help you compare KPIs, such as rental rates, occupancy rates, revenue, and customer satisfaction.