Todays self storage owners face greater challenges and have much different considerations than those early business developers of the 70s and 80s. When the industry was new, the demand for space far outnumbered the supply of storing facilities, meaning than no matter where you decided to build your new business, you would likely succeed at it because there was so much demand for the service. The industry has reached a point now where the commercial sector is no longer the primary consumer of the service. Residential customers now far outweigh those commercial uses of the past. Over the past ten years, especially, buying on credit has made it very easy for people to purchase high end items such as furniture, appliances and vehicles. This has created a high demand for storing facilities, because people simply do not want to let go of all that they have amassed.
Self storage owners need to be aware of the market saturation before they ever break dirt with a shovel. Location is of the highest importance. An analysis of the current market in the area that you wish to build can be helpful, as will a list of all of the storing facilities in the area and their numbers, if obtainable. Visibility is a huge factor. The storing facilities of the past tended to be out of the way, not in the faces of main stream consumers. Todays self storage owners are faced with a new set of guidelines, and as the industry evolves, new facilities are placing a much greater importance upon blending in with the surroundings, and of appealing to consumers with architecturally sophisticated design elements, lovely landscaping, and aesthetic appeal.
The newest, most architecturally stunning facilities will undoubtedly catch the eye of consumers, but not if they are built in an area where no one really travels. Visibility is crucial. Well traveled roads near areas with many houses and apartment complexes seem to fare well. High traffic roads where commuters make their way to and from work will offer greater visibility and in the long run, greater volume of business.
Todays self storage owners want to take into full consideration the surrounding landscape and attempt to build a facility that stands out among the crowd, yet looks natural, as if it was meant to be there all along. Well done signs will assist in getting the notice of consumers, as will easy access off of main roads. Many people will pass right on by if they cannot find an easy way into the parking lot, or if they have to turn onto another street to enter the parking lot. Ease of access into the storing facility lot should always be a top priority.
With all of the changes in the industry over the last decade, it is true that self storage owners face greater challenges when deciding on where and how to build, but in the end, the advancements in the industry itself make up for the added expense of new construction, simply because there are so many new storing services available to consumers now. Storing is not just for old furniture anymore. It encompasses cars, boats, RVs and even wine. With all of the added offerings, it is no wonder the industry still seems to be on top of its game, even after forty years.
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