Over the past several years, the self storage industry has become a hot market for investors in Canada. A storage provider has to be savvy and stay up to date with what their competition is doing so that they can remain competitive and reach their business goals.

The demand for storage space has increased and is not expected to slow down anytime soon. Whether you own a storage company and want to expand or you’re considering investing in Toronto self storage, many things will continue to influence the performance of the market. Understanding what the future might hold for the Canadian self storage industry can help you stay prepared. Bluebird Storage Management is here to help you navigate the storage industry through helpful tips and information. 

Continue reading below to learn more about what your storage company should consider implementing this year and discover how partnering with a top storage management company in Toronto can help take your company to new levels of success.

What Storage Companies Need to Consider for 2023

Despite unprecedented global circumstances, the self storage industry has proven to be a smart investment. Let’s take a look at four self storage industry trends your storage company should look for in the Greater Toronto Area:

Mobile Accessibility and Online Rental

Business owners are always looking for new ways to provide their clientele with the highest level of convenience and accessibility. As a result, the competitive landscape for customer service is changing, and combining self-service access with mobile tools is sure to transform the self storage industry in the near future.

Some self storage facilities have begun to implement smartphone apps that allow storage unit owners to manage and control their units directly from their mobile or tablet devices. These easy-to-use mobile applications not only provide self storage facility owners with valuable customer data, but they also allow customers to pay bills, view move-in and move-out dates, report an issue with their self storage unit, view a live feed of their units, and more.

In addition, it is important to ensure that mobile and online usability is being utilized to the fullest. Renting storage units and providing amenity information online has become more popular amongst customers. 

Building Design and Location

Previously, all self storage facilities looked the same: rows of single-story metal buildings painted in bright hues. However, times are changing, and many Toronto self storage facilities are now designed to blend in with their surroundings, complementing the surrounding architecture.

As a result, storage companies should pay close attention to the area in which they intend to build or invest in storage units to ensure that they complement the surrounding landscape with eye-catching design. While a storage business doesn’t need to have opulent exterior designs or elaborate landscaping, it’s crucial that your facility avoids looking like an eyesore to the community. It doesn’t matter how impressive your storage services are if no one wants to come to your facility.

Clean and Bright Storage Facilities

While it’s important to make the exterior of your storage space look attractive, the interior matters too.

Consider making upgrades to existing spaces by adding fresh coats of light paint and promoting cleanliness. Updating lighting is also a great way to create a more inviting facility.

Offering a Variety of Storage Solutions

Every customer is different and so are their storage needs so offering a variety of storage solutions is key to remaining competitive. If someone is searching for climate-controlled storage In the Toronto area and you don’t offer it, you may have just lost a long-term tenant to another self storage company that does.

Other types of storage solutions could include:

• Vehicle parking
• Boat parking
• RV parking
• Heated units
• Drive up units

Think about if you can configure your facility to provide any of the storage options above. If you are looking to acquire more property, this is a good list to keep in mind while walking properties.

Learn How a Storage Management Company in the GTA Can Help You Elevate Your Business

As the self storage industry is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, it’s essential to keep up-to-date with new trends to identify new opportunities for self storage property owners.

Using cutting-edge strategies, exceptional customer service, and a comprehensive and individualized approach to self storage management, Bluebird Storage Management in Toronto remains dedicated to working closely with self storage facility owners to help them find the best solution to protect their assets, reduce stress, and create more investment opportunities.

With over 100 years of combined experience in managing, developing, and growing successful self storage facilities and enthusiasm for the self storage industry, Bluebird Storage Management is always here to advise you when looking for new opportunities or improving your existing business.

If you’re interested in working with an established third-party management company or need assistance to get the most out of your storage management company in the GTA, contact Bluebird Storage Management today to discuss how a partnership with our team can help you achieve your company’s goals.