The right self storage technology can completely change how you run your facility. In fact, businesses that invest in technology see a profit and performance improvement of over 10%.
From automating day-to-day tasks to enhancing the customer experience, technology helps self storage owners streamline operations, boost revenue, and deliver a seamless rental experience that tenants expect.
However, choosing the right technology for your business can be challenging. There are plenty of options to choose from, and it can be difficult to determine the right fit for your facility.
In this article, we’ll discuss what self storage technology is, the most common types, and guide you through choosing the best solution for your business.
What Is Self Storage Technology?
This technology includes digital tools, software platforms, and systems that enable self storage operators to run their facilities more efficiently, securely, and profitably.
It includes everything from automated gate access and digital leasing to property management software.
Self storage technology is about automation and connectivity. It replaces manual processes with digital solutions, allowing facility owners to streamline day-to-day tasks such as self storage customer service, payment collection, unit monitoring, and communication.
This not only saves time and reduces staffing costs, but it also enhances the customer experience by offering greater convenience, flexibility, and control.
The Different Types of Self Storage Technology
Now that you know more about self storage technology, let’s break down the different types:
Facility management software (FMS)
Facility management software (FMS) is crucial for a modern self storage business. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, paper contracts, and manual billing, operators can use FMS to centralize and automate nearly every aspect of their facility.
At its core, FMS allows you to:
Manage unit inventory in real-time, including availability, pricing, and occupancy.
Automate tenant communications such as booking confirmations, payment reminders, and lease updates.
Process payments and invoicing, including recurring billing, late fees, and refunds.
Generate detailed performance reports on revenue, occupancy rates, and customer trends.
Many FMS platforms like Stora go beyond just admin tasks. They also integrate with tools like your website, marketing platforms, gate access systems, and payment gateways. This creates a fully connected system that provides a comprehensive view of your business.
Our software enables operators to:
Automate online bookings
Track revenue.
Communicate with tenants.
Control access.
Monitor performance.
With Stora, you can manage almost your entire facility from anywhere, reducing manual admin and giving tenants a streamlined experience. See how Bonnys Self Storage boosted their revenue by six figures after switching to Stora, streamlining operations, filling units, and working smarter. Watch the full case study here.
Online rentals and digital leasing
Online rentals and digital leasing can completely change the way you attract and serve customers. Instead of requiring prospective tenants to visit your facility during office hours, digital tools enable them to complete the entire leasing process online at any time.
With these digital tools, prospective tenants can:
View real-time unit availability and pricing directly on your website.
Select and reserve a unit that suits their needs, without needing to call you or wait for a response.
Digitally sign rental agreements, eliminating the need for printed paperwork or in-person signatures.
Make secure online payments through integrated gateways, with support for recurring billing.
This level of automation caters to customers who value speed and convenience. It also supports a hands-off, scalable business model. Facilities can operate with minimal on-site staff, reducing overheads while offering 24/7 service.
With Stora, tenants can browse available units in real-time, select their preferred size, sign their lease digitally, and make payments in a few clicks.
This system is fully automated, so there’s no need for manual approvals or follow-ups. For operators, this means less admin, faster move-ins, and happier tenants.
Smart access control systems
Automated gate access systems are a crucial part of self storage security and operational efficiency. This is because these systems allow tenants to securely access your facility and their unit using keypads, mobile apps, or access cards, replacing the need for physical keys and padlocks or on-site staff to manage entry.
However, access control isn’t just about opening gates, it’s about tracking and controlling who can enter your facility. With most smart systems, every access event is logged, providing operations with a detailed audit trail of who entered the facility and when.
Smart access control enhances security and provides a clear record of who enters your facility and when. So, if a tenant claims they were locked out, you can check your access logs to confirm whether your gate was working and quickly resolve the issue.
Smart unit monitoring
Smart unit monitoring refers to sensor-based systems that track activity and environmental conditions inside individual storage units. These technologies protect stored items and give operators more visibility into what’s happening inside their facility.
There are generally two types of unit-level monitoring:
Motion and occupancy sensors: These sensors detect movement inside a unit when it’s supposed to be unoccupied. They can alert operators to unauthorized access, break-ins, or situations where the door is left open unintentionally.
Environmental monitoring sensors: These measure conditions like temperature and humidity inside the unit. Alerts can be triggered if readings fall outside safe thresholds, allowing you to take action before any damage occurs. This allows you to provide climate-controlled units, which we will discuss in more detail shortly.
For example, an environmental sensor might detect humidity in a unit during a summer heatwave. With an automated alert, you can check your HVAC system or notify the tenant, preventing potential mold or mildew issues before they escalate.
Kiosks
Self-service kiosks are touchscreen terminals installed at key points in a self storage facility, often in the office, lobby, or near the entrance.
These kiosks provide tenants with 24/7 access to services, allowing them to rent a unit on the spot, make payments, update billing information, sign digital leases, and change their contact details.
Kiosks are especially useful for facilities with limited on-site staffing or those operating fully unattended models.
They provide customers with a convenient way to manage their storage needs, even outside business hours.
Imagine a customer arriving at your facility in the evening after seeing your units online. Instead of waiting to speak to a staff member, they walk up to a kiosk, choose a unit, sign the lease, pay the first month’s rent, and get an access code, all within minutes.
The entire process is automated, and the tenant is moved in immediately.
Climate-controlled storage units
As mentioned earlier, climate control technology maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level within storage units, protecting sensitive items like electronics, documents, furniture, and artwork from extreme weather and moisture damage.
This type of technology is particularly valuable in regions with significant seasonal changes or high humidity.
Climate-controlled units typically use HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, dehumidifiers, and insulation to maintain ideal conditions.
A robust website
Your self storage website is more than a digital business card, it’s the central hub of your operation. A robust, user-friendly website enables prospective and current tenants to interact with your facility 24/7, often without needing to speak to a staff member.
For new customers, your website should function as a virtual storefront, displaying real-time unit availability and pricing, enabling online reservations, offering secure payment options, and clearly outlining unit features.
For existing tenants, your website should act as a portal where they can log in to manage their account, update payment information or contact details, make payments, and access customer support.
For example, a tenant who’s away on holiday might realize that their payment method has expired. Customers can easily log in from their phone to update their payment card and quickly pay any overdue invoices, saving everyone time and hassle.
This means no missed payments, no disruption, and no need for staff involvement.
Self storage security
Self storage security is one of the most crucial concerns for both operators and tenants. This is because tenants are often storing high-value or cherished items on your property.
Advanced security technology not only protects valuable items but also boosts tenant confidence, contributing to overall customer satisfaction and retention.
There are several key types of security technologies that are important for self storage facilities:
Surveillance systems: High-definition security cameras strategically placed throughout your facility can monitor activity and deter criminal behavior. With smart cameras, real-time footage is often accessible remotely, enabling operators to monitor their premises from anywhere.
Perimeter security: This involves fences, gates, and motion sensors that monitor the outer boundaries of your facility. Intrusion alarms are triggered if a breach occurs, giving operators an immediate alert to take action.
Alarm systems: These are typically connected to various points of entry, such as doors and windows, which automatically activate when a break-in is detected.
For instance, a combination of motion detection cameras and real-time access logs enables operators to investigate suspicious activity quickly. If a unit shows signs of unauthorized entry, an alert is sent to the operator, who can then remotely disable access to the unit while reviewing camera footage to confirm the breach.
The Benefits of Self Storage Technology
Using the right technology impacts both your customers and your bottom line. Here’s how technology can help your storage business thrive:
✅ Better sales
With features like online booking, digital leasing, and automated follow-ups, technology makes it easier to convert website visitors into paying tenants.
✅ Increased revenue
Over 68% of companies that invest in technology see an increase in revenue from existing streams.
Technology enables operators to offer value-added services, such as advanced security measures, climate-controlled units, and 24/7 access. These services allow you to charge a premium and help you stay competitive in the self storage industry.
Tools like dynamic pricing and customer relationship management (CRM) integrations can also help you target the right customers at the ideal time.
✅ Lower operating costs
Around 76% of businesses see a reduction in costs as a result of technology investments.
By automating manual tasks like billing, customer communication, and gate access, facilities can reduce staffing needs thanks to remotely managed properties and integrated systems.
✅ Improved customer experience
Over 75% of consumers say that convenience is a significant factor in selecting a service provider. Technology delivers this by offering contactless rentals, mobile access, automated reminders, and 24/7 service options.
A smooth digital experience builds trust and encourages long-term tenant retention.
✅ Improved maintenance
Smart sensors and self storage software can alert you to issues like HVAC failures, power outages, or unauthorized access. This allows faster response times and helps prevent costly damage or service disruptions.
✅ Enhanced reporting and analytics
Built-in reporting tools provide insights into occupancy, revenue trends, tenant behavior, and operational performance.
Data-driven decision-making helps operators with pricing, marketing, and resource allocation. In fact, insight-driven businesses are growing at an average annual rate of 30%, compared to less informed ones.
✅ Scalability
Whether you’re operating a single site or expanding to multiple locations, self storage technology supports growth by standardizing processes, improving oversight, and making it easy to replicate successful systems across facilities.
How to Choose the Right Technology for Your Self Storage Business
Choosing the right technology for your self storage business is a strategic decision that can impact the future of your facility. Here’s how to make the right choice:
➡️ Determine what you actually need
Every self storage business is unique. Some operators manage a single facility with basic needs, while others are scaling a multi-location portfolio.
Start by identifying the challenges you currently face. Are you losing leads because your website is underperforming? Are too many staff hours going toward manual billing?
Make a list of your must-have capabilities. You might prioritize:
24/7 online rentals.
Automated payments and reminders.
Integrations for gate access control.
Real-time occupancy tracking.
➡️ Know your must-have features
Once you know your goals, identify the essential features that’ll help you achieve them. At a minimum, most self storage facilities today could benefit from the following:
Online reservations and digital leasing: Make it easy for customers to rent units without needing to call you or visit your site.
Automated billing and payment processing: Reduce manual admin work and improve cash flow.
Integrated access control: Sync access permissions with customer status in real-time
Tenant communication tools: Send email or SMS reminders for payments, access information, and promotions.
Analytics and reporting dashboards: Gain insights into occupancy, revenue, and operational trends.
➡️ Compare solutions side by side
It’s important not to simply go with the first provider you find. Instead, use a spreadsheet to compare features, pricing, customer reviews, and service options from different vendors. You can also use websites like G2 or Capterra to do this.
Compare each solution and look for the following:
Feature sets and whether they match your must-haves.
Ease of integration with other tools.
Customer support availability.
Implementation timelines.
Overall value vs. cost.
➡️ Choose user-friendly tools
The most powerful systems won’t help you if they’re too complicated to use. Look for platforms with clean interfaces, intuitive dashboards, and minimal training requirements.
Ask providers:
How easy it is to onboard staff.
If tenants can easily navigate online and rental payment processes without help.
If the platform is mobile-friendly.
A user-friendly system will increase employee adoption, reduce mistakes, and improve your team’s efficiency from day one.
➡️ Evaluate support and training
Even the best software comes with a learning curve. Strong onboarding, training, and ongoing support have a significant impact on your investment in technology. Consider:
Is training included, and is it live or self-paced?
What types of support are offered, such as chat, email, or phone?
How fast are typical response times? You can determine this by reading customer reviews.
Are there user guides, FAQs, or help centers?
➡️ Understand the true costs
Technology should be an investment, not a burden. Ensure you understand the full pricing model of each platform.
For example, are there setup or onboarding fees? Do they charge per user or per unit? Are integrations or upgrades extra?
Additionally, you should take note of contract terms, such as monthly versus annual billing, cancellation policies, and hidden fees, as these can affect long-term affordability.
➡️ Make sure it integrates seamlessly
All your systems should work together, which is why you should look for platforms that integrate with the tools you already use.
Seamless integrations reduce the need for repeated data entry and ensure your systems are always in sync, giving you better control over your facility.
➡️ Read reviews and ask for demos
Reading customer reviews can give you insights into what using the software is actually like. You should also schedule live demos and ask for free trials with the providers you’ve shortlisted.
This gives you a chance to see the software in action, ask specific questions, and evaluate how well the platform will fit into your existing workflow.
➡️ Don’t overbuy on day one
Investing in a feature-rich system before you need it can be costly and overwhelming. Focus on getting the basics right first before upgrading to more advanced features.
At a minimum, your software should start by offering smooth online rentals, payment automation, and access control. You might not need more features than these initially.
Choose a system that allows you to grow into more functionality over time. This phased approach keeps costs manageable and helps your team adopt the technology faster.
Invest in the Best Self Storage Technology for Your Facility
Technology is a necessity for facilities that want to get a competitive advantage, achieve customer satisfaction, and run efficient operations.
From automated kiosks and climate monitoring to powerful management software and intuitive websites, the right tech stack enables you to streamline processes, scale with ease, and increase your bottom line.
If you’re looking for a convenient, all-in-one platform that covers everything you need to run your facility efficiently, Stora is the ideal solution. Just some of our features include:
Automated online booking and payments: Let customers reserve, rent, and pay for units 24/7, completely online and hassle-free.
A branded, optimized website: Launch a high-converting website that reflects your brand and provides a smooth rental experience to your customers.
Real-time analytics and reporting: Make smarter decisions with detailed data-driven insights, occupancy reports, and customer insights.
World-class support and onboarding: From setup to scaling, our expert support team is with you every step of the way.
Whether you’re starting your first facility or you’re ready to expand, Stora gives you the technology you need to manage your business and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Schedule a free demo to learn about how Stora gives you all the tools you need for efficiency, business growth, and customer satisfaction.
