Running a self-storage facility isn’t just about filling vacant units—it’s about keeping those units and the entire property in top condition.
Did you know that regular upkeep can cut repair costs by up to 18% and prevent more expensive issues down the road?
But it's not just about saving money. Poorly maintained facilities can drive away customers, as they view the upkeep of a storage unit as a direct reflection of how safe and secure their belongings will be.
Storage maintenance protects your customers' belongings and boosts your reputation, attracting tenants and minimizing headaches.
In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips to help you stay ahead of wear and tear, ensuring your facility operates efficiently and leaves a lasting positive impression.
What Does Storage Maintenance Involve?
Storage maintenance goes beyond keeping things clean—it’s about making sure your facility is safe, functional, and appealing to customers.
Regular monitoring helps you catch issues early, such as structural damage or equipment malfunctions. Diagnosing and replacing broken or faulty equipment—like locks, lights, or gates—prevents disruptions and ensures smooth operations.
A clean facility isn't just for appearances; it promotes safety by reducing hazards like mold, pests, or slippery floors. By staying proactive with repairs and cleanliness, you’ll maintain high customer satisfaction and avoid costly problems down the line.
Why is Storage Maintenance Important?
Now that you know what regular maintenance of your self-storage facility involves, let's touch on why it's so important.
✅Safety first: Regular maintenance prevents health and safety hazards like mold, pests, and accidents caused by faulty equipment or cluttered walkways, keeping everyone safe.
✅Limit your liability: A well-maintained facility helps you avoid potential lawsuits. For example, if something like a sprinkler system malfunctions in a storage unit and causes water damage, renters may hold the facility responsible, which could lead to legal trouble.
✅Happy tenants: A clean, safe, and accessible facility makes customers feel good about storing their belongings with you, encouraging positive reviews and long-term rentals.
✅Prevent costly repairs: Addressing minor problems early (like leaks) prevents them from becoming expensive repairs later.
✅Protects your investment: Regular upkeep preserves your property condition and appearance, making it more attractive to potential customers and easier to manage.
Storage Maintenance Checklist
Proactive maintenance ensures your self-storage facility runs smoothly, keeps tenants satisfied, and minimizes long-term expenses. Here's an in-depth look at essential tasks and how often they should be completed.
Hygiene Tasks
➡️Take out trash and remove debris (Daily)
A clean facility keeps pests at bay, maintains curb appeal, and creates a welcoming atmosphere for tenants. Trash build-up can lead to unpleasant odors and complaints, so frequent removal is essential.
➡️Clean empty units (After each move-out)
This step ensures new tenants start with a clean slate, preventing negative first impressions. It’s also an opportunity to check for damages and necessary repairs before leasing the unit again.
➡️Check and handle pest control (Monthly)
Regular inspections prevent infestations that can damage stored items. Work with pest control professionals to develop a treatment schedule based on the facility’s location and known risks.
➡️Clean reception, hallways, and common areas (Daily)
Keeping high-traffic areas neat shows professionalism and helps prevent accidents. Clean floors, windows, and surfaces also reflect well on your brand.
➡️Sweep parking areas and remove weeds (Weekly)
A tidy parking lot improves curb appeal and avoids slip-and-fall risks. Removing weeds prevents damage to asphalt and paving over time.
Security Tasks
➡️Test access systems (gates, locks, and alarms) (Monthly)
Access control is key to preventing unauthorized entry. Regular testing ensures these systems work seamlessly. Include battery replacements for keypads or sensors when needed.
➡️Inspect and repair security cameras (Monthly)
Cameras are only as effective as their upkeep. Ensure they capture clear footage and are positioned correctly, with no blind spots. Verify that recording systems store data reliably for future review.
➡️Check unit doors and locks (Weekly)
Ensure doors function properly without jams or wear. Promptly repair locks to prevent access issues, which could inconvenience tenants or compromise security.
➡️Repair perimeter fencing (Quarterly)
A secure perimeter keeps trespassers out. Look for damage, rust, or gaps and address them promptly. A damaged fence can also create safety risks or affect the facility’s appearance.
➡️Fix cracks in floors and pavements (As needed)
Cracked surfaces are both a safety and aesthetic issue. Schedule regular checks, particularly in parking areas, to repair hazards before they become more costly.
Health and Safety Tasks
➡️Clean spills immediately (As needed)
Spills pose a slip hazard whether indoors or outdoors. Address them immediately to protect tenants and staff and document incidents for liability purposes.
➡️Replace faulty lighting (Monthly)
Well-lit spaces increase security and safety, especially in outdoor areas and stairwells. Monitor for flickering lights or bulbs that need replacing.
➡️Inspect electrical fittings (Quarterly)
Electrical malfunctions can disrupt operations and pose fire risks. To catch issues early, conduct routine inspections of wiring, sockets, and appliances.
➡️Clear obstructions from walkways and stairs (Daily)
Keeping walkways clear ensures easy access for tenants and reduces tripping hazards. This is especially important for facilities that allow 24/7 access.
➡️Inspect the roof (Twice a year or after storms)
Roof damage can cause leaks, which might go unnoticed until they affect tenant belongings. Schedule professional roof inspections biannually to prevent significant water damage.
➡️Test fire alarms and extinguishers (Monthly)
Regular testing ensures that all fire equipment functions properly in case of emergencies. To comply with safety regulations, replace expired fire extinguishers and document inspections.
➡️Check ventilation and climate controls (Monthly)
Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup, mold, and odors. Monitor temperature and humidity settings for climate-controlled units to safeguard sensitive items like electronics and furniture.
How to Manage Maintenance
Source: FreePik
There are several ways to handle maintenance for your self-storage facility, each with its pros and cons:
Do It Yourself (DIY)
Taking care of preventative maintenance gives you full control and saves labour costs. However, it can be time-consuming and may not be ideal if you prefer a hands-off, automated facility.
Managing every detail—such as cleaning, repairs, and equipment checks—can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you have a larger facility.
Hire professional help
Contractors can relieve your burden by handling specific maintenance tasks, such as climate control repairs or pest control. While this option ensures professional work, it can be expensive. You'll need to manage costs and contracts carefully to avoid overspending.
The benefit is peace of mind—knowing the job will be done properly without you getting too involved.
Employ maintenance personnel
Hiring someone to manage maintenance on-site offers the benefit of having someone to regularly inspect storage units and respond to issues quickly. However, full-time employees come with added costs, including salaries, benefits, and training.
You’ll also need to monitor their performance to ensure they stay on top of tasks. This approach can be worthwhile if your facility requires frequent maintenance, but it’s important to factor in the additional management responsibilities.
ℹ️The right option can vary depending on your facility size, budget, and how involved you want to be in daily operations.
Tips for Better Storage Maintenance
Source: FreePik
Schedule Planned Preventative Maintenance
PPM involves setting a schedule or to-do list to routinely inspect, repair, or replace equipment before it fails. To implement this, create a checklist of critical monitoring areas, such as HVAC systems, locks, lighting, and security equipment.
Set customer expectations
Tenant agreements should include cleanliness, health, and safety policies to encourage high standards. These expectations should be reviewed during move-ins to ensure understanding.
Build a reliable network
Every self-storage facility owner should maintain a list of trusted contractors—such as electricians, plumbers, and roofers—who can be contacted quickly when needed. Establish relationships to ensure fast response times during emergencies.
Use organizational tools
The Stora platform offers task management features to help streamline maintenance schedules and operations. This feature lets users stay organized and on top of tasks, reducing oversight and ensuring consistent upkeep.
Automate Your Self Storage Facility with Stora
We know that running a self-storage facility is no easy feat. Between juggling customer inquiries, managing payments, and storage maintenance, it can feel like there's never enough time in the day. That's where Stora comes in.
Our self-storage software streamlines your operations, freeing you up to focus on what matters most: growing your business and providing exceptional customer service.
Here's how Stora can revolutionize your self-storage facility:
🏆Say goodbye to manual entry: Tired of chasing late payments and spending hours processing invoices? Stora automates bookings, payments, and invoicing so you can say goodbye to tedious admin tasks. Customers can easily reserve units and pay online while recurring billing ensures timely payments and reduces your workload.
🏆Effortless access control: Stora integrates with smart entry systems, giving customers secure, automated unit access. You can automatically lock units when payments are missed, eliminating the awkward task of chasing down delinquent renters.
🏆 Real-time facility management: Stora provides an interactive map of your facility, allowing you to track unit availability and occupancy in real time. When a customer moves out, Stora automatically updates the unit status, keeping your records accurate and your facility organized.
Ready to see Stora in action? Sign up for a free demo today and discover how it can transform your self-storage business.
