Frequently Asked Questions

I manage my own facility, but am thinking about having someone else do it. What would management of my facility include?

Self Storage Management provides all the services necessary for you to be an absentee owner, if you so choose. The services we provide include employing the on-site personnel, overseeing the daily property activities, developing and implementing a marketing plan, developing the annual budget, paying all facility bills, including loan payments and overseeing all aspects of the property's operation.

What is the cost?

We charge a monthly flat fee for a our services, depending on the size of the facility. This is practically unheard of in the storage industry. Most charge a percentage of your gross revenue. Self Storage Management believes you hire us to manage your business and to grow it where ever possible. We do not need a financial incentive to make you more money. That is what you hire us to do....and we will do it.

What is the minimum size property that you will manage?

Depending on your rental rates, a property typically needs be over 200 units to capitalize on our management services. Smaller facilities should consider having Self Storage Management provide a Market Study  or our Tune Up program quarterly to identify where more revenue can be generated.

Do I have to change the name of my Facility?

Not at all. We believe your name has value at your current location, and past customers know the property is there for their convenience. We help you solidify your identity within the community by developing an effective marketing plan.

How long do I have to commit to a management agreement?

Our agreements are standard for a 3 year period. A practice not common in the industry is our No Hassle Guarantee. If, as an owner, you are unhappy with our services, or performance, you can cancel our contract. We ask you provide us with detailed information pertaining to the areas you are unhappy with, and allow us the opportunity to meet your expectations. However, you are not bound to do this. Bottom line is- you may fire us if unhappy with no contractual repercussions.

Do you keep my current management?

All management are employees of Self Storage Management. As the owner you will be required to provide for their compensation. As part of the take over process, and yearly budgeting, we determine together what this cost will be. Our preference is for your current managers continue with the property. But, they must meet our standards for professionalism and performance. We will interview them before taking over the responsibility for the property and give you our honest opinion of their potential to remain.

I want to make sure I get all my revenue. What safeguards do you have in place to deal with payments and cash handling?

The manager must make daily deposits into the bank of the owner's choice. These deposits are reconciled each morning via the internet by the home office accounting staff. In addition, the self storage management software we employ has built in safeguards that flag any unusual activity. We also make monthly and quarterly financial audits of each location to assure proper operational and cash handling procedures are followed. Finally, each employee goes through a complete criminal and credit background check before an offer of employment is made. We believe in the mantra "Follow The Money".

How do you monitor the daily activities of the manager?

Our District Managers and home office staff are in daily contact with the individual site managers. Reports must be sent to the home office each day and are reviewed and reconciled by our staff. Our District Managers visit the properties frequently for training, auditing and management activities.

I am just starting to build my facility and am looking for someone else to run it. When is the best time to start talking with you about the possibility of running it?

We really like to start talking with you as soon as you have purchased the land. We can review your plans from the start to make sure layouts are correct, help you with unit mix and provide value engineering tips to avoid unnecessary costs in storm. From a long-term management perspective, we can also provide insight into design issues that directly affect the operation of the facility such as office layout and security features. This is also the time to develop marketing plans to get you up and running through to stabilized occupancy.