The storage industry is changing as swiftly as the wind on the high seas. The self storage demographic is shifting, and a younger customer base means adapting to different needs and preferences. As generations change, so does technical innovations as AI has exploded onto the scene. There’s no doubt about it: AI self storage tools are here to stay.
It’s time for storage operators to explore AI’s benefits and revolutionize the self storage industry. 83% of companies claim that AI is a top priority in their business plans, and it’s no wonder, given its versatility. AI can analyze data, create content, provide excellent customer service, and much more. 60% of business owners anticipate AI will significantly boost sales growth, while 64% believe it will enhance customer relationships and drive productivity.
Don’t be left in the dust. It’s time to say “Hello” to the future of storage rentals.
At Storagely, we know the importance of technology in the storage landscape, and this blog will detail the role AI will continue to play in self storage—and how you can harness its power to your advantage.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI is a technology that mimics human intelligence in areas such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Additionally, a Large Language Model (LLM) is an AI program trained on text data that can understand and generate language. I know what you’re thinking: cue the Terminator music! But in reality, it’s just a tool that can leveraged to better your self storage business.
Top AI Concerns
- I find it weird to “talk” to a computer like it’s a human.
- Will this “thing” take over my job?
- What about privacy?
- Doesn’t it Hallucinate?
In a world where we’re constantly immersed in the digital world through phones, computers, and virtual reality, the fact that we have a new form of technology helping us think is not quite as weird as it might sound.
Although AI may render certain manual, repetitive jobs as unnecessary, it is also estimated to create 133 million new jobs by 2030. The key will be taking advantage of the benefits of AI and using it to enhance your business.
Privacy is naturally a concern for many people—especially if you own a storage business. In general, it’s a good idea to abstain from sharing sensitive information with AI. Many AI tools like OpenAI don’t store user data unless you explicitly opt into it.
What do we mean by “hallucinate”? Occasionally, AI can generate inaccurate or misleading information if it misinterprets data. The truth is all LLMs do is hallucinate. They’re just prediction machines that “hallucinate” answers. This can be an advantage when creatively brainstorming as it’s pulling together sentences that best resemble human thought.
If you want to fact-check a quote or claim written by AI, a quick Google search can help you determine its accuracy. Ensuring there are at least two reputable sources to substantiate the AI’s claim is a great way to certify the information. Tweaking your prompt or running a prompt again can also help you achieve a better result.
LLM Theories
- “Emergence” is the idea that AI can develop capabilities it wasn’t trained to have.
- For example, I could tell ChatGPT, “Write me a bedtime story for my five-year-old about Bluey making friends with an alien. The story takes place a hundred years in the future, but it’s written like it’s in the 1600s.” There are obviously no specific training materials on what is that I just asked it to, but it is probably going to generate a pretty decent response.
- “Theory of Mind” is the idea that AI has the ability to guess what someone else is thinking.
- AI may be able to identify when a character in a story is sad because no one shows up for their birthday party, but it’s not drawing that conclusion from a place of real emotion. It’s just making a prediction based on data.
Yeah. It’s a little freaky.
But remember:
- It’s not actually a human in a box.
- It’s not becoming “self-aware.”
- It’s not truly interacting with you.
Why should we care about AI? It’s the next General Purpose Technology. Like steam engines, electricity, and the internet before it, AI is a powerful invention that changes how we live, work, and create across the world. It’s the next evolution in technology, and it’s already transforming numerous industries, including self storage. The global AI market is expected to grow by 37% annually, and it’s no wonder why.
AI is already present in many of the applications you use every day. It’s in your Gmail account when it helps you draft an email; it generates playlists in Spotify, Siri, Alexa… the list goes on.
How can AI help you?
- Save Time
- Improve Quality
- Boost Productivity
Okay, but how?
Think of it as an intellectual companion. Always invite it to the table.
- Consult it to make decisions.
- Use it to write or improve your emails.
- Brainstorm ideas with it.
- Be willing to rethink current processes.
- Replace it with Google. AI is your new (much more direct) way to get information.
- Make it easy to form habits. Make ChatGPT your default browser. Get comfy.
- Play!
AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, DALL-E, Framer, or Yoodli can help you create content, images, websites, and business plans for your self storage facility. These tools use natural language processing and machine learning to generate human-like text, graphics, and ideas, making them a valuable resource for marketing and management in the self storage industry.
AI Applications in the Self Storage Industry:
- Automated Inventory Tracking
- Smart Pricing Adjustments
- 24/7 Virtual Customer Support
- Predictive Maintenance
- Access Control Automation
- Marketing Campaign Personalization
- Content Creation
- Space Utilization Insights
- Customer Feedback Analysis
- Billing and Payment Automation
- Tenant Behavior Analysis
- And more!
Whether you’re creating emails, web pages, blogs, or guides, Self storage AI can help you quickly generate content to help your business grow at a fraction of the price.
If you’re in the self storage industry, you’re most likely aware of the importance of SEO. But let’s face it: writing optimized content can be a time-consuming and tedious task. Plus, not everyone has the writing skills of Shakespeare or the patience to come up with catchy headlines and meta descriptions. This is where AI tools come in to save the day (and your sanity).
AI self storage tools can help you create engaging and SEO-friendly content without breaking a sweat. They use natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze data and generate content that is tailored to your specific needs.
What formula should I follow when creating a prompt for AI so it generates the best result?
Industry Trends: The Influence of AI Self Storage Tools
Swivl’s 2023 The State of Technology in Self Storage Industry Report highlighted several trends that are essential for the industry’s growth.
A 2023 SSA Demand Study revealed changing storage trends driven by Millennials and Gen Z, with both generations utilizing self storage at a rate of 16%. Gen X follows at 12%, while Baby Boomers show only 6% usage. Millennials and Gen Z also visit their units frequently, with 54% of Millennials and 65% of Gen Z visiting at least once a month, often storing everyday items rather than sentimental belongings.
What does this mean? Operators should adapt to this behavior by leveraging self storage technology for convenient access. In today’s world, convenience is everything.
What are the latest trends? Let’s take a look.
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Efficiency
Automation and self-service are critical for self storage businesses. Begin by identifying menial, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks. Many of these tasks can be eliminated by implementing self storage automation software—alleviating pressure in the workplace. From payment processing to data entry, AI can be a lifesaver.
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Converse with Potential and Current Tenants
Simply responding to requests and resolving issues is no longer enough. In today’s buying journey, businesses must adopt an omnichannel approach that seamlessly integrates marketing, sales, and support. This unified strategy is poised to become a key driver of growth for operators in the future.
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Self Storage AI is Now
Customers are ready to talk to virtual assistants. The workforce must evolve into an environment that pairs agents and bots. 41% of consumers say virtual assistants will change how they purchase brands in the future. Leverage AI chatbots and other tools to your advantage.
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Breaking Silos
Businesses often struggle to collect, share, and act on customer data effectively, limiting their ability to deliver personalized experiences. By breaking down silos and implementing systems that surface relevant data in real-time, operators can make better decisions and enhance tenant experiences with self storage tech. With 80% of customers using both online and offline channels, accurate marketing source attribution across these channels is key. Reporting software can help you collect data across multiple channels and make informed business decisions.
Self Storage Technology Every Facility Owner Should Know
Automation is like having a tireless assistant—it takes over the boring stuff so you can focus on what really matters. Whether it’s a simple timer or a fancy motion sensor, automation makes life easier for everyone. Currently, nearly half of all organizational processes are automated, and by 2025, that number is set to hit 80%. AI is inching into every part of the industry. Our advice? Embrace the versatility of AI self storage tools.
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Self Storage Websites
With the increasing reliance on technology, it’s no surprise that storage facilities are turning to automation for storage websites. A well-designed storage website with user-friendly features can attract potential tenants and simplify the rental process. AI-powered chatbots can assist customers with inquiries and reservations, saving both time and effort for facility staff. These tools also provide real-time updates and reminders for payments or unit availability, making managing a storage facility more efficient.
Self Storage Website Musts:
- Clean and Modern Design
- Mobile-friendly Interface
- Online Rentals
- SEO-Optimized Content
- Storage Unit Size Guides
- Location Map
- Helpful Tool Tips
- Dependable Hosting
- Live Chat/Chat Bot
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Rental Systems
Aside from having a well-designed website, automated rental systems make the process of renting a storage unit easier and more convenient for both tenants and facility staff. Renters can choose and pay for the right unit within 30 seconds with Storagely’s streamlined checkout process.
Benefits of Automated Rental Systems:
- Faster Transaction Process
- Increased Privacy for Customers
- Reduced Human Error
- Real-Time Availability Updates
- Online Payment Options
Storagely Bonus: With Storagely’s self storage rental software, leads are guided every step of the way with Size Guides, storage unit calculators, and more to reduce friction and provide a flawless tenant experience.
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Facility Management Software
Management software should streamline tasks like tenant management, payment collection, invoice generation, unit availability tracking, access control, and custom report creation. It should also support API access, offering a comprehensive solution to simplify operations.
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Modern “Contact Centers”
Contact centers combine people, processes, and technology to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience, allowing customers to communicate through chat, phone, email, SMS, and social media. As customer expectations rise, 78% now demand consistent interactions at every touchpoint.
Omnichannel communication unifies all channels—mobile, desktop, web, in-person, and social media—into a single, smooth experience. AI transforms contact centers by predicting customer intent, providing real-time agent coaching, and enhancing security with voice biometrics, marking an exciting shift in customer engagement.
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Automated Proactive Customer Service
Repetitive issues like online payment, forgetting access codes, getting into a unit, login issues, and missing unit details can be easily automated with online chat integrations like swivl. Self storage automation software moves leads through the rental process and into a storage unit as smoothly as a key sliding into a lock.
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Smart Self Storage Tech
Smart technology like mobile apps and smart locks is revolutionizing the self storage industry by offering 24/7 access and enhanced security. These tools enable storage operators to explore unmanned business models, cutting costs and boosting convenience. Value-Based Pricing is a growing trend where tenants can pay for premium features like security cameras, valet storage, or extended facility access, all powered by smart tech.
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Security Amenities
Gate access control and video surveillance are key security measures operators use to protect customers’ valuables. Advanced cloud-based systems now offer features like facial recognition, object detection, and motion tracking, allowing operators to quickly identify unusual activity and search using keywords or video metadata.
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Automated Facilities
The rise of new technologies has led operators to adopt smarter management styles to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service. This shift has introduced various approaches like Remote, Unattended, Virtual, Hub and Spoke, and Third-Party management. By eliminating on-site managers, facilities can significantly cut personnel and administrative costs, saving costs while generating additional revenue by repurposing office space.
AI self storage tools and automation are like the unsung heroes of modern organizations—efficient, reliable, and always ready to save the day. These technologies streamline operations, reduce human error, and optimize space management, which means less stress and more profits for facility owners. Plus, they spare customers from the horror of misplaced items and logistical headaches.
AI is a revolutionary trend that is here to stay, so you might as well jump on board and start steering the AI ship to your next destination: increased rentals.
Storagely: Leading the Charge With Self Storage AI
At Storagely, we believe that the future of self storage lies in automation and AI tools. That’s why we provide the most advanced and user-friendly self storage websites on the market, designed to make your facility more efficient, secure, and profitable. Our team is constantly innovating and improving our technology to stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of the industry.
As AI and technology evolve, self storage platforms must embrace innovation to stay competitive. At Storagely, we know it’s not just about having a sleek website (though we deliver that, too). To boost rentals, you need to stand out with features that make it easy for tenants to find, choose, and rent a unit seamlessly. With advanced features like Value-Based Pricing, Abandoned Rental Recovery, and a Rental System, Storagely ensures your website is at the forefront of the self storage industry.
Additionally, Storagely partners with industry leaders like swivl and Calcumate to maximize your investment. Our platform integrates effortlessly with top facility management software like Sitelink, Self Storage Manager, and StoreEdge, while introducing tools to elevate your rental experience.
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swivl and Storagely’s Unit Connect
Unit Connect simplifies self storage rentals by letting tenants chat, browse, and reserve units without an agent. With Storagely’s swivl integration, users can quickly find options, view details, and reserve with ease, boosting online rental efficiency.
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Calcumate Storage Calculator
Storagely simplifies choosing the right storage unit by partnering with Calcumate—a 3D storage calculator. Integrated into Storagely’s booking system, Calcumate helps renters select the ideal unit size by recommending options based on the items they plan to store, offering a visual guide for efficient organization.
This is just the beginning of what Storagely integrations have to offer. From storage management software to marketing tools and tracking solutions, we provide a wide range of integrations designed to meet the needs of every storage owner. As automation becomes essential in the self storage industry, Storagely remains dedicated to continuous innovation, enhancing efficiency and driving rental growth. It’s the perfect solution, don’t you think?
With Storagely by your side, you can confidently embrace the versatility of AI self storage tools and become a leader in the storage industry. Don’t get left behind in this tech-savvy world – join us on this exciting journey towards a smarter, more automated future for self storage. So, why wait? Contact Storagely today!
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