Renting Self Storage Online Vs. Traditional Rental Methods: Which is Better?

Text reading Renting Self Storage Online Vs. Traditional Rental Methods: Which is Better? Next to rental system image.

Renting self storage online or traditional rental methods: which wins in the storage olympics? It’s true that many self storage facilities still gain rentals through the good ol’ traditional walk-ins and phone calls. However, relying on 1990s rental methods is not only antiquated but also a massive missed opportunity. 

Let’s walk through the process. If prospective tenants call a facility, they may be put on hold or have to leave a message. This can lead to frustration and potentially losing the rental altogether. If they do speak to an employee, it may be a 10-15 minute process (or longer) to talk through storage options,  pricing, and availability. Additionally, they’re unable to view the unit or know how their stuff will fit inside. After all this effort, their inquiries may not even result in a rental. This is valuable time that could be spent on other tasks. 

Online rentals, on the other hand,  offer convenience and efficiency. Potential tenants can browse storage options, pricing, and availability from the comfort of their own home to meet their storage needs. They can easily compare different sizes and features without having to physically visit multiple locations or speak to representatives. This saves both time and energy for possible tenants.

A well-designed storage website with innovative online self storage rental software will increase your overall rentals and profits, guaranteed. Online rentals are driving the future of the storage industry, but it isn’t just about having the ability to rent a unit online. It’s all about how your tenants rent online. Is the experience convenient? Fast? Trustworthy?

On average, Storagely customers have experienced an 85% increase in online rentals, a 45% increase in overall rentals, and a 30% increase in recovered abandoned cart rentals. 

 

Storagely statistics for customers increasing rentals.

 

Storagely has seen unprecedented results with our innovative rental system. In our recent Case Study, we examined “Client A,” who achieved a 105% increase in online rentals and a 186% conversion rate after switching to Storagely. The cherry on top? 90% of locations had more rentals

 

Storagely case study results for Client A.

 

How do you achieve REAL results? It’s all about the right rental platform. Let’s take a look.

 

Choosing a Rental System That Converts

 

When it comes to modernizing your self storage business, relying solely on traditional rental methods or outdated online systems just won’t cut it. Sure, renting self storage online seems like a great start—but is it truly optimized for your potential renters?

A clunky or complicated rental process can easily scare away renters, leading to abandoned carts and lost revenue. In fact, 22% of US online shoppers abandoned their carts in 2024 due to a “long/complicated checkout.”

Storagely’s cutting-edge rental system is designed to eliminate these barriers, making renting self storage online simple, fast, and reliable.

 

 

Easy, Streamlined Checkout

 

Self storage rental system checkout

 

A seamless checkout process is essential for turning visitors into renters. Storagely integrates directly with your facility management software, creating an intuitive journey from website visit to secure payment. With our system, potential renters can rent a unit online in just 30 seconds—no third-party checkouts required.

 

Abandoned Rental Recovery

 

 

Abandoned carts can be a major revenue drain, but Storagely’s Abandoned Rental Recovery feature helps you regain lost income. The system automatically sends reminders to potential renters, nudging them to complete their booking and ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.

 

Nearest Storage Finder

 

Self storage finder location map.

 

Make it easy for renters to find locations near them. Storagely’s storage finder highlights the nearest available facility, displaying key details like distance, address, and open status to help tenants make quick decisions.

 

Value-Based Pricing

 

 

Storagely’s value-based pricing helps you align pricing with what renters truly value. Instead of focusing solely on costs or competition, this strategy allows you to offer pricing bundles that include extras like tenant insurance or smart, affordable storage units. Businesses maximize profits, and renters pay only for what they need. It’s a win-win.

 

Highlight Features

 

Highlight your standout features and showcase what sets your storage facility apart from the rest.

 

Self storage features at checkout.

 

Proactive Answering

 

proactive-answering--online-customer-service

 

Storagely’s rental software streamlines the process by proactively providing essential information, eliminating confusion, building trust, and ensuring a smooth, hassle-free rental experience. For example, a potential renter hovering over storage unit sizes may be ready to throw in the towel with indecision. However, Storagely’s Calcumate integration allows tenants to access a visual storage calculator with a touch of a button. Now, the renter will know exactly which size storage unit they need and complete their rental with confidence.

 

Calcumate Storage Calculator determining unit size.

 

But what if the tenant still has questions? No problem. With our swivl integration, leads can utilize a sophisticated AI chat to answer questions. Additionally, swivl and Storagely have developed Unit Connect, so potential tenants can instantly browse, select, and reserve storage units through a chat interface, eliminating delays and boosting online rental conversions.

 

Unit Connect Storagely feature process with swivl.

 

 

Perpetual Upgrades

 

Finger reaching toward technology with perpetual upgrades.

 

Every new feature enhances the experience for the entire Storagely community, transforming us from just a product into a reliable partner in your self storage business journey.

 

The Verdict: It’s Time to Prioritize Renting Self Storage Online

 

With the ever-changing landscape of technology and consumer behavior, it’s clear that self storage facilities need to prioritize renting units online. Not only does this offer convenience for tenants, but it also increases revenue for facility owners.

In addition to our Rental System, Storagely provides three interconnected Hubs designed to work seamlessly together, helping your storage business boost rentals quickly and efficiently.

 

FMS integrations pointing toward Storagely Hubs.

 

  • Storage Website

 

Storagely self storage website design.

 

Discover the advantages of a thoughtfully crafted Storagely website. Designed to enhance the user experience, our websites are created with sleek Second-Mile SEO and conversion-based design. A Storagely self storage website will elevate your business and drive success with seamless navigation and built-in self storage SEO.

 

  • Marketing Tools

 

Storagely Marketing Tools Hub

 

Unlock the potential of targeted marketing with Storagely’s Marketing Tools. From gaining valuable insights into tenant behavior to recapturing lost rental opportunities, Storagely equips you with everything you need to drive success.

 

 

  • Reporting Engine

 

Storagely Reporting Engine Hub dashboard.

 

Take your data analysis to the next level with Storagely’s Reporting Engine. Designed with powerful features, our Reporting Engine consolidates diverse data points to deliver clear, actionable insights. Harness the power of advanced algorithms, visually engaging charts, and customizable report generation to gain a deeper understanding of your self storage business.

 

Rental systems are the all-important stepping stone to a world of innovation. By utilizing the Storagely platform, self storage facilities can improve their renter experience, increase occupancy rates, and stay competitive in an evolving market. As technology continues to advance, staying current with digital solutions is crucial for success in the self storage industry. AI is here to stay, and it’s time for self storage to make the most of it.

 

Why limit rental of storage units to business hours with outdated sales methods? Upgrade to a system that rents while you sleep. Take your self storage business to the next level with Storagely’s “Renterface”. Seamlessly integrate AI-powered tools to automate renting self storage online, enhance tenant convenience, and maximize occupancy rates—all while you focus on growing your business. Contact Storagely today to learn how your business can increase rentals!

 

 

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