From Novelty to Necessity: How Smart Units Are Transforming Self-Storage

Fill out the form below!

Notify me!

From Novelty to Necessity: How Smart Units Are Transforming Self-Storage

Over the past decade, the rapid advancement of smart technology has transformed industries and everyday life. Devices like smart doorbells, thermostats, and cameras have evolved from novelties into essential household tools, offering convenience and peace of mind. As consumers have embraced these innovations in their homes, smart technology has entered the self-storage industry, revolutionizing how tenants interact with their units and how facility owners manage their properties.

Much like the evolution of smart home products, smart self-storage units provide the same two key benefits: convenience and peace of mind. Tenants today expect the ability to monitor their stored belongings, receive instant updates on activity, and control access to their units—just as they would with smart home systems like Ring Doorbell™ or Amazon Alexa™. This seamless connectivity helps alleviate one of the biggest concerns people have when using self-storage: the safety of their valuables.

The Shift Toward Smart Self-Storage Solutions
The adoption of smart self-storage units has been fueled by the desire for greater convenience and enhanced protection. Just as a homeowner feels reassured knowing their front door is monitored or their living room lights can be controlled remotely, self-storage customers want similar assurances for their off-site belongings. Whether they’re storing personal items, business inventory, or seasonal gear, tenants want to know that their belongings are protected—and that they can easily access information about their units anytime.

A crucial factor driving this change is the increasing diversity of self-storage tenants. The demand for smart units spans various demographics, from urban millennials to baby boomers and small business owners. For instance:

Urban millennials, who often use small 5x5 storage units as extensions of their closets, appreciate the ease of anytime access and monitoring as part of their connected, fast-paced lifestyle.
Baby boomers, who may store family heirlooms or recreational vehicles in 10x10 or larger units, value the added visibility that smart technology brings to their belongings.
Small business owners utilizing larger 10x20 units to store inventory want to ensure their business assets are safe, especially when they can’t visit the facility regularly.

This cross-demographic appeal makes smart self-storage technology not just a trend, but an industry-wide shift that aligns with modern customer expectations. According to the 2023 Self Storage Association (SSA) Demand Study, the two fastest-growing features in self-storage are unit monitoring and anytime access—services that directly reflect the influence of smart technology on the industry.

Catering to the New Generation of Renters
As younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials continue to enter the job market and become renters, they bring new expectations shaped by a lifetime of digital connectivity. These tech-savvy consumers have grown up with smartphones, smart homes, and on-demand services, and they expect the same level of convenience and control from their self-storage experience. This shift is significant for facility owners and operators, as it requires them to rethink the services they offer and how they interact with tenants.
In fact, the latest SSA Demand Study found that unit monitoring is the number one feature Gen Z renters are willing to pay more for. This generation’s willingness to invest in technology-driven services highlights a key opportunity for self-storage businesses. By embracing smart units, facilities can attract and retain this younger demographic, while also increasing their revenue by 12-15% per unit with new ancillary services.

Introducing StorageDefender: The Pioneer of Smart Unit Technology
One of the leading companies driving this transformation in self-storage is StorageDefender Inc. Founded in 2019, StorageDefender has quickly become a leader in offering smart unit technology as a service for the self-storage industry. The company’s goal is simple: to provide self-storage tenants with 24/7 peace of mind over their valuables, while providing facility owners with a new and reliable source of ancillary revenue.

StorageDefender’s Smart Units as-a-service offer continuous, real-time monitoring of each storage unit. Tenants receive alerts via text message whenever activity is detected inside their unit. This immediate notification allows tenants to confirm whether the activity is legitimate—such as their access—or if it’s a potential safety concern. Whether tenants are on vacation, at work, or simply going about their daily routines, they can rest easy knowing they are connected to their storage units in real time.

By incorporating smart units, self-storage facilities offer tenants a level of control and personalization unmatched by traditional units. Instead of simply relying on external measures like gates or cameras, tenants can actively monitor their units, providing an extra layer of reassurance. This hands-on approach aligns perfectly with modern expectations for connectivity and real-time access to information, making StorageDefender a game-changer for both tenants and facility owners alike.

Proven Benefits for Facility Owners
StorageDefender’s innovative approach not only benefits tenants but also provides a significant financial boost for facility owners. On a national scale, StorageDefender’s facility partners have reported a 12-15% revenue increase by offering smart unit services to tenants. This revenue comes from the additional premium tenants are willing to pay for the increased visibility, real-time monitoring, and personalization that smart units provide.

In addition to the direct revenue gains, smart units also contribute to improved tenant retention. A survey conducted by StorageDefender found that 78% of tenants with smart units would seek out similar features in their next storage facility. This indicates that once tenants experience the added peace of mind and convenience of smart units, they are more likely to stay loyal to the facilities that provide them. By offering these tech-driven features, facility owners can reduce tenant turnover, fostering long-term relationships that increase profitability.

Tenant feedback further underscores the value of smart unit technology. Nicole M., a tenant in Austin, Texas, shared her positive experience, stating, “The Smart Unit monitoring system is great! I get a text every time I go to my storage to make sure it’s me. This makes me feel more confident in storing my personal belongings at this facility.” Reviews like this demonstrate how smart units can enhance the overall tenant experience, making self-storage facilities more attractive to prospective renters.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Smart Self-Storage
As the demand for smart technology continues to grow, self-storage operators who adopt these innovations will be better positioned to attract a broader range of tenants and maximize profitability. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are setting the stage for future expectations, and they are willing to pay a premium for services that align with their tech-driven lifestyles.
By partnering with companies like StorageDefender, self-storage facilities can offer the next level of convenience and visibility that modern renters demand. Whether it’s a millennial needing extra closet space, a baby boomer safeguarding family heirlooms, or a small business storing inventory, the universal appeal of smart units is undeniable. In an increasingly connected world, offering smart technology in self-storage isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity.

Brook Bland is the Marketing Manager at StorageDefender Inc., the pioneer leader in smart tenant unit monitoring services for the self-storage industry. StorageDefender enhances tenant peace of mind while providing storage facilities with a new, independent, recurring revenue stream per unit. Brook obtained a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of North Texas and is passionate about all things marketing and self-storage. For more information, call (877) 533-3363 or email brook@storage-defender.com.
©Copyright 2024 StorageDefender Inc.

Written by:

Brook Bland

Marketing Manager, StorageDefender

Resources

Learn more about operations from the experts! Get the replay on demand of our jam-packed educational 2024 Storage for Rookies Series.
Start saving on products and services you use in your self-storage business every day! See our list of SBOA Verified Service Providers.
Become an SBOA VIP Member today and start maximizing your profits and knowledge base immediately!
Follow us on Eventbrite today so you don't miss any of our Self Storage Unlocked Webinars.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel now and see previously recorded Self-Storage Unlocked webinars.