Why Good Design Is Key to Success in the Self Storage Industry

Self storage businesses can find it difficult to stand out and offer customers more than just space. As demand grows, especially across Australia, facilities are realising that good design is not just a luxury–it’s a necessity to succeed. Whether you’re operating a storage business in bustling cities like Sydney or in more regional areas, the design of your self storage facility can significantly impact your ability to attract and retain customers.

The newest facility in the Fort Knox Melbourne portfolio, in Braybrook west of Melbourne, showcases the latest Nokē Smart Entry solutions in action. All gates, doors and locks in this state-of-the-art facility are controlled through their branded smartphone app.

The self storage industry in Australia has seen substantial growth in recent years, fuelled by increasing urbanisation, smaller living spaces, and a more mobile population. This increased demand has created both opportunities and challenges for facility operators. In such a competitive industry, well-designed self storage solutions are the key to standing out.

The newest facility in the Fort Knox Melbourne portfolio, in Braybrook west of Melbourne, showcases the latest Nokē Smart Entry solutions in action. All gates, doors and locks in this state-of-the-art facility are controlled through their branded smartphone app.

Design is often the unsung hero in the self storage industry. It’s not just about the aesthetics of a facility, but about creating a functional, secure, and user-friendly environment. Customers look for easy access, high levels of security, and convenience, all of which can be achieved through thoughtful design.

So let’s explore why good design is crucial to success in the self storage industry and how Janus International leads the way in providing top-tier design and construction services for Australian facilities.

A well-designed facility maximises every square metre of available space, increasing profitability for the business owner. Thoughtful planning allows operators to fit more units into their facility while still offering easy navigation and access to customers. This balance of functionality and customer experience is where Janus International shines. Their self storage solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each client, ensuring that no space is wasted and that storage units are easily accessible for users.

By investing in efficient layouts and designs, businesses can easily increase the number of rentable units in a given footprint, which directly impacts revenue. For example, multi-storey designs are becoming increasingly popular in densely populated areas, and these require specialised planning to ensure ease of use for customers.

For any business, customer satisfaction is one of the most important things to focus on. In self storage, design plays a critical role in shaping that experience. From secure access points to adequate lighting, climate control, and ease of movement within the facility, every detail contributes to a user-friendly environment. Janus International understands the importance of these features and incorporates them into their storage facility designs. They build solutions that are intuitive and cater to the needs of modern-day users.

Customers are more likely to choose a storage facility that feels secure, clean, and well-maintained. Automatic doors, clear signage, and efficient loading zones all make a difference when potential clients are choosing between facilities. These elements of good design translate directly into higher occupancy rates, longer tenancy durations, and positive customer reviews, all of which are vital for long-term success.

Security is another important factor for customers when selecting a storage facility. People need to feel confident that their belongings are safe. A poorly designed facility with inadequate lighting, confusing layouts, or limited security measures is a red flag for potential clients. In contrast, a well-designed facility incorporates security at every step, from perimeter fencing and CCTV systems to secure access points and alarmed units.

Janus International is at the forefront of integrating advanced security features into their designs. Their self storage solutions are designed with both safety and security in mind, ensuring that businesses can offer customers peace of mind. These facilities often feature state-of-the-art electronic access systems, surveillance cameras, and smart locks, which allow users to access their storage unit with a personalised code or even through their smartphone.

As the self storage industry continues to grow, businesses need the flexibility to expand their facilities or modify them as customer needs change. A well-designed facility can be easily adapted to accommodate future growth, whether by resizing existing units or adding new ones. A unit remix approach, for example, could allow for resizing and adding new storage units to meet changing customer demands, without requiring a complete facility overhaul.

Janus International understands that the industry is constantly evolving and offers flexible self storage solutions that allow businesses to adapt to changing market conditions. Their designs consider the long-term needs of their clients, ensuring that facilities can be expanded or upgraded with minimal disruption.