The job of storage facility manager primarily consists of sales. You’re the go-to person when it comes to signing up new renters for your spaces. You collect rent payments and make sure everything is in good operating order at the property. Some storage facility managers get to live on the property as part of their compensation package, too.
Sales
Whether you talk to walk-ins or answer queries on the phone or online, it’s your job to sell the units you oversee as safe, clean and affordable. Your main duty is to keep your units occupied with paying clients. In addition to signing up lessees for your units, you also may sell and rent moving supplies like dollies and boxes. Your sales abilities should include being able to listen to customer needs and tell customers about the features and benefits of your property that ideally meet those needs.
Filing
You’ll be in charge of keeping up with rental applications and records of payments for the units. Complaints and letters of eviction should be closely guarded and placed with the appropriate files so that you can easily get to them when needed for the courts or the clients. You’ll also send out monthly invoices and overdue notices. As manager, it’s your job to make bank deposits and prepare and file reports as required by your bosses. Computerized reports and leases make your job easier when you are well-versed in the use of the programs.
Maintenance
Depending on how big of a storage facility you oversee, you may supervise a maintenance crew or do the clean-up yourself when renters vacate a unit. The yard, driveways and surrounding property need to be groomed and maintained and that’s going to fall under your purview as well. Whether you do the actual cleaning and repairs yourself, hire outside contractors or supervise a full-time maintenance staff, you’re responsible for checking units out before you rent them to make sure the work was done properly.
Marketing
In addition to getting rental agreements signed, you will be in charge of marketing your facility to attract more customers. Attend and participate in your local Chamber of Commerce. Erect signage that draws attention to your place of business and run advertising in the appropriate venues where renters frequent -- such as apartment complexes, college campuses and moving truck rental companies. Build relationships with local realtors who work with transient populations and relocation professionals who are constantly in need of storage.
References
Writer Bio
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."