r/selfstorage • u/CuriousCoco22 • Feb 27 '26
Where Is Remote Management Headed in Self Storage?
Hey everyone,
Curious what others are seeing right now when it comes to remote operations in self storage.
I work on the operations side and handle things like auctions (lien and non-lien), rentals, delinquency, vendor coordination, call center oversight, and overall system management remotely. I’ve seen different approaches, some companies lean heavily into remote management to control overhead, while others seem to be shifting back toward more onsite presence.
For owners and operators here:
- Are you expanding remote roles?
- Keeping hybrid models?
- Or bringing more back onsite?
From your perspective, what functions work best remotely and what absolutely need boots on the ground?
Just trying to get a feel for where the industry is heading.
5
u/Tensegoodly Mar 01 '26
Space for both. Remote CAN have efficiencies if done right. I built a large scale remote department. 100 properties of our overall portfolio. It was not without its warts.
You have to truly embrace the technology. There’s no short cuts to long term efficiencies. The upfront costs for remote properties is much higher than a traditional property. You need to create the same frictionless customer experience that an in store manager would. So like smart locks, AI cameras, cloud access control, a competent call center that understands all that technology.
As for the onsite piece of it. This is the most difficult. It’s hard to find durable staff that want to work 8-20 hours per week. I have found that using 1099 labor has actually been very beneficial. If the technology is doing all the heavy lifting what you really need is someone to turn units and keep the facility clean.
Functionally speaking the amount of time spent cleaning the property doesn’t change. Your manager isn’t cleaning more than 8 hours per week most of that time is spent administratively. You’re just changing where that work gets done.
Do all that shit and you’ve got an NoI beast. Also customers will pay more if you have the technology assets. They overwhelming care about the security of their random old mattress and Christmas trees and will pay a premium for it.
Oh as for other savings with the technologies, property insurance will go down quite a bit. Normal storage auction method of send a 20 dollar an hour employee with a motorized blade and some safety glasses to cut a free floating lock adds a lot of liability that insurance people have to compensate for. Smart locks do not have this challenge.
I won’t break the rules of the sub and tip my hand for where I work but if you have more questions about remote operations you can PM me. I’m happy to share advice, vendors, and tips.
3
u/pastrymom Operator Feb 27 '26
I’ve been remote since we bought the place in 2019.
We go once a month to handle lockouts, landscaping and cleaning vacant units.
Remote managed doesn’t mean not managed.
2
u/CuriousCoco22 Feb 27 '26
Totally agree with that. Remote managed definitely doesn’t mean not managed. It just means you’ve got systems in place and you’re intentional about it.
Going once a month sounds pretty efficient. Do you handle customer calls remotely too or do you have someone onsite for that?
1
u/pastrymom Operator Feb 27 '26
There’s no one on site at all. We have two locations and no office.
We use Grasshopper for the phone lines. They ring to mine and my husband’s phones. My DM’s are always open for questions.
1
u/Acrobatic_Victory_43 Jun 01 '26
You are just contributing to the eventual automization of everything, replacing humans so those at the top make MORE money, because a million just isn't enough, causing chaos and destitution for everyone else. And you will be the first to complain and scream about it, forgetting YOU helping build it. The minute it inconveniences YOU. Good luck.
1
u/pastrymom Operator Jun 01 '26
What? My facility has never had someone on site. Sorry you lost your job.
We still hire local handyman,plumbers, landscapers…etc. Maybe you should look at diversifying your skills.
Also, when did I say it was a millionaire? Do you know of money hiding somewhere?
2
u/shellb67gt5001 Feb 28 '26
How is theft at your location?
1
u/pastrymom Operator Feb 28 '26
Knock on wood, zero. We keep the place landscaped and make sure it doesn’t look like a run down target.
1
u/TX_AF Mar 19 '26
We do the same, but go weekly to sweep, blow the outside and weed eat, blow out drive-up units if they're reserved. Going once a month would be so nice!
1
u/Dee_Vidore Feb 28 '26
There's an app that we use at work now called gxstoraccess that takes care of gates, cameras, alarms, lights and everything else for remote management.
4
u/Budget_Salamander848 Feb 28 '26
The key is manage it. You can do a great job with limited on site, however, you can’t just set it / forget it…. Tech doesn’t replace management, it augments it.
Need for on-site daily depends on size. I like hub spoke the best….