As a self storage facility owner, you may wonder what connection truck rental companies can have with your business. Yes, you’re both in the same field, but generally it’s the customers who rent their own trucks, right? Not necessarily. By pairing with a rental truck service and pooling resources, you can not only make the moving process easier for customers, but can make money in the process. And since you’re offering an all-in-one-stop, renters are more likely to see your bundling services as a way to save time.

Whether you partner up with a specific truck rental company, or decide to offer advice and reviews on all available options, branching out to truck rentals is a great way to expand your business. One storage company in Columbus took the partnering route in order to join forces. Just a few weeks ago, Chatterton Self Storage announced they would be renting out U-Haul trucks to their customers. The trucks will be located on the premises to help reduce travel time and hassle for future movers.
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Here at Self Storage Investing, we are dedicated to helping other storage facility owners – whether new to the business or those who have yet to commit – the best advice when breaking into the industry. In order to carry on that promise, I decided to start a series of blogs in which I review and compare different business necessities. Stay tuned for more great self storage business advice. Up first: renters insurance.

Renters insurance, although not (generally) provided by the building owner, is an important piece of the self storage business. Individual renters will be interested in knowing perks, prices, and stipulations to different policies. As a self storage facility owner, it is a good idea to have this information on hand, and be able to offer advice to your future renters.
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With all of the advertising options that are available today, the costs can add up quickly. There are radio ads to purchase, commercial slots, internet space – the options quickly make a dent in the profits. But, what if there were another way? What if there were a way to get the word out about your services without having to pay for it? While nothing can actually replace conducting your own advertising, there are methods that can help along the process. One such free example is winning an award.

While, of course this path requires for your company to be chosen by others, it also makes it that much more honorable once it’s been earned. Not only will winning an award bring clout to your business, proving to potential customers that you’re the real deal, it will also get your name out into the public. Award winners can also be featured in local publications, reaching an even broader audience.
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