15 Self Storage Manager Skills for Your Career and Resume

Self storage managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a self storage facility. They must have a wide range of skills to perform their job duties effectively. If you’re interested in becoming a self storage manager, or you’re already in a management role, understanding what skills are necessary can help you be successful in your career.

Financial Reporting

Financial reporting is the ability to interpret and present financial data. This skill can be useful for a self storage manager, as they may need to analyze their company’s revenue and expenses in order to make informed business decisions. For example, if a self storage facility has low profits one month, the manager might use financial reporting skills to investigate why this happened and how to improve it.

Facility Maintenance

Facility maintenance skills are important for self storage managers to have because they help you maintain the physical space of your facility. You may need to perform routine tasks like cleaning, repairing broken equipment and maintaining electrical systems. Having these skills can also allow you to save money by performing some of the work yourself instead of hiring outside contractors.

Decision Making

A self storage manager needs to make decisions about a variety of topics, including which customers to serve first and how to handle customer complaints. Strong decision-making skills allow you to prioritize tasks effectively and efficiently manage your resources. You also need to be able to make quick decisions when unexpected situations arise. For example, if a fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night, you need to know what steps to take to ensure everyone’s safety.

Security

Security is an important skill for self storage managers to have because they are responsible for protecting the belongings of their customers. They should know how to operate security systems and be familiar with common security threats, such as fire and theft. Self storage managers also need to ensure that all employees follow proper security protocols when interacting with customers or handling any paperwork related to customer information.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of files, records and other items. As a self storage manager, you may need to organize your company’s storage units or individual customers’ belongings. Strong organizational skills can help you manage your time effectively and ensure that all customer requests are handled in a timely manner. It also allows you to maintain accurate records for accounting purposes.

Problem Solving

Problem solving skills allow you to identify and resolve issues that may arise in the self storage industry. For example, if a customer has an issue with their rental agreement or security deposit, you may need to solve the problem by reviewing company policies and resolving any misunderstandings between parties. You can also use your problem-solving skills when addressing safety concerns, such as when customers store hazardous materials in their units.

Rent Collection

Rent collection is the process of receiving payments from customers. As a self storage manager, you might be responsible for collecting rent from tenants who use your company’s storage facilities. You can also help them set up payment plans if they have trouble paying their monthly dues.

Rent collection requires excellent customer service skills and an ability to communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds. It’s important to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with customers so that you can resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for self storage managers to have because they often interact with customers directly. They need to be able to provide information about the facility, answer questions and address any concerns that a customer may have. Customer service skills can also help them when interacting with employees as well.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. As a self storage manager, you may need to communicate with customers over the phone or in person about their account status, billing information and other details related to their rental agreement. You also need to be able to explain complex topics like insurance policies and security measures to employees who work for you.

Leasing Units

Leasing units is a skill that allows self storage managers to negotiate and sell rental agreements for storage spaces. This involves understanding the different types of contracts, including monthly, yearly or one-time payments, as well as knowing how to calculate the total cost of renting a unit over time. It also requires negotiating with customers to determine what type of contract they want and explaining the benefits of each option.

MS Office

The ability to use Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint is essential for a self storage manager. These programs are used in the workplace for creating documents, spreadsheets and presentations, respectively. A self storage manager should be familiar with these programs so they can complete necessary tasks at work efficiently.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a self storage manager, you may need to shift your duties or responsibilities depending on the time of year or other factors. For example, if you’re in charge of overseeing the facility’s security system during the day, but at night it’s monitored by an outside company, you might have to change your schedule to accommodate this shift. Being flexible can help you adapt to these changes and ensure that your facility runs smoothly.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the ability to track and maintain a storage facility’s supply of items. Self-storage managers use this skill to ensure their customers can access all stored materials when they pay for them. They also use it to keep track of any lost or damaged items so they can file claims with insurance companies and replace missing or broken items.

Project Management

Project management skills are necessary for self storage managers to ensure that their facilities operate smoothly. They often oversee the construction of new storage units and may be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a project, such as electrical wiring or plumbing, meet safety standards. Self storage managers also use project management skills when they prepare budgets, track inventory and schedule maintenance on equipment.

Sales & Marketing

A self storage manager needs to have knowledge of sales and marketing strategies. This is because they often work with customers who are renting out space in a facility, so the manager must be able to explain the benefits of using their company’s services. They also need to know how to advertise their business effectively to attract new clients.

How Can I Learn These Self Storage Manager Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a self storage manager. Many of these skills, such as financial reporting and facility maintenance, can be learned through on-the-job training. However, other skills, such as decision making, security, and organization, may be best learned through formal education or certification programs. Additionally, it is important to be proficient in sales and marketing in order to effectively lease units and manage inventory. Finally, self storage managers must have excellent customer service and communication skills in order to resolve any problems that may arise.