Like many industries, self storage has to evolve with the times. The technological advancements which are available or at at least an option, can aid in helping certain aspects of a self storage business. At this current time, some technology options may not be viable for every self storage business, however for the operators who are able to embrace and adopt new technology, they may find a significant advantage in the market. Utilizing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are examples of how self storage businesses can stay ahead of the curve.
Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulated environment that may be both similar to or completely different from the real world. VR can be seen in many of life's everyday activities, whether that's in video games, movies, or businesses.
Augmented reality (AR) is a technologically augmented version of the real world that is created via the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli.
Many people see VR and AR as advantageous tools which can be beneficial for many businesses, even self storage.
One way facility managers and operators are able to utilize VR is to help promote their facility. This can be done by having a virtual tour of their facility on their storage website. Having a virtual tour available for customers and potential customers can help them understand what the facility looks like, what security and safety features the facility has to offer and it can ultimately help potential customers determine if they feel the facility is right for them, without even leaving their home! With the internet being so accessible, everyday more and more people use it to do their shopping, in fact it's predicted that there was around 2.14 billion unique online shoppers in the world in 2021. This indicates that more than a quarter of the world's population has access to at least one e-commerce site and has opted to make at least one online transaction. Given that only 60% of the world's population has access to the internet, little under half of those having an internet connection shop online (https://www.emarketer.com/). With so many people shopping online, investing in your self storage website should be a priority for any operator or manager, including VR in the storage website will help your facility attract new customers and stand out in the crowded market. A great example of the use of VR for a self storage website is atticstorage.co.uk.
Another way VR can be used for self storage is by allowing customers to see what their unit will look like before they even step into the facility. This can help with the decision-making process and give customers an idea of how much or little space they may need. This helps the customer to not only feel more comfortable about their self storage decision but also assists in helping make a quicker decision for them. Which ultimately saves not just them time, but the business as well.
In self-storage, augmented reality may assist customers in storing their belongings to the best of their abilities. This is accomplished by allowing consumers to view their storage unit with all of their belongings inside. Customers may then digitally shift their goods about until they find the right fit, making the self-storage experience less stressful for them and saving them time. Having this option can help boost customer satisfaction by giving them the resources they need to have a successful self-storage experience.
Overall, VR and AR have become popular topics in recent years and self storage is no exception. By utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality, self storage businesses can stay ahead of the curve and provide a better experience for their customers. From online tours to unit visualization. There are many benefits that come with self storage businesses utilizing VR and AR, both for the customer and the business itself. In an industry where time is money, anything that can speed up the self storage rental process is a huge benefit. Utilizing VR and AR can help do just that. As technology continues to develop, there will be new ways in which self storage businesses can take advantage of it and continue to grow.
