The Value of Quick Breaks for Self-Storage Managers

Slumps and Stress Happen to Everyone

Some self-storage managers experience slumps and stress in their day-to-day jobs and feel very overwhelmed at times. They come to work feeling unenthusiastic, often saying, “Oh, here we go again,” because the routine can become monotonous. We frequently hear a lack of enthusiasm in their voices during phone calls, suggesting they don’t want to be there. So, how can managers overcome that slump and turn their week around? What’s the secret? After all, the week’s tasks are likely to be similar to the ones before. It’s all about quick breaks to de-stress that you can take around the self-storage property.

Got a Golf Cart?  Use It!

When I’m on the property and need a little time for myself, I like to ride around on the golf cart. If you have one, it’s so much fun! Being outside, taking in the breeze, and just enjoying the moment is really helpful for me. If not, I prefer to walk the property instead. I enjoy saying hello to the people I encounter and checking to see if everything is going okay. Taking a break is essential, especially when you’re in the office for a long time. 

It’s also nice to strike up a conversation with the tenants you do run into, as it helps lift you out of a mental funk. I always make an effort to greet everyone along the way instead of just passing them by. Being friendly and engaging in conversation is important. Walking around is beneficial in many ways; it really helps clear your mind.

Take a ‘Property Walk’

Even if you have an indoor property, it’s beneficial to walk down the aisles and visit different floors. You might think that there’s nothing happening upstairs or in the hallways, but taking a close look and walking around can be revealing. I remember working on a three-story property in Scottsdale. By the time I reached the top, I realized how large the place really was, and I had done quite a bit of walking! However, being active and moving around helps clear your mind and boosts your mood.

Dusting and De-Cluttering Make a Huge Difference

Even in the office, there are ways to take a mental break because there’s always something to take care of. It might not be the most glamorous of tasks, but addressing dust and clutter is important. Depending on your location, dust can accumulate and settle on items, including merchandise. It’s about resetting your environment, which can help you mentally while taking your mind off other distractions since you’re concentrating on something else.

I also like to declutter. Office desks often accumulate many items. Taking just 10 or 15 minutes out of your day to focus on something unrelated to storage can be refreshing. For instance, you might decide to clear out a junk drawer or get rid of all those pens that no longer work. These small tasks can provide a nice serotonin boost as you look at your organized space.

It’s interesting because during audits, I often check drawers for various items. I sometimes come across disc locks without known keys, and I ask how long they’ve been there. One girl mentioned that some locks had been there for six years! I always wonder why they are kept if they’re no longer useful.  I’m open to finding the keys if there are designated spots for them, but organizing is definitely key. If you don’t have the key, it’s probably best to discard the lock, as it just adds to the clutter.

Organization in General Will Make Your Day Better

Organization doesn’t have to be something physical like a storage room or your office drawers (but let’s be honest, they probably do need to be cleaned out as well). You could organize a project at the store that you’ve been wanting to do for a while, such as a rainy-day project, a shred day, a community garage sale, or a charity event. Try to do something out of the ordinary to lift your spirits and get your mind off your slump. It’s important to step away from your usual routine; you can still stay focused while allowing yourself to explore different activities.

Drive Over to Your Competitors and Say ‘Hi’!

When you have enough staff in the store, and it’s slow, I suggest one of you go out to visit some competitors. You could greet them with a small gift or just check in for a casual conversation. Ask them how they’re doing, mention that you have some large units in stock they might not have, and that you’re fully stocked. You never know what useful information you can gather from these interactions.

I think many managers are hesitant to step into another manager’s office, but I believe that building relationships this way is valuable. If a competitor doesn’t have something in stock, they might be willing to send it your way. Consider whether you’d mind if they came to your office—likely not, right? The key is to remember that we’re all in the same industry, have a unique job we can all relate to, and to get the conversation started.

Step Away from the Computer

Sometimes, I find that stepping away from my computer and going outside to simply stare at nothing helps me a lot. I tend to forget to get up every hour to do my stretches because when I’m in the zone working, I often don’t want to interrupt my flow. Yet there are times when I just need to clock out or walk away briefly.

Dealing with storage customers can be demanding, and managers really need a break from it now and then. Taking a moment to go outside and water the flowers or bushes can be refreshing. No one will mind if you take a minute to wash down the sidewalks.

I’ve told many managers to take a walk. Whether it’s walking or getting on a golf cart, just getting outside and moving around can clear your head and improve your mood. Being in a different environment for a bit can really help you come back feeling better and more focused.

Make a List

On a day when you’re feeling not just in a slump but completely overwhelmed, take a piece of paper and a pencil, walk around your property, and jot down everything that needs to be done, no matter how small or large. This way, you’ll have a list in front of you that you can use to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and plan out who will handle each item. This process helps organize your thoughts and alleviates the feeling of being overwhelmed, especially as tasks begin to pile up. If you find yourself with nothing to do, consider walking the property. You’ll notice things that need attention. Taking the time to observe the details helps shift your focus away from what is overwhelming you in the office.

If You Need the Break, Take It

Taking a quick break really does work. Sometimes, you just need to give your mind a break. This is especially important after an argument with a customer. You may not realize it, but the stress from that encounter can affect how you interact with the next customer. It’s helpful to take a moment for yourself. If another staff member is around, you can say, “I’m going to take a quick walk” to clear your mind and not let the previous situation get to you. Many tenants who come into the office are stressed, and that stress can unnecessarily increase the manager’s stress.

As a self-storage manager, your job can be quite stressful. Some days are easier than others, but when stress starts to build, it’s important to take a moment to de-stress. You can do this by performing simple tasks around the property or by taking a few minutes to sit quietly. Taking this time for yourself can help you feel better and more prepared to tackle the next challenge that comes your way.