Why Get a Moving Truck for Your Storage Property?

Thanks so much, Chelsea Carter of On The Move, Inc., for guest blogging with us!

An On-Site Moving Truck Solves Many Customer Needs

It’s important for all storage operators to know that unless a tenant is renting a small five-by-five unit and moving in only a couple of items, they will likely have more than boxes and will need a truck, especially if they have any furniture to transport. This makes convenience one of the most significant aspects of storage that customers seek out.

If they need a truck anyway, they may as well get it from you!

Depending on the truck solution you offer, a branded truck can also support grassroots marketing in your local community.

It’s all about removing barriers and making things easier for the tenant. If you want to provide a seamless experience, it’s not enough to have an easy loading dock or drive-up units. You also need to ensure that your tenants have something to load their items into. Solve all potential problems in advance.

Remember, our industry often deals with clients who are experiencing stressful situations, such as death, disaster, or divorce. By minimizing decision fatigue and reducing the number of things they need to think about, you can significantly improve their customer service experience.

Having a Truck on the Property Changes the Overall Move-In Experience

Having a company-branded truck available for tenants is a great asset. It can create excitement as they explore their options. For instance, when they find out they can use the truck for free, it adds significant value.

Because it’s your own branded truck, you can maintain it to your standards, which usually results in better upkeep than a truck that has been driven extensively, such as one with 200,000 miles from long-distance travel. Since your truck is used locally, you can keep it in good condition.

Even if you have a larger brand truck at your facility, tenants will associate it with your brand. They may not realize you can’t control its maintenance, but keeping a clean, well-functioning truck enhances their overall experience. Ultimately, a well-kept truck fosters a positive impression for tenants.

Convenience is Such a Powerful Differentiator

Tenants today have numerous storage options. With technology, consumers are increasingly willing to shop around and explore their choices. They tend to ask themselves, “If the market is saturated and prices are what they are, what value am I getting?” People are really comparing reviews and locations, and they might be willing to go out of their way for better amenities, even if those locations are farther away than they would typically consider.

In the past, people might have limited their search to a three-mile radius, but if a facility offers more appealing features, they’ll make the extra effort to visit. It transforms storage from a simple garage or a place to stow away belongings into a service that genuinely caters to their needs.

For instance, I’m not using storage for something I need every day, but if a facility makes it easier for me and offers amenities like a truck I can use whenever I want, that’s a big advantage. It saves me from the hassle of finding a reliable truck, bringing it back, and arranging transportation. Instead, I can just park my car, grab the truck, load my unit, and finish in no time. It streamlines the entire process.

You Can Rent the Truck Out During Tenancy, Too!

I’ve noticed that positive relationships with managers play a significant role in community engagement. Encouraging and empowering your managers to make judgment calls leads to beneficial outcomes. For example, I used one of our trucks for my wedding, and I also learned about a storage facility in Houston that allowed a nearby wedding venue to use its truck when they had a last-minute pickup before a wedding. This kindness in the community goes a long way.

Additionally, we’ve heard about instances of domestic abuse where someone needed to escape their home quickly, and the police requested to use the truck to help get that person to safety. This raises the question: How can you maximize your truck’s use? It’s essential to consider how to make it available for community projects, such as allowing a local Boy Scout troop to use it.

Our organization had a similar experience during the severe flooding in Kerrville last July. We had four rental trucks at our office, and we offered them to volunteers to help transport supplies. The trucks were in use for weeks, and this kind of support creates a strong connection with the community.

National brands often impose restrictions on how you can use your trucks, preventing you from participating in community events. However, because this truck is yours, you have the freedom to decide how to use it. When volunteers see and utilize your resources, they become potential customers who recognize your commitment to supporting the community. This fosters goodwill and strengthens your reputation in the area.

A Truck Extends Your Brand Beyond the Property Line

A branded, wrapped truck makes a professional statement as it moves around town. It effectively engages potential customers through top-of-mind marketing. When people frequently see trucks driving by or parked in their neighborhood, they start to become familiar with the brand, reinforcing it in their daily lives. After seeing the truck a few times, they may think, “This business must be nearby.”

Additionally, if neighbors use the service associated with the truck, it builds trust in the brand and makes it a more reliable choice in the community’s eyes. If managers use the branded truck as their daily driver for errands, like going to the bank or Staples, this creates even more impressions and marketing opportunities.

Research has shown that mobile billboards are often more effective than static billboards. Although traditional billboards can be necessary, they can also be quite expensive. Leasing a truck serves as a mobile advertising platform, allowing your brand to reach a wider audience beyond the roads you travel daily. While you may have a sign in front of your property, the truck can access areas that people who might not otherwise notice your business may not frequent. This makes it incredibly important for brand visibility.

Consider Adding a Truck to Your Property

I recommend acquiring the truck before the facility opens, ideally a month or two in advance. This will allow you to have it delivered and have your training staff drive around. It’s essential to build awareness for your brand, as a new self-storage facility doesn’t generate the same buzz as a new café or coffee shop.

Additionally, aggressively advertise your truck rental. We distribute posters when someone acquires a truck, so make this part of your move-in process. When answering calls from potential tenants, ask questions like, “When can I book the truck rental for you?” or “How can we make this easier for you?” Training your staff to promote truck rental effectively is crucial.

It’s a straightforward process, but make sure to promote the truck rental service if you offer it. Use a suggestive selling approach; don’t just ask if they need it—assume they do. For instance, you could say, “What day do you need the truck?” If they don’t require it, they can easily let you know. Just be proactive in offering the service!

Your Facility Truck Is a Major Part of Your Marketing Arsenal

Think of it not just as a vehicle, but as a powerful tool for your brand. If the vehicle is primarily used within your community, it’s likely to have very low mileage. It’s not something to be intimidated by; instead, it can elevate your facility to new heights.

It’s true that many people are hesitant to bring a truck on board. Meanwhile, your competitor across the street has one parked where tenants can see it. Not utilizing a truck is like leaving money on the table. It can help promote your brand as it drives through the community, getting your name out there.

With a truck, you can make your customers part of your marketing department!