The future has arrived – undeniably our world has shifted towards an increasing reliance on technology. With automation becoming a part of our daily lives, such as self-checkouts, self-service machines for picking up train tickets, to ‘apps’ for everything from Uber to language translation, it is no surprise these changes will start to affect the storage industry too.
Downsizing
One of the main reasons as to why people cite the need for storage is downsizing, and as such this demographic shift is likely to affect the self storage sector. Whilst not directly related to technology, but definitely something that’ll affect the future – each day there are around 10,000 people hitting the age of 65, and this is expected to continue for the next 15 years.
It is very likely this demographic shift will result in the increase of sectors such as self storage, really making it important for companies to keep up with any relevant technological advancements and think ahead about how to carry the business forwards into the future.
Apps – on demand storage
Amongst millennials (people reaching adulthood in the early 21st century) who reside in the UK, it is uncommon to find anyone who doesn’t use a smartphone on a daily basis. Smartphones usually host a range of apps, where you can order food to be delivered directly to your door, call a cab, even track your sleeping routine.
This technology is evolving fast – there are currently apps that you can use to see your storage facility’s video cameras, as well as allow tenants to make payments and even obtain access to the storage facility itself, at times that are convenient to them. It’s also possible to organise the pick-up and delivery of your items to and from your property, saving you time and energy when finding your ideal storage solution.
Automation
As technology continues to advance, so too does our use of automated systems. With it being increasingly common to hear about things like self-driving cars, it is clear we are moving into a world which is more and more automated.
Traditional self-storage has worked well for many years, with it being quite a simple premise: consumers need storage space, and friendly staff to advise and help them meet their storage needs. However this process can be used more seamlessly too, such as fluid websites that make it easy for a consumer to make bookings and see services available from the comfort of their own homes.
NFC Communication
Meaning near-field communication, this is the kind of technology that your contactless card uses, or apple pay. We’re all used to processes we use everyday becoming more convenient – such as simply tapping your card or device to make a payment.
This could affect the storage industry in a positive way – furthering the ease and accessibility of storage solutions, such as using your phone to unlock your storage facility or lock. This would mean you know it’s always secure, and there’s no chance of forgetting a complicated passcode, or forgetting your key.
If your new year has brought with it the need to de-clutter, the expert team at Simply Storage are here to help. Based in Surrey and operating throughout Croydon, Epsom, Hounslow, Kingston Upon Thames, Surbiton, Wimbledon and Worcester Park. Offering competitive rates, and a fully-alarmed facility monitored by CCTV at all times, you can rest assured your items are in the best care. Get in touch today for a free estimation for your storage requirements!