Installing on-site storage to your apartment property can add value, security, and safety for your tenants if you select the right one. There are seemingly endless options when it comes to storage solutions, that vary in size, color, privacy, materials, etcetera. One popular option you may come across is storage solutions made with wire mesh, which seem to be cost-effective but lack security and privacy. It may seem like a fair trade-off, but it may end up costing you. Let’s compare wire mesh storage lockers to secure storage lockers, so you can decide for yourself what is the best fit for your property.
The Pitfalls of Wire Mesh Storage
Tenants value convenience, privacy, and security when it comes to trusting a storage solution to hold their extra belongings. Wire mesh can lure property owners in with their seemingly lower prices but fall into the conundrum of not having the support of your renters. You see, wire mesh storage units provide little to no coverage to the contents of the units. They leave all of your tenants’ belongings out on full display to any wandering eyes or thieves looking for an easy come up. The lack of privacy and security makes renters feel their things are not safe and are far less likely to be willing to pay the monthly fee to use them. The lack of coverage from the mesh also leaves their belongings vulnerable to their surroundings, including dirt, dust, debris, insects, and any other things small enough to make their way through the mesh. When renters don’t have storage options that they feel they can trust, they can resort to stowing extra belongings away in shared spaces like hallways and patios. This creates an inconvenience for other tenants, and overall makes your property look unkempt and unorganized. Even if some of your tenants decide to utilize the mesh storage, the lack of coverage of the mesh leaves all of the renters’ items on full display, whether they are neat and organized or not. This essentially moves the mess and disorganization from one place to another. If your tenants decide not to use the provided on-site storage units, they could also opt to take their storage off-site to a facility. When this happens, you’re losing your extra monthly income to another facility somewhere in town.
Secure Storage
One of the biggest misconceptions of secure storage is that it costs far more than the lesser quality wire mesh. There are plenty of high-quality, secure, and private storage options available in the same price range of wire mesh. Trustworthy, safe, and private storage is a highly sought-after amenity for the value of convenience and security. Tenants value being able to keep their belongings in a close and easily accessible location, so they can reach it quickly when needed, and trust that it is safe while stored away. Secure storage solutions can add a sleek and attractive design to the aesthetic of your property, and look great to potential future renters. Studies show that when tenants are offered safe, secure, and private storage they are willing to pay over $100 a month in storage fees to use them! That can be a substantial added monthly income, just picking the right storage solution for your renters. The right storage solution can be a win-win for both the tenants and the property owner, but remember that not all storage lockers are created equal. Avoid the pitfalls of wire mesh and give your renters the security and privacy they deserve.
