Topic: Looking for creative uses for storage units that never get rented.

Looking for creative uses for storage units that never get rented. What else could you use them for? What other ways have you gotten them rented? What ideas do you have to make some revenue off of these spaces? Or ideas to transform them into an amenity that residents would appreciate? I'm open to ALL suggestions right now!

 
 

If offering concessions on apartment homes, adjust and include a free storage for first term of lease. Residents typically use and will pay at renewal. We have also transitioned into bike storage areas. Small fee to store and gets them access code. We installed bike racks on wall.

What do they look like? Any pics?

I oversee a portfolio and all of them have storage, so I'm gathering ideas for all. We have small, large, ginormous, cages, etc. Any and all ideas are welcome!

Dana Jiles The mid to large sizes you might look into work or conference spaces.

Hobby rooms if they have electric - for painting - wood working - crafts - etc

Not revenue generating but how about "I don't need it, maybe you do" kind of a swap area in a few of them for people who are leaving and don't need something and then people moving in and need something.

Or maybe break down packing boxes that people used to move in and sell to people moving out? Maybe $2.00 a box?

Jill Hall even if you don’t charge for the boxes, this seems like a great amenity!

Laminate signs hung on vacant units that say AVAILABLE worked for me.

Dog washing station. Or increase rent in some apartments and say thrme storage space is included in the rent. Bike rack bike storage. Advertise to your residents friends and family to rent a space.

Attach them to vacants or on notice units and add an amenity premium. New apartment has extra storage included!

Tracy King we’ve tried it before but it was when we had more availability so people just opted for the ones without storage. We may have to try this again…

Leasing Incentives. Free for 1st lease

The “rent me” or “available” signs work! People forget. Also offering first month or two free is a great incentive then they are rented and who wants to move out of a storage space once occupied? Too much hassle

Magnetic signs on the doors saying RENT ME.

Revenue ideas:Mini office spaces to rent for people who work at home that need a quiet space (could be rented for $$ or just available to reserve)Bike or stroller/trikes/bulky toys parking for rent. Maybe at a cheaper cost if multiple residents can share that space so it’s not just their item. Dry cleaning room: Partner with a local dry cleaner and that room can be a drop off area and then residents can pick it up there at a specific day/time and pay. The community could get a kickback. Grooming: Turn it into a grooming room and then residents can use AND you could partner with a groomer to do grooming a there at specific days and times and get a kickback. Pop up market room: any small business could set up shop in the room for a day or more and sell their stuff. Jewelry, clothes, food like cheeses or fresh farm produce, whatever. They could pay you to rent the space or you just make a small percentage of the sales at the community. Also it could just be a nice amenity for residents. Amenity ideas: Community pantry either for residents to donate to for charity or just for residents. Crafting rooms or creative station for all ages. Could be art, music, whatever. Mini library where residents can donate and take books from Move box donations where residents can donate old boxes or take boxes as needed for moving or returns. Toolbox: A room full of tools that one might need to set up new furniture or even stuff for common maintenance issues like a plunger that residents can barrow and return. This way they don’t have to buy it for a one time situation. Fitness Extras: if you don’t have a fitness center you could have a closet full of fitness things like weights, bands, mats, blocks for residents to barrow to workout at home and then return. If super big it could be a playroom for kids or dogs. When it’s rainy it’s so hard to entertain both. Could be nice to have a space for open play with a few toys.

Also came here to suggest bike rack storage! Or surfboards, skis, whatever suits the area.

Rebecca great ideas :)

1. Think of something that will not only serve residents, but bring in outside traffic (e.g. - community garage sale space, seasonal such as weekend Christmas craft space for local artisans, etc.). 2. Tell residents the space is available for friends, family, and employers. 3. Ask your vendors if they could use storage space.