Update 3/29/17 – The number of U.S. markets on SpareFoot.com that consumers can search for valet self-storage services has increased in the last year to nearly 50. In the 12 months consumers have been able to use the website to locate on-demand pickup and delivery services in their area, the highest demand was between May and August 2016, which coincides with the traditional moving season, including college students, according to a press release.
“We’ve seen full-service storage do especially well in cities with a high percentage of singles, young professionals, college students or a shortage of affordable housing,” Gordon said. “Consumers have different needs when it comes to storage, and the decision between self-storage and full-service storage often comes down to access vs. convenience. Whatever they choose, we’re pleased to be able to provide an option that will satisfy their needs.”
During the 12-month period, markets with the largest number of valet-storage reservations through SpareFoot.com were Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Markets with the highest percentage of valet-storage reservations relative to traditional self-storage included Austin, Texas; Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C.
3/31/16 – SpareFoot, an online marketplace for self-storage consumers, has added valet-storage operators and providers of other moving and storage services to its searchable database to help consumers locate on-demand pickup and delivery services in their area. The added services are available in more than 30 of the largest markets in the United States and include those from established companies such as Closetbox, Clutter, MakeSpace and MyPorter, along with more traditional moving and storage firms.
Most valet-style storage operators offer by-the-bin storage targeted at residents who don’t have adequate home storage. Many use mobile apps and online platforms that allow customers to schedule item pickup, maintain a visual catalog of stored bins and bulky items, and schedule delivery of items to their home. Items are typically stored in a secure facility off limits to customers.
“As the top online and mobile-storage comparison destination, we continue to see growing demand for storage from people across all ages and life transitions,” SpareFoot CEO Chuck Gordon said in a press release. “Self-storage facilities are filling up at record levels, and we are excited to be the go-to marketplace for all storage options.”
The decision to add valet-storage options to the SpareFoot network coincides with the rise of consumer participation in on-demand services and increased occupancy among traditional self-storage businesses.
A survey released earlier this year involving “Time” magazine indicated 86.5 million Americans, or 42 percent of the U.S. adult population, have used on-demand services, such as accommodation sharing, short-term car rental, grocery delivery and ride sharing. At the same time, a self-storage forecast survey released in January by The Mele Group, an advisory group and partner affiliate of the National Self Storage Group of commercial real estate firm Marcus & Millichap, indicated 62 percent of storage operators expect occupancy to be between 90 percent and 95 percent in 2016.
“Each storage provider we add to SpareFoot strengthens our network and brings more consumers to the site. This creates new opportunities for our partners and more choices for our customers,” Gordon said. “Consumers have different needs when it comes to storage, and with similar pricing, the decision between self-storage and full-service often comes down to access vs. convenience. Whatever they choose, we’re pleased to be able to provide an option that will satisfy their needs.”
Founded in 2008, SpareFoot.com helps consumers find and reserve self-storage units, with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals. With a network of more than 10,000 storage facilities ranging from mom-and-pop operations to real estate investment trusts, the company reaches prospective storage renters though partnerships with brands including SelfStorage.com and Penske Truck Rental.
Sources:
- PR Newswire: SpareFoot Introduces Full-Service Storage
