Shopping for self storage software can be a difficult proposition because there are a lot of different options available.  Not only are there a number of different features to choose from, but also different methods of accessing and using the software.  Fortunately, by understanding the key features that you need and your specific style of management deciding what options are best for your specific needs will be much easier.

Tredd – Free demo. Started in 1997, Tredd’s self storage software is intuitive, easy-to-use, and priced right at $495 with no monthly or yearly licensing fees. Read Tredd reviews.

QuikStor – Free demo. Since 1987, QuikStor provides comprehensive, easy-to-use self storage management software to help run either a single self storage facility, or manage many at once with their SmartClient management software. Read Quikstor reviews.

SiteLink – Free demo. Started in 1996, SiteLink has emerged as the most user-friendly, powerful program for self storage management. Ease of use, enterprise-level financial reporting and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks, Peachtree, Great Plains and others make SiteLink a favorite with both single- and multi-store operators. Read Sitelink reviews.

Domico – Free demo. Since 1986, Domico offers solid, affordable software that will quickly and easily handle all of the basic tasks of running a self storage facility. Read Domico reviews.

Easy Storage Solutions  – Free demo. Easy Storage Solutions helps storage facility owners create and customize a website that integrates with mini storage software. The new website allows customers to make online payments  24/7, book units, and manage their storage unit billing.

The Most Important Decision Is Your First Decision

One thing that a lot of people overlook is how they will access their software.  Currently, the two most common options are either using an online-only software or software that is located directly on your computer/network.  Don’t overlook the need to make this decision correctly.  If you find the perfect software, but don’t want to host it on your own network, then you shouldn’t be considering it in the first place.  Your very first decision needs to be where you want your software located.  There are a number of benefits and drawbacks to each of these options, so make sure to consider your options carefully.  A new option that is becoming more common is to get both.  While it will often cost a little extra, there are a few pieces of software that you can host both locally and online.  Then they will automatically sync with each on a regular basis.

Other Features to Consider

The possible features that your self storage facility software can vary greatly from one piece of software to the next, however there are a few key features that you need to pay close attention to.  Most notably, you need to look at features related to billing, unit tracking, and analysis.

Important Billing Features
In terms of billing features, there are a few things that you need to have.  First, you need to make sure that you can set up recurring billing.  Most of your customers will be happy to give you their billing information so that you can automatically receive payment every month.  This will save you a lot of time and also reduce the number of late notices that you have to send out.  You also need to make sure that the software can be integrated with whatever payment processors you are using.

Unit Tracking
In terms of unit tracking, you need to know a lot more than simply which units are available and which units are currently being rented.  You also need to make sure that your software can tell you any units that are in transition – for example if you have a recently vacated unit, but still need to clean it or inspect it before making it available to rent.

Analysis/Metrics
Finally, you need to make sure that your software does all of the analysis that you need.  Some people want to track all sorts of different things, while others simply want basic financial and management information.  It doesn’t matter what you need as long as you double-check to make sure that your software has it.

When choosing the right self storage software, the most important thing to remember is that there isn’t a “best” software, however there is a best software for your specific needs.