The holiday season is a time of increased activity for self-storage facilities. From tenants retrieving decorations to storing gifts or making room for guests, your facility may see higher-than-usual traffic. To keep things running smoothly, it's essential to have the right staffing strategy in place. A well-prepared team ensures seamless operations and provides tenants with the excellent service they expect during this busy time.

Anticipate High-Traffic Times

The key to effective holiday staffing is understanding when your facility is busiest. Weekends and evenings often see the most activity as tenants juggle work schedules, holiday errands, and family obligations. Take the time to review past traffic patterns and current booking trends to identify peak periods. Then, adjust your staffing schedules to ensure you have enough team members available to meet the demand.

Set Clear Holiday Hours

Nothing frustrates tenants more than confusion over operating hours. Clear communication about your facility’s holiday schedule is vital for both your staff and tenants.

• For Staff: Share holiday hours well in advance and provide a backup plan for unexpected absences. Flexibility is important, especially during a season when personal schedules can be unpredictable.
• For Tenants: Use multiple channels to communicate holiday hours. Post signs at your facility, update your website, and send email reminders to make sure everyone is informed.

By setting clear expectations, you’ll minimize misunderstandings and create a smoother experience for everyone.

Prepare Your Team for Seasonal Requests

The holidays often come with unique tenant needs, so equipping your staff to handle them is crucial.

• Guiding Tenants: With increased traffic, some tenants may need help locating their units or accessing certain areas of the facility. A friendly and knowledgeable team member can make all the difference.
• Promotions and Discounts: If you’re running holiday specials, ensure your staff is familiar with the details so they can answer questions or guide tenants through the process.
• Flexibility and Patience: The holidays can be stressful for tenants juggling multiple responsibilities. Encourage your team to approach interactions with patience and understanding to foster a positive experience.

Create a Backup Plan

Unexpected situations can arise during the holidays, from last-minute staff absences to surges in tenant activity. Having a contingency plan in place can help you navigate these challenges with ease.

• Cross-train staff to handle a variety of tasks, ensuring coverage even if someone is unavailable.
• Consider hiring temporary workers if you anticipate a significant increase in traffic.

Being proactive allows you to handle disruptions while maintaining a high level of service.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time of opportunity and challenge for self-storage operators. By planning your staffing carefully, communicating clearly, and preparing your team for seasonal demands, you can create a smooth and enjoyable experience for tenants. A little extra effort now will go a long way in ensuring your facility is ready to handle the holiday rush with ease.