By Drew Case
Storage Authority Franchise
A clean restroom is important, even in self-storage. This particular aspect deserves more credits than it's given. Seriously, who writes a BLOG on just the restroom. I do!! Well, there are a large number of restaurants, gas stations and now add self-storage to the list that my wife, nor I will no longer do business with, unless they offer a clean restroom. In fact, I recall when a major restaurant chain spent millions on restroom renovations nationwide a few years back because they finally realized they were losing customers over their worn out and filthy restrooms. Since then, many other chains have caught on, but some still fail to realize the value of a clean and well stocked restroom.
There are a number of self-storage locations that won't even allow you to use their restroom. That fake "Out of Order" sign or "Employees Only" placard doesn't sit well with me. It just isn't welcoming and that owner/manager needs to look past their own discomfort and ensure their new and existing customers feel welcome..
The restroom is a genuine reflection of how you care for the rest of the facility. Cleaning the restroom is not fun and nobody willingly jumps at the "opportunity" to clean it. However, a clean or a dirty restroom will leave a lasting impression. Let's hope its a good one. Be sure to have the proper cleaning supplies on hand and stock some disposable latex gloves to make it easier on the person doing the cleaning. The easier you make the job, the more likely is that somebody will do it.
The key to a clean restroom is cleaning the areas you don't always see, as well as the obvious areas and check it often. Clean around the base of the toilet, under the sink, around the base of the sink handles, four corners of the room. The mop can actually push dirt and grime into the corner. Too many cleaning people do a wipe down of the easily visible surfaces and move on. If there is any wall damage, repair the damage properly. The DIY person that doesn't know what they are doing can worsen the problem with an ugly fix. Repair any other issues ASAP to show that every place at your facility matters.
There will eventually come a time when cleaning is no longer sufficient and renovation becomes the only real option. You can often still qualify this as a repair. This is a great opportunity to add fresh paint, a small cabinet above the toilet for quick supplies, new soap dispenser and upgraded hand dryer/towel dispenser and vent fan w/light. Don't reuse the old dispenser in your newly updated restroom. Make it more homely with a decorative large picture or two and add an air freshener. Consider a new tile floor to really bring it up to a new level. Replace that sloppy door handle with the button lock and add a vacant/occupied slide lock to reduce people yanking on the door while you are using the facility and to ensure the occupant is 100% the door is locked.
Another upgrade to consider is determining if you are able to make it ADA compliant. There are specifications to review to determine if this is possible. Consider the direction the door opens, ADA sink and handles and grab bars on the wall among other additions and specifications that must be followed. It makes for a nice addition to better serve all customers. Review your local ADA guidelines to ensure you are doing this correctly if you decide to do this upgrade.
A clean and updated restroom will certainly impress your customers and the lasting impression will be a good one. Make time to keep the current one clean or make that decision to renovate and keep your customers wanting to come back again and also referring new ones. I can promise that a filthy restroom story will be told again to many people, so be sure its nice, welcoming and available for use to your valued customer.
Storage Authority's guidance in self-storage development underscores the intricate balance between meeting storage demands and environmental sustainability. By aligning with Storage Authority's principles and leveraging our team's expertise, along with your engineer, architect, and general contractor we can navigate the complexities of impervious coverage with confidence, ensuring the creation of self-storage facilities that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Storage Authority Franchising is all about owning your own local self-storage business, supported by professional systems and expertise. We like to say, "You're in business for yourself but not by yourself." If self-storage is on your mind, don't hesitate to reach out to Drew Case at Direct: 513-582-0125 or Drew@StorageAuthority.com to learn more about the Storage Authority Franchise opportunity. Your self-storage journey awaits!
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