We’ve all done our best to adapt to the challenges of 2020, especially in regard to the pandemic-related restrictions. Here at Security Public Storage, we learned to work together in new ways and changed our operations at all storage locations to provide a clean, safe environment for our customers and teams. From masks and social distancing to contact-free rentals and payments, we adapted a lot in 2020.
New Year, Same Health and Safety Practices
Last March, it seemed as though the world stopped turning for many of us stuck at home. The Covid-19 pandemic forced lockdowns all across the globe. With evolving and variable health and safety restrictions, we had to modify our operations in order to protect and serve our customers and teams alike, as we were deemed an essential business.
With lockdown restrictions in place, we spoke to our customers on the phone, talking to them through closed glass doors. We moved all rentals online in order to provide a touch-less experience for our customers. During this difficult time, we were proud to be able to keep 100% of our team members working and avoided any layoffs. Our entire team was able to work either remotely or from their facility offices with safety measures, according to recommended guidelines.
When it was safe to open our offices again, we were able to do so with social distancing and mask requirements. We continue to offer free disposable adult masks to those visiting our offices. We limit occupancy in our offices to 1-2 customers depending on the size of the space. We’ve installed plexiglass panels at our counters, and our staff continues to sanitize all surfaces after each customer interaction.
We are dedicated to keeping our facilities safe and sparkling clean. Every SPS facility has ample cleaning and disinfecting supplies on hand. We focus special attention on common touch points such as keypads, doorknobs and counters, disinfecting them multiple times a day.
It has been essential to us to protect our customers and team members. This continues to be our priority going into 2021 and beyond.
Connecting with and Adapting to New Technology
Technology, including video conferencing, has changed the way we and companies around the globe interact. At the beginning of the pandemic, we increased our reliance on technology, moving rentals online for contact-free rentals and payments. This technology has allowed us to continue serving our customers while keeping everyone involved safe. Our internal teams used Zoom, FaceTime, Slack and Microsoft Teams to communicate effectively while working remotely. We have also used FaceTime and video conferencing to give virtual tours of our facilities for customers who want a closer look before renting a storage unit.
The pandemic has also forced us to evaluate the way we run our storage unit auctions. Our auctions will continue to be online for 2021. This means you can participate in an auction from anywhere, as long as you can get to the facility within a couple of days of the completion of the auction.
Our website also offers technology benefits for our customers, including an online portal where you can pay storage rent online and manage your storage unit rental. Online payments make it simple to stay current on your bill and to ensure all your contact information is up-to-date for any communication.
Pro Tip: Did you move? Get a new credit card number or expiration date? If so, take the time now to update your account information!
Evolving to Better Serve You
This past year has been one of change for everyone. We have all had to adapt to social distancing and mask requirements. Our worlds changed forever, and we are eternally grateful that we have been able to evolve our operations to better serve you during a tumultuous year. We continue putting the health and safety of our customers and team members first and we look forward to resuming some normalcy as more of the country gets vaccinated. Keep washing your hands, wearing masks and social distancing, we’re going to get through this. Stay safe!