The Covid 19 pandemic has affected many lives, both in an individual and business level. The crisis has driven people to be more cautious in terms of health and safety. On the other hand, companies had to adapt and change the way they do business as well in order to address this new consumer behavior. With the limited availability of vaccines and cases increasing by the day in both urban and rural areas, companies are expected to be part of the solution in fighting the virus.
SAFETY
In the Philippine storage industry, Valet Storage or On-demand storage is a new concept and yet it has proved to be the best option for customers now, who are looking to store their valuables but are concerned about exposing themselves to COVID 19.
Leasing a regular self-storage requires individuals to travel to the storage facility, unpack their stuff, and then put it in a unit or locker. Though self-storage facilities are not nearly as full of people as malls are, for example, still there’s the opportunity that they may meet other customers and be exposed. There’s also the worry about infection from other places en route to the facility.
Unlike in the US, Australia, Singapore, or Hongkong where most storage facilities are unmanned, due to IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as smart locks and kiosks where tasks can be done automatically and touch-free, here in the Philippines, there’s no local facility yet that offers the same features. Unfortunately, the local facilities in the Philippines don’t have these features specifically intended to combat the spread of the virus, apart from what the IATF guidelines require.
Valet Storage firms allow customers to rent, make payments, sign leases, purchase insurances, move in, manage inventory, and much more, with minimal risk of contagion. Valet Storage firms implement curbside pick-up, which means little to no interaction necessary with their staff.
Valet storage is the better option, if you need to retrieve your items regularly. Less exposure, lower risk.
PRACTICAL
Another reason why Valet storage is so relevant now is that, since most companies have shifted their work online and have implemented a “work from home” system to ensure employees are less exposed to the virus, many “work from home” employees would need to clear some space to set up a work area that is suitable for them to be productive. Unlike regular storage, Valet services let you store individual boxes — these will then be taken to a warehouse, so there’s no fixed unit size to fill, which makes it more economical because customers only pay for the space they need. Not to mention the time that businesses and busy people save by never having to visit the premises where items are stored.
While for those who have been hit economically and have had to downsize to smaller properties or those who are from the provinces and are here in metro manila for work. Both of which can use Valet services to store their furniture and other small items. Whilst working from home in their hometown or just hopeful that one day they will earn enough again to be able to afford a more spacious accommodation, hence they want to keep their belongings somewhere safe for when that happens.
The pandemic has understandably made people wary of safety and social contact. Also, the impact on livelihood has meant that many have had to economize and temporarily part with some of their belongings.
The storage industry—particularly Valet storage—had step up not just in fighting the virus, but also gave individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic the option of a safer, convenient and economical way of keeping their belongings.
Lane Storage Solutions offers Valet storage services for individual and corporate needs. Call us at (02)8-5690371 and or click here to get a free quote.