Podcast Guest: Janine Krakow, CEO storemore Germany
Host: Laura Heuer, Sensorberg (Head of Sales & Marketing)
Topic: Smart Access & Digital Operations in Self-Storage
Episode Overview
In the first episode of The Smart Storage Talk, Laura Heuer, Head of Sales & Marketing at Sensorberg, speaks with Janine Krakow, CEO of storemore Germany, about the evolution of the self-storage industry and the growing role of smart, digital access systems.
With more than 14 years of experience in self-storage, Janine shares hands-on insights from operating and scaling modern self-storage facilities in Germany. The conversation focuses on how full digitalization—especially smart access via app—impacts:
- Customer experience
- Operational efficiency
- Security
- Scalability
This episode is particularly relevant for self-storage operators, investors, and newcomers evaluating digital vs. traditional access concepts.
About storemore
storemore is a modern self-storage brand operating 8 large-scale locations in Germany, with additional legacy sites under a previous brand. Launched in 2020, storemore builds on over a decade of operational experience with the goal of creating a customer-centric, digital-first self-storage product.
Key principles behind storemore:
- No deposits
- No minimum rental periods
- Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
- 24/7 access
- Digital booking and access via app
- On-site staff for personal support
storemore combines full digital processes with human service, offering flexibility for both first-time and experienced customers.
What Is “Smart Access”?
Smart Access refers to a fully digital access system where customers can:
- Book their unit online
- Receive access rights automatically
- Open gates, doors, elevators, and storage units via smartphone app
- Grant or revoke access for other users
👉 No physical keys, padlocks, transponders, or (optionally) PIN codes are required.
Key Benefits for Operators
Operational Efficiency & Scalability
- Manual processes don’t scale beyond a few hundred units
- Smart access removes the need for physical intervention
- Enables efficient management of thousands of units across multiple sites
End-to-End Digital Rental Process
- Fully digital customer journey: booking, payment, access
- No bottlenecks caused by physical handovers
- Ideal for 24/7 access models
Reduced Operational Risk
- Empty units remain locked by default
- Prevents unauthorized use of vacant units
- Access rights automatically align with rental status
Automated Payment & Access Control
- Failed payments can trigger automatic access restrictions
- No manual staff intervention required
- Maintains fairness while reducing friction
Improved Security & Transparency
- Every access event is logged
- Clear audit trail: who accessed which unit and when
- Reduced reliance on extensive video surveillance
- Faster dispute and incident resolution
Key Benefits for Customers
Maximum Convenience
- No keys to carry or lose
- Access anytime, day or night
- Gate access directly from the car via app
Flexibility & Freedom
- No need to check opening hours
- Ideal for moving, weekend access, or late-night needs
- Easy access sharing with family, movers, or team members
Better User Experience
- Simple, intuitive app-based access
- Seamless experience similar to booking a hotel
- Strong sense of control and autonomy
Reliability & Support
- On-site staff available for advice and first-time users
- Phone charging stations available on-site
- Solutions available for customers without smartphones
Customer Acceptance: A Key Learning (storemore Perspective)
Janine: One of the biggest initial concerns was whether customers would accept app-based access.
The result:
- Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback
- Customers quickly preferred the app over transponders or PIN codes
- storemore now operates without PIN pads or physical access media
Smart access proved not only acceptable—but clearly preferred.
Lessons for New Self-Storage Operators
Janine’s advice for newcomers:
- Test the product yourself as a customer (analog vs. digital)
- Think long-term: digital access is more future-proof
- Consider your target customers and their expectations
- If you go digital, do it consistently—partial solutions create complexity
- Digital access increases resilience during staff shortages or disruptions
Market Outlook: Self-Storage in Germany
- German self-storage market remains in a strong growth phase
- Key challenges: permits, zoning, fire protection regulations
- Increasing digitalization across operations
- Growing importance of AI (smart cameras, customer service, analytics)
- Strong industry culture with openness and collaboration
Key Takeaways
- Smart access is a core enabler for scalable, modern self-storage operations
- Customers value convenience, flexibility, and digital simplicity
- Operators benefit from automation, security, and reduced operational overhead
- Full digitalization future-proofs self-storage businesses
Smart access is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s becoming the industry standard.
