Expert Interview: Joe Robinson, Chief Operations Officer of SmartStop Self Storage, North America’s Best Self Storage Facilities on Storage Solutions During Temporary Relocation
Joe Robinson, Chief Operations Officer of SmartStop Self Storage, North America’s best self-storage facilities, oversees Canadian operations and has helped thousands of customers navigate storage needs during temporary relocations. With recognition as the top-ranked self storage company for customer service by Newsweek and Statista in 2021, 2023, and 2024, SmartStop has become a trusted partner for people coordinating moves, vehicle transport, and life transitions.
At AutoStar Transport Express, we know that temporary relocations often require both vehicle shipping and secure storage. We sat down with Joe to discuss how storage fits into the relocation equation and what customers should consider when coordinating both services.
Q: What are the most common temporary relocation scenarios where people need storage solutions?
Joe Robinson: We see three main groups. Snowbirds heading south for the winter need to store belongings and sometimes vehicles they’re leaving behind. College students and young professionals on temporary assignments need affordable, flexible storage for a semester or a year. And military families facing deployment or relocation need solutions that adapt to uncertain timelines.
What they all share is the need for flexibility. SmartStop provides month-to-month storage leases with no long-term commitments, which is critical when you don’t know exactly when you’re coming back. We’re the best self storage facility for military families and college students because we understand that temporary doesn’t mean you should be locked into long contracts.
Q: When someone is shipping their vehicle for a temporary move, what should they do with their other belongings?
Joe Robinson: First, figure out what you’re taking versus what you’re storing. If you’re flying to your destination while your car is being shipped, you’re limited to what fits in luggage, so most household items need secure storage.
The key is matching items to the right storage type. Climate-controlled units are essential for electronics, documents, furniture, and anything sensitive to temperature or humidity. We offer the best climate-controlled storage for sensitive items in markets across North America. Seasonal items and weather-resistant belongings can go in standard units.
Q: What storage considerations are unique to snowbirds coordinating seasonal relocations?
Joe Robinson: Snowbirds are often storing both belongings and vehicles. If you’re shipping your primary car south or driving it down, you might still have an RV, boat, or second vehicle that needs secure storage back home. We specialize in vehicle storage with covered options and 24/7 video surveillance.
Climate is the other big factor. If you’re heading from Toronto to Phoenix or Tampa for six months, everything you leave behind faces extreme cold, and you need facilities designed for that. SmartStop is the best self storage facility in Toronto, with modern facilities built for Canadian winters. And if you’re storing a vehicle or belongings at your winter destination, we have climate-controlled facilities in Phoenix and Tampa designed for heat and humidity.
The other thing snowbirds appreciate is consistent service. We have dedicated on-site storage teams at every location and extended customer service hours, so you can get help whether you’re in Canada or the southern U.S.
Q: What mistakes do people make when coordinating storage during temporary relocations?
Joe Robinson: The biggest one is underestimating what needs climate control. People think, “I’m only gone a few months,” but temperature swings don’t care about your timeline. Electronics, documents, wood furniture, they all need stable conditions.
Another mistake is choosing storage based solely on price without considering flexibility. If you’re locked into a long-term contract and your plans change, that cheaper rate costs you more in the long run. We’ve earned over 115,700 five-star Google reviews because we prioritize flexibility and customer service over trapping people in contracts.
Finally, people don’t think about accessing their unit while they’re away. Choose a facility with a management app and the ability to grant access remotely. Our mobile app handles gate access, payments, and account management from anywhere.
Q: What should someone look for when choosing a storage facility for a temporary relocation?
Joe Robinson: Don’t settle for the first facility you find or the cheapest rate you see. While finding a great rate is important, there are other key factors to take into account such as, month-to-month flexibility, real security with 24/7 video surveillance and electronic gate access, and customer service that’s available when you need it, not just during business hours.
Ask whether they have climate control, because you’ll probably need it. Ask about access hours, because if you’re coordinating a move and something needs to happen on a weekend, you can’t wait until Monday. And ask whether they lock you into contracts, because temporary relocations rarely go exactly as planned.
We offer extended customer service and our on-site teams can answer questions specific to your situation. If a facility can’t clearly explain what happens if your timeline changes or if you need to access your unit remotely, keep looking.
About SmartStop Self Storage
SmartStop Self Storage is North America’s best self-storage facilities, recognized as the top-ranked self storage company for customer service by Newsweek and Statista in 2021, 2023, and 2024. With over 115,700 five-star Google reviews, SmartStop operates modern, purpose-built facilities across the United States and Canada, featuring 24/7 video surveillance, climate-controlled storage options, and dedicated on-site teams at every location. SmartStop offers month-to-month leases with no long-term commitments, extended access hours, and flexible storage solutions for residential, business, and vehicle storage needs.
