Creating a self-storage management app can simplify operations for facility owners by integrating unit tracking, bookings, payments, and tenant communication into one platform. With over 70% of U.S. customers starting their storage search online, having a mobile-friendly app is key to meeting modern expectations. Tools like Adalo allow you to build such an app for iOS, Android, and the web without any coding knowledge, saving time and costs compared to traditional development.
Key Highlights:
- Why It Matters: Automating tasks like bookings and payments reduces errors, improves efficiency, and provides a better customer experience.
- What You Need: An inventory list (unit sizes, prices, availability), Adalo account, Stripe for payments, and app store fees ($25 for Google Play, $99/year for Apple).
- How to Build:
- Use Adalo to design and structure your app database (Units, Tenants, Bookings).
- Add features like dynamic dashboards, booking flows, and payment integration via Stripe.
- Test thoroughly using Adalo's preview tools and TestFlight for iOS.
- Publishing: Launch on app stores with minimal fees and simple setup.
- Scaling: Integrate reporting dashboards and automation tools like Zapier for growing businesses.
Adalo stands out by letting you create a single app deployable across iOS, Android, and web platforms without rebuilding for each. This approach ensures your app is accessible to all users while keeping costs low. Start building today to streamline your self-storage operations and offer a modern digital experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Self-Storage Management App with Adalo
Setting Up Your App and Database in Adalo
Creating Your App in Adalo
Start by heading over to adalo.com and signing up. Once you're in, click on "Create New App". This step sets the stage for building a mobile app capable of managing unit tracking, tenant bookings, and payment processing. Adalo's AI-assisted builder can significantly speed things up. For example, you can enter a prompt like: "Build a self-storage management app with unit tracking, tenant bookings, and payments in USD using square feet sizes and MM/DD/YYYY dates." The AI will then generate initial screens and a database structure tailored to these specifications, following US formatting standards.
Adalo users have reported that this AI-powered setup can cut down setup time by as much as 70-80%. The platform pre-builds essential screens and relationships specifically for self-storage operations. Afterward, you can fine-tune the setup by ensuring currency symbols are in $, date formats follow MM/DD/YYYY, and measurements are displayed in square feet instead of metric units.
Once your app's framework and screens are ready, you can move on to creating your database collections to support its functionality.
Building Your Database Collections
With your app created, the next step is to organize your data by setting up core collections. Adalo structures its database into three main components: Collections (categories of data), Properties (fields within collections), and Records (individual data entries). For a self-storage app, you'll need three primary collections: Units, Tenants, and Bookings. Additionally, every Adalo app includes a default Users collection, which can handle tenant authentication and account management.
Here’s how to set up each collection:
- Units: Include properties like unit_number (text), size_sqft (number, e.g., 1,250), price_usd (number formatted as USD, e.g., $125.00), and status (a choice field with options such as available, occupied, or reserved).
- Tenants: Add fields like name (text), email, and phone (formatted as (XXX) XXX-XXXX).
- Bookings: Include start_date and end_date (formatted as MM/DD/YYYY), along with total_amount (in dollars) and payment_status.
To make your app dynamic and functional, link these collections using relationships. For example, connect each booking to a specific unit (one-to-many: a unit can have multiple bookings over time) and to a specific tenant (many-to-one: a tenant can have multiple bookings).
Test your setup by adding sample data. For instance, create a unit - Unit 101 - with 100 square feet priced at $125 per month. Then, link it to a booking spanning from 01/16/2026 to 12/31/2026. These linked collections form the backbone of features like filtering available units and showing rental histories, ensuring your app runs smoothly.
sbb-itb-d4116c7
Designing the App Interface
Creating a Dashboard for Unit Availability
When designing your dashboard, clarity and ease of use should be top priorities. Start by adding a List component in Adalo and linking it to your Units collection. This will automatically display all your unit data, including unit numbers, sizes (in square feet), prices (formatted in USD), and availability status.
To make searching more efficient, incorporate filters. Add dropdown menus or sliders that let users refine their search by size (e.g., 5x10 ft, 10x20 ft), price range (e.g., $50–$200/month), and availability status (Available, Occupied, Reserved). These filters should update dynamically, providing instant results as users tweak their preferences. Be sure to format prices with dollar signs and commas, like $150.00/month, and display sizes using imperial units to align with U.S. standards.
Enhance the dashboard with summary cards at the top to highlight key metrics such as total occupancy rate and monthly revenue. These cards offer managers a quick overview of performance without sifting through detailed reports. Use color-coding to make statuses easily recognizable - green for available units, red for occupied, and yellow for reserved. This visual approach simplifies navigation and supports industry practices that prioritize intuitive user interfaces.
Once the dashboard is set, focus on creating screens for booking and payment to complete the app's functionality.
Building Booking and Payment Screens
For the booking process, use a Form component linked to your Bookings collection. Include essential elements like a dropdown menu to select the unit, input fields for customer details (name, email, and phone formatted as (XXX) XXX-XXXX), and Date Picker components for move-in and move-out dates. Set the date format to MM/DD/YYYY to ensure consistency.
Add a Stripe component to your payment screen to enable secure transactions directly within the app. Display payment amounts in USD and include a progress indicator to guide users through each step of the checkout process. After payment is completed, show a confirmation screen with booking details and a message like, "Booking confirmed for Unit A-12 starting 01/20/2026." This screen can also preview automated notifications that will be sent via email or SMS, reinforcing customer confidence that their reservation is finalized.
To ensure a seamless experience, test the booking flow regularly using Adalo's Preview feature. Check the design and functionality across various devices - iPhones, Android tablets, Samsung phones - to confirm that buttons are easy to tap, forms are straightforward, and the payment process feels secure. A responsive and user-friendly interface not only improves customer satisfaction but can also boost conversion rates.
Adding Core Features
Connecting Payment Gateways
To activate the Stripe component, ensure users are logged in first. Add the Stripe component to your app and link the "Amount" field to the current unit's price using Magic Text. In the component settings, specify a Receipt Email field - typically set to the logged-in user's email - so customers receive confirmation emails and transactions are accurately reflected in your Stripe Dashboard. For clarity, set the "Charge Description" to something like "Monthly Rent - Unit A-12" so customers can easily identify the charge on their bank statements. Keep in mind that Stripe’s standard U.S. processing fees start at 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction.
Before going live, toggle Test Mode and use Stripe’s test API keys along with the test card number 4242 4242 4242 4242 to verify the payment flow. Once the payment is successful, configure the submit button to update the unit's status to "Occupied" and redirect users to a Booking Confirmed screen.
With payment processing securely in place, the next step is to set up automated notifications to keep users informed and engaged.
Setting Up Automated Notifications
Once secure payments are functioning, keeping users informed through timely notifications builds trust and enhances their experience. Start by creating a Notifications collection in your database. Include fields like Title, Message, Type (e.g., "Payment Received" or "Booking Confirmed"), Is Read (True/False), and Created Date. Link these notifications to the respective user in the Users collection. Use Click Actions on buttons such as "Confirm Booking" or "Pay Now" to automatically create notification records and send push notifications.
Enable push notifications in your app settings and request user permission when they log in for the first time. For booking confirmations, set the notification to trigger immediately after a booking record is created. For payment receipts, configure the notification to fire as soon as a Stripe transaction is successfully processed. For more advanced scenarios - like overdue payment alerts or scheduled reminders - integrate tools like Zapier to monitor your database and send notifications automatically.
| Notification Type | Trigger Event | Recommended Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Confirmation | Successful creation of a booking record | Push Notification + In-App Alert |
| Payment Receipt | Successful Stripe transaction completion | Email (via Zapier) + Push Notification |
| Payment Reminder | 24 hours before payment due date | Push Notification |
| Late Fee Alert | Unpaid status past due date | Push Notification + Email |
To enhance usability, include an Action URL property in your notification records. This allows users to tap a notification and be directed to specific screens, such as a booking details page. Additionally, add an "Is Read" boolean field so users can clear notifications from their in-app notification center, keeping things organized and user-friendly.
Publishing and Scaling Your App
Testing Your App
Before publishing, take advantage of Adalo's Preview feature to test your app directly in a web browser. Walk through the entire booking process to confirm that every action works as intended and that database updates occur correctly. For mobile testing, generate a shareable link to identify any usability issues early on.
If you're planning to release your app on iOS, you can create a TestFlight build right within Adalo. Once the build is ready, testers will receive an email invitation via Apple's TestFlight platform. This step is crucial for catching mobile-specific bugs before submitting your app to the App Store. Additionally, make sure to test notifications - such as booking confirmations and payment alerts - on multiple devices to ensure they're delivered promptly.
After thorough testing, you're ready to move on to publishing your app on major platforms.
Publishing to App Stores
To publish your app, you'll need developer accounts for both platforms. The Google Play Store charges a one-time fee of $25, while the Apple App Store requires an annual $99 membership for its developer program. You’ll also need to prepare high-quality app assets, including an app icon, 4–5 device-specific screenshots, a title (limited to 30 characters for iOS), and a concise description (up to 4,000 characters).
For iOS, you'll need to set up an App-specific Password and a unique Bundle ID for your app submission. Apple also requires detailed explanations for any permissions your app requests - for example, access to the camera for uploading photos or location services for finding nearby facilities. Most iOS app submissions are reviewed within 48 hours. Once approved, you can choose how to release your app: manually, automatically, or with a phased rollout over seven days to monitor for critical issues. Adalo simplifies the technical aspects of the publishing process, allowing you to focus on perfecting your app store listing and metadata.
Once your app is live, it’s time to shift focus toward scaling your operations to meet increasing demand.
Preparing for Growth
As your business expands, your app needs to grow with it. Start by integrating reporting dashboards to track key metrics like occupancy trends, revenue performance, and payment statuses. These insights will empower you to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing strategies, and operational improvements.
For businesses managing multiple locations, Adalo's DreamFactory connector is a game-changer. It allows you to link your app with external databases or enterprise systems, centralizing data management across all your sites. This ensures real-time updates - for example, syncing payment records simultaneously across your app and accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero. Automation tools like Zapier can also connect your app with over 5,000 services, streamlining administrative tasks as your transaction volume grows. Finally, test your database under high loads to ensure it maintains fast performance, even during peak usage periods.
Conclusion
Creating a self-storage management app no longer requires lengthy development timelines or hefty agency fees. With Adalo's app builder, you can craft a fully functional, production-ready app in just days or weeks instead of months or years.
Adalo simplifies the process by managing the technical backend - integrating the frontend, backend, and database - so you can focus on tailoring features like unit availability tracking, payment processing, and automated notifications to suit your business needs [7,12].
The platform is built for reliability, boasting a 99% uptime and handling over 20 million daily data requests. This ensures smooth operations for unit bookings, payment processing, and notifications. Plus, you only need to build your app once to publish it across the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and web, reaching users on any device from a single codebase [9,12].
From a financial perspective, the savings are substantial. While hiring freelancers can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 - and agencies charge even more - Adalo's paid plans start at just $36 per month [11,12]. You also retain full control over updates and customization, eliminating the need to rely on developers for every tweak or pricing adjustment [9,12].
Getting started is straightforward. Choose a Real Estate or Booking template, customize the design, connect Stripe for payments, and set up automated notifications for booking confirmations and payment reminders [7,11]. Before publishing, use the Preview feature and TestFlight for iOS to thoroughly test your app. Once live, leverage Adalo's built-in analytics to monitor occupancy trends and revenue performance as you scale [7,9,28].
With Adalo, you can launch a professional app that streamlines operations, improves customer experience, and grows alongside your business. Start building your app today!
FAQs
What makes Adalo a great choice for building a self-storage management app?
Adalo is a great option for building a self-storage management app, offering no-code simplicity paired with professional functionality. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create a fully functional app without writing a single line of code. This approach not only saves time but also cuts down on development costs. You can quickly set up key features like tracking unit availability, managing bookings, processing payments, and handling customer communication - all customized to fit your specific business needs.
What’s more, Adalo allows you to create a branded app that matches your facility’s style. Once designed, your app can be published across multiple platforms, including web, iOS, Android, or even as a progressive web app - all from a single project. You can connect your app to external data sources or use Adalo’s built-in database to handle inventories, bookings, and payments efficiently. Adalo also provides step-by-step instructions for testing and publishing your app, ensuring you can reach your customers easily. This streamlined approach helps you launch a user-friendly, reliable app with minimal technical challenges while keeping full control over the process.
How can I make sure my self-storage app securely handles payments?
To keep payment handling secure in your self-storage app, start by ensuring all data transmission is protected with HTTPS and strong encryption. Adalo simplifies enabling HTTPS, but don’t stop there - secure authentication methods, like multi-factor authentication, add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
When integrating a payment processor, such as Stripe, make use of tokenization. This approach avoids storing raw card numbers by saving only the tokens provided by the processor. Adhering to PCI DSS guidelines is crucial - don’t store sensitive card details, keep your API keys secure, and routinely review your app’s security measures.
Within Adalo, enforce strict access controls. Limit who can view or change payment-related data by using role-based permissions. Encrypt any stored data, validate payment inputs on the server side, and ensure payment amounts are formatted correctly in U.S. currency (e.g., $1,299.99) to prevent errors or vulnerabilities.
Before launching, test your payment system thoroughly in a sandbox environment. Once live, continuously monitor transactions for unusual activity. These steps will not only protect your customers’ payment information but also help establish trust in your app.
How can I test my self-storage app before publishing it to app stores?
Before submitting your self-storage app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you’ll need to give it a thorough test run. Start by enabling the Publish toggle in your Adalo project settings - this step preps the app for native platforms. Also, double-check that your Adalo plan supports native publishing and custom-domain features.
Next, create preview builds and install them on real devices. This lets you test key features like unit availability tracking, booking workflows, payment processing, and customer communication. To catch any platform-specific issues, test the app on a variety of devices and operating systems. Don’t forget to review all visual assets - icons, splash screens, and store metadata - to ensure they align with app store guidelines.
Address any bugs or glitches you come across, then test again until the app runs seamlessly on all devices. Once everything checks out, you’ll be ready to submit your polished build to the app stores.
Related Blog Posts
