Looking for extra storage space for all your stuff? There’s an app for that

By Jenina P. Ibañez

AN app-based storage service is looking to address the growing lack of storage space due to increased vertical living and shrinking offices.

Keepr Storage PH was introduced to the Philippines in April as the country’s first storage full-service platform.

The app connects clients to a storage solutions service that include storage specialist consultation, packing, pick up, inventory management, and retrieval — differentiating itself from rented storage spaces.

Most of the company’s clients are families whose homes are under renovation or whose home storage spaces shrink as their families grow.

Clients use the Keepr app to book pickups, request item retrieval, manage their inventory, or contact the company.

Founder Anna Moncupa introduced the service to the Philippines after observing similar services in the United States.

“I used the same service in Los Angeles and I thought we could totally do this back home, and we looked at the data and the market — parang�����𲹻����na,” she said in an interview.

She said that Keepr also addresses the increasingly smaller office spaces.

“These are smaller offices, subleased office spaces. It’s getting a lot smaller. Ten years ago it wasn’t like this at all, offices were bigger… pero ‘di naman nababawasan gamit natin (but our items aren’t reduced).”

Keepr has security features, including CCTV cameras and security guards at their warehouse, limited warehouse access for employees, storage documentation, and encrypted files.

Since it was introduced in April, Keepr has a 1000-person user base in its app, but with 30-40 subscriptions to the service so far.

Keepr has almost 1,000 bins and 3,000 items in its warehouse. Around 15% of its clientele are businesses.

The company is looking at expanding into cold storage. “We’re averaging P8,000 per customer monthly. We have a big warehouse already, so our expansion plans is really in staffing,” she said.

Keepr currently has 20 employees, and is targeting adding two employees per quarter.

As a consolidated space, a person or company’s items are not stored together.

“That’s also how we can keep our prices the way they are. Your items are not all stored together… we’re gonna put your chairs together with all the other chairs,” Ms. Moncupa said.

She emphasized that Keepr is a service instead of a leased space.

“Even for our B2B (business-to-business), they want lease agreements and I said you’re not leasing from us because you don’t have a specific space. It’s a service.”

Ms. Moncupa said that Keepr has restrictions on certain items such as perishable goods and paintings, but does not do thorough item inspections to respect privacy.

Asked about how Keepr guards against storing illegal items, Ms. Moncupa said — “If we do find out though, we return it. But our specialists are always on the lookout.”

As the company grows, Ms. Moncupa said that Keepr is avoiding being tagged as a startup.

“I’m very adamant to not be tagged as a startup. We’re in tech but we’re not a startup, because I made sure that all of our foundation is very solid,” she said.

“Startups are great… but I think when you’re in the business of taking someone’s items and safekeeping them, I think it’s very important that all your systems are established.”

Keepr operations are currently in Metro Manila, but the company is looking to expand to Philippine cities outside the capital region. The app is available on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store.