ne of the best-selling video games of all time is Tetris. Released in the mid-80s, the puzzle game challenges players to fit falling blocks of various shapes and sizes together in the most efficient way possible. That simple premise hooked millions of players around the world. Nearly 40 years later, the 3D Storage Planner, developed by Self-storage.ai, is taking that same principle and applying it to the real-world logistics of self-storage. Where Tetris gave players satisfaction in clearing lines, this tool gives customers the confidence of fitting their lives into a unit that’s the perfect size.
Co-founder Nylan Raufaste has long used technology to change how people access storage. His first venture was a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, an “Airbnb for self-storage,” he calls it. He then launched a pricing comparison tool to help customers find the best deals. Both ideas took hold, but the rapid advancement of AI, and his growing understanding of the self-storage customer journey, led to a new vision. “We decided to use AI and 3D technologies to create a unit size selection tool,” he says. “We had a strong understanding of the booking process and what pushes online conversions, so we created the 3D Planner.”
Raufaste notes that customers are often surprised by the results. Many discover their original size choice was too large, and some find they can save money by choosing a smaller space. “They can play around with items, unit sizes, and so on until they think they’ve got it right. The visuals give them confidence when booking the right unit size,” he says. For operators, this solves what’s often the biggest sticking point in the customer journey. With the right sizing decision made online, the need for lengthy calls or in-person visits disappears.
The 3D Planner is fully white labeled, living seamlessly on a facility’s website and carrying their branding and logo. Current clients include National Storage in Australia and New Zealand, with roughly 270 locations, as well as Montreal Mini-Storage, which operates 24 facilities in Quebec. Raufaste says it’s also gaining traction with operators who want to modernize their online presence and remove friction at the point of booking.
“When facing uncertainty about unit sizing, maybe two out of 50 people will reserve an oversized unit,” says Raufaste. However, the majority either leave the website because they can’t identify the size they need or call the facility to determine the right size. “Both outcomes create friction in the booking process and increase the risk of losing the rental. The main takeaway remains: Is losing conversions from many worth a couple of oversized rentals? Our clients and I say no.”
That conversion benefit isn’t the only win. “The user experience is better, website engagement and SEO are improved, and clients see more conversions and fewer dropouts,” says Raufaste. Less time on the phone also frees up managers and agents for other tasks, and if someone does call, the employee can use the 3D Planner to provide the recommendation. “It’s a win-win.”
To demonstrate value, Self-storage.ai tracks 3D Planner engagement data and conversion rates for every client. As usage grows, the team has been refining the tool and launching new features designed to make the process even more intuitive. Another new feature is coming soon, but for now Raufaste is keeping it under wraps. “All I can say is it is going to simplify every step of the tenant’s journey, from booking to move-in day; and for operators, it will continue to reduce friction and boost revenue.”
Just like in Tetris, success comes down to precision. Only now, the falling blocks have been replaced by real beds, boxes, and couches—and fitting them together can mean the difference between unit size frustration and perfection.