One of several new self-storage facilities planned around the State College area recently opened its doors. Brickwork Self Storage, 222 Science Park Road in Ferguson Township, offers 560 climate-controlled units in a various sizes, from compact 5-by-5 units to large 10-by-31 units, as well as drive-up units with power access. Developed by Roeshot Construction of State College and managed by Storage Asset Management, the three-story, 72,000-square-foot facility utilizes keypad entry, 24/7 recording security cameras, on-site management and a smart entry system that allows renters to open their storage units with…
Day: September 24, 2025
The Hidden Downsides of First-Month Free Promos
First-month free promotions are everywhere in the self storage industry. From nation-wide storage companies to independent operators, facilities rely on this promotion strategy to fill units fast. And for good reason—the words “first month free” catch attention, drive clicks, and get new customers in the door. In the short term, it works. But is it really worth it in the long run? That’s where things get complicated. While first-month free (FMF) promos can be a powerful customer acquisition tool, they come with hidden costs that can chip away at your…
Recent Self-Storage Transactions: 09.17.2025 – 09.23.2025
Recent self-storage transactions show continued investor interest in the sector, with activity spanning a variety of markets and asset types. Deals include stabilized properties, development sites, and portfolio acquisitions, reflecting strategies to expand market presence, increase operational scale, and position for long-term growth. Demand remains steady, supported by consistent occupancy levels and opportunities to enhance revenue through improved management and pricing strategies. Property: Up North Storage Center Location: Park Rapids, Minnesota Closing Deal: $880,000 Brokers and Brokerage: Matt Haugen, Alex Ihrke, Nathan Gottlieb, and Tom Flannigan of Argus…
Common Pitfalls in DIY Facility Management And How to Fix Them
At first glance, managing a self-storage facility looks easy. Four walls, roll-up doors, and some locks, what could go wrong? Plenty. We’ve brokered countless deals and seen too many promising properties underperform, not because of bad locations but because of avoidable management mistakes. Here are the most common pitfalls in DIY self-storage management and how to fix them before they drain your NOI. 1. Static Pricing The Pitfall: Setting rental rates once and forgetting them. Meanwhile, demand shifts, competitors adjust, and your revenue falls behind. The Fix: Think like airlines.…