Author: Shinil Krishnan

U-Haul Plans Major Rental Center, Storage Building at Vacant Site in O’Fallon, Missouri

Expecting to bring 10 to 15 jobs to O’Fallon, a proposed U-Haul Moving and Storage Center complex is being considered for the former RP Lumber site at 1404 W. Highway 50. Plans call for construction of a retail center for truck and trailer rentals, related retail sales and indoor self-storage units on 7.5 acres, pending approval by the City Council. The city’s Planning Commission approved the planned use application from Amerco Real Estate Co., the real estate arm of U-Haul, on Aug. 12. “It will be designed to complement the…

Hearthfire Holdings Introduces Upscale Self-Storage Investment in Detroit Metropolitan Area, Completes Acquisition Of Crest Hill Development

Hearthfire Holdings, a premier real estate investment company focused on institutional-grade self-storage assets, today announced the introduction of a high-end investment prospect in Taylor, Michigan, and the successful closing of a shovel-ready development project in Crest Hill, Illinois. The transactions mirror the firm’s ongoing emphasis on high-growth, undersupplied markets throughout the Midwest. According to Hearthfire Holdings, Taylor, Michigan, is strategically positioned for Detroit’s economic rebirth. Adding to a ground up project acquired last year and now open for business in the adjacent city of Romulus, Hearthfire’s Taylor acquisition offers investors…

38 Moove in Self Storage Properties Owned by National Storage Affiliates to be Rebranded iStorage

Investment Real Estate Management LLC (IREM), part of the Investment Real Estate Group of Companies, announced the rebranding of 38 Moove In Self Storage properties under its management portfolio to iStorage, a nationally recognized brand owned by National Storage Affiliates (NYSE:NSA). IREM has long managed these NSA-owned properties, including locations in York and Lancaster counties, under the Moove In Self Storage name. The York-based company will continue to provide full management services. “We’re incredibly excited to bring a nationally recognized brand like iStorage to the marketplace under our management portfolio,”…

New Container Facility, Fuel Station Under Construction in Greater Cincinnati, OH

A new U-Haul U-Box container facility has been built next to the Sam’s Club on Kemper Road. The facility offers storage for portable moving containers that can be delivered to homes, as well as self-storage rental options. In addition to the U-Haul facility, construction is underway for a new fuel station next to the U-Box site. This fuel station, which will serve Sam’s Club customers, is expected to open later this fall. Source

Sentry Self Storage Management Takes Over Management of Your Extra Storage (YES) Portfolio in Knoxville, TN

Sentry Self Storage Management, based out of Coral Springs, FL., is pleased to announce it has officially assumed management responsibilities for the Your Extra Storage (YES) portfolio, encompassing three self-storage properties in Knoxville, Tennessee. These locations bring 1,300 units and 170k net rentable square feet to Sentry’s management platform. This new partnership marks the expansion of Sentry Self Storage Management’s footprint into the thriving Knoxville market. The YES portfolio is well-regarded for its convenient locations and quality storage solutions, making it a valuable addition to Sentry’s managed properties. “We are…

Recent Self-Storage Transactions: 08.06.2025 – 08.12.2025

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: Self Storage of Vacaville Location: Vacaville, California Year Constructed / Expanded: 2018 / 2019 Seller: The Claremont Companies Buyer: Westport Properties Brokerage and Brokers: Dean…

How Much Revenue Do Self Storage Facilities Lose From Missed Calls?

58% of people will rent from the first self-storage facility that they call, according to SSA’s 2023 Self Storage Demand Study. Even in a digital-first world, there will always be a segment of tenants who want to speak to a real person on the phone. Consequently, operators who consistently pick up the phone have a better chance of closing more leads and raking in more revenue. But it’s almost impossible to maintain a high pick-up rate if you’re relying on a single site manager. One person simply can’t respond to…

Conviction Beats Perfection

A lot has changed over the last 12 months, and we are starting to see “green shoots” as the bottom of the market is hopefully near. Factors impacting much of the U.S. economy are evident in the self-storage industry, which produced modest rent growth in July 2025 according to data compiled by Yardi Matrix, but also a slower-than-anticipated rental season, much to the disappointment of many industry insiders. After a white-hot listing market in April and May, new listings seemed to slow down in June and July. Meanwhile, Argus closings…

Self-Storage Financing Options in Today’s Market

Since the run-up in interest rates began in 2022, understanding the complete opportunity set of commercial real estate mortgage loan types available to self-storage investors has never been more important. CMBS In order to remain competitive in a higher interest rate environment, CMBS issuers have modified their underwriting criteria. Most borrowers opt for 5-year fixed-rate loans with full-term interest-only payments. The advantage of this execution is that CMBS issuers are willing to underwrite to a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) utilizing interest-only debt service payments rather than a mortgage…

Beyond Rent: Boosting Self-Storage Sales and Profitability

While rent is the primary revenue driver, self-storage owners can significantly increase sales and profitability by strategically implementing a variety of strategies focusing on value-added services, optimizing operations, marketing, and enhancing the customer experience. Here’s a breakdown of key areas to focus on: 1. Ancillary Services and Retail Sales Offer tenant insurance or protection plans: This provides a valuable service to tenants while generating commissions for the facility. Many renters aren’t aware that their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may not fully cover stored items, making this a crucial offering. Tenant protection…