Self-Storage Valuation: The Importance of the Human Touch

As the self-storage sector continues to evolve, technology has become an essential tool for improving operations, enhancing customer service, and streamlining processes. One of the most critical aspects of managing your self-storage investment is accurately assessing what creates value. However, despite the advantages that technology brings to self-storage valuation today, the importance of human insight and touch remains crucial. The role of technology in self-storage valuation has always been important, but experience, expertise, and local knowledge are critical today to ensure an accurate valuation of your self-storage investment. Self-storage valuation…

Storage Star Set For $438k Rebuild After January Fire Damage in Laredo, TX

A storage facility off Quail Creek Road that sustained thousands of dollars in damage earlier this year is set to be rebuilt by October, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit. On Jan. 26, the Storage Star self-storage facility was found in flames by the Laredo Fire Department shortly after 9 p.m. Items ranging from family photos and documents to cars stored inside the building at 2110 Quail Creek Rd. were left charred, unrecognizable and turned to ash. Aftermath coverage showed photos of the storage units’ bright…

Additional Self-Storage Proposed Off West Main Street in Stamford, CT

Another large storage facility could be coming to the west end of Stamford. Extra Space Storage is planning to build a 61,077-square-foot, three-story structure off West Main Street at Commerce Road, with 522 storage units. Three other large storage facilities operated by ESS are already located on the same four-acre site, which is near the Greenwich town border. “The self-storage business has been in high demand in Stamford,” said Jason Klein, an attorney representing the project, at a recent meeting of the city Planning Board. Klein noted that the site…

5 Questions With Hunter Molnar – Storage Exchange

In this episode of 5 Questions With, Hunter Molnar of Storage Exchange shares his insights on today’s self-storage investment landscape. Drawing from his background as an owner/operator, Hunter discusses how that experience informs his underwriting approach and broker opinions of value. He also dives into current buyer and seller expectations, key return metrics, and the growing trend of off-market deals. Whether you’re active in acquisitions or simply watching the market, this conversation offers practical takeaways for navigating today’s self-storage environment.   Want to be featured in a future episode? Email…

Affinius Capital Originates $33.5 Million Loan to Refinance Storage Portfolio Located Across 7 Markets in Five US States

Affinius Capital LLC announced today the origination of a $33.5 million refinancing loan for a 10 Federal self-storage portfolio, which includes 13 self-storage facilities spanning 3,600 units across five states. Properties in the geographically diversified portfolio are located in Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee. The loan will support the portfolio’s ongoing lease-up efforts and operational stabilization. Affinius Capital Senior Vice President Tyler Figley commented, “This transaction represents a compelling opportunity to expand our presence in self-storage, a growing asset class that adds meaningful diversification to our portfolio. We…

5 Questions With Peter Smyth – White Label Storage

In this episode, we chat with Peter Smyth, CEO of White Label Storage, to unpack key questions around revenue management in self-storage. From avoiding common pricing mistakes to boosting ROI without raising rent, Peter shares practical strategies operators can apply right now. This short interview offers valuable insights for self-storage owners, developers, and investors looking to improve revenue strategies. Want to be featured in a future episode? Email us at info@listselfstorage.com About White Label Storage White Label Storage is a performance-focused self-storage management provider. With over 150 facilities across 35 states,…

Self Storage Case Study: How to Jump-start Stalled Occupancy

Many self-storage facilities hit a “middle plateau” after lease-up, with occupancy stalling between 60–80%. My Space Self Storage was facing this common challenge—occupancy had stabilized in the low 80s, but there was still meaningful room for growth. To push past this plateau and unlock the facility’s full earning potential, the owners began looking for a management partner with proven expertise in marketing, lead generation, and revenue optimization. White Label Storage was selected in October 2024 to take over management. With more than 650 units at the property, the objective was…

Increasing The Value of Your Self Storage Asset – Tips on improving your property’s value

Whether you are thinking of selling, refinancing, or just want to optimize the income your property generates, here are a few tips I’ve learned from the 18 years helping owners sell their self-storage facilities. There are many, many ways a self-storage owner (or operator) can improve their bottom line, and I’m sure I’ve left out a few ideas that others have uncovered. OPTIMIZE RENTAL INCOME – The most obvious way to increase the net operating income of your self-storage facility is by increasing the monthly rental collections. But how? The…

SBA SOP Rule Changes for SBA 7A Program

The SBA recently released their changes to their SOP rulebook that will go into effect June 1, 2025. Below is a summary of impactful changes. Franchise Directory is returning. Franchises will be required to be listed in the directory. If a borrower operates under more than one franchise agreement, all franchises must be listed on the directory, not just the critical ones Need 100% ownership, including indirect ownership of the business, to include SSN, address, % owned, and DOB.  All must be citizens or LPRs and primarily reside in the…

Planning Commission OKs Self-Storage Site Despite Environmental Objections in Long Beach, CA

The Long Beach Planning Commission on Thursday approved the environmental review of a new self-storage warehouse wedged between the Los Cerritos neighborhood and the Los Angeles River, despite objections from residents and activists over potential consequences to the surrounding environment. Commissioners voted to recommend the project, a 44-foot-tall, 206,756-square-foot self-storage facility with office space, private car wash and RV parking lot. The project will next come before the Long Beach City Council at a later date. It would replace a 14-acre blighted industrial site, formerly used as a golf range…