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…

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.…

5 Essential Tips for Selling Your Self-Storage Facility

Selling a self-storage facility is a major decision. For many owners, it represents years of hard work and investment, so naturally, the goal is to sell at the right time and for the best possible return. Whether you are preparing for retirement, looking to reposition your portfolio, or simply ready to move on to a new opportunity, approaching the process strategically will make all the difference. Here are five essential tips to help you maximize value and avoid common pitfalls when selling your self-storage property. 1. Understand and Organize Your…

How to Know When It’s Time to Sell Your Storage Facility

Selling a self-storage facility is one of the most important financial decisions an owner can make. Unlike day-to-day operational choices, the decision to sell shapes the long-term return on years of effort, capital, and risk. The timing has to balance both the numbers and the narrative: how your property is performing today, what the market is signaling for tomorrow, and where you are personally in your investment journey. Some owners sell to capture peak pricing, others to avoid looming capital expenses, and many simply because it fits their broader financial…

Sentry Self Storage Management Announces New Lake Worth Location

Sentry Self Storage Management is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest facility, Sentry Self Storage Lake Worth. Located at a prime spot in the heart of Lake Worth, this state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of secure and convenient storage solutions for residents and businesses in the area. Sentry Self Storage Lake Worth offers a range of unit sizes, climate-controlled options, advanced security features, including 24/7 surveillance, and convenient access to ensure a seamless storage experience. “We are thrilled to expand our presence in South Florida with…

Time To Look Sharp!

The physical condition of a self-storage property significantly impacts both rental rates and occupancy by directly influencing customer perception of security, value, and quality. Facilities that are clean, well-lit, well-maintained, and modern can command higher rents and attract more tenants, while neglected properties must often lower prices to compete. In today’s hyper-competitive world, it is mission-critical to maintain or improve a facility’s physical condition. Impact on rental rates Higher rent prices: A well-maintained property with strong curb appeal can justify charging premium rental rates. Visible care of the facility signals…

10 Warning Signs a Tenant is Living in Your Self-Storage Facility

Living in a Self-Storage unit is illegal in most areas and poses serious safety and liability risks for facility owners. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that many operators face at some point. The good news? By spotting the warning signs early, you can prevent a small problem from becoming a costly legal mess. Here are 10 signs that a tenant might be secretly living at your facility—and what to watch for. 1. Unusual hours of access. The first sign that someone may be living at your facility is unusual hours of…

Janus International Launches Redesigned Nokē Web Portal to Enhance Multi-Facility Management

The new enterprise-level platform simplifies navigation, streamlines operations, and delivers an intuitive experience for self-storage operators worldwide. Janus International Group, Inc. (NYSE: JBI) (“Janus” or the “Company”), a leading provider of cutting-edge access control technologies and building product solutions for the self-storage and other commercial and industrial sectors, today announced the launch of it’s newly designed web portal, marking a milestone in it’s ongoing commitment to delivering seamless, enterprise level experiences for operators to run their facilities more efficiently. The redesigned Nokē Web Portal gives operators the ability to manage…

Vertical Lift Gate or Slide Gate: Which is Better?

The access control decisions you make are vital to securing your self-storage property, but security isn’t the only factor that goes into the equation. In fact, there are pros and cons of vertical lift gates and cantilever slide gates that you’ll want to think about as well as questions you should be asking yourself to get the right fit for your facility. Get the Right Fit Many properties are getting tighter on space as land costs go up, so a gate that works within those site constraints is crucial. In…

How to Turn a Mismanaged Storage Facility into a High-Performing Asset

Some facilities seem to have it all—great location, good unit mix, strong market demand—and yet they still underperform. After lease up, occupancy stalls and net operating income (NOI) stagnates. More often than not, the issue isn’t the facility itself; it’s the management approach. This could manifest as inconsistent operations, outdated processes, poor tenant communication, lackluster marketing, or all of the above If left untreated, mismanagement can quietly erode your asset’s value and performance. But there is good news. A mismanaged facility can be transformed into a high-performing, revenue-generating asset with…