Author: Shinil Krishnan

What Are the Most Popular Self-Storage Unit Sizes?

Selecting the right unit mix is one of the most important decisions a self-storage owner or developer can make. While every market has unique characteristics, understanding which unit sizes customers rent most frequently can help operators maximize occupancy, improve revenue, and make better development decisions. According to industry demand data, six unit sizes account for the majority of self-storage rentals. Understanding how these units are used can help owners better align their facilities with customer demand. 10×10 Units: The Industry Standard The 10×10 unit is the most popular size, representing…

Weekly Self Storage Transaction Roundup: 7/01/26 – 7/12/26

Eighteen self-storage transactions closed across nine states between July 1 and July 12, led by Texas. Deals ranged from South Padre Island’s tourism-supported demand to Monahans’ proximity to the Midland-Odessa employment corridor. Portfolio sales added much of the week’s scale, led by a two-property Louisiana portfolio in Woodworth and Pineville, Highline Storage Partners’ two-facility Georgia acquisition, the four-site South Padre Island package, and the five-location Double D portfolio in Monahans. Larger-platform buyers were active as well: Public Storage picked up a newly built, high-visibility San Antonio asset; Blue Vista Capital…

Westport Properties Completes 1,400-Unit Self-Storage Facility in Covina, California

Westport Properties has completed a 1,400-unit, 183,000-square-foot self-storage facility at 529 Cutter Way in Covina, California, operating under the US Storage Centers brand. The 2.2-acre site was acquired from Faith Community Church of West Covina for $8 million in 2025 and includes AI-powered systems, full climate control, and keypad-gated access. The project extends Westport’s presence into the San Gabriel Valley and brings the company’s total managed portfolio to more than 15.4 million square feet nationally. Read the Full Article Source: Orange County Business Journal

SmartStop REIT Affiliates Plan Merger to Create 3.2 Million Square Foot Portfolio

Strategic Storage Trust VI (SST VI) and Strategic Storage Growth Trust III (SSGT III), both affiliated with SmartStop Self Storage REIT, have entered a definitive all-stock merger agreement under which SST VI will acquire SSGT III. The combined portfolio will encompass approximately 37 wholly owned facilities, 3.2 million net rentable square feet, and a total asset value of roughly $1.2 billion. The transaction, which also includes joint venture interests and DST-sponsored properties, is expected to close in Q4 2026 pending SSGT III stockholder approval. Read the Full Article Source: BusinessWire

West Coast Self-Storage Opens 478-Unit Facility in Grand Mound, Washington

West Coast Self-Storage has opened a 478-unit facility at 5942 196th Ave. SW in Grand Mound, Washington, situated near the interchange of Interstate 5 and U.S. Highway 12. The 67,540-square-foot property includes heated indoor and drive-up ground-level units, with select larger units offering electrical power. The project was developed by Bowlds Development Company and serves the Grand Mound, Rochester, and Centralia area. The opening brings new managed storage supply to a rural Washington corridor where highway visibility and regional access tend to support stable demand. Read the Full Article Source:…

Featured Broker: Tom De Jong, MBA, SIOR

Tom de Jong, Executive Vice President at Colliers, specializes in the sale, development, and disposition of self-storage and industrial assets throughout the United States. Over the course of his career, Tom has closed more than $2 billion in self-storage transactions, with recent closings across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose/Silicon Valley, and Washington State. Tom has expanded his practice by bringing on his son, Dylan de Jong, as a partner, strengthening the team’s national reach, market coverage, and client service capabilities. Tom is an SIOR designee,…

JLL Arranges $160M Credit Facility for Safely Store Self Storage Platform Seven U.S. Metros

Safely Store Self Storage, a platform backed by $400 million in institutional capital from La Caisse and a global co-investor, has closed a $160 million credit facility arranged by JLL Capital Markets and funded by J.P. Morgan. The financing is secured by 11 facilities across seven U.S. metros totaling over 872,000 rentable square feet, managed by Extra Space Storage. Structured as a $60 million term loan with a $100 million accordion feature, the facility is designed to support platform growth through future acquisitions and development. The transaction reflects continued institutional…

Storelocal Storage Adds Four Facilities Across Texas, California and Arizona

Storelocal Storage has expanded its network with four facilities across Texas, California, and Arizona, combining new development, adaptive reuse, and renovation. The most notable addition repurposes a former Fry’s Electronics store in Irving, Texas, into a 1,756-unit, 183,000-square-foot facility with climate-controlled units and RV storage. Additional locations include a Class A property in Madera County, California, a renovated facility in Cibolo, Texas, and a newly built site in Benson, Arizona. The additions illustrate Storelocal’s approach of growing its branded network through partnerships with independent owners rather than direct acquisition. Read…

Two-Building Self-Storage Project Proposed Along Three Notch Road in Maryland

A concept site plan has been submitted to St. Mary’s County, Maryland for Three Notch Self Storage, a proposed two-building development totaling 121,864 square feet at 23200 and 23206 Three Notch Road in California, MD. Arcland Property Company LLC is identified as the contract purchaser for the approximately 4.7-acre site, which would consolidate five parcels zoned for medium-intensity mixed use. The project is in early-stage county review with no final approval granted. The proposal adds to existing storage supply along the Route 235 corridor, where several facilities already operate in…

10 Features Storage Renters Are Most Willing to Pay Extra For

One of the biggest opportunities for self-storage owners isn’t simply filling vacant units—it’s increasing the value customers perceive in their rental experience. While location and pricing remain important, many tenants are willing to pay higher rental rates for amenities that provide greater convenience, security, and peace of mind. Understanding which features customers value most can help operators prioritize capital improvements that generate stronger returns. 1. Pest Control Nothing damages customer confidence faster than concerns about rodents or insects. A professionally maintained pest control program protects tenants’ belongings while reinforcing the…