Development and a K-Shaped Economy: A Growing Challenge for Self-Storage

As the end of 2025 approaches, the self-storage industry finds itself navigating two converging headwinds: an increasingly active development pipeline and the growing signs of a K-shaped economy. While each challenge is significant on its own, the combination presents a more structural issue for operators, owners, and investors. Development activity remains elevated across many U.S. markets, and despite widespread acknowledgment of “overbuilding,” new supply continues to be delivered. Many people are still underestimating the pace and scale of ongoing development. This point resonates with what we are seeing on the…

Top 10 Most Common Items Stored at a Storage Facility

Hey Money Makers! Brandon Robinson here, National Director at Calvary Realty. Today, we’re diving into a topic that every self-storage owner, manager, and renter should know: the most common items stored in Self-Storage units. Whether you’re using storage for personal or business reasons, there’s a good chance that the items you’re storing fall into one of these categories. Let’s count down from 10 to the #1 most commonly stored item in Self-Storage units across the country! 10 – Exercise Equipment Starting at number ten, we have exercise equipment. With home…

Featured Brokers – Jane H. Sauls, CCIM, Luke Sauls, & Wilson Covington

Built on values. Sold by results. Jane H. Sauls, CCIM, Luke Sauls, and Wilson Covington help storage owners buy, sell, and succeed – leaving every deal better than they found it. At Sauls Commercial Real Estate, gratitude is more than a sentiment — it’s the heartbeat of our business. We’re deeply thankful for the self-storage owners, operators, and investors who trust us to guide their most important decisions. That trust is what drives our team to show up every day with integrity, expertise, and a commitment to leaving every client…

White Label Storage Launches AI Revenue Management Tool to Increase Profitability of Self-Storage Facilities

White Label Storage announced the launch of its new AI-powered revenue management tool, RevMan ai, designed to optimize revenue generation for every facility under its management. By utilizing AI with proprietary data sets, this software further enhances the company’s revenue management capabilities, which will help its clients optimize pricing, maximize occupancy, and increase profitability. “We are thrilled to bring our new RevMan ai online,” said Peter Smyth, CEO and Co-Founder of White Label Storage. “By integrating AI into our revenue management practice, we’re able to provide our clients with the…

What Amount of Rent Increase Is Appropriate for Your Self-Storage Tenants?

One of the most common questions self-storage owners face is: “How much should I raise rents on my tenants?” It’s a delicate balance. Raise rents too little, and you leave money on the table. Raise them too much, and you risk driving tenants away. The key is finding the right middle ground—one that boosts revenue while keeping occupancy strong. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the right rent increase strategy for your facility. 1. Understand Your Local Market Before making any changes, research what your competitors are charging…

Featured Broker: Brandon Robinson

Brandon Robinson — Powerhouse. Deal Maker. Industry Leader. Brandon Robinson is a powerhouse in the commercial real estate world and the driving force behind Calvary Realty’s meteoric rise to national prominence. As National Director of Investment Sales, Brandon has taken a bold vision and transformed it into reality—positioning Calvary Realty as one of the nation’s premier self-storage brokerage firms. Recognized Excellence: Brandon’s elite performance has earned him some of the industry’s most respected accolades, including CoStar’s “Power Broker” and Crexi’s “Platinum Broker”—prestigious honors reserved for the top performers nationwide. Proven…

Featured Brokers: Chad Snyder and Tyler Trahant

The North Texas Argus Self Storage Advisory team of Chad Snyder and Tyler Trahant has over 30 years of experience in brokering self stor­age facilities and development sites. The team has represented local, regional, and national owners in acquiring and selling facilities and has been the leading Argus Self Storage broker in the network for multiple years. Based in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex, the team is recognized as industry leaders in self-storage brokerage and has spoken at many state association meetings and conferences. Since January 2021, the team…

$5 Million Self-Storage Building Proposed for Yonkers, New York

The entity CS Bright Place Yonkers LLC is proposing to build a six story self-storage building to be operated as a CubeSmart facility at 12 Bright Place in Yonkers. The estimated cost of the project shown in a document filed with the city is $5,075,000. According to Attorney Maximillian R. Mahalek of the White Plains-based law firm Cuddy & Feder, the site for the proposed building is a 0.70-acre lot along the south side of Bright Place and the east side of School Street. Bright Place becomes School Street. The…

Basis Industrial Secures $27 Million for Self-Storage Development in Long Island, New York

Basis Industrial has secured a $27 million construction loan for a 121,500-square-foot self storage development in Long Island’s Rockville Centre, N.Y. NexBank and NexPoint provided the senior and mezzanine loans, respectively. The facility is scheduled to break ground immediately and come online in early spring 2027. Basis Industrial President & Managing Partner Anthony Scavo arranged the deal, while NexPoint Director Taylor Colbert led the financing. Attorney Mike Mendelow represented NexBank in the transaction. The development site traded in the fourth quarter of 2022 for $5.5 million. The present transaction marks…

The Hidden Cost of Underwriting: Why Accurate Books Matter More Than You Think

For most self-storage operators, bookkeeping feels like a chore. Leasing units and managing day-to-day operations always take priority. Then refinancing or a sale comes along, and suddenly, messy financials can quietly erase six figures from your property’s value. Many operators assume valuations hinge solely on Net Operating Income (NOI). Buyers and lenders are also evaluating the credibility of that NOI. When income and expenses aren’t clearly documented, they become a risk. That risk shows up through lower offers, tougher loan terms, or extended closing timelines. Take a simple example. Ten…