Category: Sponsored

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…

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…

As publisher of Modern Storage Media, I’ve had the privilege of attending more self-storage conferences and trade shows than I could possibly count. Some have been outstanding. Others…not so much. But over the years, one thing became abundantly clear. No matter where I went, I kept hearing the same comments. “I hate having to choose between educational sessions and spending time on the trade show floor.” “There just isn’t enough time to really network.” “I want education I can actually use when I get home.” When we began planning THE…

For more than two decades, Storage of America grew its self-storage portfolio one facility at a time. Beginning with a single big-box conversion in Indianapolis in 2003, the family-owned company expanded to 29 facilities and nearly 18,000 units across five Midwest states, managing every aspect of the business in-house: operations, customer service, delinquency management, marketing, and facility oversight in-house. That approach helped build a successful portfolio. As the company continued to grow, though, so did the complexity of managing operations. Processes varied from facility to facility, visibility into day-to-day performance…

Understanding where self-storage demand is strongest can help investors, developers, and operators make more informed decisions when evaluating new markets. While self-storage has become a nationwide asset class, usage rates vary by region due to differences in population growth, housing density, mobility, and lifestyle. According to data from the Self Storage Demand Study, the South leads the nation in self-storage usage, followed by the West, Midwest, and Northeast. Here’s a closer look at what drives demand in each region. 1. The South Leads the Nation The South has both the…

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Across the self-storage industry, environmental priorities are reshaping operational decisions and investment strategies alike. Today’s consumers increasingly choose to support companies that take meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact. At StorQuest Self Storage, we’re not just keeping pace; we’re setting the standard by integrating sustainable practices across our entire portfolio. Since 2021, StorQuest has maintained carbon-neutral operations through renewable energy investments, energy-efficiency initiatives, and the purchase of high-quality carbon offsets. These efforts support our long-term environmental goals, including reducing greenhouse…

Financing is one of the most important considerations when acquiring a self-storage facility. Whether you’re purchasing your first property or expanding an existing portfolio, understanding the available financing options can help you structure a successful acquisition. One of the most common funding sources is a traditional bank loan. Banks often provide competitive interest rates and repayment terms for stabilized facilities with strong occupancy and cash flow. Investors with solid credit and a sufficient down payment are often able to secure favorable financing. For owner-operators, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can…

For many decades, self-storage was a remarkably simple business. The product was almost always the same: a single-story, drive-up facility on a piece of well-located land, built efficiently, operated leanly, and supported by a fixed-cost base that allowed operators to absorb economic cycles with minimal disruption. It was, in many ways, a beautiful business model. Low overhead, sticky tenants, modest reinvestment requirements, and steady cash flow. The asset class earned its reputation as one of the most durable in commercial real estate precisely because it kept things simple. That simplicity…

Self-storage facilities are designed to store belongings—not serve as housing. However, operators occasionally encounter situations where tenants attempt to use storage units as living spaces. Beyond violating lease agreements, this practice can create serious safety, legal, insurance, and liability concerns for facility owners. Living in a storage unit can increase the risk of fire, property damage, criminal activity, health hazards, and injuries, all of which can expose owners to significant risk. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps operators can take to discourage unauthorized occupancy and maintain a safe, professional facility.…