Yes, self storage has performed well during past recessionary times. Let’s go over some stats you can use with partners, lenders, and investors. But… all this data is interesting but mostly irrelevant when it comes to deciding on a self storage project. Let’s discuss...

I was asked to write an article on self storage as an investment vehicle to fund one's retirement. I almost turned down the assignment because I have such a strong opinion about the retirement advisories and wealth advisors' industry. I need to say I am not an...

For most of our facilities, in 2020 & 2021, what do you think was the number one source of new leases? If you guessed the internet, you are close. But as a portfolio, what is the number one source of our new lease? Let me share with you in a quick episode what it...

“Referrals” as a source of new self storage leases average between 10% on the low end to 40% on the high end per quarter between 2016 and 2021. We do our best to track everything, including where our new leases come from, and referrals have always been a very high...

If you do it right in your self storage facility, you can create a lot of additional income and value for yourself by having the right additional sources of revenue. Even in managerless, automated projects, one can create a high percentage of additional revenue. But...

Will Rising Interest Rates Cool Off the Self Storage Market? Or at least the acquisition side of it? In my opinion, that wouldn’t be all bad. But I have my doubts. Let me share my observations and thoughts about where we are currently, July 2022, concerning possible...

Jonathan, the person who works with me on providing the content I produce supporting small investors getting in, or growing their self storage business, suggested I consider writing something on security options for people building or rehabbing a facility. It always...

This self storage episode will be short but could be worth, let’s say, $40,000 of value. Perhaps worth watching. I am talking about a specific way to increase retail sales. And we have done one thing that really has dramatically increased our retail sales. Let me...

I was reminded by a friend and someone I have been working with for a number of years just how naive I was four or five years ago about the self storage industry. I remember writing and saying, “With all the data and technology available today, there is no need for...

The self storage business is competitive. Lots of new space is coming or just came online. Probably in your market. Much of our strategies as small business owners and small self storage operators are to automate and cut down on payroll costs to be competitive and...