Let me share what I’ve gathered about the state of the self-storage industry halfway through 2025. This is based on the latest Yardi Matrix data, Radius insights, REIT shareholder reports, and—just as importantly—my own observations and experience in the trenches. I...

We all know the usual add-ons for self-storage projects by now, like tenant insurance, retail items, and truck rental. Let’s discuss some new possibilities for the modern project today. These are just a few outside-the-box ideas that could generate extra revenue that...

Last week, we started a conversation about how to organize a management operation for your small, automated self-storage facility. This week, we’ll wrap it up. If you missed Part 1, here is a link: https://youtu.be/qPhpPU1WJHc Let’s finish this week and discuss how,...

Recently, I’ve been working closely with several people who are either purchasing or developing automated self-storage facilities. Naturally, the conversation quickly turns to one thing: how are we going to manage them? I am also reinventing how I will manage...

Two weeks ago, we began a series outlining the five phases our construction company uses when developing self-storage projects in today's unpredictable environment. This is the same process we use ourselves—and you can use it too, especially if you're doing a solo...

Last week, we started a series outlining what our construction company uses as a general outline for developing self-storage projects in today's uncertain world. This series aims to bring in a development project, or an expansion or conversion, in a manner that...

Given the continued high cost of existing self-storage facilities for sale and the challenges of getting into the business, let's discuss the development steps for smaller investors. Or at least my take on the development process for the smaller player in the space....

The Inside Self Storage Expo 2025 is coming up next week in Las Vegas, and I’ll be there. I make it a point to attend at least one self-storage convention a year to stay sharp—tracking trends, seeing new products, and deepening relationships in the industry. Events...

Let’s talk about charity work and your self-storage business. As business owners—especially those of us making a living in a particular trade area, city, or region—I believe we owe something back. We should contribute in some way as good corporate neighbors. Let’s...

Cash-on-cash and IRR look simple, but many investors don't really know what goes into them. I walk through a real proforma in Excel to show exactly how each one is calculated and what it tells you about a deal. Full write-up: Read the blog post New to self storage?...