Longer-form thinking on where the market goes.
23 white papers
U.S. self-storage companies are expanding into Canada, lured by an undersupplied market and significant growth potential. The CEO and cofounder of Montreal Mini-Storage Group examines what this wave of billion-dollar investments means for Canadian operators and reveals the strategies they must adopt to compete…
Lots of self-storage operators sell retail products like locks, boxes, packing tape, and other moving and packing supplies. However, they don’t all know how or make the effort to maximize these sales. This type of merchandise not only increases revenue and draws in non-storage customers, it improves the tenant…
If you’re thinking about selling your self-storage facility, you’re no doubt focused on price. You want to maximize value and buyer appeal, and one of the most effective ways to do that is to increase net operating income. This doesn’t happen overnight; it takes planning. However, there are simple yet effective…
This is a viewpoint-commentary piece published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 that presents Alex Pardo's guidance on five methods for funding an initial self-storage facility investment without personal capital. The article addresses financing strategies within the self-storage sector.
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 addressing operational strategies for self-storage facilities serving elderly tenants, including guidance on managing interactions with renters experiencing cognitive decline.
Cost segregation is one of the most misunderstood tax strategies in commercial real estate, but it can be a quick way to improve a self-storage asset’s cash flow. Many owners overlook this opportunity due to common myths about complexity or eligibility. With recent tax-law changes making it even more valuable,…
Boat/RV storage may look like a simple business—just a dirt lot packed with vehicles, right? However, when developers and investors run the numbers, many find that the math doesn't work. While this product can be highly profitable in the right location, it requires a fundamentally different approach to market…
Sustainability is a hot-button issue in many industries. In self-storage, it offers opportunities to developers and operators alike, though not without challenges. Environmental considerations must be weighed against business objectives, and the path forward isn’t always clear. In this article, we explore how the…
In the self-storage industry, where tenant delinquencies can easily threaten facility profitability, successfully closing the gap between what the business is owed and what the operator is able to collect comes down to process. It’s important to track and manage past-due rent promptly, consistently and…
Self-storage operators have a powerful tool to deal with non-paying tenants: lien foreclosures. However, one small mistake can lead to serious legal trouble and costly wrongful-sale claims. Understanding the basic framework and staying on top of compliance requirements protects your business from one of the…
When evaluating potential loans, self-storage owners often focus on interest rate and total costs, but there’s a more critical factor. The monthly payment directly impacts a company’s cash flow, operational flexibility and ability to weather unexpected challenges. This is why some borrowers are considering express…
There are two critical forces reshaping the self-storage investment landscape right now, and they're changing the way buyers and sellers approach every deal. Unprecedented supply continues while housing turnover remains low, creating a perfect storm of stagnant occupancy and compressed pricing. A real estate…
Developing and breaking ground on a self-storage project is exciting, but it comes with challenges that can lead to costly mistakes. In this article, you’ll learn about three common pitfalls that can derail your construction timeline and budget, and get advice to help you avoid them. The author will help you…
Self-storage facility safety is paramount—non-negotiable, especially in today’s highly competitive market. Luckily, it doesn’t have to break the bank. By addressing the most common risks and implementing a few basic measures, you can create a secure environment for far less investment than you think. Read on for…
The way customers search for and compare self-storage facilities is different than it used to be. With more rentals beginning online, you need to capture attention in seconds. One way to do this is through video marketing. A visual representation of your business is a powerful tool that showcase its value, builds…
Your self-storage facility’s front office is more than a just a transactional space. It's the first impression that shapes customer confidence and trust in your business. Whether staffed daily or remotely managed, this critical touchpoint communicates your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s how to…
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 featuring insurance expert Terry Campbell discussing two essential insurance coverages for self-storage facility operators.
In today’s increasingly saturated self-storage markets, facility operators are discovering that they need to think beyond traditional sources of income if they want to compete for customers and maximize revenue. Many already offer ancillaries like moving/packing supplies, truck rentals and tenant insurance, but…
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 featuring self-storage owners Wayde Elliott and Angie Guerin of MakoRabco discussing their expertise and advice related to development in the self-storage sector.
The due-diligence period is an opportunity for the buyer of a real estate asset to carefully analyze the potential deal. Smart investors see this as an opportunity to uncover everything they need to know about the property before making a financial commitment. This practical guide to evaluating self-storage…
This is a viewpoint-commentary article published by Inside Self-Storage in July 2026 addressing pay-to-vacate programs, which are delinquency resolution approaches used by self-storage operators, and discussing the associated advantages, disadvantages, and legal considerations of this practice.
The self-storage lien-sale process can be intricate, time-consuming and risky, particularly if mistakes occur. No operator can afford to be on the wrong side of a wrongful-sale lawsuit. Automation can streamline the workflow, helping you safeguard your business and reduce employee time spent on this necessary task.…
Though it’s often undervalued by self-storage operators, tenant retention is one of the most impactful strategies for protecting and growing your facility revenue. A strong program can enhance customer satisfaction, reduce move-outs, and bolster net-operating income and facility value. Discover how to identify…