Plain, sourced guidance for independent self storage operators.
The independent operator's handbook. For people starting, buying or running one to ten facilities. Every figure links to its source.
Start here
Start or buy a facility
Guides for people who do not own a facility yet: feasibility studies, zoning, financing, building costs, unit mix and buying an existing site.
10 guides
Legal and operations
The legal side of running self storage: lien laws by state, rental agreement clauses, delinquent tenants, auctions and tenant protection plans.
6 guides
Run it well
Day-to-day operations for independent self storage facilities: the opening checklist, rental rates, staffing and security, from opening day onward.
4 guides
Industry data
Self storage industry statistics, occupancy explained, a glossary of operator terms and an events calendar, with every number linked to its source.
4 guides
Featured guide
Self storage lien laws by state
Self storage lien laws for all 50 states: the statute, notice rules, notice method, sale advertising and waiting periods, each linked to the official text.
Latest guides
Legal and operations
Self storage lien laws by state
Self storage lien laws for all 50 states: the statute, notice rules, notice method, sale advertising and waiting periods, each linked to the official text.
Start or buy a facility
How to Start a Self Storage Business: Step by Step
The steps to start an independent self storage business: choosing a path, market research, site, structure, financing, operations and lease-up.
Start or buy a facility
Self Storage Business Plan: A Template Lenders and Partners Can Use
A self storage business plan template with fill-in tables for market, feasibility, unit mix, budget, financing, operations and a revenue projection method.
Start or buy a facility
Is Self Storage a Good Investment? How Facilities Earn and Where the Risks Are
Is self storage a good investment? How storage facilities earn money, the main risks, and what the big REITs reported in their fiscal 2025 10-K filings.
Start or buy a facility
Self storage feasibility study: what it covers
What a self storage feasibility study covers, who prepares one, and how to test its trade area, supply, rate and lease-up assumptions.
Start or buy a facility
Cost to Build a Self Storage Facility: What Goes Into the Budget
The cost categories in a self storage construction budget, from land and site work to doors, soft costs and contingency, with a worked example.