The Self Storage Show

This AI-generated overview highlights key moments from Storage Meetup #64, a live, free-flowing discussion with owners, operators, and vendors across the self-storage industry. This storage industry meetup focused on operational efficiency and marketing. Revenue Control Systems showcased keypad tech, while experts debated SpareFoot ROI and lead management. Discussions covered optimizing Google Business Profiles, unit conversions, and AI-driven review videos. This episode is an overview, not a replacement for the live experience. To watch the full replay, view visuals, or join us live on Fridays, visit https://storagemeetup.com

This AI-generated overview highlights key moments from Storage Meetup #63, a live, free-flowing discussion with owners, operators, and vendors across the self-storage industry. The conversation features a deep dive with Monument on portfolio-wide operations, including hands-off software migrations, bulk reporting across facilities, and automation designed to improve lead response speed and conversion rates. Operators explore abandoned-cart follow-ups, lead analytics, duplicate-lead detection, and how response time directly impacts NOI. The group also digs into phone discipline, mystery shopping, dynamic tracking numbers, call center audits, and practical safety and training standards for on-site teams. Several operators validate the importance of configurable workflows and consistent follow-up as AI-driven search and calling continue to raise the cost of missed leads. This episode is an overview, not a replacement for the live experience. To watch the full replay, view visuals, or join us live on Fridays, visit https://storagemeetup.com

Is the era of guessing competitor occupancy over? In this episode, I'm reacting to a massive industry update recently shared by AJ Osborne and Noah from TractIQ. They revealed a shift in how data is collected that could fundamentally change how we underwrite deals in 2026—moving from "scraped" data to "verified" financial data. To help us digest this 50-minute deep dive, I utilized my AI research tools to generate a focused discussion on the key takeaways for operators. In this AI-generated breakdown, we cover: The difference between "implied" vs. "verified" occupancy data. Why the "Blind Spot" in self-storage investing is finally shrinking. How this impacts your feasibility studies moving forward. 🔗 SOURCE MATERIAL: This episode is a commentary and summary of original content produced by AJ Osborne. I highly recommend you watch the full video and subscribe to his channel here: https://youtu.be/eoi825L7ag8?si=ySeEImlo3evnw8uz

This episode is an AI-generated audio overview of Storage Meetup #62 (January 23, 2026) — a fast way to catch the key ideas without watching the full replay. Topics covered include proactive video monitoring and live security intervention, insights from visiting 300+ self-storage facilities nationwide, common operational blind spots among long-time owner-operators, and why answering the phone and staying engaged in marketing still matter more than most realize. The discussion also touches on grassroots marketing, digital channels like Nextdoor and Facebook, and how complacency can quietly erode performance as competition increases. Storage Meetups are designed to be joined live — cameras on, screens shared, and real conversations. To watch the full replay or learn how to join us live on Fridays, visit StorageMeetup.com.

This episode is an AI generated summary of key takeaways from the 2026 NYSSA Investor Forum, capturing how investor and lender expectations in self storage have fundamentally shifted. Speakers emphasized that the period of rapid rent growth and favorable cap rates has ended. The industry has entered a new normal defined by longer lease-up periods, conservative underwriting, and far less tolerance for optimistic assumptions. A recurring theme throughout the forum was the growing gap between physical occupancy and economic occupancy. While many operators can still fill units through aggressive introductory pricing, converting those tenants to sustainable market rates has become a major challenge. In this environment, success is no longer driven by market appreciation alone. Investors and lenders are prioritizing operational discipline, data driven decision making, realistic debt structures, and the ability to prove assumptions with real performance. This short episode distills the investor mindset coming out of the forum and highlights what operators and ownership groups need to demonstrate to win capital in today's market.

This episode is an AI generated summary of the Radius+ Forecast 2026, focused on how the self storage industry is moving out of the volatility of the pandemic years and into a more disciplined operating environment. The forecast highlights slower demand driven by low population mobility and soft home sales, increased reliance on introductory pricing, and the growing importance of revenue management. It also explores the growing divide between suburban and urban markets, with oversupply pressuring many suburban areas while urban locations remain more resilient. The report suggests the industry may be nearing a cyclical low, with recovery tied to reduced new construction and improved financing conditions. For investors and developers, the message is clear: future performance will depend less on market appreciation and more on disciplined site selection, realistic rent assumptions, and operational execution. This is a short, high level listen designed to surface the key takeaways without reading the full report.

In this episode of The Self Storage Show, you're listening to an AI-generated podcast summary created from Storage Meetup #61, a live weekly discussion with self-storage owners, operators, and industry professionals. Storage Meetup is a free, open conversation focused on real-world challenges in running self-storage facilities — from operations and marketing to pricing, technology, and AI. Topics covered in this episode include: The 2025–2026 self-storage investment outlook and pricing discipline What types of deals are selling versus sitting in today's market Why projection-based deals with heavy debt are struggling The importance of running a quarterly customer flow audit Testing your own rental funnel, phone numbers, forms, and payments How broken links, hidden phone numbers, and bad routing lose rentals Common Google Business Profile issues owners overlook A live hot-seat review of a facility stuck at ~30% occupancy This episode is a short AI-generated summary of the full Storage Meetup discussion. 🎥 To watch the full meetup replay or join future meetups live, visit: 👉 https://www.storagemeetup.com 📅 Storage Meetup happens live every Friday, and all owners, managers, and vendors are welcome.

This episode is an AI generated podcast overview from Storage Meetup #59, a special AI Jam Session edition. Instead of a formal presentation, this was a relaxed conversation where we explored AI together and shared what we are testing, learning, and experimenting with in real time. This overview is designed to help you quickly catch the highlights and themes from the session. If you want the full conversation or want to join us live, the Storage Meetup happens every Friday with a pre show hangout starting at 11:30 AM ET and the main session running from 12 to 1 PM ET. Join us live at StorageMeetup.com/live Add the meetup to your calendar at https://addcal.co/c/2lgtuq96ezjw Full original video source: https://youtu.be/l2BqK3KCiC0?si=ywug204cPYVjM5Jz

Join the weekly meetup where the self storage industry connects. Every Friday, owners, managers, and vendors in the self storage industry turn on their cameras, share ideas, and learn from one another. It's a space for real conversations, live demos, and community discussions that help you get more rentals, improve operations, and stay ahead of the curve. Schedule 11:30 AM ET – Pre-Show Hangout (network informally before we start) 12:00-1:00 ET – Main Session (Show & Tell, discussions, and live takeaways) 📅 Recorded on November 14, 2025 🎙 Hosted by Jim Ross, Storage Meetup 🔗 Join future Storage Meetups live: https://storagemeetup.com

This replay from the October 31, 2025 Storage Meetup captures a free-flowing discussion among owners, managers, and vendors across the industry. These unscripted sessions are where the best ideas often surface. Real stories, real challenges, and real solutions from people who live and breathe self storage every day. Hosted live by Jim Ross, Storage Meetup is where the industry comes together each week to connect, share, and improve. Watch the replay, jump into the comments, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of self storage. Join the community and register for upcoming sessions at www.StorageMeetup.com

The Storage Meetup is where self storage owners, managers, and vendors come together every week to learn, share, and grow. Hosted by Jim Ross of 3 Mile Storage Management, each episode features real conversations about self storage marketing, operations, automation, and AI — all focused on helping you improve your storage business and stay ahead of industry trends. 🔗 Join live sessions and access recordings at StorageMeetup.com 🎙 Presented by The Self Storage Show — the podcast that helps you dominate your 3-mile market.

Truth: If potential renters aren’t answering your calls or emails, it’s because your follow-up process is broken. Most storage owners assume a lead that doesn’t rent right away wasn’t serious—but the real issue is lack of follow-up. People get busy. They compare options. And the facility that stays in front of them wins the rental. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares how to fix your follow-up process so leads stop ghosting you—and start converting. Want my Self Storage Follow-Up Script to start converting more leads today? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Follow-Up Script”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. And the storage owners who embrace it will have the advantage. The biggest operators are already using AI for call handling, follow-ups, pricing, and customer support. If you’re still doing things manually, you’re falling behind. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares how AI is transforming self storage—and how you can start using it today to make more money and work less. Want my Self Storage AI Starter Guide to see exactly how AI can improve your business? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the AI Guide”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: If your storage business doesn’t run on systems, it runs on guesswork—and that’s costing you time and money. Many owners rely on memory and manual effort to keep things moving. But without clear, repeatable systems, things fall through the cracks—calls go unanswered, fees don’t get applied, and revenue stays inconsistent. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim breaks down how to stop winging it and start running a storage business that’s built to scale. Want my Self Storage Operations Playbook to help systematize your business? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Operations Playbook”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: The best self storage operators don’t wait for problems to show up—they constantly refine, adjust, and improve. Most owners only make changes when something breaks. But if you want consistent growth in revenue and occupancy, improvement has to be a daily habit—not a one-time fix. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim explains how top operators stay ahead by always testing, tracking, and evolving. Want my Self Storage Growth Checklist to make sure you’re always optimizing your business? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Growth Checklist”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: The way your manager handles the first phone call determines whether a customer rents with you—or your competitor. Most self storage managers answer the phone but don’t actually know how to close the deal. If they’re just giving out prices without creating urgency or asking for the rental, that customer is gone. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares the simple phone tactics that turn more calls into move-ins—without being pushy. Want my Self Storage Sales Call Script to help your team close more rentals over the phone? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Call Script”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: Curb appeal isn’t just about looks—it determines whether a customer walks in or drives to the next facility. First impressions happen before a tenant ever talks to your manager. If your facility looks rundown, messy, or outdated, potential renters will assume your service is the same. A clean, well-maintained property builds trust and attracts more walk-ins. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares the most common curb appeal mistakes and how to fix them fast to win more customers on the spot. Want my Self Storage Curb Appeal Checklist to make sure your facility always makes a great first impression? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Curb Appeal Checklist”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: If you’re not actively collecting reviews, your competitors are winning before a customer even calls you. When potential tenants search “storage near me,” they don’t just compare prices—they compare reputations. If your competitor has 100+ five-star reviews and you have 12 mediocre ones, they’re going to trust the other guy. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim breaks down the review mistakes that drive renters away—and the simple review strategy that brings them in. Want my Self Storage Review Request Template to start collecting more 5-star reviews today? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Review Template”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: If you’re not charging for add-ons like locks, admin fees, or tenant insurance, you’re leaving easy money on the table. Most self storage owners focus on rental rates to grow revenue. But the most profitable operators know that ancillary income—small fees and product sales—can add thousands to the bottom line without needing more tenants. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares the top missed revenue opportunities and how to start capturing more profit from every rental. Want my Self Storage Ancillary Revenue Guide to start making more without adding new tenants? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Revenue Guide”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com

Truth: If tenants don’t feel their belongings are safe, they won’t just move out—they’ll tell others to avoid your facility. Most self storage owners focus on occupancy and pricing. But if your property doesn’t feel secure, even satisfied tenants will second-guess their decision. And perception matters—small security lapses can cost you long-term customers. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares how to spot and fix common security mistakes that affect tenant trust—and your bottom line. Want my Self Storage Security Checklist to make sure your facility feels safe to every tenant? Email jim@3milestorage.com with the subject line “Send Me the Security Checklist”, and I’ll send it to you for free. 📞 Book a free consultation: https://www.3milestorage.com