Storage Speak

Protecting Your Self-Storage Business: A Full-Time Job

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:30:00 GMT

There are many facets to protecting a self-storage business. In addition to hiring top employees to ensure daily operations are successful, self-storage owners also need to consider the security of their site, maintenance of buildings and

5 Tips for Launching a Creative Marketing Campaign

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:30:00 GMT

Every marketing campaign has the potential to be great—or fail miserably. For self-storage operators, finding new ways to say, “store here” is daunting, to say the least. Here are five questions operators should ask themselves when creating a

Attracting the Commercial Self-Storage Customer

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:30:00 GMT

It seems the long-promised economic recovery is taking some baby steps. And while we’re by no means out of the woods, seeing new businesses open their doors is a positive sign. For self-storage operators, it could mean an uptick in commercial

Operators Weigh in on the Top Rules of Self-Storage Rental Agreements

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Never before has the self-storage rental agreement been more important. More than just a piece of paper with a few signatures, the rental agreement is a binding contract that can be used in court to either demolish a storage operator or save him.

Earth Hour: How Can Self-Storage Operators Participate?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:38:00 GMT

This Saturday people around the world will unplug for one hour between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. to support Earth Hour. On a personal level, turning out the lights for an hour is pretty simple. For businesses, it’s a bit more complicated—but it is doable.

Inside Self-Storage World Expo Kicks Off Today in Las Vegas

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:38:00 GMT

The Inside Self-Storage World Expo opened today in Las Vegas with a bang. Today’s opening session featured a panel of self-storage heavy-hitters who discussed the industry’s status, online marketing, acquisitions and more.

Are You Open? Determining Your Self-Storage Facility Hours

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:44:00 GMT

Operating hours is a critical consideration for every self-storage facility. All facilities differ, with some open 24 hours, seven days a week, while others may be closed during the night hours or even on a weekday or Sunday.

Self-Storage Operators: Are You Saving for Retirement?

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:30:00 GMT

For most of us, retirement is a magical place we can only hope to reach. Yes, we’ll all reach an age where we can longer do the day-to-day grind, but few of us believe Social Security will fund our lifestyles—modest as they may be. So we’ve turned

Self-Storage Marketing: What We Can Learn From Super Bowl Ads

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:30:00 GMT

The Super Bowl is as famous for its creative and fun ads as it is the actual game. And while self-storage operators don’t have multi-million-dollar marketing budgets like these advertisers, they do have one thing in common with these big-name

Self-Storage Collections: Making the Dreadful Task Successful ... and Pleasant

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:57:00 GMT

Let’s face it, collections will likely never be a favorite part of a self-storage operator's job. Unfortunately, it’s a must, much like cleaning gutters or enforcing the no-smoking rule. However, having a plan in place and developing collection

Self-Storage in the Holiday Spirit: A Look at Operators’ Charitable Experiences

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:39:00 GMT

While I’ve written about dozens of amazing charitable acts in the last few weeks, I wanted to share a few I found particularly special, plus one company’s special holiday hello.

Celebrating the Season at Your Self-Storage Facility ... Tastefully

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:41:00 GMT

Of course, everyone wants to have a good time during the holidays, but it all needs to be in good taste. That means everything from your self-storage facility's decorations to community or staff parties should be in line with your company’s policies

Black Friday Shopping for Self-Storage Operators: Get Your 2012 ISS Factbook and Membership

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:30:00 GMT

Skip the crowds at the mall this year and take advantage of these two ISS offerings. They'll help you kick off a prosperous 2012 for your self-storage facility.

Weighing in on Mandatory Tenant Insurance in Self-Storage

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:46:00 GMT

Self-Storage Talk members are debating the benefits and drawbacks of mandatory tenant insurance, while ISS and Bader Co. will offer a free webinar Dec. 8 to show operators how it can be a profit center.

Self-Storage Marketing: Gaining Support and Know-How

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:10:00 GMT

While marketing is a huge part of every self-storage facility’s ultimate success, operators often struggle with it. One of the reasons is a lack of budget. Marketing dollars have to compete with replacing unit doors and roofs, purchasing new

ISS Expo Kicks Off in Tacoma, Wash., With Education, Networking Events

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:45:00 GMT

The Inside Self-Storage World Expo begins today in Tacoma, Wash., with a full day of educational seminars, the popular Self-Storage Q&A and the opening of the exhibit hall. Today’s education features a variety of topics, including a new track

Self-Storage Tenant Insurance: Are Your Customers Covered?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:37:00 GMT

Making sure your self-storage business is covered with adequate insurance is a no-brainer. But what about your tenants? Are they covered in case of a fire, break-in or other loss? Read on to learn more about tenant insurance and how it factors into

9/11 and Self-Storage Security: What’s Changed?

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:22:00 GMT

It's been 10 years since the 9/11 terrorist attack, but the need to be vigilant is still very real. Read what self-storage operators think about today's facility security measures and how that fateful day shaped the way operators rent units.

Buying Power: Does Your Self-Storage Cater to the Female Audience?

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:26:00 GMT

It’s often been said women account for 85 percent of all purchases. So the question is: Do your products and services cater to the bulk of the market share? Some self-storage operators have made sure they’re reaching this demographic.

ISS Takes a Closer Look at Canadian Self-Storage

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:04:00 GMT

In recent weeks, ISS has taken a closer look at self-storage in the Canadian market, offering articles on new construction obstacles, legal concerns and day-to-day challenges. One thing is certain: Self-storage is becoming a very robust industry in