Modern Storage Media (MSM), formerly known as Mini-Storage Messenger, is the most trusted source for self-storage news, data, and insights.
This issue of the all-new digital publication of Messenger is brought to you by PTI Security Systems!
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Spotlights
Janus International
Nokē ONE is an electronic smart lock that fits on the outside of the individual self-storage unit door.
Tenant Inc.
Tenant Inc. is a SaaS platform built by and for storage operators. We develop tools that make self storage businesses more efficient and profitable.
Learn More
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MSM: Modern Storage Media
Self-Storage Industry News, Data & Insights Since 1979
Modern Storage Media (MSM), formerly known as Mini-Storage Messenger, is the most trusted source for self-storage news, data, and insights. Founded by Hardy Good and currently run by publisher Poppy Behrens, the publication has been providing self-storage owners, operators, managers, investors, suppliers, and vendors with stories that engage and inform.
MSM also updates daily or weekly self-storage news, self-storage sales and acquisitions, self-storage openings, and self-storage new hires and promotions. The MSM website includes MSM Exclusives and Online Exclusives, a growing self-storage video library, interviews with industry experts, and MSM PLAY, a roundup of the top self-storage podcasts all in one place.
MSM’s self-storage news and exclusives are conveniently categorized into a variety of topics so readers can quickly find the articles and information important to them!
MSM Book, Magazine, and Digital Publications include:
Messenger Magazine
Self-Storage Canada
Self-Storage Almanac
RV & Boat Development Handbook
Self-Storage Development Handbook
Self-Storage Expense Guidebook
Self-Storage Top Operators Kit
Self-Storage Maintenance Guide
Law & Storage
MSM Weekly / MSM Weekend
Legal Minute With Scott Zucker
Self-Storage Statistics With Noah Starr
Change My Mind With Travis Morrow
MSM Buyer’s Guide
MSM Vendor Insights
MSM XTRA
MSM Whitepapers
MSM Webinars
Self-Storage Architecture
Covering everything that goes into a good self-storage design: structure, stories, unit mix, elevators, amenities, landscaping, building materials, and more.
Self-Storage Charity
Giving back to the community through outlets like Charity Storage, Charity Gives, Storage Treasures, and more.
Self-Storage Construction
Building, development, conversions and more, with many articles authored by experts from companies like MakoRabco, Trachte Building Systems, TLW Construction, Kiwi, Avid, Baja, Caliber, Capco, SBS, Paramount Metal Systems, Elevate, and more.
Self-Storage Data
Statistics and numbers regarding occupancy, rates, new builds, lease-ups, and more, featuring data from TractIQ, Radius+, Newmark, Prorize, Veritec, Sparebox, Yardi Matrix, Tenant, Inc. and more.
Self-Storage Due Diligence
Articles informing self-storage developers and investors on the steps to take to be sure a site is viable.
Self-Storage Facility of the Year
MSM’s yearly contest, with past winners in categories including overall, construction, conversion, international, and smart facility. Past winners include Extra Space, StorEase, Storelocal, Morningstar Storage, Compass Self-Storage, Mr. [B], and others.
Self-Storage Financing
Articles about industry financing, many authored by experts from Newmark, SPMI, Live Oak Bank, and The BSC Group.
Self-Storage Insurance & Risk Management
Keeping you informed when it comes to property insurance, tenant insurance, and more. We also cover the impact storms and weather incidents can have on self-storage costs, and go in-depth with stories on self-storage fires, self-storage hazards, and more.
Self-Storage International
Taking you overseas for a look at the players in the industry in other countries. From Shurgard to Storhub, Kennards to Big Yellow. We also focus on Self-Storage in Canada, featuring XYZ Storage, Bluebird Self Storage, Access Storage, Montreal Mini Storage, StorageMart, and more.
Self-Storage Investing
Articles to help you get started or get smarter when it comes to investing in self-storage. We talk to the experts about self-storage markets, supply, demand, and more.
Self-Storage Legal & Crime
Legal topics on pressing issues such as ECRIs (Existing Customer Rate Increases), self-storage bans, leases, liens, auctions, and more. We also cover self-storage crime, from burglaries and theft to arson and property damage.
Self-Storage Maintenance
Keeping your facility up to date with self-storage technology or physical property maintenance (painting, asphalt, landscaping, doors, access gates, etc).
Self-Storage Management
This topic covers everything from labor and employee issues (hiring, firing, promoting, etc) to maintaining your facility and providing superior customer service for tenants.
Self-Storage Management Software
Improving or upgrading your self-storage facilities through property management software such as Tenant, Inc. and Storable and revenue management systems.
Self-Storage Manager of the Year
MSM’s yearly competition to find the best of the best when it comes to self-storage managers.
Self-Storage Marketing & Promotion
Highlighting the best ways to market and promote self-storage, through online initiatives (we look at self-storage websites, SEO, paid ads, Google Business, and more) and traditional self-storage advertising (direct mail, billboards, sponsorships).
Self-Storage Operations
Covering everything involved in the day-to-day operations of a self-storage facility, as well as looking at long-term solutions.
Self-Storage People
Articles highlighting major players in self storage, many from MSM’s cover stories. We’ve highlighted Joe Margolis (Extra Space), Joe Shoen (U-Haul), Lance Watkins (Tenant, Inc), Ramey Jackson (Janus International), Ken Nitzberg (Devon Self Storage), Mike and Cris Burnam (StorageMart), Michael Schwartz (SmartStop), Cliff & Brad Minsley and Andrew Capranos (10 Federal), Guy Middlebrooks and Christopher Marr (CubeSmart), David Cramer (NSA), Joe Russell (Public Storage), Anne Ballard, AJ Osborne, Troy Downing, Jefferson Shreve, Pam Dominque, and many more.
Self Storage Portable Storage
In-depth looks at the benefits of portable or relocatable storage, including Boxwell, U-Box, Stellar Storage, Go Mini’s, and more.
Self-Storage Remote Management
With more self-storage companies becoming unmanned facilities or hybrid self-storage facilities, this covers the pros and cons, remote management technology, and what the future holds.
Self-Storage Retail Products
Retail or ancillary self-storage items can be a secondary revenue stream. Self-storage retail products like locks, boxes, wrap, and even moving trucks can help bring in additional profit. DaVinci Lock contributes to several stories.
Self-Storage RV & Boat
Articles highlighting the growing trend of adding RV and boat parking and units to self-storage facilities.
Self-Storage Security
Padlocks, fences, and gates are no longer enough. This topic often dives into new self-storage security technologies, including high-tech cameras, keypads, locks, drones, AI, facial recognition, biometrics, and more. OpenTech Alliance and PTI Security Systems are frequent contributors!
Self-Storage Specialty Storage
Niche storage can work, especially in the right market, including fine art storage, wine storage, business centers, shipping and receiving, and so on.
Self-Storage Technology
Rapidly advancing technologies in self-storage include AI, IoT, smart locks, mobile apps, RM solutions, and more. You’ll hear from industry innovators such as Janus International, Tenant, Inc., Storable, Storage Commander, Prorize, SpareBox Technologies, nodaFi, and more.
Self-Storage Transactions
In-depth looks at major sales and acquisitions, mergers, and management moves.
