hen MiniCo Insurance’s founder Hardy Good started producing a monthly newsletter to promote the company’s self-storage insurance products back in 1979, he had no way of knowing that Mini-Storage Messenger, “the original voice of the self-storage industry,” would become the most respected trade magazine within the steadily growing asset class. As its page count, issue frequency, and number of subscribers increased, Mini-Storage Messenger gradually developed into a full-fledged publication with a publishing department dedicated to its continued success and the development of additional storage-specific educational resources.

Now, more than 43 years and 40,000-plus pages later, Messenger magazine has once again been upgraded! Under new ownership, Mini-Storage Messenger has a new outlook and a new name, Modern Storage Media (MSM). To complement that progression, MSM has modernized its print and digital publications with a technology-focused approach and new features that elevate the reading experience for subscribers and advertisers alike. Though pushing the publishing envelop with advanced formats, MSM remains committed to providing high-quality content and sharing exclusive breaking news on its enriched website ModernStorageMedia.com. There’s no longer a need to scour the web for storage-related information, The Truth Is Right Here.

As MSM turns the page on its past as a publisher and transforms into a modern media company, it is elated to better serve the self-storage industry through its redesigned publications, revolutionary offerings, and website.

Welcome to our new chapter!

elcome to the all-new Messenger! After much anticipation, the time has finally arrived to share this cutting-edge version of the magazine with you!

Whether you are holding a pristine print copy or scrolling through the advanced digital edition, there are numerous modernizations throughout its pages to uncover. You’ve likely already noticed our new company name, Modern Storage Media, or MSM for short, and the magazine’s abridged title, Messenger—both of which align with our renewed emphasis on delivering timely, relevant, and expanded content aimed at enabling you to improve operations at your self-storage facilities.

elf-storage companies are rapidly adopting digital systems to improve their operations. The implementation of technology in self-storage facilities has led to numerous conveniences for both facility operators and tenants.

The modernization involves streamlining tasks such as renting procedures, accepting payments through online portals, implementing mobile access control, and leveraging video surveillance. By transitioning to online services, storage providers can not only enhance the customer experience but also systemize operations and enhance physical security measures. Leading vendors in this arena include SiteLink, Yardi, and storEDGE, all of which offer comprehensive digital management tools.

Through these vendors’ services, self-storage companies can create a seamless digital experience for their clients, with the intent of keeping sensitive data protected from potential cybersecurity threats. However, with this digitalization comes vulnerabilities and an increased risk of cyberattacks. From individual operators to the largest companies, the self-storage industry is realizing that it is not immune to the threats posed by cybercriminals.