s we emerge from a post-COVID landscape, the self-storage industry finds itself in a more balanced yet evolving market. The pandemic fueled a surge in demand, driving an aggressive period of new facility construction, expansions, and acquisitions. However, as we approach a more normalized environment, it’s time to recalibrate our approach to planning, constructing, and phasing storage projects.

First, planning must be increasingly data driven. During the pandemic, demand trends were often immediate and straightforward: People needed space, fast. Today, those demands are tempered, so understanding local market conditions and demographics is essential. What’s the regional growth outlook? What industries or populations in your area may be driving storage demand? A strong feasibility study becomes the foundation of success, especially as the focus shifts from rapid expansion to sustainable, community-focused projects.

Construction now calls for a renewed focus on thoughtful choices. In this period of stabilization, consider investments that enhance efficiency, whether through materials that improve climate control (a crucial need in Canada’s harsh winters), designs that streamline traffic flow, or technology that elevates customer experience. By prioritizing these types of building practices, owners can position themselves to better adapt to fluctuations in demand and ensure long-term resilience.

Phasing projects becomes key in this stabilized market. Rather than opening a facility at full capacity, a phased approach allows flexibility to expand or pause based on occupancy trends. This helps manage costs and maintain a steady cash flow. In some cases, reserving part of a facility as flexible storage space allows for adjustments to the unit mix based on market demand.

In the current “normal,” a focus on operational efficiency, strong market research, and incremental expansion will help stabilize growth. Rather than chasing the surge, we’re planning for the long haul.

This steadier demand should prompt owners to build smarter, expand thoughtfully, and continuously refine their strategy to stay adaptable for future shifts.