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By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e The headlines are everywhere: “Self-storage is the most resilient asset in real estate.” “Achieve passive income with storage.” While the success stories are real, there is an honest truth that often gets glossed over: Development is not a “get rich quick” scheme, and it isn’t for everyone . Many potential developers start the journey only to realize it doesn’t fit their lifestyle or long-term goals. At Storage Authority , we bel

Self-storage has earned a reputation as one of the most resilient and profitable real estate assets available today. We see the success stories everywhere, but here is the honest truth: it is not a "get rich quick" scheme, and it certainly is not for everyone. Many people start the journey toward development only to realize it doesn't fit their lifestyle or goals. Understanding why people walk away is actually the best way to determine if you have what it takes to cross the f

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e Population growth = self-storage demand. If you're eyeing self-storage development, one of the smartest first steps is spotting where demand is actually heading before you even start hunting for land. That's where the U-Haul Growth Index comes in handy. Check it out here: https://www.uhaul.com/About/Migration/ This free tool tracks real one-way truck rentals across the country, showing clear migration patterns. People voting with

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e In our latest webinar, we shared how to evaluate sites with more precision than most brokers. This recap covers the technical traps and the local strategies needed to build wealth this year. Key Takeaways from the Webinar 1. The Myth of Square Foot Per Capita . For decades, the industry relied on the 7-8 sq. ft. per capita rule. In 2026, this is a lagging indicator. The Flaw: It doesn't account for obsolete facilities (1980s style

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e The Russell 2000 and Your Next Storage Project: Why the Domestic Heartbeat is Thumping Again! If you have been watching the financial headlines lately, you have likely noticed the Russell 2000 index making waves. After years of large-cap dominance, small-cap stocks are finally finding their footing in this new 2026 economic landscape. But why should a self-storage developer care about a stock index? The answer is simple: The Russe

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e When developers evaluate a self-storage site, most focus on population density, household income, and square feet per capita. But one critical factor often overlooked until it’s too late is the Department of Transportation (DOT) research . DOT issues can quietly derail a self-storage project through access limitations, future road expansions, or driveway restrictions that weren’t obvious during initial due diligence. Experienced d

In the world of self-storage development, "wait and see" is often the most expensive strategy you can adopt.

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e If you’ve been watching the self-storage industry from the sidelines, 2026 is shaping up to be the year to finally get in the game. After the post-pandemic "boom and cooling" cycle, the market has reached a unique point of stabilization. The "wild west" era of 2021 is over, replaced by a sophisticated, tech-driven landscape that rewards smart new entrants. Here is why 2026 is the perfect year to start your self-storage journey. 1.

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e Franchise owners ask smart questions. One asked what percent stock means and why it matters. The answer shapes how you read supply pressure in any market. Percent stock measures the share of new storage space delivered compared to the total space already in place at the start of the period . It gives you a fast read on supply pressure. You see how much new space is hitting a market compared to what already exists. A higher percen

By Garrett Byrd Storage  Authority Franchis e In self-storage development, this isn't just motivation—it's the blueprint. From site scouting to ribbon-cutting, the journey is a marathon of zoning battles, permitting hurdles, and construction delays. Most drop out at the first "no" from planners or rising material costs. But the 1%? They rinse & repeat, adapt, and grind. Here's a streamlined 5-Step Development Process to compound your wins : Site Selection & Due Diligence : H