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.