secrets to rent 100 units in your first month. Wow!! (How Your First Month of Renting Units Predicts Self Storage Success.)
- Marc Goodin
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
by Marc Goodin. Self storage success and failure are visable the first month you open. Failure occures the first 1 to 2 years of opening and starts with low rental numbers in your first month. Most failures are due to cash flow problems and not the viability of the business. Owners do not have enough cash or cash flow from the business to pay the loan and pay expenses beefore they rent up to break even point. When this happens they often sell the facility at a reduced profit to stop the bleading.
Granted failure is unlikly and few and far between. Self storage has one f the lowest failure rates of any real estate bussiness, But why not rent rent up faster & put money in your pocket sooner?
There are just 2 ways to eliminate this problem of slow rent ups.
1) Have carring cost for 2- 3 years in the bank or;
2) Rent up faster!. The key is around the clock Pre opening marketing that starts when construction starts.
You can learn pre opeing marketing secrets by joining us December 18, 2025 at 11 EST for our 20 minutre flash webinar. Sign up today. Ready to double or triple your rentals in month one? Just 20 minutes of rapid fire proven mundane and secrets to rent up fast secrets.
Here is the link: https://royal-blue-raccoon.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/10739338/register.
Don't lose $55,000 because of 20 minutes.
If enough people in the 5 mile radius have heard or have seen your name a dozen times before you open, you will more than doule and triple your month one rent up and not have to worry about cash flow.
All the fofllowing is by AI so becareful as AI seems to water down everythig and even give bad advice. I especailly love the bad advice below that if your first month rentals are low don't Panic. What kinda of terible advice is that? You should have been panicing 4 months before your opened beecause you were not doing the required work to rent up 60 to 100 units month one.
AI does not understading the value of following a proven pre opening & post opening sales & marketing program
All by AI:
Starting a self storage business can feel like stepping into the unknown. One question often on the minds of new operators is how to measure early success and predict long-term performance. A simple but powerful indicator exists: the number of units rented in the first month. This initial rental activity reveals much about your business’s potential and offers clues on how to adjust your strategy for growth.
In this post, we will explore why the first month matters so much, what factors influence early rentals, and how to use this information to build a thriving self storage operation.
Why The First Month Is a Strong Predictor
The first month of renting units acts as a real-world test of your business model, marketing efforts, and customer appeal. Here’s why it matters:
Market Demand Validation
Renting units quickly shows there is genuine demand in your area. If customers sign leases early, it means your location, pricing, and unit sizes match what people need.
Marketing Effectiveness
Your ability to attract renters depends on how well you promote your facility. Early rentals reflect how well your advertising, signage, and outreach connect with potential customers.
Operational Readiness
A smooth rental process, clear communication, and helpful staff encourage customers to commit. Early leasing success indicates your team and systems are ready to serve.
Cash Flow Start
Renting units in the first month generates immediate income, helping cover expenses and fund further growth.
If your facility struggles to rent units early, it signals the need to revisit your approach before problems deepen.
Factors That Influence First Month Rentals
Several key elements affect how many units you rent during your opening month. Understanding these can help you prepare and respond effectively.
Location and Accessibility
A facility located near residential neighborhoods, businesses, or transit routes naturally attracts more renters. Easy access and visible signage increase walk-ins and inquiries.
Competitive Pricing
Setting prices too high can deter early renters, while pricing too low may hurt profitability. Research local competitors and find a balance that offers value without sacrificing revenue.
Unit Variety and Condition
Offering a range of unit sizes meets diverse storage needs. Clean, secure, and well-maintained units build trust and encourage rentals.
Marketing and Outreach
Effective marketing includes online listings, local advertising, partnerships with moving companies, and community engagement. Early buzz drives traffic and rentals.
Customer Service
Friendly, knowledgeable staff who respond quickly to questions and provide clear rental terms make a strong first impression.
How to Use First Month Data to Improve
Tracking your rental numbers and customer feedback during the first month provides actionable insights.
Analyze Rental Patterns
Identify which unit sizes rent fastest and which remain vacant. Adjust your inventory or marketing focus accordingly.
Evaluate Marketing Channels
Determine which advertising methods brought the most inquiries and leases. Invest more in successful channels.
Gather Customer Feedback
Ask new renters what attracted them and what could improve. Use this to refine your service and facility features.
Adjust Pricing if Needed
If units rent slowly, consider limited-time discounts or promotions to boost interest.
Improve Operational Efficiency
Streamline rental paperwork, enhance signage, or train staff based on early experiences.
Real-World Example
A self storage facility in a suburban area opened with 150 units. In the first month, they rented 45 units, about 30% occupancy. This strong start indicated good market fit and effective marketing. They noticed smaller units rented faster, so they focused advertising on those sizes and added more small units in future expansions. They also learned that online booking was popular, so they improved their website’s reservation system. Within six months, occupancy reached 70%, confirming the early rental pace predicted success.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Slow Initial Rentals
If your first month rentals are low, don’t panic. Review your marketing, pricing, and customer service. Consider hosting open houses or partnering with local businesses to increase visibility.
High Competition
In saturated markets, differentiate your facility with unique features like climate control, 24/7 access, or enhanced security. Highlight these benefits in your promotions.
Operational Hiccups
Early operational issues can discourage renters. Train staff thoroughly and create clear rental procedures to ensure smooth customer experiences.
Final Thoughts on First Month Rentals
Your first month of renting units offers a clear window into your self storage business’s future. Strong early rentals show you are meeting market needs and running an effective operation. Use this period to gather data, listen to customers, and make smart adjustments.
If your first month falls short, treat it as a learning opportunity. With focused effort, you can turn things around and build a successful self storage business.