SSSE’s core values are Fun, Integrity, Drive, and Others-First. As part of our commitment to Others-First, we strive to educate our investors, partners, and the general public about self storage. The Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. This Frequently Asked Questions page is to serve as preparation for anyone interested in learning more about self storage and SSSE. The opportunities come when you sign up for SSSE’s investors list or buyers list by clicking the links in our menu bar. We hope to be lucky enough to work together.
If there are any questions that you have that are not answered below, please contact info@ssse.com
What are the most popular storage unit types?
Unit mix can tell you who a facility really serves.
More than half of consumer renters, 53 percent, and business renters, 58 percent, rent exterior access units, other known as drive-up. For consumer renters, the 10 foot by 10 foot has remained the most common unit size, with 5-by-10 units used by 21 percent of consumer renters. These details matter for site planning, acquisition diligence, and marketing. A drive-up facility may appeal to movers and small businesses. A multi-story climate-controlled facility may serve a different renter profile, typically a more densely populated urban market. The best operators match unit mix to local demand.
Why does answering the phone still matter?
In self storage, speed to lead can be the difference between rented and lost.
Fifty-seven percent of consumer renters rent from the first facility they contact, and 38 percent of both consumer and business renters first contact a facility by phone. That means missed calls are not minor operational issues. They are lost rentals. Whether you use on-site managers, remote management, a call center, or a hybrid model, the phone is still a core conversion channel. A buyer reviewing a facility should examine call logs, missed calls, lead response time, and close rates—not just occupancy.