The Self Storage Show

The most expensive thing at your self storage facility isn't your property, payroll, or marketing—it's your empty units. Every vacant unit is lost recurring revenue , yet many storage owners don't realize how much money they're leaving on the table. For example: 📌 If your average unit rent is $150/month and you have 10 empty units , that's $1,500 lost every month —or $18,000 per year from just 10...

If you're not charging (or enforcing) late fees, you're losing thousands in revenue every year. Many self storage owners hesitate to enforce late fees because they don't want to upset tenants. But here's the truth: Late fees aren't about punishment—they're about behavior. If you don't enforce them, tenants have no reason to pay on time, leading to more delinquencies and costly auctions. In this ep...

If you're not optimizing your Google Business Profile, you're handing customers to your competitors. Most self storage owners focus on ads and promotions, but when people need storage, the first thing they do is Google "storage near me." If your facility isn't showing up at the top, your competitor is getting the call instead of you. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile , I'll show you the thr...

If your self storage facility isn't filling up, it's not just a marketing problem—it's a follow-up problem. Most storage owners think they need to spend more on ads or lower their prices when leads don't convert. But the truth is, most leads don't rent because no one follows up . In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile , I'll show you the real reason your occupancy is stuck —and the simple fix th...

Self storage owners—your rental process might be costing you move-ins. Today's renters expect fast, seamless online rentals. If they have to call, visit in person, or wait for office hours, they'll book with a competitor who makes it easier. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile , I'll show you the biggest mistakes storage owners make in their rental process—and how to fix them to convert more...

Self storage owners—your facility's condition determines whether customers stay or leave. If you're not regularly inspecting your property, your tenants are—and they notice the small details that you might overlook. In this episode of 3 Mile Management Minute , I'll show you the most common maintenance issues that cause customers to leave—and the simple steps to keep your facility in top shape. Wh...

Self storage owners—your biggest revenue opportunity isn't in empty units. It's in the tenants you already have. If you're only raising rates for new move-ins, you're leaving thousands of dollars on the table every single month . In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile , I'll show you a simple rate adjustment strategy that can increase your revenue—without losing customers. What You'll Learn: The...

Self storage owners—how many rentals are you losing every day because of bad phone calls? If your managers aren't trained to sell on the phone , they're just giving out prices and hoping customers call back. Most don't. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile , I'll show you exactly what's going wrong—and the simple fix that can turn more phone calls into move-ins. What You'll Learn: The #1 mista...

🚀 Thinking about switching your self storage site to new management software? In this video, Jim Ross breaks down the key steps to make the transition smooth and stress-free. From cleaning up your data to training your staff and keeping tenants informed – we've got you covered. Need help with the process? Head over to www.3milestorage.com and let's chat!

Transform your self storage customer service training with the latest in AI technology! In this webinar, Jim Ross showcases how to leverage ChatGPT's advanced voice feature to improve sales call flow and role-play customer service scenarios with real-world accuracy. Here's what you'll take away: How to integrate ChatGPT's voice feature into your training. • Effective techniques for sales call simu...

🚀 I'm absolutely loving the endless possibilities AI offers! Recently, I decided to play around with Google's Notebook LM, and what happened next was mind-blowing . 🤯 In just a few clicks, it created a 10-minute podcast featuring two hosts discussing my book, "3 Zones Of Excellence" from 3 Mile Storage Management! 🎙️📚 The conversation was so realistic and engaging, it felt like a genuine podcas...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the strategic opportunity of leveraging a local military base to increase self-storage rentals. Military personnel often need storage solutions due to relocations, deployments, and limited on-base housing. Learn how to connect with your local base, build partnerships, and effectively market your facility to attract military customers. If you'r...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," I share a memorable story from my early days in the self-storage business—the first unit I ever sold at auction. Imagine my surprise when that unit turned out to contain a vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle! Discover the unexpected and exciting aspects of running a self-storage facility, and learn why every auction is full of surprises and opportunities....

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we dive into the reality of self-storage move-in specials and how the "genie is out of the bottle." Once these promotions became a staple in the industry, there's no turning back. Learn how to strategically use move-in specials to attract customers while maintaining your facility's profitability and competitiveness. If you're looking to navigate the worl...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we talk about the importance of giving your self-storage business a regular "health checkup." Just like you go in for routine checkups to ensure your health, your business needs the same attention to stay in top shape. Learn how to evaluate your operations, identify areas for improvement, and ensure your self-storage facility is running at peak performan...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we break down the key rate definitions used in the self-storage industry. From standard rates to promotional rates, and everything in between, understanding these terms is essential for maximizing revenue and ensuring clarity with your customers. Learn how to effectively communicate rate structures and make the most of your pricing strategies. If you're...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we highlight a staggering statistic: There are now just as many self-storage facilities in the U.S. as there are Subway, McDonald's, and Starbucks locations—combined! This explosive growth in the self-storage industry reflects the increasing demand and opportunities in the market. Learn what this means for your business and how you can stand out in a cro...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore the concept of constant and never-ending improvement in your self-storage business. Learn why continuous enhancement of your operations, customer service, and marketing strategies is crucial for staying ahead in the competitive self-storage industry. Discover practical tips for fostering a culture of improvement that drives long-term success....

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we tackle the critical question: Are you wasting your PPC ad dollars by directing traffic to a subpar website? Learn how an ineffective website can undermine your pay-per-click advertising efforts and discover strategies to optimize your site for better results. Ensure your PPC investment drives real value and conversions for your self-storage business....

Introducing our "3 Minutes Vendor Spotlight" segment featuring StorageReach. StorageReach is an automated platform built for storage facilities. It helps boost online visibility by gaining reviews, gathering valuable customer feedback, and managing your online reputation. All without breaking the bank! Learn how StorageReach can enhance your self storage business and drive success by scheduling a...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the importance of community and support for self-storage owners. Learn how leveraging resources, networks, and partnerships can help you overcome challenges and achieve greater success. Discover the benefits of not going it alone and how connecting with others in the industry can enhance your business. If you're ready to find support and resou...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we dive into the critical question of customer acquisition costs. Understanding how much you're willing to spend to acquire a new customer is essential for budgeting and marketing strategies. If you're ready to refine your customer acquisition strategy and maximize your marketing budget, visit www.3milestorage.com to connect with us today. Let's discuss...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore the benefits of filming and uploading a 30-second video to the photos section of your Google Business Profile. This quick and engaging video can significantly enhance your online presence, attract more customers, and provide a dynamic view of your self-storage facility. Learn practical tips on creating an effective video and maximizing its imp...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the crucial steps of taking photos and videos to document the process when prepping a unit for self-storage auction. This documentation not only ensures transparency but also helps resolve any disputes and provides a clear record of the unit's condition. Learn practical tips on how to effectively document your auction preparation process. If y...

In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we delve into the process of interviewing and hiring the ideal self-storage manager. A great manager can significantly impact your facility's success by ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service. Learn effective strategies for conducting interviews and selecting the right candidate to manage your self-storage business. If you're ready to...