Investor Insights Blog|The Self-Storage Industry: An Introduction for Investors
Real Estate
The following was written by guest blogger Scott Meyers.
Real estate is always a hot investment. Typically people think of flipping houses or rental units as good revenue sources, but there is another plan that is exceptionally profitable and smooth to operate.
The self-storage industry is resilient, even weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about investing in this profitable sector.
The short answer is that it tends to be a money-maker. People in America generally have lots of material objects and need places to store them!
When people move to a new area, downsize their homes in retirement, or when Millennials move back to their parents’ homes, it creates a temporary or even long-term need to store stuff. So, the demand is always there. Through recessions and booms alike, self-storage facilities have proven to be a smart investment.
Not only is the demand high, but the upkeep for you as the landlord is low compared to rental units or fixing up houses to resell. There are no tenants, no appliances to break down, and very rarely are people present on your property.
Also, even if you only end up renting about half of your units, you’ll likely still make some money since the breakeven point is usually about 40-45-percent capacity. This makes the investment low-risk.
The rate of return is typically about 11 percent as a landlord of a storage unit. This is a solid, respectable profit that rivals just about any other long-term investment.
It’s not completely passive income since you do have to sign on clients, advertise, and hand over the keys. But, the ongoing time commitment is not great day-to-day. You could even hire a part-time employee to handle those tasks and still come out far ahead.
Invest in storage offers the potential for large returns, but it doesn’t come without some costs. The initial investment will be significant, perhaps millions of dollars for the facility itself. For those who can afford the start-up cost, it’s worth it.
The ongoing costs are marketing, basic maintenance, security systems, and utilities if it’s climate-controlled.
Any business requires a solid business plan to be successful. But there is no need to re-invent the wheel. An experienced company can offer investors tools and plans to help them get started in the business.
Don’t give yourself more headaches or problems. Use a business strategy that successful people have utilized before you.
Video: Case studies about self-storage investing and more
To learn more about investing in the self-storage industry or read about our many success stories from satisfied investors, visit our website https://www.selfstorageinvesting.com/.
This investment type may not involve a glamorous outward appearance, but the typically high rate of return is quite attractive. For those investors that can afford the steep initial cost, this industry is a great addition to your investment portfolio.
About Scott Meyers
Scott Meyers is known as the nation’s leading expert in self-storage. He is the principal in 16 facilities totaling over 7,500 units and over 2 million square feet of storage. He is also the Founder and President of SelfStorageInvesting.com (Self-Storage Profits, Inc.), a leading Self-Storage education company that offers courses, live events, and mentoring/coaching. His company was started in 2006 for the purpose of acquiring, developing and operating self-storage facilities, and has raised over $20 million in syndicates and private equity partnerships to fuel their growth.
Scott Meyers is not an employee of Equity Trust Company. Opinions or ideas expressed are not necessarily those of Equity Trust Company nor do they reflect their views or endorsement. These materials are for informational purposes only. Equity Trust Company, and their affiliates, representatives and officers do not provide legal or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional.
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Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 06/30/2026.
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicySite Map
© 2026 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 06/30/2026.
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