Self-Storage Winter Product Releases to Make You Smile This Holiday Season

It’s been a year of adjustment for the self-storage industry. Following a couple of years of furious investment and development activity bolstered by record-setting operational performance, economic and market factors have pushed the throttle back this year.

Though a cooling real estate market alongside softening rental rates and consumer demand may feel like a disappointment, it was all very predictable. The pace the industry was on simply wasn’t tenable. So, even though things have slowed, we’re really just moving back toward a place of business normalcy, which historically has been an enviable position to be in compared to other commercial real estate sectors.

As 2023 comes to a close, the pendulum has swung back in favor of those with high business acumen and industry know-how. No matter where your business focus lies, having clear vision and the ability to formulate and execute sound strategies is the recipe for success as we head into the new year.

This is, of course, where Inside Self-Storage can help you excel. If you’re relatively new to the industry, recent market fluctuations may be the first time you’ve had to adjust. If you’re a seasoned veteran, leaning on and expanding your self-storage education is a smart position to take.

The end of the year at ISS is always jampacked with big annual projects, as we work on some of the core educational resources we offer. At the same time that we’re finalizing the education program and building out content for next spring’s ISS World Expo in Las Vegas, we’re moving the monthly magazine through production, pushing out new content online and creating the ISS Store’s traditional winter product releases.

These products tend to be among our best sellers each year in part because they are umbrella pieces. They encapsulate a holistic, educational approach to tasks and planning, whether you’re a facility manager, self-storage owner, developer or investor. To help you successfully maneuver through the weeks and months ahead, here’s a quick overview of the resources that are at the ready for you this season:

Self-Storage Maintenance Package

Last week, we released our “Self-Storage Maintenance Package 2024: Monthly Task Calendars and Guide.” This is the ninth year we’ve produced the annual maintenance-calendar package, which is designed specifically for independent owners and facility managers. It includes detailed, customizable monthly calendars outlining tasks by day, week and season, with items color-coded based on frequency. Each page also features a handy daily checklist.

The 2024 package also includes a 109-page digital book of expert maintenance advice, with several new articles added this year. New material addresses curb appeal, roof maintenance, lighting maintenance, asphalt care and pest prevention.

Package contents are available through a downloadable zip file, which includes 12 individual calendars in PDF and Microsoft Word formats. The customizable Word templates allow users to accommodate their particular schedule and needs. A no-fuss, PDF calendar is also included for those who wish to print the entire year without having to access individual files.

ISS 2024 Guidebook Series

This week marked the release of our annual Guidebook Series, which has steadily increased in popularity since we first introduced the article anthologies in 2011. Available in digital and softcover formats, the Facility-Operation and Building/Investing Guidebooks offer critical information and tips on self-storage ownership, facility management, marketing, building, investing, technology, add-on products and services, and so much more.

As always, the beefy Facility-Operation Guidebook offers a bevy of management and ownership insight via 11 categorical sections ranging from revenue management, sales, marketing and technology to staffing, career development, outsourcing and more. The very popular Building/Investing Guidebook, designed for those who want to establish or expand an operation, covers investing, real estate, finance, development and design, construction and components, sustainability and ancillaries. As always, the series package offers a nice discount vs. buying both books individually.

Supply-chain and other factors continue to affect many industries, including the publishing sector. We’re working with our printer to secure as quick a delivery date for the printed books as possible, but circumstances dictate that we most likely won’t receive our full softcover allotment until mid-January. As a result, we’ll initially be accepting pre-orders for softcover purchases, with an expected ship date of Jan. 19. Of course, to get immediate access to this year’s Guidebooks, you have the option to purchase the books in PDF format.

Holiday Break

As mentioned earlier, the ISS team has been busily planning the 2024 ISS World Expo, which will take place April 2-5 in Las Vegas at the Caesars Forum Conference Center. The show is coming together nicely, and I think you’ll be thrilled with the full slate of education seminars and workshops that we’ll have on tap.

The industry’s largest conference event of the year is also the stage for the store’s biggest annual product push with our full slate of expo education video. Beginning Dec. 29, we’ll be offering 50% off the three biggest 2023 video packages to close out the year.

It’s been a long grind this year between moving the ISS website to an entirely new platform, hosting and planning the show, and our usual, continuous flow of content through the print magazine and online resources.

To catch our breaths, find some much needed rest and spend quality time with our loved ones, the team will be largely shut down the last week of December. As websites do, the ISS Store will remain open. Shipping will stay operational through the holidays, and of course, all downloadable products will continue to be delivered automatically into your account library immediately upon purchase.

That said, please be aware that staffing shortages means there will be delays in responses to customer-service inquiries. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this causes and greatly appreciate your understanding and patience.

We look forward to providing more stellar products and service to you in 2024. In the meantime, please enjoy the new educational resources released the last two weeks. We strongly believe these items will help you set a clear path for success in the year ahead.

On behalf of the ISS team, I sincerely hope all of you have a joyous and enriching holiday season!