April 16, 2026
Episode Summary
Modern Storage® brings listeners directly to the ISS World Expo in Las Vegas with Part 1 of their live series from the show floor. They sit down with representatives from Storable, K.I.S.S., Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, and On The Move to discuss the trends and companies shaping the self storage industry. This episode offers a ground-level look at where the industry is heading, straight from the people building it.
Four companies actively influencing the self storage space shared their perspectives live from the ISS World Expo in Las Vegas.
The episode captures real conversations from the show floor, giving listeners an inside view of industry momentum and emerging trends.
This is Part 1 of a multi-part series, making it a strong starting point for anyone wanting to understand the current state of the self storage market.
ISS World Expo is one of the self storage industry's biggest annual gatherings, drawing operators, vendors, investors, and developers from across the country to one location. For Modern Storage®, it was the perfect opportunity to step off the studio and into the middle of the action, capturing candid conversations with the companies actively building and supporting the self storage space. Part 1 of their ISS World Expo series delivers exactly that, giving listeners an inside look at what the industry is talking about when the cameras are on and when they are not. Storable is one of the most recognized names in self storage technology, offering software solutions that help facility operators manage rentals, payments, and customer communication from a single platform. Their presence at ISS World Expo reflects how central technology has become to running a competitive storage operation. In this conversation, listeners can expect insight into how operators are adopting new tools, what challenges remain in the digital transition, and where Storable sees the industry heading as automation and data become more important to day-to-day management. K.I.S.S., which stands for Keep It Simple Storage, brings a philosophy to the industry that resonates with independent operators and small portfolio owners who want efficient systems without unnecessary complexity. Their approach to self storage operations focuses on streamlining processes and reducing friction for both owners and tenants. A conversation with K.I.S.S. at a major industry expo like this one is relevant for anyone exploring how to run a leaner, more profitable storage business without overcomplicating the systems behind it. Matthews Real Estate Investment Services adds a capital markets and investment perspective to this episode that is hard to find in most self storage content. As a national commercial real estate brokerage with deep expertise in net lease and self storage transactions, Matthews brings visibility into how buyers and sellers are navigating the current market. For investors, developers, and operators thinking about acquisitions or dispositions, this conversation sheds light on valuation trends, buyer demand, and how self storage stacks up against other commercial real estate asset classes right now. On The Move rounds out the episode with a look at the portable storage and moving truck rental side of the self storage business. Their truck rental program is designed to give self storage facilities an added revenue stream while increasing value for tenants who need help moving their belongings in and out. This kind of ancillary service conversation is increasingly relevant as operators look for ways to differentiate their facilities and drive more revenue per customer without major capital investment. Taken together, these four conversations paint a picture of a self storage industry that is maturing fast. Technology is becoming a baseline expectation rather than a competitive advantage. Capital is still flowing into the asset class, though with more scrutiny than in prior years. And operators at every level are looking for practical ways to improve margins and serve tenants better. This episode is a strong starting point for anyone who wants to understand where the self storage industry stands today and what the companies shaping it are focused on next.
Common questions about the topics covered in this episode.
The ISS World Expo is one of the largest annual trade shows dedicated entirely to the self storage industry, held in Las Vegas. It brings together facility owners, operators, software providers, real estate brokers, and vendors to share knowledge, launch products, and discuss where the industry is heading. For anyone involved in self storage at any level, it is one of the most efficient ways to get a broad view of current trends and available tools in a single event.
Storable provides technology infrastructure for self storage operators, including property management software, facility websites, and digital marketing tools. Their platform is designed to help facilities manage rentals, process payments, handle reservations, and attract new customers online. Thousands of storage facilities across the country use Storable products to run their day-to-day operations more efficiently.
Self storage has held up well as an asset class through various economic cycles because demand tends to remain steady during both growth periods and downturns, as people moving, downsizing, or managing business inventory consistently need storage space. Companies like Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, which specializes in self storage transactions, continue to see active deal flow, suggesting the market remains viable for investors willing to do careful underwriting. The specific conditions in any local market, including occupancy rates, competition, and rent trends, will ultimately determine whether a given opportunity makes sense.
Some self storage facilities offer moving truck rentals directly on-site through programs like On The Move, which partners with storage operators to make trucks available to their customers. This means you can rent a truck and a storage unit from the same location, which simplifies the moving process significantly. It can save time and reduce coordination hassle compared to going to a separate truck rental company, especially if you are moving items directly into storage.
A strong self storage management platform should handle online rentals, automated payments, rate management, and customer communication without requiring heavy manual involvement from staff. Integration with your facility website and the ability to list units on major storage marketplaces are also important for staying competitive in how customers find and book units. Providers like Storable have built platforms specifically for the self storage industry, which means the features are designed around how storage businesses actually operate rather than adapted from generic property management software.
Enjoying the show?
Subscribe and never miss a new episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked™.
Jul 9, 2026
Modern Storage® breaks down the real Black Friday of the self storage industry, revealing why certain times of year drive a surge in demand that catches renters off guard. This episode explains why waiting to secure a unit can mean higher prices, fewer options, and missed opportunities. It is essential viewing for anyone considering self storage, whether for personal use, business inventory, or investment research.
Read Episode
Jul 8, 2026
Modern Storage® pulls back the curtain on what it is actually like to work as a self storage facility manager, from the first day on the job to the daily realities most people never see. This episode features a candid, unfiltered conversation with an on-site storage manager who shares what surprised her, what challenged her, and how the role has changed her perspective on the industry. If you have ever wondered what happens behind the front desk of a storage facility, this episode answers it honestly.
Read Episode
Jul 7, 2026
Modern Storage® delivers a fast-paced, visually striking short that lives up to its title. This episode leans into unexpected, high-impact visuals designed to stop the scroll and leave an impression. Think sharp cuts, surprising moments, and the kind of content that makes self storage look anything but ordinary.
Read Episode