Navigating 2025 How Self-Storage Operators Can Thrive Amid Industry Shifts

The self-storage industry is entering a critical phase of transformation in 2025. Changes in tenant behavior, advances in technology, and increased economic pressures are reshaping how self-storage facilities operate and compete. For operators, adapting to these trends isn’t optional; it’s essential for success. This blog highlights the key trends shaping the industry and provides actionable strategies to help you stay ahead. By leveraging services like XPS Solutions, you can simplify operations and build a future-proof business.

The Rise in Tenant Mobility

Key Insight

According to recent data from Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, 37% of Americans are planning or considering a move within the next 6–12 months. This surge in mobility stems from remote work flexibility, rising housing costs, and generational shifts in how people approach housing needs.

What This Means for Self-Storage Operators

Higher tenant mobility translates to opportunities for self-storage facilities, particularly those located near urban areas, military bases, and college towns. For individuals in transition, self-storage becomes a much-needed solution.

Action Plan

• Offer Flexible Rental Terms: Cater to short-term tenants with contracts that reflect their changing circumstances.
• Implement Hands-Off Rentals: Use contactless processes like online reservations and digital lease signing to attract busy renters. Offering app services has become increasingly popular, as people desire easy access to their unit information. Apps like MyStorPal simplify communication with tenants and provide a way for them to manage their belongings from their units.
• Geo-Targeted Marketing: Focus campaigns on moving demographics like remote workers, students, and families relocating for job opportunities. Include geographic-specific promotions to attract these groups.

Consumer Price Sensitivity

Key Insight

Economic challenges have tightened discretionary spending, with more tenants shopping for value over luxury. A report from Storable shows increasing demand for affordable yet high-quality storage solutions across markets. This has led to a spike in price sensitivity among customers. In addition, recent global events have left many consumers feeling financially insecure and hesitant to commit to long-term expenses. As a result, self-storage operators need to adjust their marketing strategies and pricing approaches accordingly.

How Can Self-Storage Operators Address Price Sensitivity?

To support the success of your business amidst this shift in consumer behavior, it is essential to find ways to appeal to cost-conscious customers. Below are some strategies that can help self-storage operators address price sensitivity:

Offer Special Promotions

The most direct way to attract price-sensitive tenants is by offering promotions or discounts. With careful planning and analysis of market trends, you can create targeted promotions that appeal to this segment of customers. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time renters or provide incentives for long-term lease commitments. This not only helps attract new customers but also encourages existing tenants to stay longer, reducing your overall vacancy rate.

Create Bundled Packages

Another effective approach is to offer bundled packages that include additional services at a discounted price. This adds value to the storage unit rental and makes it more appealing to customers who are looking for ways to save money. Examples of add-on services could include moving truck rental, packing supplies, or insurance coverage. Highlighting the discounted rate for these packages will entice cost-conscious consumers to choose your facility over competitors.

What This Means for Self-Storage Operators

Price alone won’t guarantee a competitive edge; facilities must also emphasize value. This includes offering premium features, convenient services, and security assurances that justify pricing.

Action Plan

• Develop Tiered Pricing Make pricing options clear, offering affordable solutions alongside premium packages that include features like climate control and priority access.
• Bundle Amenities Sweeten the deal for tenants by including extras like free locks or discounts on their first month.
• Leverage Additional Features Highlight services like 24/7 unit access, enhanced security, and digital support tools that set you apart. Showcase these clearly in your advertising.

Technology as a Necessity

Key Insight

The integration of tech-driven tools like cloud-based property management systems (PMS), smart entry systems, and online payment portals has become the industry norm. Storage Commander reports that these tools drastically improve efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

What This Means for Self-Storage Operators

Operators who hesitate to adopt these advancements risk losing ground to competitors offering seamless, tech-savvy experiences. Technology adoption is as much about attracting tenants as it is about optimizing operations.

Action Plan

• Audit Your Current Tech Stack Identify any gaps in your current systems and invest in solutions that unify property management and tenant interactions. XPS Solutions partners with 90% of Property Management Software (PMS) available to streamline your services with our Remote Manager and Call Center Agents.
• Modernize Access Control Smart locks and app-based entry systems simplify the rental process for tenants and reduce reliance on manual oversight. MyStorPal has the latest intuitive-user friendly app, that helps tenants manage their inventory from unit, pay bills, access gate-code, and help manage the move-out process.
• Promote Your Tech Capability Utilize your marketing materials to position your facility as innovative and focused on tenant needs, particularly for tech-savvy users. The younger generation increasingly views technology as a second language, so it’s crucial to stay relevant and ensure that information is easily accessible when renting a unit. By promoting these features on your facility’s website or in your marketing materials, you can help increase rental conversions.

Elevating Customer Experience

Key Insight

The demand for fast, personalized, and reliable customer service has become the defining feature for many competitive facilities. According to research by StoragePug, response times and digital engagement now directly impact rental conversions.

What This Means for Self-Storage Operators

Facility operators must not only meet but exceed tenant expectations across every touchpoint—from initial inquiries to long-term interactions.

Action Plan

• Be Available 24/7 Train staff on proactive customer engagement and integrate live chat tools on your website to respond promptly to inquiries. This can feel like an impossible height if you don’t have the right resources. XPS Solutions takes calls 104 hours a week ensuring you never miss a call with our U.S.-Based Call Center Agents.
• Be Mobile-Friendly Make sure your website is responsive and user-friendly on all devices, as many tenants search for information and rentals while on the go. Having a mobile-responsive website is essential for maintaining your Google ranking, which, in turn, ensures your site remains visible to potential visitors.
• Foster Community and Trust Collect tenant reviews, respond to promptly to feedback, and actively maintain your online reputation. Positive reviews make potential renters feel secure in choosing your facility. Having reviews on your website can sustain trust with potential renters as a study has shown 82% of renters consult both a property’s website and its online reviews before making a rental decision.

How XPS Solutions Can Help Your Self-Storage Facility Thrive in 2025

At XPS Solutions, we recognize the shifting landscape of self-storage and have built our services to help operators not just adapt but excel. Here’s how we provide support tailored to these emerging trends:

Remote Management

Our expertly trained Remote Managers with experience in self-storage act as an extension of your facility. From handling tenant inquiries to ensuring seamless day-to-day operations, our team keeps things running smoothly even in your absence.

Call Center Services

Don’t miss out on sales due to unavailable staff. Our Call Center operates with extended coverage, quickly responding to inquiries, converting leads, and keeping your tenants happy.

Live Video Agents

With our Live Video Agent coverage, tenants receive real-time support, mimicking the assistance they’d get from on-site staff. This builds trust and supports seamless communication.

Cost-Saving Efficiency

Services like tenant payment solutions and the MyStorPal mobile app streamline interactions and reduce manual processes. This approach lowers operating costs while improving tenant experience.

Whether it’s offering flexibility for mobile tenants, competitive pricing backed with premium amenities, or adopting leading technology, we are here to support your business goals.

Securing a Bright Future for Your Facility

The self-storage industry in 2025 is changing, but with change comes opportunity for operators who stay ahead of the curve. By capitalizing on enhanced mobility, competitive value offerings, operational efficiencies, and elevated customer experience, your business can stay profitable even in the face of new challenges.

To learn more about how XPS Solutions can simplify operations, help you modernize, and support tenant engagement, contact us today at XPS Solutions. Maximize your facility’s success now and into the future.