Business

The Self-Storage Industry and the Fluctuation from Corona Virus

Published

2 years ago

December 26, 2022

In recent years, the self-storage industry in the United States has been largely dependent upon what insiders call the four D’s: death, divorce, displacement, and disaster. However, the Coronavirus pandemic, combined with reckless expansion and aggressive competition, resulted in what seems to be a few recession-proof elements of the commercial real estate industry.

The industry has been at its peak of expansion since the last downturn because of the lockdown and quarantine period when companies and people increased their need for storage space. Gradual increases in demand and price made rivals eager to bring innovation into the industry by expanding technology and customer-focused services. For example, The Storage Group, one of the companies that provide self-storage feasibility and reliable services, was founded by Brian Pelski and Larry Hanks in 2010. Steve Lucas currently holds the charge of the CEO and managing partner. The company remained focused on innovation and brought its idea and a progressive way for succession through ClickandStor® Online Rental Suite. It was the first company to welcome the latest technology to the industry and created the first fully-integrated, online move-in platform available to the self-storage industry. As a result, The Storage Group collaborated and integrated with several companies, including Self Storage Manager, Storage Commander, Doorswap, Web Self-Storage, SiteLink, and Storage.

ClickandStor provides the most cost-effective and easiest way for the end user to rent storage and manage their online storage account. It enables the user to browse several facilities listed on its directory website clickandstor.com allowing customer access, storage rentals, reservations, payments, and more. ClickandStor is also provided on individual storage websites to make the rental process simple to navigate online. Whether customers visit the facility website or come through the online directory, ClickandStor allows them to register, digitally sign in and make all required payments without human interaction.

ClickandStor is transforming the way of self-storage businesses and their applications. With its new features and technology, users only need a cell phone or a computer to access the entire unit from the storage website, gateway access code, and payment schedules.

Value-added features of ClickandStor include a 3D value pricing map, 3D calculator, multi-lingual marketplace, enhanced security features, and more. The online rental tool provides daily 24/7 updates of inventory, units, and pricing in real time for tenants regarding reservations and rentals through integrating with the self-storage property management software systems.

Pandemic and Rents

Rents went to their heights during the pandemic. However, according to a research site, Yardi Matrix, the rates began to fall in June for new customers before one-time discounts for a 10×10 unit excluded heat and air-conditioning. To be sure, around 4.3 percent declined nationwide on an annual basis. Moreover, a fall of about 6.7 percent for climate control units was seen. Interestingly, this was the case in the pandemic only. Whereas coronavirus cases are halted around the country, the leaders are putting fewer restrictions on schools and businesses. Thereby, the industry of self-storage industry is under progress revival.

The self-storage industry started in the 1960s when consumers led businesses in America to buy more stuff than they had the capacity for. Ever since then, the industry has been in progress and steadily growing.

The rates of climate control units and without touched their height nationwide in the previous years after the demand ballooned. Americans with available income bought more stuff and realized the need for more storage places to store them.

According to IBIS World research, the number of self-storage facilities boomed nationwide and grew to more than 60,000 in 2020 from 47,000 in 2008. At the same time, the revenue increased 2.6 percent annually to $38.6 billion in 2019 from 2014.

The industry also faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, like any other business similar to the ones meant to protect residential tenants. Especially in Los Angeles, where in June, an ordinance was passed that deferring rent or late fees for self-storage will expel and ban the tenants.

Self-storage suppliers struggled with problems similar to other industries, like keeping surfaces cleaner. This varied from state to state. However, the lockdown orders were essential to follow for every business.

Revenue took a halt when rents stagnated. By the end of May, the average rent for the self-storage companies was about the same as the previous year, according to Green Street Advisors. But this did not stop self-storage companies from developing or taking a break. With the immense need, the valuation is expected to grow to $115.62 billion in 2025. According to this prediction, the compound annual growth rate would be 134.79% over the forecast period of 2020-2025, increasing the need for supportive self-storage businesses like The Storage Group.

Business

Michella Filipowitz: Shaping a Future of Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

Published

9 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Rosario Farell

Michella Filipowitz, a prominent model, business leader, and philanthropist, has dedicated her life to advocating for children with disabilities. Her personal story, shaped by her experiences as the mother of a child with autism, has driven her passion to build a more inclusive world where differences are not just accepted but celebrated.

Michella’s journey took a transformative turn when she became a single mother at the age of 23. Shortly after, her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. “It was an unexpected and overwhelming moment,” Michella recalls. “No one in my family had dealt with anything like this before, but with my mother’s guidance, I was able to see Benjamin’s diagnosis not as a burden, but as a new way of understanding the world.”

Benjamin’s condition is categorized as a hidden disability. Though it’s not always obvious to others, his challenges—such as delayed speech—affect his everyday experiences. “It was difficult to watch him struggle while other kids seemed to develop so naturally,” Michella shares. “It made me realize how often children with disabilities are left out or misunderstood.”

This realization sparked a new mission for Michella: to create a world where children like Benjamin are given the same opportunities as their peers. “I knew I had to be part of the solution,” she says. “Our differences are what make us unique, and we should be embracing that, not hiding from it.”

Michella is also keenly aware of how quickly people judge others based on outward appearances. “We live in a time where everything is so public and visible, but that doesn’t mean we know the whole story,” she explains. “It’s important to have empathy and not make assumptions.”

Her advocacy work has centered on changing how schools and communities treat children with disabilities. Too often, children like Benjamin are segregated in special schools, which can further isolate them. Michella believes this approach is flawed. “Children with disabilities need to learn alongside their peers,” she says. “Only then can they grow up understanding that differences are normal, not something to be avoided.”

Her vision is clear: an education system where children of all abilities are taught together, learning to respect one another from an early age. “If we can instill the values of acceptance and understanding in kids while they’re young, we’ll build a much more inclusive society,” she says.

Michella’s commitment to helping families of children with disabilities goes beyond advocacy. She co-founded the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé to provide critical support to families who are struggling with the high costs of therapies, treatments, and education. “As a single mother, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be,” she explains. “That’s why I wanted to help other families get the resources they need.”

The DR Family Foundation has already made a significant difference, helping families cover school expenses and other essential costs. The foundation’s next big initiative is creating a home for children from difficult backgrounds, offering them a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive. “It’s not just about providing shelter,” Michella says. “It’s about building a community where these children feel loved and supported.”

Reflecting on her journey with Benjamin, Michella speaks with gratitude. “He’s shown me that what others might see as a challenge is actually his strength,” she says. “His resilience and uniqueness are what make him so special, and I want to make sure other children have the opportunity to shine in their own way.”

Through her work, Michella envisions a world where children with disabilities are fully included in every aspect of life. She hopes that by advocating for inclusion and providing support through the DR Family Foundation, she can help create a brighter future for these children. “I want parents to know that they’re not alone,” she says. “With the right support, we can give our children the chance to live fulfilling, happy lives.”

Stay connected with Michella Filipowitz and her mission to create a more inclusive society for children with disabilities by following her on Instagram @princessmichella.