When launching a self storage facility, one of the first big decisions is how you’ll run it. Will you operate it yourself, or bring in a third-party management company? Each approach has clear pros and cons. Your choice will directly affect your revenue, time investment and long-term strategy.
Owner-Operated: Full Control, Full Responsibility
With this model, you own and run the facility. You manage staff, marketing, pricing, customer service, maintenance, and day-to-day operations.
Pros:
You keep 100% of the revenue. You have full control over pricing, branding and customer experience. You can adapt quickly to local market conditions.
Cons:
High time and resource commitment. Requires knowledge of the industry. Mistakes in operations, pricing or service can directly impact profitability.
Owner-operators often succeed when they’re hands-on, experienced or committed to learning fast. It suits investors looking to build their own brand and scale gradually with control.
Managed: Hands-Off with a Share of Revenue
In this model, you own the site but hire a specialist management company to run it under their brand or yours. They handle staffing, sales, systems, marketing and customer support.
Pros:
Low time input. Ideal for investors with multiple sites or no industry experience. You benefit from established systems, technology and marketing reach.
Cons:
Management fees reduce your net income. You have less control over customer experience and pricing strategy.
Management works best for investors prioritising passive income, scalability or portfolio growth without operational involvement.
Which Model Is Right?
If you want full control, faster learning, and maximum return per square foot, go owner-operated. If you want low effort, predictable returns and proven systems, go managed.
At Kuboid, we build for both. Whether you’re planning to manage the site yourself or outsource completely, we’ll help design and deliver a facility that fits your model.
📩 Contact us to start your project.
