Frequently Asked Questions

Most transitions to SAM are completed within about 60 days of signing the management agreement, depending on the property’s size and condition. For new developments, we recommend involving SAM as early as possible, ideally during planning, so we can help shape decisions like unit mix, amenities, and pre-opening marketing that set the property up for a strong lease-up. For all types of transitions, 60 days before opening is the minimum, and more lead time is always better. Once the agreement is signed, SAM’s dedicated transition team guides your property through a structured, step-by-step process: setting up systems, aligning staff, updating signage and marketing, and communicating with tenants. You’ll have a clear point of contact throughout, so you always know where things stand.

Nothing is lost. SAM reviews your current team, systems, and records early in the transition. Tenant data, lease information, and payment history are carefully migrated into SAM’s management platform. Existing staff are evaluated for opportunities to join the SAM team, and we work with you to determine the approach that best fits your preferences. We coordinate timing so your property has no gap in coverage.

SAM works to make the change as seamless as possible for tenants. They receive clear, timely communication about what’s changing, including any updates to payment instructions, and what to expect going forward. Day-to-day service continues without interruption.

Yes. SAM manages stabilized properties, lease-ups, and facilities that need a turnaround. We start by assessing what’s holding the property back, whether that’s pricing, marketing, staffing, or operations, and then build a plan with you to improve occupancy and net operating income (NOI).

SAM manages a wide range of self storage properties, including stabilized facilities, lease-ups, new developments, and multi-property portfolios. Whether you own a single store or a growing portfolio, we tailor our management approach to your goals and your market. We can manage your facility with traditional on-site staff, remote staffing, or custom hours that work for your facility. We tailor staffing to your asset rather than forcing a single model.

SAM manages 600+ self storage locations across 39 states and continues to expand into new markets. As one of the largest third-party self storage management companies in the United States, we combine national scale with local market knowledge.

Yes. SAM store managers are hired, trained, and supported by SAM and held to our operating standards. Your property is also backed by regional and corporate leadership, ensuring clear accountability for your investment.

Yes. SAM operates its own U.S.-based Customer Care Center, an internal team rather than an outsourced vendor. Nearly 90% of its agents were promoted from roles as facility managers or assistants, so callers speak with people who know self storage firsthand. Agents help create leads and reservations and can move in new tenants over the phone. The Customer Care Center supports your on-site team by answering calls when staff is busy with customers or off-site, and it provides extended coverage beyond office hours. The result: fewer missed opportunities, faster responses, and more rentals.

Absolutely. SAM advises on unit mix before you build, using market demand and competitor offerings to recommend the right balance of sizes and unit types, such as climate-controlled, drive-up, and interior units. Getting the mix right from the start can significantly speed up lease-up and strengthen long-term income.

Yes. SAM helps owners evaluate whether an expansion or conversion makes sense by looking at market demand, current occupancy, competition, and projected return. If the project moves forward, we support planning, unit mix, marketing, and lease-up of the new space.

Yes. SAM offers tenant protection programs and retail merchandising as part of our management approach. These create additional revenue streams for your property while protecting your customers, and we structure them transparently so the value benefits you as the owner.

Yes. SAM follows compliant, consistent processes for collections, lien notices, and auctions in accordance with state and local requirements, protecting both your revenue and your property’s reputation.

SAM provides monthly financial and operational reports covering occupancy, rental activity, income, and expenses. We’re happy to walk through the numbers with you anytime. We want you to see exactly how your property is performing.

SAM’s in-house accounting team manages property-level bookkeeping, payables, and financial reporting . You’ll always have a clear view of where your dollars are going.

SAM has focused on self storage since 2010. With 600+ locations in 39 states, we bring national scale, proven systems, and hands-on support to every property, treating your property as if it were our own. SAM provides third-party management only; we do not own any of the facilities we manage. With no corporate-owned stores, there are no competing priorities, and our focus stays 100% on your success as the owner.

Third-party management can be a strong fit if you want professional operations, marketing, revenue management, and reporting without the day-to-day workload of self-managing. Many SAM clients started out self-managing and built strong businesses; partnering with SAM lets them scale performance without giving up control. We’re happy to talk through your goals and give you an honest view of whether a partnership makes sense.

It’s your choice. Many owners choose SAM’s Storage Sense national brand to benefit from its marketing reach and recognition, while others prefer to keep their existing brand. SAM supports your strategy rather than forcing a brand.