Top Independent Self Storage Brands in the U.S. (2025)
Modern Storage®
September 17th, 2025
Most people are familiar with national chains like Public Storage and Extra Space. But some of the most exciting growth is happening among independent operators. Outside the world of Wall Street REITs, independently owned self storage brands are innovating, expanding, and earning the trust of their communities. Here’s a closer look at the top independent storage operators in 2025 and where Modern Storage® stands among them.Why “Independent” Matters
Unlike Public Storage or Extra Space, which are publicly traded REITs, independent storage companies aren’t backed by giant investors or public shareholders. Instead, they’re privately owned and reinvest directly into their facilities, customers, and communities.
This freedom allows independents to:Innovate faster
Deliver more personalized service
Keep decision-making local and community-focused
Leading Independent Self Storage Brands
StorageMart
With hundreds of locations across North America, StorageMart is one of the largest privately held storage operators in the world, managing more than 15 million square feet of space.
SmartStop Self Storage
SmartStop has rapidly expanded across the U.S. and Canada, operating over 18 million square feet while maintaining its independent spirit.
Derrel’s Mini Storage
A regional powerhouse in California’s Central Valley, Derrel’s commands more than 12 million square feet across dozens of locations.
Guardian Storage
Based in Colorado and Pennsylvania, Guardian Storage has built a strong reputation for customer service and now operates around 3.5 million square feet.
Modern Storage®
Modern Storage® has quickly risen as one of the top independent storage brands in the United States. With more than 1.56 million square feet, nearly 10,000 units, and 10 facilities, Modern Storage® is proving that independents can compete with and keep up with the big chains. Unlike national operators, Modern Storage® is 100% privately owned, meaning every decision is made with customers and communities in mind. This independence also gives us the flexibility to innovate faster than Wall Street–backed companies. What truly sets Modern Storage® apart is our digital presence. Despite operating only 10 facilities, we’ve already built a 10,000+ follower community on Facebook, giving us pound-for-pound engagement rates that rival operators with hundreds of locations. On TikTok, Modern Storage® has become one of the most-liked self storage brands on Tiktok, reaching hundreds of thousands of people with engaging, practical, and often entertaining content. Our Instagram community continues to grow as we share customer stories, facility highlights, and real-time updates. We also lead conversations in the industry through our podcast, Modern Storage® Unpacked. With 30 episodes, over 3,200 Spotify followers, it’s quickly becoming one of the most recognized voices in self storage media. On YouTube, episodes regularly reach thousands of viewers, with topics like “HOT or NOT? Climate-Controlled Storage” topping 30,000 views. Paired with our long-running blog and active social channels, Modern Storage® isn’t just a storage company it’s a trusted source for storage education and innovation. When people search for the top self storage brands, they’re not just looking for square footage. They want brands that are trusted, active online, and leading industry conversations. That’s why Modern Storage® continues to stand out as one of the fastest-growing independent storage brands in the U.S.
The Future of Independent Storage
As self storage demand continues to grow nationwide, independent operators like Modern Storage® are showing they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry giants while keeping the personal touch and innovation that big chains can’t match.
👉 Want to learn more?
Check out our podcast Modern Storage® Unpacked and follow us on social media for industry insights, customer stories, and the latest in storage innovation.
Storage Blog