MSM publishes 2026 guide on AI and remote management for self-storage

Modern Storage Media has released a 93-page guide to help self-storage owners and operators evaluate and implement AI and remote management tools. The publication lands as the industry weighs efficiency, revenue, security and customer service gains against legal, ethical and operational risks.

Why it matters: - Artificial intelligence and remote management are becoming core tools in self-storage operations. - MSM’s new guide is aimed at helping owners, operators, investors and managers decide where these technologies can create value. - The publication focuses on practical use, not just theory, which could speed adoption across the industry.

What happened: - Modern Storage Media released its 2026 Self-Storage Guide To AI & Remote Management. - The guide is a 93-page resource available in print and digital editions. - MSM says the guide is designed to help readers understand, evaluate and implement AI and remote operations. - Poppy Behrens, publisher of MSM, said artificial intelligence is no longer something operators can afford to ignore. - Behrens said the goal was to explain where AI delivers real value, where caution is needed and how it can be implemented successfully.

The details: - The guide combines expert insights, practical strategies, legal considerations and real-world case studies. - It covers AI automation, vendor selection, legal and ethical issues, chatbots, marketing, leasing, cybersecurity, remote facility management, virtual operations and balancing technology with customer experience. - The publication includes a real-world case study and an award-winning unmanned facility profile. - Contributors include Ryan Chapman of Lumio, Joe Curcillo, Christine DeBord of Janus International, AJ Osborne of Self Storage Income, Nylan Raufaste of Self-storage.ai, Luke Shardlow of AI Lean, Joseph Steinberg, attorney Scott Zucker, Tim Hall of Tenant Inc. and Andrew Stavros of XPS Solutions. - MSM has also covered AI through its monthly publications, website and webinars. - The topic will be featured at THE Show, MSM’s inaugural self-storage conference and tradeshow, where AI expert Aoife Roche will deliver a keynote on how operators can improve business performance with artificial intelligence. - More information is available in MSM Shop.

Between the lines: - The guide reflects a broader industry shift from testing AI tools to operationalizing them. - MSM is pairing editorial coverage with events and educational resources, which suggests the topic is now a central part of its industry coverage strategy. - The emphasis on legal, ethical and customer-experience considerations shows that adoption is being framed as both a technology issue and a risk-management issue.

What's next: - MSM’s guide is available now. - Operators attending THE Show will hear more about AI’s role in business performance from Roche’s keynote. - The publication may serve as a reference point for self-storage companies evaluating new AI vendors, remote operations and facility models.

The bottom line: - MSM is giving self-storage professionals a practical playbook for AI and remote management at a time when the industry is deciding how fast to move.