Maria Gatea
Maria Gatea is a Senior Editor & Research Writer for Yardi with a background in Journalism and Communication. After covering business and finance-related topics as a freelance writer for 15 years, she is now focusing on researching and writing about the real estate industry. You may contact Maria via email.
apartment building in Minneapolis

Micro Housing Is Booming in Minneapolis (And Self Storage Helps)

One of the economic and cultural engines of the Midwest, Minneapolis is also carving out a name for itself in the world of small space living. Micro housing is defined as units with a footprint no larger than half the average apartment size in a state and, across Minnesota, that translates to apartments under 433 square feet. In Minneapolis, these compact homes already make up over 10% of the city’s multifamily rental inventory.

self storage facility

Behind the Roll-Up Door: 8 Storage Auction Myths Debunked by Industry Experts

Thanks to reality TV shows like Storage Wars, storage auctions have taken on a life of their own in the public imagination. The thrill of possibly uncovering a hidden fortune behind a roll-up door has many fantasizing about bidding on storage units. But how close is this to reality?

Woman working in her home office

Small Home Office Ideas: How to Take It From Drab to Fab in no Time

Millions of Americans are still working from home, either full-time or part-time, and chances are that remote work is here to stay. Even with the recent back and forth from companies trying to find the right balance between remote work and office days, many people will probably continue working from their home offices at least a few days per week for the foreseeable future.

Images of Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX

California-To-Texas Migration Holds Steady At 100K Annually, With 1 In 5 Movers Coming From LA

California remains the undisputed leader in outbound migration nationwide, with nearly 683,000 residents leaving the state in a single year, according to the latest available U.S. Census data. Their top destination? Texas — which welcomed approximately 98,000 former Californians in 2023 alone.

exterior of a self storage facility

The South And Mountain West Are Outpacing The Nation For Self Storage Performance

Self storage has long been a quiet outperformer in the real estate realm—earning its reputation as a “recession-proof” asset. With a national estimated self storage asset market value of $237 billion, it has proven to be a resilient and appealing choice for investors and developers seeking steady returns and long-term growth.

interior of a cluttered home

Clutter In America: Why We’re Drowning In Stuff And How To Reclaim Our Space

Clutter is taking over American homes. A recent survey found that 44% of Americans feel overwhelmed by clutter either always or often, and another 28% say they sometimes feel the same way. Our tendency toward owning more than we need has long been part of the American cultural fabric, but in recent years, it’s reached new heights. The rise of online shopping, fast fashion, and social media-fueled consumerism have made it easier than ever to accumulate and much harder to let go. Many Americans are literally boxed in by their belongings, struggling to find room for daily living.

Residential area in Miami Florida

Check Out The Best Places For Moving Supplies In Miami, Florida

Looking for the best moving supplies in Miami? With so many people relocating in, out, and around the city, having the right packing materials is essential for a smooth, stress-free move. From sturdy moving boxes and bubble wrap to specialty supplies for fragile items, quality materials can make all the difference.

The 10 Best Bronx Neighborhoods For First-Time Homebuyers In 2025

Buying your first home is a huge milestone everywhere, but especially in New York City, where housing prices are sky-high. However, there’s some good news: You can still find neighborhoods in the city where homeownership is within reach, and the Bronx is the place to start looking. The average home in the Bronx is priced around $452,000, according to Zillow, which means that many underrated gems perfect for first-time buyers can be found here. Additionally, self storage can help you make the most of your living space, especially if you’re OK with living in a smaller place. Opting for less square footage at home could lead to significant cost savings, and a little extra storage can make it easier. For example, a 5’x10’ storage unit in the Bronx rents for an average of $167 per month, far less than comparable options in Manhattan.

Person dropping belongings in self storage facility

1 In 3 Americans Rent Self Storage As Space Shortages Grow And Demand Expands

A third of Americans are now relying on self storage to manage their extra belongings, according to StorageCafe’s annual survey on renter demand and habits. At the core of this growing trend? The housing market.

Aerial view of Elkhart indiana

Moving To Elkhart, Indiana? Five Great Things To Know Before You Settle In

Located in northern Indiana near the Michigan border, Elkhart offers an excellent quality of life and makes an awesome go-to spot for folks looking to balance affordability, community and a relaxed lifestyle. Elkhart is not just a stop between bigger cities — it’s a place with character, a strong sense of local pride and a booming economy. Best known as the RV Capital of the World, Elkhart’s deep manufacturing roots support a reliable job market and give the city its unique identity.

Exterior of self storage facility

Self Storage Development Boom Cools, But Prices Still Rise In 39% Of Major U.S. Cities

The U.S. self storage industry is adjusting to a new market reality following an unprecedented boom during the pandemic. A mix of elevated supply levels, softening consumer demand in certain areas and some economic alarm bells has generated a rebalancing of the sector.

Exterior of self storage facility

$3 Billion In Self Storage Sales In 2024 Pave The Way For A Strong 2025

The self storage industry had a big year in 2024, with 822 properties sold for a total of $3 billion. More than 51 million square feet of storage space changed hands, making up 2% of the country’s total inventory. Investor demand stayed strong, fueled by the sector’s steady cash flow and ability to perform well in diverse market conditions.