SmartStop Expands in Colorado: Growth via Third-Party Management

SmartStop Self Storage operates 19 self-storage facilities across Colorado—including Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Littleton, Federal Heights, Bennett, and Colorado Springs—combining flagship SmartStop locations with third-party managed independent brands such as 303 Self Storage, Metro Denver Self Storage, DTC Self Storage, and New Frontier Self Storage. This regional platform offers climate-controlled units, drive-up self-storage, and vehicle, RV, and boat storage options tailored to commercial and residential demand along Colorado's Front Range. Growth across the I-25 and I-70 corridors continues to drive steady, year-round self-storage demand powered by population inflow, multifamily development, and small business expansion.

SmartStop Self Storage has grown to 19 facilities across Colorado, serving Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Littleton, Federal Heights, Bennett, and Colorado Springs. That footprint combines SmartStop flagship locations with established local brands operating on the SmartStop platform, including 303 Self Storage, Metro Denver Self Storage, DTC Self Storage, and New Frontier Self Storage. The 19 Colorado facilities sit within a portfolio of 460+ locations across the United States and Canada.

Why Independent Brands Are Joining the SmartStop Platform

Running an independent storage facility in a competitive metro market such as Denver or Centennial has become operationally demanding. Digital acquisition, revenue management, and customer service infrastructure now carry real cost and complexity, and single-site or small-portfolio operators are competing for the same search visibility as national brands. Third-party management addresses that gap directly: a regional operator retains ownership and local brand recognition while gaining access to corporate-scale capability.

• Marketing and web traffic: Facilities on the SmartStop platform gain national brand search visibility, local search presence, and digital booking workflows built to convert.

• Revenue management: Operators gain real-time pricing tools and market analytics to support rental revenue and maintain occupancy through seasonal demand shifts.

• Customer trust and service reputation: Managed facilities align with the SmartStop customer experience standard, supported by more than 69,000 five-star Google reviews at a 4.9 out of 5.0 average and recognition from Newsweek and Statista as a top self storage company for customer service in 2021, 2023, and 2024. SmartStop is also a 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice honoree, ranked #2 for Best Climate-Controlled Storage.

• Operations and technology: Contactless online reservations, the SmartStop app for gate, door, and elevator access, centralized call center support, and integrated account portals reduce the day-to-day operational load on site teams.

The SmartStop Flagship Presence in Colorado

SmartStop-branded locations anchor sub-markets along the I-25 and I-70 corridors, from Federal Heights and Lakewood in the northwest metro through Aurora in the east and Littleton to the south and southeast Denver, with two facilities serving Colorado Springs. Renters weighing specific sites can also see how facilities across the Denver metro compare on security, access, and amenities.

Amenities vary by facility, and the mix reflects the sub-market each location serves. Climate-controlled units are available at select Colorado locations, including the Aurora facility at 500 Laredo St and the Lakewood facility at 5885 W Colfax Ave. Vehicle storage is available at some but not all facilities, and the format differs by site: the Colorado Springs facility at 3850 Airport Rd offers uncovered RV, auto, and boat storage, while the Littleton facility at 3757 Norwood Dr offers enclosed vehicle units ranging from 10 x 15 to 10 x 27 for cars, small trucks, boats, and camper vans. Drive-up access is offered at several locations, including Littleton, Colorado Springs at 3850 Airport Rd, and Aurora at 435 Airport Blvd. Renters should confirm amenities on the individual store page before reserving.

Across Colorado facilities, renters access their units during posted gate hours using a personal keypad code or the SmartStop app. Facilities feature 24/7 video surveillance, electronic gate access with individualized codes, perimeter fencing, and LED lighting, with individually alarmed units available at select locations. Complimentary moving carts are available for use on site, and moving and packing supplies are sold at the office. All rentals are month-to-month with no long-term commitment, and reservations can be made online up to 14 days in advance.

Complete Directory of SmartStop and Managed Locations in Colorado

SmartStop Self Storage Flagship Locations (12)

Third-Party Managed and Regional Brands (7)

Renting or Partnering in Colorado

For renters: Colorado renters can compare unit sizes, amenities, and current availability across all 19 locations across the Denver metro, Bennett, and Colorado Springs. Explore Colorado locations and reserve online. It is also worth reviewing what to weigh before choosing a facility, from access hours to unit type.

For facility owners: Independent operators evaluating third-party management can review how the SmartStop platform supports marketing, revenue management, and site operations. Learn more about SmartStop's third-party management platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many storage locations does SmartStop have in Colorado?

SmartStop operates 19 storage facilities across Colorado. Those locations serve Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Littleton, Federal Heights, Bennett, and Colorado Springs, and include both SmartStop flagship properties and regional brands operating on the SmartStop platform.

What is third-party storage management?

Third-party storage management is an arrangement in which an independent facility owner retains ownership of the property and its local brand identity while a larger operator handles marketing, revenue management, technology, and day-to-day operational support. In Colorado, 303 Self Storage, Metro Denver Self Storage, DTC Self Storage, and New Frontier Self Storage operate under this model on the SmartStop platform.

Where can I find a SmartStop storage unit in the Denver metro area?

SmartStop and its managed brands operate in Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Littleton, Federal Heights, and Bennett across the Denver metro area. Current availability and unit sizes for every location can be viewed and reserved online at smartstopselfstorage.com.

Does SmartStop offer climate-controlled storage in Colorado?

Yes, climate-controlled storage units are available at select SmartStop locations across Colorado, including 500 Laredo St in Aurora and 5885 W Colfax Ave in Lakewood, to protect temperature-sensitive items from extreme seasonal weather.

Where can I store a vehicle, RV, or boat at a SmartStop facility in Colorado?

Vehicle, RV, and boat storage is available at select Colorado facilities. The Colorado Springs location at 3850 Airport Rd offers uncovered vehicle, RV, and boat parking, while the Littleton location at 3757 Norwood Dr provides enclosed vehicle units for cars, small trucks, boats, and camper vans. Managed locations such as New Frontier Self Storage at 915 Sharis Ct in Bennett also offer dedicated outdoor boat and RV storage options.

How can independent facility owners join the SmartStop management platform?

Independent self-storage operators can partner with SmartStop through its third-party management program to retain property ownership while leveraging SmartStop's digital marketing, dynamic pricing, centralized customer support, and technology suite.

All facility counts and location details are current as of the publication date and are subject to change. Confirm current availability at smartstopselfstorage.com. 

Sources

1. SmartStop Self Storage. "Self Storage Units and Facilities in Colorado." https://smartstopselfstorage.com/find-storage/co

2. SmartStop Self Storage. "Our Company." https://smartstopselfstorage.com/about-us/our-company

3. Business Wire. "SmartStop Self Storage Once Again Ranked Top Self Storage Customer Service 2024 by Newsweek." https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906536216/en/

4. Newsweek. "Best Climate-Controlled Storage 2026." Readers' Choice. https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-climate-controlled-storage-2026

5. SmartStop Self Storage. "Storage Units at 3757 Norwood Dr, Littleton, CO." https://smartstopselfstorage.com/find-storage/co/littleton/3757-norwood-dr

6. SmartStop Self Storage. "Self Storage Units in Colorado Springs, CO at 3850 Airport Rd." https://smartstopselfstorage.com/find-storage/co/colorado-springs/3850-airport-rd

7. SmartStop Third Party Management. https://www.smartstop3pm.com/