Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-08883) of Sovran Self Storage, Inc. and in the related Prospectus of
our report  dated April 9, 1998,  with  respect to the  historical  summaries of
combined gross revenue and direct operating  expenses in this Form 8-K/A for the
year ended December 31, 1997.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form S-8 No.  333-21679)  pertaining  to the 1995 Award and Option Plan and the
1995  Directors'  Stock Option Plan of Sovran Self  Storage,  Inc. of our report
dated April 9, 1998, with respect to the historical  summaries of combined gross
revenue  and  direct  operating  expenses  in this Form 8-K/A for the year ended
December 31, 1997.


                                                          /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Buffalo, New York
April 9, 1998