Starting a container self storage business is one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the storage industry. Whether you’re looking at container storage solutions, planning to buy containers for self storage, or researching how to start a self storage site, there are key factors you need to consider.
What Is Container Self Storage?
Container self storage is a flexible, scalable option for self storage businesses using durable steel shipping containers. These wind and watertight steel containers are available in a variety of sizes, and provide convenient and affordable self storage options for customers.
Storage containers are originally used to transport large volumes of cargo across the world. After completing their initial journey (often referred to as a single or “one trip”) these containers can then be repurposed as secure individual storage units on self storage sites. The Corten steel structure offers durability for long-haul transport across the world, making containers a very secure and weather-resistant option for storage, well suited to withstand the demands of long-term use on self storage sites.
Self storage sites typically buy new 20ft storage containers as their main storage option, with larger and smaller sizes available. A 20ft unit roughly equals the size of a standard UK single garage, making it a popular option for customers wanting to store household goods.
How To Start A Container Self Storage Business
Starting a container self storage business begins with researching local demand and securing a suitable piece of land with good access and visibility. If you already have land, such as non-arable or inactive farmland, your next step will be to research your planning permission requirements. This is necessary as you are changing the use of the land from farmland to commercial storage, which requires different permissions according to your local council.
From there, you will choose the right size storage containers for your site, and design a layout that allows for easy access and future expansion. Putting the right security measures in place and setting competitive pricing based on your local market will help position your site for success.
1. How Much Does Setting Up A Self Storage Site Cost?
Unsurprisingly, storage containers will be your biggest upfront cost. The price of shipping containers can fluctuate, with factors like steel costs, shipping line premiums, or the exchange rate against the dollar affecting shipping container prices.
Other costs to consider include:
- Groundworks may be required to level the site for container placement and ensure proper drainage
- Security and access control for your site is essential – from CCTV to fencing to lighting, you will need security measures in places to provide peace of mind for your customers.
Container self storage is generally more cost effective than traditional builds. One of the major benefits of container storage is its scalability, with land owners having the option to start small, and increase capacity as demand increases.
2. Choosing The Right Location
Having a well populated town within a relatively short distance has always been a mainstay for picking the perfect location, but it’s also worth taking the time to research new and upcoming residential developments within that catchment area. Similarly, being close to local amenities such as retail parks and supermarkets can be of benefit where potential customers can see your signage when passing by.
If you already have the land, use The Self Storage Association directory or other business directories to consider local competition. This research can also highlight opportunities to collaborate with complementary businesses, such as removals companies, to help promote your services and generate referrals.
3. Planning Permission For Self Storage Sites
One of the most common questions we receive from land owners looking to start a self storage business is about planning permission.
It is likely that turning your land into a container self storage site will require planning permission. ‘Change of use’ from agricultural farmland to commercial storage will require permission from your local council.
While many consider it a grey area, we always advise that planning permission is arranged prior to commencement of delivery of your containers. Check with your local authorities for what steps you need to take for your new or ‘change of use’ application. Need help? Our expert team can guide you in the right direction.
4. Buying Containers for Self Storage Sites
When buying containers for your self storage site, you have options to choose from depending on your budget. The most common option is buying new (one-trip) containers. Buying 20ft one-trip containers is the most popular choice for most self storage sites as they are a similar size to a standard UK single garage, making them popular to store household items. These new containers are clean and tidy, wind and watertight, and give a uniform look to your site.
Buying used shipping containers for storage is also an option for self storage sites. Our range of used containers are still graded as wind and watertight, but may show signs of cosmetic wear. These are a great lower-cost option, and are popular for storing things like tools or vehicles which don’t require a pristine storage unit.
Smaller size containers like 10ft x 8ft units can offer customers a smaller and cheaper storage option, and multi-door units with partitions offer a custom solution to make the most of your square footage.
Finding containers for sale for your self storage site can be overwhelming, but choosing a supplier that works with self storage sites regularly can help make the process easier.
5. Site Layout and Design for Container Self Storage Sites
Container self storage sites require a flat, well drained site with hard standing. In an ideal world, a flat, concrete/tarmac site would be perfect for your self storage site, but of course this is not always possible.
Keep in mind that your customers will not want to wade through muddy puddles to get to their storage unit, so a hardstanding base with good drainage is a good general guide.
Having your containers level and true is also crucial to ensure that the functionality of their doors are not affected.
To make the most of every inch of space, it is recommended to plan your site layout using a CAD design tool. Buying 20ft containers, 40ft containers, and utilising vertical space with container toppers is in our experience the best way to get the most bang for your buck from your land. As a starting point, we recommend placing units along your perimeter to make the most of your space.
Planning your site with wide, easy-to-navigate corridors to allow for drive-up access is a key consideration for outdoor storage centres. Unloading large and bulky items into units should be easy – you may want to consider implementing signage to help customers navigate to their unit.
Download an example of one of our self storage site layout CAD drawings here.
When planning your container self storage site layout, you also want to keep scalability in mind. Starting with containers around your perimeter as mentioned previously is a good place to begin, and stacking containers on top of each other or using ‘toppers’ is a great option to increase capacity when you are ready to grow.
”Depending on the size of your site, working with 10 containers at a time is a good rule of thumb. This should allow you to fulfill the demands of your existing pipeline, with some extra so that you never have to turn away a new customer. We have a short lead time at Storage on Site, especially for green 20ft one-trip containers, so scaling up can happen quickly to meet demand.
Ryan VickerySales Manager
6. Security Considerations for Self Storage Sites
A secure site is imperative for building trust with your customers. Even if the containers themselves feature lockboxes, having a secure perimeter and access control is important to help protect your site from unauthorised personnel. Security considerations we would recommend include:
- Installing perimeter security (fencing and gated access) to control entry
- Using CCTV cameras to monitor the site and deter theft
- Ensuring good lighting across all areas for visibility and safety
- Choosing containers with lockboxes to protect customer padlocks
- Implementing access control systems (keypads, fobs, or apps)
- Positioning containers to avoid hidden or vulnerable areas
7. How To Analyse Competition When Starting a Self Storage Business
Self storage is a growing industry, so new and existing sites should expect competition in their local area. Research the potential competition thoroughly and use your findings to guide you on your pricing, unique selling points (USPs) and local market viability. Learn from their errors and develop on what they are doing well. Healthy competition usually dictates that demand is good within the area.
”Whether you are right at the beginning of your self storage journey, or looking to grow your site, SOS can help. Offering a true turnkey package with our expert team, we are established as the first choice container supplier in the self storage market.
Neil VickeryManaging Director
At Storage on Site, we pride ourselves on having supplied and partnered with many successful self storage sites over many years.
We are always happy to offer our in-depth self storage centre expertise with new clients or existing, by introducing a full on-site introductory service. This includes design site planning, introductions to experts in required sectors, and finance options.
From the initial contact, one of our self storage experts will visit your proposed site to design a site plan, with the goal to maximise revenue from your land. This live site plan will fully take into account our knowledge of container size and types, their feasibility for use in self storage, and your preferences.
Alongside the site plan, we will also offer information and up-to-date advice on security, software requirements, marketing your business and pricing. The final part of our self storage turnkey solution is our finance package, created specifically with self storage businesses in mind. For a minimum of just 10 units, we can offer a bespoke package to help lower your upfront cost and allow the start or growth of your self storage business.
Ready to grow? Partner with an industry leading container supplier today – call 023 8033 2266 or email sales@storageonsite.co.uk to speak to our self storage experts.
