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Writer's pictureDerek Walker

How To Start a Successful Self-Storage Business


A brick building displaying the word Storage. The building is painted blue on the second floor and black on the first floor.

Have you ever thought about venturing into the self-storage industry? You’re not alone. With a rising demand for space outside of the traditional home and office, self-storage businesses are booming. That’s why this guide is here to help small business owners and newcomers alike step into this thriving market.


Let’s explore how to start a successful self-storage business, including what you need to consider before you start, key operational strategies, and how Box Pro can help you find success. Whether you’re interested in a small neighborhood operation or aiming for a larger facility, these insights will pave the way for your entrepreneurial success.


Understanding the Self-Storage Market

Before stepping into the self-storage industry, you’ll want to understand the market landscape. The demand for storage units has grown substantially in recent years, driven by factors such as urbanization, small living spaces, and the increase in online businesses needing storage solutions. As more people accumulate belongings, the need for extra space continues to grow.


Research shows that the self-storage industry in the US alone has a market size of over $40 billion. With such lucrative potential, comprehending your local market’s specific needs and demographics will help you begin successfully. Analyzing competitors, location advantages, and customer preferences can provide valuable insights that guide your business decisions.


Pro Tip: By calculating your trade area’s self-storage square feet per capita and comparing it to state and national levels, you can get a good idea of how over- or undersupplied your market is.


Crafting a Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan serves as a blueprint for your self-storage venture. Start by defining your business goals, target audience, and unique selling propositions. Within that, you’ll want to outline your financing needs, marketing strategies, and operational plans. A clear business plan helps you secure funding and guides your business through various growth stages.


Consider location and facilities as critical elements in your plan. Choose a site that’s easily accessible, safe, and strategically located near residential or commercial areas. Additionally, you’ll need to understand local zoning laws and property taxes.


The financial section of your plan should include initial development costs, ongoing operating expenses, and projected revenue. Be realistic and conservative in your estimates to provide a safety net for unforeseen challenges—the more thorough your plan, the better.


Selecting the Right Location

Location is everything in the self-storage business. Proximity to potential customers, accessibility, and visibility are key factors that influence customer decision-making. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the area, including traffic patterns, local competition, and community growth trends.

You’ll also want to consider the demographic profile of the surrounding area. Urban locations might attract apartment dwellers needing extra space, while suburban or rural areas could cater to homeowners seeking seasonal storage. Aligning your offerings with local needs can give you a distinct competitive edge.


You can also partner with our team at Box Pro to ensure you choose a location that leads to success. Our self-storage consultants can perform a variety of market studies to help you feel more at ease with your decision.


A financial plan printout with a blue pie chart and other tables. Next to that are a calculator, glasses, and a budget binder.

Financing Your Self-Storage Business

Starting a self-storage business requires significant capital investment. Identifying appropriate financing options is one of the most important steps to turning your vision into reality.


Explore traditional bank loans, small business administration (SBA) loans, or private investors. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so carefully consider factors such as interest rates, repayment terms, and any associated risks. This is where your well-structured business plan can aid in securing funding since it demonstrates your commitment and potential for success.


Designing Your Storage Facility

The design and layout of your storage facility play a vital role in its success. What’s important? A convenient and user-friendly environment that accounts for factors such as unit size variety, climate control options, and security measures.


Offer a range of unit sizes to accommodate different storage needs. From small lockers for personal items to larger units for furniture or business inventory, diverse options attract a wider clientele. Climate-controlled units are also a valuable addition, as they protect sensitive items from temperature fluctuations.


Once you’re more settled into the space, incorporate robust security features, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and individual unit alarms. This will assure potential clients that their belongings are safe and secure, building trust and encouraging word-of-mouth referrals.


Marketing Your Self-Storage Business

Effective marketing is essential to starting and maintaining a successful self-storage business. Develop a marketing strategy that highlights your unique offerings, such as convenient location, security features, and friendly customer service.


Leverage digital marketing channels to reach potential customers—optimize your website, engage with social media, and utilize online ads. You’ll also want to collaborate with nearby businesses to cross-promote services. Moving companies, real estate agents, or local events can expand your reach and foster community engagement.


Pricing Your Services

Setting the right pricing strategy is key to balancing profitability and competitiveness. After you’ve conducted some market research, you’ll better understand local pricing trends and customer expectations. Consider factors such as location, storage unit size, and additional amenities when determining rates.


We suggest offering flexible pricing options, such as month-to-month leases or long-term contracts, to accommodate different customer needs. Want to incentivize customers more? Promotional discounts, referral bonuses, or bundled packages can motivate potential clients and drive sales.


A hallway filled with orange self-storage garage doors. Each door has a metal locking feature.

Managing Challenges

Running a self-storage business comes with its share of challenges, from fluctuating demand to unforeseen maintenance issues. Proactively identifying and addressing potential obstacles is essential for long-term success—our feasibility study will help you with this.


Afterward, do your best to stay informed about industry trends and economic factors that may impact your business. Adapting your strategies to changing conditions can help you remain resilient and innovative.


Making Your Mark in the Self-Storage Industry

Starting a successful self-storage business requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. By understanding the market, designing a functional facility, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can create a thriving business.


Ready to take the next step? Partner with Box Pro and explore our resources and tools to help you succeed in the self-storage industry. From feasibility studies and market studies to RV/boat storage studies and market identification studies, we’ve got everything to help you take strides toward success. We’re also more than willing to chat about any specific or unique issues you may come across. Reach out to us today to learn more!

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