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Knowing which storage business ideas to explore is key to your success and profitability. The demand for storage space has been steadily increasing over the years. The need for extra storage is universal, whether it's due to a lack of space, downsizing, relocation, or businesses seeking secure warehousing solutions.

Recession-Resistant

Storage unit businesses have proven to be resilient even during economic downturns. In fact, during challenging times, the demand for storage has risen. Whether you are considering a small operation or a storage business franchise, over 90% of new businesses are successful. This recession-resistant nature of the industry offers stability and security for entrepreneurs, making it an attractive investment option.

Steady Cash Flow

Another reason starting a storage unit business is a good idea is the consistent cash flow they generate. Wondering how much storage franchise owners make? Would it be more profitable to start independently with a small operation? 

In 2022, revenue for the self storage industry reached $39.5 billion. More than likely, independent or franchised, your business will be profitable.

Income streams from a self storage business include but aren't limited to the following:

  • Monthly fees to rent storage units
  • Auction proceeds from past-due accounts
  • Fees such as administrative lost key, late, and lock removal
  • Sales of moving supplies, locks, and/or other related products
  • Leasing moving trucks

Low Overhead Costs

Starting a storage unit business requires relatively low initial investment and operational costs compared to many other businesses. While securing a suitable property and constructing the storage units may involve some upfront expenses, ongoing maintenance costs remain modest. Researching self storage franchises for sale may be a more cost-effective solution. Only you can decide which direction to explore.

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Either way, starting a storage unit business is a wise and profitable. Gaining access to the right resources and tools to start a self storage business is your next step. 

How To Start A Storage Unit Business

Not only is the self storage industry resilient, but it continues to experience significant growth. Forecasts suggest that the self storage industry will expand by more than 5% annually between 2022 and 2027.

There are several factors to consider before deciding to invest in one of the most profitable businesses 2023. Access market research, statistics, and trends before investing time and energy in learning how to start a storage unit business. 

Consider the pros and cons of owning storage units before moving forward. Here are two factors that are often overlooked.

High Demand for Storage

Despite fluctuating economic conditions, there continues to be a high demand for storage. In 2018, there were over 23 million individual self storage units in the United States. Since then, the demand has consistently grown.

According to the 2023 edition of the SSA's Self Storage Demand Study, some factors drive demand for self storage, such as demographics, personal life situations, and professional decisions through self storage industry research. This study has over 300 pages, with industry-related tables, graphs, and information.

Ultimately, demand for storage does not decline when the economy does.

Security Costs are Necessary

Although a storage facility can provide a safe space to store valuable personal or professional belongings securely, the costs of ensuring that safety can be expensive. Technology, system updates, and installation can be costly but is essential for the security of your customers' possessions. 

The following security equipment should always be current, well-maintained, and fully operational.

  • Gate entry and controls
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Locks on units

Investing in this billion-dollar industry may be challenging, but it can be lucrative with the proper balance of strategy and practicality. Your success relies on making an informed decision. 

Annual Income Owning Storage Units.

With so many outstanding activities at the ISS World Expo, what can you expect from the Self-Storage Association Fall Conference 2023 in September?

When venturing into the storage unit business, understanding the potential of annual income owning storage units is essential for making informed decisions and setting realistic financial goals.

Analyze Market Demand and Pricing

Evaluating the local market demand for storage units can help determine how much money you can make owning a storage facility. Consider factors such as population density, competition, and economic trends to help answer the question, "(i)s owning a storage unit business profitable?"

If researched appropriately, you can find creative ways to determine how to start a storage unit business with no money, as well as the tax benefits of owning storage units. Your research will also reveal the pros and cons of owning storage units. 

Income Calculation

Storage unit facilities offer natural storage but also additional services, such as climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, or packaging supplies. You can estimate your storage unit income with a storage unit income calculator, which considers rental fees and the potential income from ancillary services you choose to offer.

Ensure that the cost of providing these services is factored into your overall calculations.

Determine Unit Sizes and Rental Fees

Different storage unit sizes attract varying rental fees. Assess the demand for various unit sizes in your target market and design your facility accordingly. Research if there is a storage unit business for sale and make improvements to make the business more profitable.

Set rental fees that align with the local market rates and the pricing structure of similar facilities. Consider offering discounts for long-term rentals or incentivizing referrals to attract and retain customers.

Estimating the annual income from a storage unit business involves:

  • Careful analysis of market demand.
  • Setting competitive rental rates.
  • Maintaining a profitable occupancy rate.
  • Considering ancillary services. 

Keep in mind a successful facility will operate with approximately 80% occupancy and produce a net income of about 30% of rental income after paying for expenses. Most importantly, financial projections and understanding operational expenses are essential for estimating potential income.

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Storage Unit Business?.

By now, you are asking, "how much does it cost to start a storage unit business?"

Establishing a profitable storage unit business requires careful financial planning. You may be considering purchasing a self storage business for sale. Or you may be asking, "how much does it cost to build a self storage business from the ground up?"

Property Acquisition

The primary cost is acquiring suitable property for your storage unit business. Location, size, accessibility, and zoning regulations affect the cost. Property prices vary greatly depending on your location, so thorough research and market analysis are crucial. Costs may include down payments, mortgages, leasing fees, or finding a storage unit business for sale.

Construction or Renovation

Construction or renovation expenses must be considered if the acquired property does not already have storage units. You may be wondering what expenses play a factor in a 10x10 storage unit's cost to build or how much it cost to build 100 storage units. This may also include building or modifying storage units to meet the desired capacity and layout. 

Costs depend on the number of units, materials, labor, security systems, and any additional amenities. Obtaining necessary permits and complying with building codes are also associated costs.

Starting a storage unit business typically requires between $2 and $3 million in financing with a 10 to 20% down payment.

Operational Infrastructure

Investments in operational infrastructure are essential to running a storage unit business smoothly. This includes but is not limited to the following: 

  • Office space
  • Reception areas
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Security systems
  • Lighting
  • Signage
  • Software for managing reservations, payments, and customer records.

Budget for these items based on the scale of your operation and quality requirements.

Starting a storage unit business involves various costs that must be carefully evaluated and planned for. Of course, expenses will vary depending on the size of the facility, location, and services offered.

Self Storage Business Plan

A well-developed self storage business plan is key to the success and profitability of your business. If created strategically, it serves as a self storage business model for starting your business venture and throughout.

Here are some key components of an effective business plan for your self storage business.

Executive Summary

The executive summary gives an overview of your business plan. It includes but is not limited to a description of your company and its mission, target market, and competitive advantage.

It also includes a summary of your short- and long-term financial projections. 

Company Description

This section provides a comprehensive overview of your self-storage business. It includes details such as the legal structure, ownership, location, facility size, and amenities offered. Describe your target market, customer demographics, and unique value proposition (UVP).

Market Analysis

Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand and competition in your target market. Identify your primary and secondary target markets, analyze local demographics, and assess the competitive landscape. Provide insights into your self-storage business's market trends, growth potential, and opportunities.

Services and Pricing

Describe the range of services and storage unit sizes your facility will offer. Also, describe any additional services, such as unique storage business ideas to attract and retain customers.

Also, develop a pricing strategy that aligns with the market, ensures profitability, and keeps your competitive advantage.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Outline your marketing and sales approach to attract customers. Define your target audience and detail your strategies to reach them, including online marketing, local advertising, referrals, and partnerships. 

Provide a comprehensive plan for customer acquisition, retention, and brand building.

Operational Plan

Describe the operational aspects of your self-storage business. Include the following: 

  • Information about facility layout, security measures, staff requirements, and customer service protocols.
  • Outline operational procedures for rental agreements, payments, unit access, and maintenance.
  • Detail any software or technology you plan to implement to streamline operations.

Financial Projections

The financial projections section is crucial for demonstrating the viability and profitability of your self-storage business. 

Include projected revenue, expenses, and cash flow statements for at least the first three to five years. Consider occupancy rates, rental fees, operational costs, and marketing expenses. 

Finally, conduct a break-even analysis and provide an overview of funding sources and repayment plans if applicable.



Storage unit businesses offer tremendous scalability and expansion possibilities. Entrepreneurs can start with a small facility and gradually expand their operations based on demand. As the customer base grows, additional storage units can be added, increasing revenue potential. 

Exploring the best storage business idea is your choice. Maintenance, accounting, management, marketing, and technology efficiency is essential to operating a profitable self-storage business. Using customer data as part of PPC management is key.

The professionals at Adverank can help you maximize your marketing efforts so you can focus on staying competitive in this constantly evolving industry.