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A 10-foot container is an ideal option a smaller volume of goods. However, some freight companies prefer stocking only 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers because they’re safer and easier to stack.

While 10-foot containers might not be needed when transporting goods by sea, they’re a great option for transporting small loads over land. Not only are they easier to transport, but they also cost less to ship and leave a smaller carbon footprint.

10-foot shipping containers can easily fit into most driveways and even single parking spaces, which adds to their convenience when transporting them over land.

A 10-foot shipping container has around 72 square feet of flooring—about half the size of a single-car garage. However, if you opt for a high cube container, you also get an extra foot of height.

A 10-foot shipping container can be used to conveniently transport the belongings of a small one-bedroom flat, making them the preferred shipping option for single people and students.

Why Is the 10 x 10 Right for My Business?

The 10 x 10 storage unit size is popular as it can accommodate large items such as mattresses. It can hold roughly the contents of a two-bedroom apartment. There are several reasons why this would work for businesses, too.

The Ideal Size for Most Self-Storage Units

A 10 x 10 size storage unit is roughly the size of a small room, and for businesses that have to store seasonal items, pieces of furniture, or tools during the year, a storage unit comes in handy.

Several Benefits for Businesses

Some of the benefits of using storage facilities include:

Business owners don’t have to store their business contents at home, keeping their garages and closets free for personal belongings.

You can pack the unit according to your needs, even vertically, to use up every square foot of the unit. You can also add shelving units for ease of access. It’s worth knowing these units have roughly 72 square feet of floor space.

Businesses can store a wide range of items in these units, including clothing and equipment.

Upgrading to larger units is fairly simple. For instance, the 10 x 15 or 10 x 20 can accommodate roughly the same amount of furniture as a three-bedroom house. We use a storage unit size guide to help with the decision-making process.

You can have more than one unit if the business requires it and categorize storage according to the items inside.

What Are the Interior/Exterior Dimensions of a 10-Foot Shipping Container?

Interior Dimensions

The internal dimensions of a 10-foot shipping container are 9’4” long, 7’10” high, and 7’8.5” inches wide. On the other hand, the internal dimensions of a 10-foot high cube are 9’6” long, 8’10” tall, and 7’8” wide.

Exterior Dimensions

The exterior dimensions of a 10-foot shipping container are 10’ long, 8.5’ high, and 8’ wide. The exterior dimensions of a 10-foot high cube are 10’ long, 9.5’ tall, and 8’ wide.

What Is the Weight Capacity of a 10-Foot Shipping Container?

The tare weight capacity of a 10-foot shipping container is 2,850 pounds (1300 kg), while the maximum cargo weight is about 19,530 pounds (8858.7 kg).

Are Shipping Containers Waterproof?

Yes, our shipping containers are waterproof. They are made from hard-wearing steel capable of protecting the contents inside from any drastic temperature variations. However, it’s important to note that steel on its own is not entirely waterproof and can easily corrode.

However, responsible shipping companies employ different methods such as anti-corrosion coating and routine maintenance to prevent that from happening.

Call Portable Storage Box today for more information on our 10-foot shipping container options. We’ve been in the self-storage industry for over 20 years, manufacturing storage containers for businesses all over the world

The self-storage industry has proven to be a stable and profitable business even among national economic hardships. The changing atmosphere of big cities and cultural differences has started migrations across the country. People moving to and from cities combined with aging generations downsizing their households and lifestyles guarantees stable growth for self-store facilities.

In the short term, popular predictions state that the availability of storage will outpace the demand. This is mainly due to the building of new self-store facilities and the expansion of old ones during pandemic shutdowns. The stressed nature of the economy forced every industry to rethink how they operate. The storage world didn’t feel as much of the hurt but still has to make necessary changes to adapt and grow.

Now is still the perfect time for the storage industry to rally around innovative new experiences that operate more efficiently through the use of technology. Even with a surplus of availability, storage needs are sure to change drastically in both cities and rural locations. An efficient, secure, and clean automated facility will continue to be profitable. No matter the rumors of outpaced demand, the market says there will be significant trending growth.

By looking at the economic and political climates alongside the last few year’s trends, we can confidently make a few predictions of what the future of the self-store industry will look like.

An Automated Experience

Online shopping and reservation culture has changed how business is done everywhere. Self-storage is no different. The average consumer prefers an experience with as little interaction with strangers as possible. This is a win-win situation. By taking advantage of renter’s preferences and new technology, self-store facilities can offer a ‘premium’ experience with a lower monthly cost. As the cost of switching to technological solutions lowers, the number of businesses adopting them will grow exponentially.

Most facilities will still need consistently on-site personnel. Some will be able to be maintained entirely remotely. Either way, the cost of operations can be significantly reduced by replacing wages with utility bills and renters will enjoy a more “private” experience. In most cases, the facilities may appear to be empty or unmanned.

Accomplishing a modern techno-centric facility isn’t only a prop feature, it allows for a more personalized leasing process and more secure access that can be managed through remote online access and self-service kiosks.

Reserve Online

It used to be that the number one source of renters for self-store businesses walked through the front door. People still do, but pandemic responses have required the minimization of human contact. During the pandemic, the use of online reservations for units and containers soared. This has solidified the use of online reservations as it simplifies what’s required from the renter and requires no contact.

Having access to availability, costs, and acquiring storage units all from a clean, easy to navigate website opens a facility’s potential renter pool from local prospects to national. Since 2017, the internet has directed more renter traffic than walk-ins. Pandemic-driven behavior has increased web usage three-fold. Online presence is a requirement to stay competitive.

For renters, online reservation provides a sense of security when moving their belongings and traveling to new destinations. Renters moving to a new area often lack the confidence to search around for self-store facilities after they arrive at a location. The ease of search and securing a unit to store their belongings by online means provides a secure feeling.

Self-Serving Kiosks

The biggest “problem” with automating a facility is finding a way to handle human-specific tasks. New tenant signing, issuing keys, taking cash payments, handling of facility-available equipment like dollies and moving carts, and product sales are traditionally handled by an employee or two. Technology has provided a way to take care of the larger portion of these tasks.

Self-serve kiosks can provide access to walk-ins and tenants to manage their accounts and services. Almost every administrative function that needs to be performed can now be done with the same system used to create online functionality. Future self-store businesses can operate entirely without meeting a majority of their tenants in person.

Some start-ups will want to be able to mobilize quickly. This means that they will seek already built systems rather than trying to construct their own. Luckily for them, kiosk manufacturers are already filling this need. As kiosk services gain in popularity, companies like OpenTech Alliance will make it easier for old facilities to switch to new technology with the kiosk hardware, software, and additional personnel services for customer support.

Higher Security

Having a limited amount of personnel working on-site means security has to be improved. Tenants are only storing things that they wish to keep secure. To offset the loss of on-site patrols, future self-store businesses will utilize a matrix of cameras and security devices to keep an eye on the units and record any activity.

This has already become a widely accepted option for gated locations and businesses in high-risk areas. Preventing theft is among the highest concerns a self-store facility holds. It’s only natural that the use of better and more cameras occurs over time.

With more cameras in use, remote access can be offered for the inside of rented units as well. Climate-controlled units will need to be regularly checked to make sure there is no damage to the stored objects due to temperature variance.

Financial Requirements

Not everything about using the internet and online services to run a business is beneficial. There are a few side effects that have emerged. The most concerning for a self-store facility is the identity of the clientele. While businesses don’t want to know the tenants on an invasive level, they need to avoid the pitfalls of being stuck with a unit full of unwanted objects or even worse materials that cause damage to the unit they are in or around.

Unfortunately, there is not an accurate way to assess these behaviors and identify problems before they occur. Instead, businesses are opting to raise the financial requirements and costs to weed out bad-faith renters and cover the cost of previous lessons learned. This could mean security deposits, higher monthly rates, gate fees, and in some cases application fees.

Most of these will not accelerate to an untenable level. Excessive fees and costs can turn away potential renters. However, security deposits and higher monthly rates are an already occurring trend. The money lost on damaged units and clean-up costs as well as uncollected rent will motivate higher pricing to help repair damages and recover losses.

It is also a bad managerial move to prevent access to services due to higher financial requirements during a period when economic instability has caused many to downsize their homes.

Credit Checks?

As a trend, credit checks in most industries have dwindled. Real estate and rentals have doubled down on them. Self-store facilities have already floated the idea of implementing credit checks as well. Former practices that allowed them to rent to anyone who walked in with enough money for the month have led to abandoned property and unpaid dues. Using consumer credit checks could help to assess whether a potential tenant will be able to keep up with the rent.

Many predict that credit checks will become a standard for self-store businesses in the coming years. I predict that many will implement credit checks for a short time as a trend but newer more secure facilities will not. The less restrictive options will gain the most tenants and cause the market to find other ways to adapt.

If economic downturns continue, credit checks would slowly filter out all but a few tenants. This mistake has been made by the hotel industry in the form of security deposit requirements on top of rental costs. Ultimately, it causes a higher refusal rate than is manageable. The damage done by refusing business is far worse than the cost of repairs or unpaid rent.

Sleeker and More Efficient Designs

Self-store facilities are evolving. Traditionally, they were side-by-side units built almost like a long secure shed or garage. Most of them were built as outside access facilities with driving space between the sides. There are more warehouse-styled ones as well that are indoor and have wide hallways to haul personal property to storage through.

These traditional styles are either born with a specific purpose in mind or are buildings converted to purpose. U-Haul has led the way in redesigning indoor self-store facilities. New facilities are two to three stories with open window views and climate-controlled units. These buildings are far more inviting, friendly, and modern.

The outside isn’t as important as what’s inside.

Self-Sustaining Facility

Cutting costs is a tried and true way to increase profit. Self-store businesses already operate at a comparatively low cost, but solar panels and power batteries may be able to take a chunk out of the electric bill. Depending on the space available, the rooftops of self-store facilities will be commonly kitted with solar panels and efficient wind turbines. The energy needs for these businesses are simple and the most taxing on the electric bill is the climate control systems. With enough solar power and batteries, self-store facilities will be able to power themselves with very little draw on the electric grid if any.

It may not be long before cleaning robots find their way into self-store facilities as well. With a decent amount of automated cleaning equipment already available, the future is sure to see robots utilized to maintain a proper appearance. Thus solving another “human-specific” task.

Combining automated equipment, self-service kiosks, keypad locks, and vending machines cover all the primary tasks needed in a modern self-store facility. This is only what’s possible now. The future may hold yet more useful and unique automation applications that may again change the competitive playing field.

Climate Controlled Storage

Tenants store a variety of objects: Furniture, clothes, toys, mattresses, dressers, miscellaneously filled boxes, etc. Sometimes their possessions need to be kept in specific conditions to prevent damage. Most notably, musical instruments and fine wood products have to be maintained at a specific temperature and humidity to prevent board warping. Violins, guitars, cellos, etc. can be rendered unplayable if left in the wrong environment for long enough.

Having the option for climate-controlled units will become standard in just about every self-store business. These units allow the business to offer its services to a wider audience than just people who have moved into a smaller space. Professional musicians, artists, mobile cleaners, and other innovative small businesses and individuals need space to store equipment. Climate-controlled units provide the conditions these renters need to safely store their tools of the trade.

Drive-Thru Storage

Outdoor self-store facilities are also referred to as drive-thru or drive-up units. They aren’t new phenomena, but the pandemic shutdowns and mandates increased their popularity. Outdoor unit access allowed renters to maintain a six-foot distance when transferring property from their vehicle to storage. It also allowed them to avoid other renters when compared to indoor units.

The increased use of outdoor self-storage will eventually cause them to upgrade the quality of their units and may even inspire climate-controlled units with drive-thru access.

What Can You Fit in a 20-ft. Container?

20-ft. shipping containers are flexible and can be used for various purposes, including industrial storage and jobsite storage, or they can be repurposed for home, office, or commercial purposes.

When renting or purchasing a shipping container, it is excellent for inventory storage and onsite construction. Other notable benefits of choosing a new or used shipping container include increased security and safety for keeping items in remote locations.

Suppose you’re searching for a unique solution to a common problem, such as housing or creating an offsite location for your workshop, studio, or suite for extended family members. In that case, shipping containers offer a flexible, affordable, and functional solution. Not only are you giving the storage container a second chance to serve, but you’re also reducing waste by repurposing something already manufactured.

What’s the Difference Between a New and Used Storage Container?

New shipping containers are always more expensive than used ones, but they come with a warranty and are built to meet current safety codes.

They also offer more outstanding durability over time, which will save you on future maintenance costs. New storage containers can be customized in many ways, such as choosing the color for your doors, whereas older models might not have personalization options.

New shipping containers can cost anywhere from $2,500 and up. Water and wind-tight containers start at around $1,500, and cargo-worthy containers begin at approximately $1,900 each. Please note, these pricing models don’t include expenses for shipping or for making customizations for repurposing.

How Many Square Feet Are There in a 20-ft. Shipping Container?

There are 450 square feet in a 20-ft. shipping container. This number is equal to 0.14 acres of surface area or about the size of a football field.

What Is the Weight Capacity for a 20-ft. Shipping Container?

The maximum payload for these containers ranges from 18,000 to over 30,000 pounds.

What Are the Interior/Exterior Dimensions of a 20-ft. Shipping Container?

The interior dimensions are 228 inches long by 88.25 inches wide, and the exterior dimensions are 229.25 inches by 89 inches by 78 inches.

What Is the Volume of a 20-ft. Shipping Container?

There are about 16 cubic yards inside one 20-ft. shipping container.

What Is the Width of a 20-ft. Shipping Container?

The width of a standard 20-foot shipping container is around 8 to 9 feet. With this much interior space, there is plenty of room to safely store away oversized items that require more space to be accommodated.

Are Shipping Containers Waterproof?

Our containers are watertight and can effectively protect their contents from the elements, including rain, snow, wind, and the sun.

Portable Storage Containers Price: How Much Do They Cost?

Storage containers, shipping containers, freight containers, portable storage boxes—whatever you want to call them, they are a versatile asset for residential and commercial uses alike. If you’re in the market for quality storage containers to protect your equipment, documents, furniture, or inventory, read on to find out how much it will cost and the factors that can affect the final price.

How Much Does a Portable Storage Container Cost?

The simple answer is that there is no set price for a portable storage container. This is because many factors determine how much a shipping container costs.

We can only give you the average cost of these boxes. Even then, we recommend window shopping for different containers and comparing processes before settling for a specific one.

Factors Determining the Cost of a Storage Container

1. Size of the container

A big container will cost more than a small container. We recommend getting a storage container that is the right size for your needs to stay within budget. Avoid wasting money on a big container when you have very few items to store.

On the other hand, though a small container may be cheaper, it may not be a perfect fit for you if you intend to store many items. Regardless of the cost, we advise buyers to get a container size suitable for their intended use.

2. Renting Vs. Buying

We are often asked the cheaper option between renting and buying. To respond, we first look at the budget at hand then advise accordingly. A customer is likely to incur more costs when renting. This is because we also include transportation fees from the rental company to the delivery point on top of the rental charges.

We also charge for any modification done on the container, although such charges are billed monthly and added to the rent.

Buying, on the other hand, has an initial high cost. Prices will vary depending on the type of container in question. The price is also bound to go up if any customization is done on the container.

The question of whether to buy or rent in terms of cost-effectiveness is relative. We advise that, before settling, consider just how long you need the storage container. You do not need to buy a storage container if you need it for a short period.

3. Used Vs. New

Whether to buy a new or used storage container is a matter of personal preference and, of course, budget restrictions. Each type of container has its pros and cons. A brand new storage unit will cost more than a used one.

A new storage unit will be in pristine condition with no dents and scratched. You also have the option of customizing your container as you please. It is easier and safer to modify a new container since they are free from any contamination. If your budget allows, we recommend getting a new container.

A used container is not so bad either. For starters, they are cheaper. Depending on the purpose for which you intend to use them, used containers are perfect. You can modify them into decent structures such as ablution blocks or market stalls.

4. Add on features available

A plain storage container costs less than one which has been modified. We charge more to customize a storage container. There are a variety of add-ons available and each costs differently.

To save, we usually advise customers to purchase used containers with after-market add-ons.

Some common types of storage add-ons include ramps, shelving and lockboxes. The ramps ensure faster loading and off-loading of goods while shelving and lockboxes optimize the container’s storage space.

For a more sophisticated look, we can add a shaded area close to your storage unit. A shaded area is suitable if you intend to use your container as a vending area.

All add-on features come at an extra cost.

5. Location and delivery

Portable containers are big, heavy and quite challenging to transport. The cost of transporting these containers will vary depending on how far you want them transported.

Additionally, transporting a shipping container needs special equipment and vehicles. Not only do you need special equipment, but also trained personnel to transport your container.

Before transporting, you have to think about insurance coverage and clearance from local authorities. Remember that delivery companies charge according to how far you want your container transported. Usually, there is a standard fixed cost before delivery is initiated.

The cost of delivery is also dependent on the size of the container.

6. Seasonal changes

This may come as a surprise but seasons affect the cost of buying a container. Containers tend to cost more when there is high demand for them. The price will also drop significantly when the demand for them is low.

What Do You Look for When Buying a Storage Container?

Buying a storage container is a breeze once you understand the cost determinants. Apart from cost, there are also other factors you need to pay attention to.

1. Material

The material used to make a storage container should be non-corrosive. This material should also be strong and durable. We recommend getting steel storage container boxes.

2. Locking arrangements

The safety of your goods is paramount. Therefore, a good container should have a good locking system. It will help if the locking system is automated. For added security, choose a container that comes with an alarm fitted on the door.

3. Dents and scratches

Take a closer look at the exterior of the storage container. Look out for Dents and scratches. Although they are normal on used containers, dents and scratches are an eyesore and should be avoided. To avoid incurring repair costs, we advise that you buy new storage containers.

4. Interior finishing

Pay close attention to the interior. Check the doors, seals and any other fixtures for damage. Do not forget to check for mold and rust, especially on used containers. The interior of the unit needs to be watertight with no holes in the walls or floors.

5. Guarantees and warranty

When you buy a new storage container, ensure it comes with a warranty. A lot of companies also offer warranties and guarantees in cases of damage.

How to Modernize Your Self-Storage Business

The self-storage industry has been around for decades and won’t be declining anytime soon. In fact, the industry’s revenue has grown nearly 50% since 2010. It is vital for owners of self-storage businesses to keep up with the latest trends and technology in order to stay on top of the competition. If you feel that your business is out-dated, you should consider modernizing everything from the processes and technology you use to the first impression customers get when they see your store front.

Step 1 – Stating your goal

Before you do anything else, figure out what kind of company you want to own. Are you looking for a small, local affair that gives you enough income for a comfortable life? You want to work, but you don’t want anything to take over your life, so to speak. Or, are you looking for something that you can grow significantly? You won’t stop until you are the storage king.

Everything else you do will depend on this decision. Once you know what you want, you need to know if it will work.

How Do You Know You Should Update Your Business?

There are several signs that point to an out-dated business. A few of these are:

Your curb appeal is lacking.

Customers are complaining about difficulties in using your service.

Your paint is chipping or signs are faded.

To figure out if your business is ready for an upgrade, first take a look at your store front from the street. Does it stand out among the surrounding buildings? Can you clearly see the business name? Are there any obvious signs of aging, such as dead foliage or drab and faded paint? If any of these apply, you should plan to update your business from the outside in.

Another telltale sign of a much-needed upgrade is an increase in customer complaints. If they are having trouble with your services or reporting issues with the infrastructure, you need to consider updating your technology and equipment as soon as possible.

Ways to Modernize to Your Self-Storage Facility

Once you have determined that it’s time for an upgrade, it is essential to plan out exactly what needs to be done. Take a look at the competition, and see what is trending in the community around you. There are many approaches you can take to update your business, including:

Curb Appeal

As mentioned earlier, before a potential client walks into your facility, the first thing they will likely notice is your curb appeal. When updating your facility, ensure that you personally assess it’s condition and note what repairs need to be carried out. You do not have to do significant renovations all at once. Start small and make a few changes that are visibly noticeable to potential customers and ones that make your facility look appealing. For instance, some of the quickest ways you can increase your curb appeal are:

Applying a fresh coat of paint. It can significantly transform your self-storage facility, and it also shows clients that you care about the facility and their possessions. You could also have your parking lot freshly paved. It may seem like a small thing to do, but it is one of the first things that a potential client notices about your facility.

Landscaping. A little landscaping can go a long way. Unkempt landscaping can drive potential clients away, so get rid of overgrown trees and large areas of dying or dead shrubs, groundcovers, and grass. Install new designs that are attractive instead.

Signage updates are also essential. Make your brand stand out with a new and improved sign.

Cleaning up and fixing rusty or banged up garage doors. Not only do they look subpar, but they also can make it harder for customers to operate.

Update old lighting to more aesthetic options. There are various modern light fixtures you can choose from that will add to your facility’s curb appeal as well as providing ample lighting during nighttime.

Security

You need to invest in security upgrades for safety purposes and to give your customers the satisfaction that their items are safe in your storage facility. This feature will add significant value to your self-storage and will also add to its appeal. Listed below are some of the security options you can add to your self-storage facility.

Invest in new cameras, security gates, keypads, and garage locks. Customers feel safer if they can see that measures are consistently being taken to prevent theft. Knowing their items are secure and that they do not need to worry about them will increase their chance of choosing your facility. It also prevents you from being liable for the loss of your clients’ property.

Upgrade your alarm systems, especially if they are currently wired. Wireless systems cannot be cut.

Consider installing cameras in each unit and allow customers to view their unit at any time via the internet. This can be made possible by live video streaming cameras. This way a customer can monitor their possessions from anywhere.

Technology

Technology has steadily grown and improved over the last couple of years and can be incorporated into almost every business. When making changes and renovations to your facility, it’s important to consider what technological features you can add to your facility to modernize it.

Always have your clients in mind and consider if it is something they need and whether the change you plan to make will improve their customer experience.

Updating your technology can make it easier for your customers to use your facilities. For instance, new lock systems that don’t require a physical key can help customers with arthritis or other situations that make holding or turning small objects difficult.

If you notice your customers store a lot of temperature-sensitive items, you can update more of your units to be climate-controlled.

There is an app for almost anything, so consider developing an app for your business! People could use it to check rates, see when payment is due, or even use it for mobile entry to their unit.

Online Presence

Technological advancements in the past couple of decades have brought about several big changes. One of them is the internet, which has become vital in the success of businesses. You can look up most businesses online and find all the information you need to learn about them on their website or social media platforms. A big part of modernizing your business is to improve your online presence.

Consider who your target audience is and how you intend to reach them. While just having an online presence can significantly impact your business, it needs to make sense to your target customers. Listed below are a few tips you can employ to reach your target audience online.

Update your website and social media. If your website looks outdated, customers may be more inclined to take their storage needs elsewhere. Give your website a facelift, add a blog to keep customers up to date, and make sure you have a strong social media presence. Facebook and Instagram are great places to start, but consider joining Twitter or Youtube as well.

Ensure that your website is easy to use on all devices and your response to customers across all social media platforms is fast and effective.

Try to get reviews from past or current customers, since many people look up reviews when deciding between companies. A good way to entice customers to leave reviews is to offer rewards or promotions for their opinions.

Hire the Right Staff

While modernizing your business, it is important to take a look at your employees. Your customers and potential customers interact with your staff when they visit the storage facility, so you need to ensure that they are experienced and have excellent customer service skills. They should also be well trained and well informed to answer any customer’s questions about the facility and its services.

Your staff’s efficiency and how they serve and relate to customers can significantly affect whether or not you will gain and retain customers or not. Getting people who are good at sales will also be an added advantage. Consider offering training sessions or classes to improve the skillsets of your employees.

Trends in the Self-Storage Industry

Most people still think that self-storage facilities operate traditionally, but various technological adaptations have been incorporated into this industry. To have a successful self-storage business requires leasing, maintenance, accounting, management, and marketing. Embracing technology can significantly help you save both time and money. Listed below are a couple of technological trends to be on the lookout for if you intend to modernize your self-storage facility.

Biometrics Security System

Security is a vital feature when it comes to the self-storage industry. Customers would like the assurance that their items are safe. It is practically impossible to breach a biometric security system because it measures one’s unique characteristics such as retina, fingerprints, and voice pattern. For instance, you can make a building only accessible via a fingerprint scanner. Introducing a biometrics security system to your storage facility ensures the security system is high-level. Your customers can also be more relaxed since they know their items are safe and secure.

Self-Storage Kiosks

Incorporating a self-storage kiosk into your business makes it convenient for customers because they can use them to access the facility at any time of the day or night.

These kiosks use software that is specially designed and has been integrated with the property management system.

If a customer takes any action on the kiosk, it will be loaded into the appropriate database and reports without the property manager having to take further action. They are also a great selling tool, and they work even better if they are combined with a mobile app since no personal interaction will be required.

Mobile Apps

With technological improvements, there is an app for almost everything. Some storage units have developed apps that allow customers to have access control over their units. Self-storage tenants do not need to keep track of designated access cards or keys anymore to access their storage unit.

The specialized mobile app helps them manage and access the storage units through their phones. A mobile app is convenient because renewing or starting a lease, communicating with the storage company, updating access codes, and making payments are all options that can be integrated into the app. This makes everyone’s work easier and is a more effective way of operating.

Final Thoughts

To run a continually successful self-storage business, you should always look for ways to improve. You also need to understand that for your business to succeed, you need to adopt to the market. Think of how your storage solution can be a step above your competitors and how it can give your prospective clients a solution to their problems that they can’t find elsewhere. Be open to making all the necessary changes that will improve your customers’ experience.

Buying the correct portable storage container will roughly depend on your preference. Not all our containers are the same; instead, they differ in structure, reliability, cost, and mobility.

Making the wrong decision could have an effect on the amount of storage and versatility your storage container offers, preventing you from using our storage containers as efficiently as possible. Here’s what to look for in a portable storage container so that you can make the most of your long-term self-storage investment:

Situations Where It Makes Sense to Invest in Portable Storage Containers

Starting a Moving Company or Storage Company That Uses Pods

Mobile containers can significantly improve customer parcels’ transportation from one location to another as they’re easy to load into trucks. Furthermore, they are made from durable materials, making these containers difficult to penetrate and guaranteeing optimal security and stability to the customer’s belongings.

Expanding a Moving or Storage Company

Investing in storage containers can provide more space to store client goods and items. With the extra capacity, your storage business has more room to hold goods, ultimately increasing revenue and creating room for expansion. It also takes away the need to pay expensive rent on large storage units, allowing you to fund your storage business’s upscaling. Portable containers provide the flexibility you need to carry out local, national, and even international cargo transportation.

Long-Term Onsite Storage

For onsite construction or renovation projects, purchasing a portable container can provide cheaper storage, making it more affordable over time than if you rented the container from another company. Onsite containers alleviate unnecessary fuel, effort and delivery expenses associated with offsite warehouse storage.

Other Uses of Portable Storage Containers

Storing Belongings During Remodeling

Storage containers are ideal for containing your belongings during home renovations. They provide ample space and security to protect your items. Stainless steel containers are sturdy and preserve your stuff away from paints, water, dust, cement, and poor weather that can ruin your possessions during the renovation.

Water Damage Remediation

A leaky pipe or damaged valve can flood your home, causing mold growth, rot, and furniture damage. Our storage containers are comprised of steel galvanized smooth boxes that are rust-resistant, making them ideal for use during home water remediation. Our portable containers’ corrugated walls reinforce their durability and waterproofing properties, keeping your sensitive items safe from water damage.

What to Look for in a Portable Storage Container Manufacturer Before Buying

Years of Experience

​Always opt to purchase a storage container from a reputable and reliable manufacturer. Ideally, you’ll want to seek out those with several years of experience as the level of quality is incomparable to those with the least amount of experience.

Check if They Have a U.S.-based Assembly

A storage container manufacturer with a local assembly plant will make it easy for you to access the available container options. Furthermore, you will have first-hand insight into the structural integrity and quality of the containers produced.

Do They Provide Repair Services?

Containers, such as stainless steel, while made for long-term use, gradually wear down in time and need repair. Manufacturers that provide repairs make it easy to maintain and modify your container as you see fit.

​Different Types Of Portable Storage Containers Available

Portable storage containers come in two main varieties, which include:

• Standard containers – These variants are 8 feet tall and come in different sizes, such as 20, 40, and 45 feet in length.
• High-cube containers – These containers offer more space and are significantly larger than the standard type.

Both portable storage containers feature two main doors. Roll-up doors are light but provide poor protection against water. Swing-out doors are tough and provide excellent security against break-ins and rodent infestations. Moreover, these storage boxes are made up of plywood or metal floors. Depending on your preference, you may opt for wood floors that are waterproof or durable metal flooring that can accommodate heavy weight without breaking.

Our portable containers are ideal for both long and short-term storage. We provide cost-effective and self-storage solutions to enhance businesses and individuals with adequate space and flexibility.

How to Start Your Own Storage Company

Starting any kind of business can be intimidating. There are laws and market analyses and finances and taxes and inventory and profit and loss and so much more. Where do you even begin? If you want to know how to start your own storage company, take a deep breath and relax because you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to walk you through the process from start to finish.

There are lots of steps to starting your own storage business, and we’ll get to them all. However, let’s take a look at the big picture first. There are three parts to this whole process: Planning, Getting Started, and Expanding.

Part I: Planning it all out

It may not be the most exciting part of starting a business, but it is one of the most important. The planning phase happens at the very beginning because you need to know some basic things about what you want to do and the market you want to do it in. Otherwise, you’re flying blind, and you might make costly mistakes that can easily be avoided.

Step 1 – Stating your goal

Before you do anything else, figure out what kind of company you want to own. Are you looking for a small, local affair that gives you enough income for a comfortable life? You want to work, but you don’t want anything to take over your life, so to speak. Or, are you looking for something that you can grow significantly? You won’t stop until you are the storage king.

Everything else you do will depend on this decision. Once you know what you want, you need to know if it will work.

Step 2 – Market research

Let’s get one thing clear right now: Research matters. You need to figure out the lay of the land, and we mean that literally. Storage businesses, whether mobile or permanent (more on that later), need land. You can’t just rent some office space and call it a day. You need room to roam.

Market research involves figuring out how much demand there is for the product you want to sell in a particular area. In this case, the product is storage space, so some helpful things to know will be how many other storage businesses are in your area and what their rate of occupancy is. In other words, how many competitors do you have and how much of their space is rented out?

Figuring out what your competitors are doing and how likely your business is to succeed will give you a good idea of what to expect and what you should do with your own business.

You also should think about joining the Self Storage Association. They have lots of helpful information to offer and are storage company advocates in state governments.

Step 3 – Calculating costs

Determining what your costs will be is tricky. You’ll need to take into account many factors including the price of land, buildings, labor, etc. In order to do this, you’ll need to know not only the things from step one but also what kind of storage company you want to own.

Mobile vs permanent storage 
Put simply, permanent storage involves storing items inside a standing building while mobile storage involves storing items inside mobile storage containers. The permanent option is the one most people are familiar with, meaning the large buildings with many units which are accessed through sliding garage-style doors.

Despite its being less common, mobile storage is a highly viable type of storage. In fact, mobile storage units are often a better option for both business owners and clients because the mobile storage containers are usually dropped off via truck and picked back up again when the client is done filling them. That means some costs are lowered, not the least of which being that the land needed for this type of business can be further away from hubs of activity, so land prices are usually lower.

You’ll need to decide which type of storage company you plan to start and then calculate the costs accordingly. You can use this nifty cost calculator to get a rough idea of what your expenses will be.

Step 4 – Writing a business plan

Once you have all of the relevant information, start writing your business plan. A business plan is a formalized version of all the aspects that you’ve done so far. You’ll want to include the nature, size, and services of your business and any research you’ve done that shows why your business is likely to be successful. If you feel nervous about writing a business plan, look at some examples online.

One important part that you’ll need to cover is the structure of your business. In other words, are you going to be a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, or a corporation? Most entrepreneurs will choose to be an LLC, but be sure to consult an expert like an attorney or an accountant so that you make the right choice.

Part II: Getting Started

We can now move on to the second phase of getting your storage business off the ground. This part will be where the rubber meets the road and your company becomes a reality.

Step 1 – Financing

You’ll need to get your hands on enough money to actually get the ball rolling. The most common form of funding for starting a business is a small business loan, and banks that offer these loans will ask you for a business plan, which you already have. You may also look for other sources of funds like private investors. However, especially if this is your first time to start a business, a small business loan will likely be your best bet.

Step 2 – Buying and Building

Once you have secured funding, it’s time to start buying supplies and building facilities. If you are starting a permanent storage business, you’ll need to get your buildings up and running. If you are starting a mobile storage business, you’ll need to buy mobile storage containers and a way to transport them. You’ll need to buy land for both.

There are also plenty of other, smaller things that you’ll need like business cards, advertising materials (see next step), and templates for forms. However, these things are small potatoes compared to the actual storage containers.

Step 3 – Marketing and Attracting Customers

You’ve got a great business up and running. Now, you need customers, preferably lots of them. To that end, you’ll need to start marketing. There are plenty of options for this including newspapers, billboards, websites, and everything in between. Because your business is still new, you should start with the most reliable methods that have the lowest costs.

An online presence is crucial to doing business these days, and social networking sites, like Facebook, are a great way to reach lots of people for relatively small amounts of money. You can put all of your information on a Facebook page without having to pay the cost of building and hosting a website. Though you’ll want to eventually cast a wide net and use many different marketing forms to reach a diverse audience, starting with social media is a good first step.

Part III: Expanding

You’ve done so well with your first storage company that you want to expand to new locations or upgrade your current location. While you’ll largely be repeating the process you went through the first time, some important new septs need to be taken.

Step 1 – Reassessing

The first step in your expansion project is to figure out exactly if your business is ready for expansion. Look at your company with a fresh eye to be sure that it is stable enough for you to risk expanding.

Things may go well on a day-to-day basis, but you’ll need to have people you can trust to take care of things while you work on getting another location up and running. In short, reassess your business to see if it can weather the storm of expansion.

Step 2 – Scaling

There are big jumps when expanding your business. Increases in costs, the need to hire more employees, and your attention being split among more places all make the list. The term for making a small business larger while keeping it profitable is “scalability.” Ensuring scalability is more complicated than you might think.

For one, you’ll have to pay close attention to your bottom line and be sure that it can support another, less successful business for a while. You also may need different prices and practices in the new location because the market will be different. A good rule of thumb is to keep the core of your business but be open to changing everything else.

So, stay committed to the things that make your company what it is, but be willing to shake up organizational structures, prices, and branding to make your new locations successful. Be sure to talk to your lawyer and accountant about this idea because your legal obligations will also likely change.

Step 3 – Lather, rinse, repeat

Once you’ve ironed out the scalability kinks, start at Part I, Step 1 and do the whole thing over again. Decide what your goals are, do the research, make a plan, and put that plan into action!

Conclusion

Starting a business is complicated, but it’s not impossible. After all, people do it every day. If you want to start your own storage company, there’s no time like the present. The information here should help you bring your idea into the world. So, what are you waiting for?

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Public Storage, U-Haul, ExtraSpace – these are a few of the biggest names in self-storage that you’ve probably heard of, but do you realize that 74% of facilities are owned by small operators? So, if you’re looking to invest in this industry, you’re in luck. Storage demand is projected to increase exponentially, and advances in technology will make storing personal belongings easier than ever for your customers.

In our infographic, you’ll not only find information about the current market, but also the tools you need to fund your startup, devise a business plan, and formulate a marketing strategy so your storage business will stand out amongst the competition.

When it comes to the success of the storage industry, there’s definitely no sign of it slowing down. Indeed, despite slow progress in the housing industry, Americans are still in need of portable storage units for a variety of reasons, which accounts for a healthy 7% annual growth in the self-storage industry. So, for those who wish to invest in this market or open their own self-storage business, you’re making a good call! To expand on some of the facts and figures, the Portable Storage Box Company has provided a helpful list of statistics that illustrate just how profitable the industry has become, as well as some detailed diagrams of average storage unit sizes, how much they cost, and their distribution percentage across the country.