Welcome to your personal guide to building self storage units. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned investor, our expert guide will walk you through the key steps of building a high-quality and successful self storage facility.

The self storage industry has recently had an explosive few years in the UK, and in 2023 the annual consolidated turnover reached over £1 billion. Industry experts foresee no slowing down anytime soon, proving that now is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to invest.

Decide on an investment amount

First you will need to understand your investment amount; this will be determined by your long-term goals. The numbers will vary based on a variety of factors, such as location, acquisition costs, building costs, and construction costs. It is important to understand where the investment will come from. Do you have enough liquid assets to buy and develop a facility, or do you need to investigate self storage financing options? Once you have a plan to start your business, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Site Selection and Planning

Finding a suitable site for your self storage facility can be a huge challenge. Vacant buildings are often quickly snatched up. Luckily, almost any building can be transformed into a self storage facility, so your options aren’t limited! Choosing the right location is important, but from our experience, our customers have had thriving businesses in cities and rural areas. Some key considerations to include:

  • Population density within a 3-5 mile radius
  • Average household income and renting patterns
  • Competition analysis and market saturation
  • Visibility and accessibility from major roads
  • Local building regulations

Select an operational model

Will your business be staffed, semi-manned, or unmanned? If you want to manage your business remotely, what do you need to achieve this? When selecting an operational model, it’s important to consider your expertise and available resources.

Site survey

Once you’ve purchased your ideal building, your self storage partner will conduct a site survey to evaluate the suitability of the site and the intended use. They will identify any potential issues that may impact the feasibility or profitability of your investment.

Project design

The design team will produce a drawing of the proposed self storage layout, considering key elements such as stair/access positions, lift locations, and fire escape points. They’ll also look at the best solutions to help maximise your return on investment, as well as ensure all available space is utilised to achieve the highest Net Lettable Area.

Manufacture and build

Once you have ensured your building is ready (clearing the site, installing utilities such as electricity and security measures), the manufacture of materials will begin. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Project Manager who will conduct regular inspections and quality control checks, which will ensure that the finished facility meets your expectations and is ready to start serving customers.

Marketing

Now is the time to leverage all your marketing channels and establish a bulletproof plan so you can build brand awareness and attract new customers. What makes you different from the competition in the area? Develop your USP’s, develop your brand, install your values within your services, and the rest will follow.

Grand opening

Congratulations on opening your self storage facility! Remember that your grand opening day is just the beginning. Continue to market your facility and provide excellent customer service to attract and retain customers and build a loyal, recurring base. Have fun!

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