DIY: Build Your Own Mini Storage Facility

If you do not own land, you will need to follow the following steps.

Research Area Demand

The first step in opening a mini storage facility is making sure there’s demand for it in your area. This involves figuring out how much competition there is and what the occupancy rates are at existing self-storage businesses nearby. You also need to figure out what type of storage consumers in your area need, i.e. boat storage, RV storage and so on. An economic feasibility professional may be able to help you cover these bases.

Research Available Sites

Once you confirm that there’s enough demand for a new mini storage facility in your area, you’ll have to figure out where to build it. You need to make sure any properties you have your eye on are zoned appropriately for mini storage use. You also want to build in a flat, visible and high-traffic location that has low crime rates to enhance customers’ sense of security.

Create a Site Plan

Creating a site plan is a critical part of opening a profitable self-storage facility. The plan should cover how many buildings and storage units your facility will have and how you plan to position them on the property. Your plan should also include designated parking areas and drive-up access, water / snow retention areas and setbacks.

Determine Insulation Needs

You also need to figure out if you want to offer climate-controlled or traditional mini storage. This will depend on the average temperatures in your area and what types of items customers will store inside. For example, if you’re opening a facility in the southeastern United States, where there might be high humidity, insulating your building is more important than it is in areas where temperatures are more consistent.

Purchase Your Building(s)

Once you’ve done your research, confirmed market demand and drafted a site plan, you’re ready to buy your building and find a contractor to erect it. In choosing your building, you’ll need to think about roof type, roof pitch and drainage. You’ll also need to figure out the type of mini storage doors your facility should have and consider its aesthetics, such as what color you want for your facility’s exterior walls, trim and doors.

Have more questions about investing in self-storage, or ready to price out a mini storage building to house your business? Click here for a complimentary price quote.