Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, utilising new or used shipping containers in a storage facility is a great option and investment into a well proven business model.
We examine five reasons why opening a shipping container storage facility makes business sense, when compared to a traditional storage business.
How much land is needed? The footprint required would depend on how many shipping containers are purchased and the size. Generally we would recommend the use of 20ft storage containers, which have a footprint of 160 square feet. 50x20FT storage containers would require a minimum lot of 8,000 square feet or .18 Acres. Some additional land would be required for access between the rows.
What is the initial investment required to open a shipping container storage facility and what kind of ROI can you expect? Based on a facility with 50x20FT storage containers the initial investment would be around $250,000 land near to a major freeway plus around $150,000 for the containers. The rental income from fifty storage containers would be around $100 per month x 50 units = $5,000 per month.
Getting started: when deciding on a location you first need to know the demand for storage in your area. Call some local storage facilities and ask about pricing and availability. In areas of high demand the units are all full and there’s often waiting list. Zoning is another issue to consider. You will probably need a site in an industrial zone area. Check with your local county for regulations on opening a shipping container storage facility near you.
When it comes time to purchase your shipping containers, you should allow about 3-4 months for delivery of new containers if they’re being manufactured to your color and size requirements. Used containers are typically readily available for purchase and delivery within 1-2 weeks.