Raised On Self Storage

Okay, I’m not going to pretend that this is a high budget film, but if you have ever worked in a storage facility, this should make you laugh (at least a chuckle.)

For at least the past 25 years, creative self storage owners have found a valid way to turn unused parking lot space into rentable square footage without increasing FAR’s (floor area ratios). They do this by purchasing retired shipping containers, placing them on their site, and renting them out as a storage unit. Since freight containers are considered temperary structures, they do not increase the amount of floor area on the site.

In some cases these freight container rentals bring in a higher rental value than the hallway access units inside their converted warehouses. The ability to drive up to the unit is usually enough of an incentive to overlook the negatives of renting a cargo container.

These negatives often include variable temperatures, from extremely cold in freezing climates to hot like an oven on hot days. another negative is the potential for leaks and the inability of a storage operator to discover the leak. There are, however, ways around the negatives.

You can locate the container in an area that gets little sun exposure. My favorite solution to both problems is to build a pitched roof on the container. It is relatively easy to do and an inexpensive way to turn an old freight container into a temperate and water proof storage unit.

If you are going to be building a new self storage facility, then one of your important decisions is going to be what type of buildings to erect. There are many choices available, but the most common are one of three; block construction, metal or conrete tilt up.

There are many factors to consider before making a decision on this and in the following posts, we will dicuss the pros and cons of each, so check in often.

As you probably already know, there are several advantages to converting an existing warehouse to self storage. Obviously, your construction costs are much lower than they would be if you were building from the ground up.  You can convert the warehouse in phases, allowing you to better determine the unit mix that best suits your facility.  In most municipalities, you don’t need to wait on an occupancy permit because the existing permit will suffice.  You’ll be in business in no time at all.  The big question is can you find a warehouse surrounded by residential development?

Well This is my first post on my new website…RaisedOnSelfStorage.com.  As you may have guessed, I grew up in the self storage industry.  My family got into self storage in the late 1970’s.  Back then, the industry was still pretty young, in fact the SSA (Self Storage Association) conventions were more of a meeting of the minds between self storage operators then they were a place to learn the industry standards.  The industry was small and was still trying to establish standards. 

 My Father was the type of guy who was so passionate about his business that he often talked about it.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but the information I got at the dinner table and elsewhere was slowly percolating in my blood.  I worked at the facility from a young age and became familiar with the ins and outs (literally)of the industry.  I work in the industry today, and you may say I was raised on self storage.

 My goals for this blog are to discuss some of my experiences in the benign yet often bizarre word of self storage.  I will provide information on self storage operations, as well as resources for construction, management and upgrades to existing facilities.  Please feel free to participate in the blog.  If you would like to be a contributing writer, please sign up for a free account and contact me so I can upgrade your account to do so.  Otherwise, if you would like to comment, feel free to sign up and participate.