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How to Start a Self Storage Business

Isabel Isidro

January 22, 2012

QUESTION on How to Start a Self Storage Business
storageI want to start my own self storage business. I have the money, but I do not know how to start. Can you give me some advice on how to start a self storage business?

– Jason, Illinois

ANSWER by Isabel Isidro

Dear Jason,

The first thing to do is to learn all you can about the self storage business. Do a research on the business, including the costs and investments it entails, operational considerations and the factors that make a self storage business successful. Parallel with getting industry information, you also need to start looking at the size of the market for self storage in your planned location, number and services offered by competitors, permits and licenses, as well as other county/city requirements for this type of business including commercial zoning regulations.

You may want to start your research with the Self Storage Association at http://www.selfstorage.org . They have produced several must-read publications on the self storage industry that any would-be entrant in this field should read. These studies include Financial & Operational Characteristics of Self Storage Facilities; Self Storage Demand Study; The Best of The Self Storage Legal Network: Answers to the 75 Most Frequently Asked Legal Questions; among others. The prices of the publication may be a bit steep but it is always better to know more about the market before you enter it, especially for a business that will require significant initial outlay.




Another important resource is Inside Self Storage’s http://www.insideselfstorage.com publication called Inside Self Storage Factbook that is published on an annual basis. The Factbook contains information on wide ranking issues affecting the self storage business from construction, insurance, security and access, management, marketing, among others.

See also  How to Start a New Business Successfully

I have also included links below to a sample business plan that you can study and even adapt, as well as resources on the self storage industry

Good luck!

Isabel Isidro

Recommended Books on How to Start a Self Storage Business:

 


Article originally published October 2005. Updated on January 21, 2012

 

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Author
Isabel Isidro
Isabel Isidro is the Co-founder of PowerHomeBiz.com, one of the longest-running online resources dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow home-based and small businesses. She is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Ysari Digital, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, content strategy, and performance marketing for small and mid-sized businesses. With over two decades of experience in online business development, Isabel has launched and managed multiple successful websites, including Women Home Business, Starting Up Tips and Learning from Big Boys.Passionate about empowering others to succeed in business, Isabel combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of digital marketing, monetization strategies, and lean startup principles. A mom of three boys, avid vintage postcard collector, and frustrated scrapbooker, she brings creativity and entrepreneurial hustle to everything she does. Connect with her on Twitter Twitter or explore her work at PowerHomeBiz.com.

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12 thoughts on “How to Start a Self Storage Business”

  2. Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  3. One of the best ways to learn about self storage is talk to someone who owns a self storage facility. I own 3 and am often helping others get started. Reading the magazine Inside side self storage will help keep you motivated as you learn.

    You can check out my facebook page for additional resources.

    http://www.facebook.com/selfstoragemarketing101

    Good luck – Self storage is a great business!

  4. This is why I decided to help other people start their own self-storage business. I’m here if you need any help!

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