Maximize your space with smart planning and relocatable storage units.
When building a self-storage facility, one of the biggest questions is: how much land do I need? The answer depends on several key factors—your location, your choice of storage units, and your ability to work within local zoning requirements. Whether you are building from scratch or adding to an existing property, careful planning can help you make the most of every square foot.
With the flexibility of relocatable self-storage units, it is easier than ever to optimize your property. Even in areas previously considered unusable! Here is how to think about land use for your self-storage business.
1. Choosing the Right Location
The right piece of land will do more than just fit your units—it will support your business growth. Here is what to consider:
- Visibility — A visible location can attract more drive-by traffic and make your facility easy to find.
- Traffic & Accessibility— Choose a site with convenient road access and ample turning space, especially for large moving trucks or trailers.
- Competition Nearby — Research other storage facilities in the area. A little competition may indicate demand, but market saturation can be a red flag.
2. Understanding Land Use
Your land’s size, shape, and location will influence what type of storage works best.
Urban vs. Rural
- Urban Areas — Space is limited, so multi-story buildings or hallway systems may be necessary.
- Rural or Suburban Areas —You often have more room to work with, making relocatable storage units an ideal, flexible option.
Unit Mix: Do you plan to build a full facility from the ground up, or start small and expand? Relocatable units allow you to begin with as few as a dozen units and scale up based on demand.
3. Zoning Regulations
Zoning laws govern what kind of development is allowed on your property—and they vary widely depending on location.
Work with the Land You Have: Relocatable units are considered equipment (not permanent structures), so they can be placed in areas where traditional buildings cannot—like setbacks, easements, parking lots, and under power lines. This gives you greater freedom when designing your site.
Do Your Homework: Check with your city planning department early in the process to understand:
- Setback requirements
- Height restrictions
- Parking and drainage rules
- Any permits or conditional use approvals you may need
4. How Many Units Fit on an Acre?
Let’s break it down. Say you are working with a 5-acre lot (~217,800 sq. ft.). Using Boxwell’s 10’ x 20’ relocatable storage units, and estimating approximately 200 sq. ft. per unit, including drive aisle and circulation space.
You could fit roughly 500 units, depending on the site’s shape, access points, and circulation needs. Consider 20-foot driveways and a 30-foot turning radius for trucks, which might reduce usable space.
Boxwell’s team includes layout experts who can help refine your estimate and create an optimized site layout
5. How to Get Started
Creating a successful self-storage facility goes beyond just picking the right land. Here are the basic steps:
- Conduct Market Research — Understand local demand, occupancy rates, and the competition. This will help determine what unit sizes and features (climate control, RV/boat storage) your facility should offer.
- Define Unit Types and Sizes — Offer a mix of units tailored to your customer base. Smaller units (like 8’ x 5’) can complement boat/RV storage, while larger units (10’ x 20’) are great for furniture, business storage, or seasonal gear.
- Design with Flexibility — Relocatable units let you add capacity gradually. Start small—12 to 24 units—and scale based on occupancy. Add units along fences or near existing buildings to capture extra revenue without major construction.
- Get Permits and Prepare the Site — You will need business licenses, local permits, and potentially ADA-compliant access. Include security measures like fencing, gates, cameras, and lighting to ensure safety and appeal.
Why Relocatable Units Are a Smart Choice
Traditional construction takes time and money. Relocatable storage units offer a faster, more flexible solution—especially in areas with tight zoning or irregular land. They allow you to work around site limitations while still maximizing rentable space. With relocatables, you can launch your business faster and adapt as you grow.
Determining how much land you need for self-storage involves more than just counting acres—it is about maximizing your investment through thoughtful planning and smart design. With relocatable storage units and a strong site strategy, you can create a high-performing, efficient facility that meets needs.
How Much Land Do I Need?
Need help mapping it out? Contact Boxwell today to explore site layout options, unit configurations, and how to make the most of your space.
Boxwell designs, manufactures, and installs industry-leading storage solutions. Our lineup includes relocatable self-storage units, portable containers, hallway systems, and roll up doors. Every product is fully customizable and built to last—trusted by companies across the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Boxwell is Built For Your Success. From the start, our mission has been simple: create the best B2B storage products and back them with outstanding customer support. Our clients gain access to dedicated Account Managers, design and installation services, and extensive product warranties.
We are here to help. Contact Boxwell today via our email, sales@boxwell.co, or call 303-317-5850.