Project Overview
At an existing self-storage facility with limited expansion space the goal was simple: maximize every square inch of unused space.
What wasn’t simple was the layout. A narrow perimeter corridor between the existing building and the fence left little room for traditional expansion. However, with 24 new 8’x20’ Boxwell relocatable units installed in just three days, that “dead space” is now fully operational and revenue-generating.
The Challenge
The team needed to place the units along a tight perimeter corridor with minimal clearance between the existing building and the fence. Additionally, access was limited, staging space was nearly nonexistent, and the crew had to work in an area that was difficult to reach.
As the install team explained, even accessing the units became a challenge.
The crew positioned skids between trucks with very little room to maneuver, which made downstacking slow and deliberate in the early stages. Because of the limited footprint, there was no open area to spread out materials and no margin for wasted movement.
As a result, the team had to plan every step before moving forward.
The Approach
With limited space, the team couldn’t follow a typical install sequence. Instead, they adapted in real time.
They started by using a forklift with straps to lift flat-packed units directly out of the tight staging area. With access restricted, the first move was to crane a set of units into place and begin building.
That initial push was key. By installing the first group of units early, the team began to create working space where there wasn’t any before. Once one of the trucks could be moved, everything changed. Access opened, staging improved, and the pace picked up significantly.
What started as a tight, methodical process quickly turned into a more efficient flow. From there, the team was able to:
- Pull additional units into a more open area
- Downstack materials more efficiently
- Build and place units with much greater speed
As one installer put it, once space opened up, “we crushed it.”
The Result
Despite the early challenges, the install was completed in just three days.
The final result:
- 24 new 8×20 units fully installed
- A clean, functional drive aisle established
- Every door tested and properly tensioned
- Full site walkthrough completed with management
What began as a constrained, hard-to-access corridor is now a seamless extension of the facility.
Why It Matters
This project is a clear example of how challenging sites don’t have to limit expansion.
Instead of writing off a difficult area, the facility was able to convert underutilized perimeter space into rentable units, avoid the time and disruption of traditional construction, and expand capacity quickly without reworking the entire site.
Relocatable units are built for this kind of flexibility. Whether it’s along fence lines, setbacks, or tight corridors, they allow operators to turn overlooked space into real revenue.
Not every facility has wide-open land to expand. In many cases, growth comes down to how well you can use the space you already have. Ultimately, this project demonstrated how the right approach and the right team can solve space constraints, adapt on the fly, and deliver results even in less-than-ideal conditions.
FAQ
Why are relocatable storage units ideal for tight or unused space?
Relocatable units can be installed along fence lines, setbacks, perimeter drive aisles and other underutilized areas that may not be practical for traditional construction. Their flexible layout and fast installation process make them ideal for maximizing existing facility footprints.
How long does a relocatable storage installation take?
Installation timelines vary depending on site conditions and project size, but this 24-unit installation was completed in just three days. Compared to traditional construction, relocatable units can significantly reduce expansion timelines and site disruption.
Can relocatable units be installed at existing self-storage facilities?
Yes. Relocatable units are commonly added to existing facilities to increase rentable square footage without requiring major development. They are especially effective for operators looking to quickly add capacity using unused or difficult-to-build areas.
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.