This week we are highlighting one of our partners, Toy Storage Nation, a media-education brand dedicated to supporting RV and boat storage operators, owners, developers, and investors. As the demand for RV and boat storage continues to grow nationwide, operators are seeking the tools and insights necessary to succeed in this niche area of the storage industry. That’s where Toy Storage Nation comes in. They offer a clear roadmap to long-term success for boat and RV facilities.
What is Toy Storage Nation?
Toy Storage Nation is a media-education brand that aims to accelerate the expertise of RV and boat storage developers, owners, operators, and investors via curated content on the Toy Storage Nation website, special reports, a growing library of podcasts, a membership program and exclusive nationwide workshops.
Their Advisory Board features a composite resume of 200-300 years in the storage industry and more than 100 years in the RV and boat storage industry, representing all disciplines: development, design, construction, feasibility, financing, management, technology, security, marketing, and more.
Known as “the voice of the RV and boat storage industry,” Toy Storage Nation advocates for development and management of Class A facilities, setting up owners, operators, and investors for the greatest short-term and long-term success. RV and boat owners invest heavily in their outdoor recreation toys, and they need a standard storage service that guarantees them the highest level of protection along with customer conveniences to maintain their tenancies long into the future.
What is a Class A Facility and How to Achieve it?
Class A standards elevate the RV and boat storage community as a whole. Outdoor recreation toys no longer need to rely on chain-linked parking lots with little coverage or protection from the elements. Toy Storage Nation is helping to shift the perception from old-school RV and boat storage, encouraging developers to construct high-quality businesses that complement community goals. In doing so, they are helping to diminish planning and zoning corners, making the industry more attractive to financing institutions, while ensuring a procession of tenants for Class A operators long into the future.
To Achieve Class A status, an RV and/or boat facility must offer the following:
- Full perimeter fencing
- Secure gate-access
- Enclosed, covered, or canopied storage units
- Paved or concrete surfaces throughout the site
Toy Storage Nation advocates for development of Class A sites for a very good reason: If you build a high-quality storage facility at the get-go, you are less inclined to lose business in the future as more developers enter the market.
What are the Different Types of RV Storage?
There are five storage design options: open parking, standard canopy, three-sided canopy, fully enclosed, and the condo concept. Some facility owners incorporate a variety of these into their facility design, while others choose to offer only enclosed units. Although open parking and standard canopy designs aren’t as expensive to develop, the rental rates for them are not as high.
Developers must consider what type of storage facility to build based on their market. In addition, they need to evaluate how weather conditions (snow, rain, and intensity of the sun), along with natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding) will impact structures and the security/protection of RVs and boats.
Why Pair RV and Boat Storage with Relocatable Storage Units?
Boxwell’s relocatable self-storage units provide an effective way to integrate self-storage with RV and boat storage. Four out of five RV and Boat facilities offer self-storage alongside their parking spaces for customers to store their toys (wakeboards, maintenance supplies, camping gear, and more). They offer facility owners a low-risk, low-impact building solution. Despite their simplicity, relocatables are highly durable and easy to implement.
Here’s how relocatable units can strategically enhance RV and boat storage operations:
- Maximize Rentals with Minimal Impact
A key objective for RV and boat storage facilities is maximizing usable space. With relocatable storage units, facilities preserve valuable space by fitting more storage on less land.
Facility owners use relocatable units in a variety of strategic ways. Some place them in underutilized areas like easements and setbacks, while others line fence perimeters or create walk-ups. - Seamless Integration with your Class A facility
Maintaining curb appeal is crucial. Considering up to half of renters shop from the street, your site has become a powerful marketing tool. An attractive, well- maintained facility will generate more drive-by business.
Relocatables are favored by owners for their wide range of customizable options. These made-to-order units seamlessly blend with existing or planned structures. Custom colors, flooring, and door types to help maintain the aesthetics of a Class A facility. - Grow at your own pace with low MOQs
Flexibility is key when implementing a hybrid business model. Relocatables have low minimum order quantities, averaging ten units per truckload. This allows owners to manage cash flow and gauge demand without overcommitting. This approach is especially useful for fine-tuning the unit mix.
What Makes RV and Boat Storage Developing and Investing So Attractive?
Through research, Toy Storage Nation has discovered that the demand for RV and boat storage is five times higher than what currently exists. At the same time that consumers continue to purchase boats and RVs, more HOAs across the country are cracking down on storing them at home. Many owner-operators of RV and boat storage have stated it’s the best business they’ve ever been in. Here’s why:
- Future Growth: Self-storage experts predict the best years are ahead for toy storage. In fact, they have speculated that RV and boat storage is poised to grow much like self-storage started to soar 25-30 years ago – before facilities began popping up on street corners throughout the US.
- Return on Investment: Whereas traditional self-storage requires a lot of steel material, which can be very expensive, toy storage only requires about half the overhead.
- Lower Liability: Tenants are responsible for insuring their own RVs and boats, making insurance premiums less expensive.
- Difference in Clientele: People storing boats and RVs are excited about their next adventure when they arrive at the facility. Plus, they are willing to pay a premium to protect their high-priced toys. Most importantly, they rarely default on their rental payments.
- Marketing: Because it’s in such high demand, it can be much easier to gain tenants and fill the facility.
- Renewable Energy: RV and boat storage facilities are ideal for solar power installations that benefit the community and can be sold back to a local utility company to buffer the budget.
- Franchises: There are currently no huge franchises to stifle local family operated facilities.
What’s the Fastest Way to Learn About Every Step in the Process of Developing, Owning, and Investing in Toy Storage?
Toy Storage Nation conducts accelerated workshops four times a year across the country to educate developers, owners, operators, and investors about succeeding in this niche asset. This is the single best opportunity to learn about all angles of getting into the industry.
What is a Toy Storage Nation Executive Workshop?
Toy Storage Nation’s one-of-a-kind workshops are hosted four times a year in different locations across the country. Presentations are led by the most experienced professionals in the industry, who will guide you through every step of the process to successfully develop, own, operate, and invest in RV and boat storage.
At these workshops, you’ll get the tools you need to:
- Find the perfect site
- Conduct feasibility studies
- Render site plans
- Find lenders
- Get the most recent date to strengthen investment opportunities
Workshop registration includes information-packed presentations, a tour of a nearby Class A RV and boat facility, vendor visits, time to meet one-on-one with experts to ask your own questions, breakfast, lunch, and a hearty cocktail reception to mingle with like-minded entrepreneurs and workshop presenters.
Upcoming Toy Storage Nation Workshops
This Week: July 18th in Anaheim, California
Fall: September 26th in Dallas, Texas
Winter: Date TBD in Florida
*Locations & timing are subject to change*
Visit the Toy Storage Nation website to learn more about upcoming events and what to expect!
Who Should Have a Toy Storage Nation Membership and What are the Benefits?
Toy Storage Nation offers a membership to those looking to develop RV and boat storage facilities, including owners, operators, investors, and developers. Their membership includes the following:
- Access and digital download of the TSN publication, The Guide to RV and Boat Storage
- Huge discounts for member products and services
- A Membership Certificate to display at your facility, showing tenants, you are dedicated to offering them the highest-quality storage experience
- TSN Membership window cling to display in our office or vehicle window
- Digital TSN logo for use on your website
- A 20% discount to TSN RV & Boat Storage Workshops (exclusive of the Las Vegas event hosted at the Inside Self-Storage Convention
- 10% of all membership proceeds are donated to Wounded Warrior Outdoors
Toy Storage Nation continues to lead the way in educating and supporting professionals in the RV and boat storage industry. Through their workshops, research, and membership offerings, they provide the industry with practical tools and up-to-date insights. As RV and boat ownership continues to climb, having a resource like Toy Storage Nation ensures that developers, owners, operators, and investors are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of this growing market.
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.