The industry is growing at a steady rate, and the pressure is on to maximize rentable space. Self-storage facilities face an increased demand for storage within their communities. So, how can you make the most out your facility?
Transforming dirt into profit? It’s easier than it sounds. Boxwell offers a unique solution for developing new facilities from the ground up. Relocatable self-storage units are a cost-effective, timely approach to help you achieve your goals. Relocatables are also ideal for those looking to expand an existing facility. When built, relocatables look and feel like traditional buildings. Plus, they fit into places where traditional storage cannot.
Are Boxwell relocatable units the answer for your goals? Continue reading to find out.
Here is an interview with Max Picton, Owner of Smart Storage Centre — it’s a study in self-storage with one of our clients that illustrates just how easy it can be to transform dirt into profit:
Why did you choose relocatables for your site?
PICTON: I researched almost every relocatable on the market. Ultimately, I choose relocatable units for my storage facility because of the high quality, fair price point, and exceptional responsiveness on the customer service side of things.
What did your site look like prior to construction? Did you start with a dirt lot, or did you have to tear things down before your installation?
PICTON: The lot was all dirt and used as a maintenance storage yard for an aircraft company. I just needed to clean out the accumulated junk to prepare for installation.
Please explain the recycled asphalt process, power, poles, lights, etc.
PICTON: Once we decided on the layout, we dug in the underground conduit in and placed the power poles. We then decided on recycled asphalt as a cost-effective surface product. It is dust free, easily repairable, sets up firm, yet still allows for water to penetrate the surface helping us to avoid costly drainage systems for water runoff. We laid down the product and graded. Then, we were ready for the relocatables!
How did you decide layout, product mix, number of units, etc.? Please explain how you arrived at a 4-phase project.
PICTON: Our facility has is triangular, so it’s a difficult shape to work with. The layout took a lot longer than anticipated. In the end, we tried as many variations as necessary to maximize the number of units we were able to fit. As for product mix, our layout determined some of the product mix. Due to the offset nature of the back row, we had to use 20’ units along the back. The “fingers” limited us to either 10’ or 20’ containers due to the side access. We had some flexibility on the units outside of these areas.
One of the key benefits in using relocatables is the flexibility to develop the facility in phases. We ordered phase one to see how our product mix matches consumer demand. We will tailor the remaining three phases to fit the purchasing habits of our customers. This approach allows us to build out our facility for the greatest occupancy levels.
How was the delivery and doing the installation yourself?
PICTON: The delivery was smooth. All logistics lined up for offloading the delivery trucks. Therefore, the install could not have been more straightforward. Except for requiring a forklift or loader, anyone could assemble one of these units with simple hand tools. We were down to approximately 20 min per unit. It took us 3 days to assemble 36 units, for a total of 61 doors in phase one.
What sort of relationship have you developed with our team?
PICTON: We have a fantastic relationship with our supplier (Boxwell). There truly is a family feel, high level of responsiveness and a desire to address any issues promptly.
How have the units increased your facility’s revenue?
PICTON The units are my only revenue. This facility is a fully automated, unmanned facility with relocatable storage units as my only product.
How is the keyless/touchless entry and locking system working for you?
PICTON: It’s a key component to creating the autonomous business model that we were after. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but nothing that was unexpected with a newer technology being applied. The convenience that we can offer to our customers far outweighs the minor inconveniences that came up.
What feedback have your customers given?
PICTON: Our customers enjoy the convenience, flexibility and security offered by our products. The most important feedback we have received is to please build more in the sizes they need!
Smart Storage Centre takes pride in offering a simple and hassle-free self-storage experience for all of their customers in Penticton, BC with clean, secure, and ready-to-rent units. Smart Storage Centre also offers online rentals and online bill pay 24/7. They are currently looking for strategic partners in their region to construct more of these “pop-up” storage facilities under their brand.
So, how does Boxwell help transform dirt into profit?
Start Renting Faster: When your order is placed, our team moves quickly behind the scenes to have your units delivered, installed, and ready-to-rent – generally within 10-12 weeks. Each Boxwell unit can be assembled in about 20 minutes — that’s 8 sq. ft. gained per minute! Once delivered, you can erect an entire building’s worth of storage in a matter of days.
Save Money on Site Preparation: Avoid the cost and hassle of installing foundations, electrical wiring, plumbing, gutters and more. Our units come fully equipped and can be placed directly upon pavement, gravel, grass, or dirt. Worried about a slight slope or uneven surface? Our team will assist you in selecting a cost-effective solution.
Fill Underutilized Space: Look around your site. Do you see land that is vacant or underutilized? Boxwell units are movable buildings and can be placed in areas that are otherwise restricted by building codes. You can line fences, utilize easements, fill empty parking lots and more with relocatables.
Build in Stages: Committing to an expansion can be stressful if you’re unsure how many more units you need to meet demands. The solution is simple: order in stages. Boxwell sells in quantities of 12 so you can test the waters and avoid overcommitting. When you’re ready for more, simply order another batch. Because our units are fully custom, we will color match each order to your existing facility so your site will remain cohesive as you grow.
Manage Cash Flow: While payment options are flexible, we are proudly partnered with industry-leading financiers. If you prefer to finance your order, we will connect you with our partners. They will work with you to construct a payment plan that suits your needs.
