Case Study: The Rise of Relocatable Storage Units

Relocatable storage units have become a go-to solution for maximizing land use in existing facilities. Operators are boosting profits by strategically filling gaps around buildings and along fences, a trend that has gained significant traction. Beyond traditional infill strategies, some entrepreneurs are now opting to build entire storage facilities with relocatables, bypassing conventional structures entirely.

ABC Storage, a fast-growing storage syndicate in the Southeast United States, has embraced this model. Comprising industry veterans, their team specializes in optimizing commercial land. This case study focuses on their recent project in Athens, Georgia, where they constructed a facility exclusively from relocatable units.

Project Overview

A year ago, the 4.3-acre site in Athens was an overgrown lot, yet it held promise due to its prime location near popular retail and suburban neighborhoods. ABC’s analysis showed strong potential for a storage facility, as the area experiences significant traffic and is surrounded by residential areas—a prime demographic for storage.

Planning and Approval

ABC’s team quickly realized the financial benefits of relocatables, estimating a 50% cost savings over traditional construction. With warranties equivalent to conventional builds, they felt confident moving forward. Gaining city approval required educating local officials about the product’s quality and durability. The team met various requirements including adding stone facades and landscaping, and securing the units to the ground.

Development

Once approved, ABC ordered 308 relocatable units, subdividing them into 542 rentable spaces. Site preparation involved grading and laying a gravel base for drainage. Units arrived in flat-packed, which simplifies logistics. Installation was efficient, with each unit taking about 30 minutes to assemble. The relocatables met stringent durability standards, withstanding 120 mph winds and supporting a 10,000-pound load—crucial in a region that sees heavy rain.

Completion and Impact

The Athens facility was completed in six months, significantly faster than traditional builds, saving ABC four to six months in construction time. Within four months of opening, the site had already reached 30% capacity. The project’s success has led ABC Storage to replicate the model, with plans to operate several relocatable-only facilities by 2025, totaling 2,500 rentable units.

Relocatable storage units are effective for both infill and new projects, saving developers in cost and time. Developers are encouraged to explore this option, as relocatables continue to gain traction in the industry.