How to finalise your storage unit sizes and features
Choosing the right mix of unit sizes and premium features is essential for maximising your rental income and meeting the specific needs of your local market.
To finalise your range, you must define a versatile mix of unit sizes that caters to both domestic and commercial users while identifying which premium features will command higher rental rates. A diverse inventory ensures you don't turn away customers because you only have "large" or "small" units available, allowing you to capture everything from student holiday storage to full-scale business inventory.
1. Standardise your unit sizes
In the UK storage industry, sizes are typically measured in square feet (sq ft). You should offer a range that mirrors common household or business volumes. Below is a guide to the most common sizes you should consider for your launch:
| Unit Size | Comparison | Typical User |
|---|---|---|
| 10 - 15 sq ft | A large locker or telephone box | Students or people storing seasonal items. |
| 25 - 35 sq ft | A small van or a walk-in wardrobe | People decluttering a room or storing garden furniture. |
| 50 sq ft | A transit van or a large garden shed | Individuals moving a one-bedroom flat. |
| 75 - 100 sq ft | A Luton van or a single garage | Families moving a two or three-bedroom house. |
| 150+ sq ft | A large removal lorry | Business stock, archive storage, or large house moves. |
2. Determine premium features
Once you have your dimensions, decide which units will offer "value-add" features. These allow you to charge a premium over your base rate:
- Climate Control: Essential for customers storing antiques, electronics, or sensitive documents. These units require insulation and dehumidification to prevent damp and mould.
- Internal Power: Some business customers may want to run a small light or charge tools within their unit. This is a niche but highly sought-after feature.
- Drive-up Access: For outdoor or ground-floor units, the ability to park a vehicle directly outside the door is a major selling point for trade customers and those with heavy furniture.
- Height Extensions: If your facility has high ceilings, offering units with extra height (e.g., 10ft instead of 8ft) can appeal to people with awkward items like kayaks or tall shelving units.
3. Balance your inventory mix
A common mistake is building too many large units, which are often the hardest to fill. A good rule of thumb for a new facility is to lean slightly more towards the 25 sq ft to 75 sq ft range, as these move the fastest. You can always combine two smaller units later if a customer needs a massive space, but it is much harder to split a large unit once it is built.
Top Tip: If you are unsure about the demand for specific features like power or climate control, start with a small "test batch" (perhaps 5-10% of your total units) and track how quickly they are reserved before committing to a full fit-out.
Created by hatch. • Updated on April 30, 2026