How External Garage Units Maximise Space In Your Self Storage Facility

Want to boost your self-storage facility’s revenue and efficiency? External garage units might be the solution you need.

These units transform unused outdoor spaces into income-generating assets while offering customers convenient, secure, and accessible storage for larger items like RVs, boats, and equipment. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

Better Space Usage: Utilise underused parking lots or outdoor areas to maximise rentable space.
Convenient Access: Drive-up access simplifies loading and unloading, especially for large or heavy items.
Higher Revenue: Larger units and premium features justify higher rental rates while attracting a broader customer base.
Low Maintenance: Durable materials like steel reduce upkeep costs and ensure long-term reliability.
Cost-Effective Expansion: Build quickly and affordably compared to traditional indoor units, with tax benefits like accelerated depreciation.

External garage units are not just an addition – they’re a smart investment to grow your facility’s profitability and value. Ready to make the most of your space? Keep reading for a detailed guide.

Benefits of External Garage Units for Self-Storage Facilities

External garage units have reshaped the way self-storage facilities operate by tackling space limitations and opening up fresh revenue opportunities. They offer a smart solution for maximising property usage without the hefty costs of constructing additional indoor buildings.

Better Space Usage

Turning unused outdoor areas into income-generating storage spaces is a practical way for facility owners to expand. Empty land, underutilised parking lots, or perimeter zones can be transformed into valuable assets with well-placed, customisable units.

One of the standout features of these units is their adaptable design. They can be customised to fit specific needs, helping you make the most of your facility’s available space. Unlike permanent indoor structures, these external units offer flexibility in size and layout, making them easier to integrate into your property’s unique design.

Positioning these units strategically – like near entrances or along driveways – enhances both accessibility and overall space efficiency. This modular setup allows for gradual expansion as demand grows, avoiding the large upfront investment required for traditional building projects.

This combination of adaptability and smart placement not only maximises space but also ensures customers enjoy hassle-free access.

Easier Customer Access

Drive-up access is a game-changer for customers, eliminating the common headaches associated with traditional indoor storage units. The convenience of ground-level access makes loading and unloading items a breeze, especially for large or heavy belongings like furniture, appliances, or business inventory.

For customers who need frequent access, this setup saves time and effort. Business owners, in particular, benefit from the streamlined process of moving goods directly from their vehicle to the unit, reducing physical strain and cutting down on multiple trips through narrow hallways or elevators.

For oversized items – think boats, RVs, or workshop equipment – drive-up access removes the hassle of navigating tight corridors or stairs. This level of convenience makes external garage units an ideal choice for items that indoor units struggle to accommodate.

By making storage easier and more accessible, these units not only improve customer satisfaction but also justify higher rental rates.

Higher Revenue Opportunities

Thanks to their larger size and convenient access, external garage units often command higher rental prices compared to standard storage units. Their versatility allows facilities to expand their service offerings and attract a wider range of customers, boosting overall revenue.

Additionally, offering 24/7 access is a big draw for customers with varying schedules, increasing occupancy rates and enhancing satisfaction. Repurposing vacant land or parking areas into these units is a cost-efficient investment, as it avoids the high overhead typically associated with indoor construction projects.

To learn more about our storage solutions, visit Partitioning Services Limited.

Key Features of External Garage Units

External garage units are designed with specific structural and functional elements to meet the demands of modern self-storage facilities. These purpose-built units combine strength, adaptability, and efficiency, making them a reliable choice for facility operators.

Strong and Secure Construction

At the heart of every dependable external garage unit is its sturdy construction. Built with reinforced steel, these units are designed to endure years of use and stand strong against harsh weather conditions. Unlike wood, which is vulnerable to pests like termites, steel offers unmatched durability and longevity.

The exterior features weather-resistant galvanized steel cladding, which protects against rust and corrosion. This ensures the unit stays in excellent condition over time, safeguarding stored items from moisture, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. Together, these materials create a protective shield, keeping belongings secure.

Security is another critical aspect of these units. Reinforced roller doors and tamper-proof locking systems provide robust protection against unauthorised access. Many units also support the integration of CCTV systems, offering enhanced surveillance for both operators and customers.

The foundation of these units typically includes reinforced concrete slabs, providing excellent load-bearing capabilities and moisture resistance – ideal for storing heavy or bulky items.

For more details on our construction techniques, check out our Partitioning Units page.

Custom Design Options

One of the standout features of external garage storage units is their flexibility in design. These units can be customised to align with specific operational needs, helping facility operators maximise available space and increase revenue.

Their adaptable dimensions make them suitable for a wide range of storage requirements. Whether it’s a compact unit for personal belongings or a larger space for vehicles and commercial equipment, these units can cater to diverse customer needs. This versatility allows operators to attract a broader clientele and charge premium rates for specialised storage options.

PSL offers bespoke design services, enabling operators to customise dimensions, cladding materials, and door placements. These tailored modifications ensure an optimised layout while maintaining a cohesive and professional appearance across the property.

Aesthetic customisations can also be incorporated, such as cladding that matches company branding or colors. This attention to detail reinforces a facility’s image, creating a premium look that supports higher rental rates.

"PSL’s external garage units can be tailored to meet your specific requirements, helping to maximise the net lettable space within your facility." – PSL Limited

Additional features like insulated roofing, built-in ventilation, and advanced locking systems can also be added during the design phase. These enhancements make it possible to cater to specific storage needs, such as temperature-sensitive or high-value items, providing a tailored solution that combines functionality with durability.

Low Maintenance Requirements

External garage units are designed with long-term efficiency in mind, requiring minimal upkeep and reducing operational costs for facility operators. This low-maintenance design allows operators to focus on growing their business rather than dealing with frequent repairs.

The use of steel and aluminum components ensures resistance to rust, pests, and storm damage, significantly lowering maintenance expenses. Galvanized steel coatings provide an additional layer of protection against environmental wear, extending the lifespan of the units far beyond that of traditional materials like wood. Unlike wooden structures, which require regular painting, sealing, and pest treatments, these units maintain their appearance and performance with minimal intervention.

With durable materials, weather-resistant finishes, and solid construction, these units deliver reliable service for decades, making them a cost-effective choice for operators aiming to maximise their return on investment.

For more information on efficient and cost-effective solutions, visit our Turn-Key Project Management page.

Adding Garage Units to Your Current Facility

Expanding your self-storage facility with external garage units requires thoughtful planning. It’s not just about placing units on unused land – it’s about optimising space, managing traffic flow, and adhering to regulations to ensure smooth operations and a positive customer experience.

By carefully following these steps, you can transform your facility into a more efficient and profitable operation.

Planning Layout and Traffic Flow

The layout of your garage units plays a critical role in ensuring smooth operations and customer convenience. Proper positioning optimises space while allowing vehicles to move easily and safely through the facility.

When designing the entrance and exit points, consider the variety of vehicles customers bring – ranging from compact cars to large moving trucks. To accommodate this, main drive aisles and fire lanes should be at least 30 feet wide, while secondary aisles should measure between 20 and 24 feet. This ensures two-way traffic flows smoothly and emergency access is never compromised.

For facilities with a single entry and exit point, a looped drive design can prevent the need for customers to reverse or navigate tight turns. However, if dead-end aisles are unavoidable, make sure there’s sufficient turnaround space to avoid traffic jams.

For facilities offering boat and RV storage, wider aisles are essential. In these areas, drive aisles should be 15 feet wider than the depth of the storage units, allowing for easier maneuvering. Placing boat and RV units across from each other can also reduce the amount of paving required while maximising space efficiency.

Strategically placing garage units along the facility’s perimeter can serve a dual purpose. These single-sided, inward-facing units not only maximise the use of boundary areas but can also act as a security barrier. Additionally, positioning units on both sides of an aisle minimises paving costs and increases revenue per square foot.

With a well-thought-out traffic flow and layout, the focus shifts to converting unused outdoor areas into productive storage spaces.

Converting Unused Outdoor Areas

Turning underutilised outdoor spaces into revenue-generating storage areas can significantly boost your facility’s profitability. Many self-storage facilities have vacant land or underused parking areas that can be repurposed with proper planning.

To make the most of these spaces, prioritise layouts that maximise rentable square footage while minimising non-revenue areas like offices or wide corridors. For instance, banks of units should be no narrower than 20 feet to maintain structural integrity and cost efficiency.

Convenience for customers is key during this process. Make sure units are easy to access with minimal turns from main entry points. Perimeter areas often offer the easiest conversion opportunities, as they require fewer modifications and provide direct vehicle access – an important factor for garage storage units. Additionally, these conversions can often be completed without disrupting the operation of existing units, allowing you to continue generating revenue during the expansion.

Once the conversion is complete, it’s crucial to ensure your facility meets all safety and building standards.

Meeting Safety and Building Requirements

Every expansion or conversion project must comply with local safety and building regulations. From fire safety codes to accessibility standards, adhering to these requirements is essential for legal and operational success.

Before construction begins, check if planning permission is necessary – especially for detached garage units or changes that might alter the facility’s appearance. Submit a building notice or full plans application to your local building control office to ensure all required standards are met.

Electrical work must align with current wiring regulations and be performed by qualified professionals. For facilities storing vehicles or equipment containing flammable materials, compliance with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) is critical. This includes proper ventilation and fire suppression systems to ensure safety.

In many cases, outbuildings are considered permitted development and may not require planning permission. However, this depends on factors like size, height, proximity to boundaries, and location relative to the main building. Keep in mind that these allowances don’t apply to flats, maisonettes, or properties with existing planning restrictions.

Partnering with experienced professionals can simplify the approval process. For instance, PSL’s Turn-Key Project Management services handle everything from compliance to construction, ensuring your project stays on track while avoiding unnecessary delays.

Financial Benefits and Return on Investment

Beyond operational perks, the financial upsides make external garage units an appealing investment. Lower upfront costs, higher rental income, and increased property value all contribute to a solid business case for expansion.

Lower Construction Costs

External garage units are more cost-effective to build than traditional indoor storage facilities, offering comparable capacity at a fraction of the expense. They don’t need extensive HVAC systems, interior lighting, or complex fire suppression, which also means faster construction and quicker revenue generation.

The savings don’t stop there. Under U.S. tax regulations, external garage units often qualify for favorable tax incentives. Through cost segregation studies, facility owners can accelerate depreciation on qualifying assets, saving on taxes during the early operational years. For example, storage units may be classified as "tangible personal property", allowing depreciation over seven years instead of the standard 39 years for commercial buildings. Some components, like interior partitions, may even qualify for five-year depreciation.

Premium Rental Income

External garage units command higher rental rates, especially for vehicle storage. Their larger size and convenient drive-up access justify premium pricing, boosting revenue per square foot. These units are popular with a wide range of customers, including contractors storing equipment, RV owners needing seasonal parking, and small business owners seeking accessible inventory storage. With approximately 124 square feet of rental space, these units cater to customers who need more room than standard storage options provide. Enhanced security features further support premium pricing, making them a valuable addition to any facility.

For more storage solutions and design inspiration, check out our garage storage units.

Increased Property Value

Adding external garage units can significantly increase your property’s market value while giving you a competitive edge in the local storage market. The additional revenue streams and expanded customer base make your property more appealing to buyers and lenders. High-quality external structures can boost property value by about 1–2%.

The self-storage industry’s steady growth – exceeding 7% annually, with facilities operating at roughly 90% capacity – highlights the long-term advantages of offering diverse storage options. Strategically placing these units, such as along facility perimeters, not only generates income but also enhances security, ensuring that every square foot contributes to profitability.

With their combination of lower construction costs, premium rental income, and increased property value, external garage units offer a strong return on investment. These units typically pay for themselves within the first few years and continue to deliver consistent cash flow throughout their lifespan.

Discover more about our services at Partitioning Services Limited.

Conclusion: Expanding Your Storage Facility with External Garage Units

External garage units offer an excellent way to turn unused outdoor areas into a steady source of income. They combine affordability with high earning potential while providing secure and convenient storage options. This approach not only boosts your current revenue but also increases the long-term value of your property. These units can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing facility, ensuring no space goes to waste.

You can customise these units to fit specific dimensions, integrate them with your current security systems, and match their design to your facility’s overall look. Whether you’re repurposing empty parking spaces or expanding along the edges of your property, external garage units offer the flexibility to optimise every inch of available space.

"PSL offers bespoke design, cost-effective solutions, and high-quality construction. Our units are designed to be clean, dry, and insulated, providing an optimal storage environment. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that your storage facility will stand out in the market." – PSL

Built to last, these units feature weather-resistant cladding and durable roller shutter doors, making them capable of withstanding tough conditions while keeping maintenance needs low. Their durability ensures consistent performance throughout their lifespan.

For facility owners looking to expand and attract more customers, external garage units are a practical solution. With features like 24/7 accessibility, enhanced security, and premium storage spaces, they represent a solid investment that supports both immediate and long-term profitability.

As the self-storage industry continues to grow, facilities that offer a variety of storage options are better equipped to stay competitive. External garage units are more than just an addition – they’re a forward-thinking investment in your facility’s future success.

Explore how our garage storage units can elevate your facility, and check out our complete design services to expand your self-storage offerings even further.

FAQs

What are the cost and maintenance differences between external garage units and traditional indoor storage units?

External garage units tend to be a more budget-friendly choice compared to indoor storage units. The key reason? They usually don’t include features like climate control, which keeps their rental costs lower. For those watching their wallets, this can be a big plus.

When it comes to upkeep, external garage units are generally easier to handle. Unlike indoor units, which often need frequent checks for climate systems and extra security measures, external units are fairly straightforward. Once set up, they only require occasional maintenance, making them a practical, low-hassle option for a variety of storage needs.

How can external garage units optimise space in a self-storage facility?

Integrating external garage units into a self-storage facility can boost both its functionality and storage capacity. However, proper planning is vital to ensure the new units blend seamlessly with the existing layout. One key factor is maintaining smooth traffic flow – customers should have plenty of room to load and unload their belongings without hassle. Adequate space for vehicles to maneuver is a must.

It’s also important to focus on structural considerations and accessibility. The units should meet local building codes, have proper drainage systems to prevent water damage, and include ventilation to protect stored items from humidity or other environmental factors. On top of that, don’t overlook security – features like gated access and surveillance systems can go a long way in building customer trust and ensuring safety.

Finally, take the time to evaluate local storage demand. By understanding what customers in the area need, you can determine the right number and sizes of units to add, ensuring your investment aligns with both customer preferences and revenue goals.

How do external garage units improve security and accessibility in self-storage facilities?

Why External Garage Units Are a Smart Choice

External garage units bring together better security and convenience, making them a valuable feature for self-storage facilities. These units are often equipped with top-notch security features like surveillance cameras, gated entry systems, and individual alarms for each unit. These measures work together to keep stored belongings safe from theft or unauthorised access.

On top of that, these units typically offer drive-up access, allowing customers to load and unload their items directly from their vehicles. This setup is especially helpful for moving larger or heavier items, saving both time and effort.

With their combination of strong security and easy accessibility, external garage units are a practical option that caters to customer needs while enhancing the overall functionality of self-storage facilities.