The self-storage industry is experiencing steady growth as more people seek secure, flexible storage options for personal and business needs. Among the various solutions, external garage units are proving to be a game-changer, offering versatility, security, and an opportunity to diversify services.

At PSL, we understand the specific needs of self-storage facility owners and operators. This guide will walk you through how external garage units can optimise your space, increase revenue, and attract a broader customer base.

Explore our external garage units.

Why Choose External Garage Units?

External garage units provide a unique opportunity to expand your self-storage offerings. These standalone or attached structures are designed to cater to a variety of storage needs, from vehicles to large equipment and household items.

Advantages of External Garage Units

  1. Diverse Client Appeal
    External garage units attract a range of customers, including businesses needing to store inventory, contractors requiring space for tools, and individuals seeking secure vehicle storage.
  2. Increased Revenue Potential
    With their larger size and convenient access, these units often command higher rental rates than traditional storage units.
  3. Enhanced Facility Reputation
    Offering multiple storage options positions your facility as a comprehensive solution, improving its competitiveness in a crowded market.

Customised Design for Optimal Functionality

External garage units are not one-size-fits-all. PSL offers bespoke design services to create units that meet your specific operational and customer requirements.

Key Features of Customised Units

  • Tailored Dimensions: Units can be designed in various sizes to accommodate different storage needs, from small equipment to oversized vehicles.
  • High-Quality Materials: Durable steel cladding, reinforced roller doors, and insulated interiors ensure longevity and protection.
  • Brand Consistency: Customisation options allow for external finishes and cladding in your facility’s colour scheme, enhancing your brand identity.

Customisation ensures that each unit integrates seamlessly into your existing layout while maximising usable space.

Superior Construction for Long-Term Performance

Building external garage units with durability and practicality in mind is essential. PSL’s units are constructed to withstand the challenges of daily use while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Materials and Construction Benefits

  1. Weather Resistance
    Built to endure the UK’s unpredictable climate, external garage units are made with weather-resistant materials to protect stored items from damage.
  2. Robust Security Features
    Units are equipped with tamper-proof locks, reinforced doors, and the option for CCTV integration, offering peace of mind to facility owners and customers.
  3. Ease of Maintenance
    Designed for minimal upkeep, these units reduce maintenance costs over their lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice.

Optimising Your Facility with Strategic Placement

Where and how you position your external garage units within your facility can significantly impact their effectiveness and customer appeal.

Tips for Strategic Placement

  • Maximise Accessibility: Place units near entrances or along driveways to make them easy to access for vehicles.
  • Utilise Underused Areas: Convert vacant land or parking spaces into revenue-generating storage units.
  • Consider Traffic Flow: Ensure that the layout supports smooth movement of vehicles and customers within the facility.

Strategic planning during installation ensures the best use of available space and enhances the customer experience.

Security and Convenience: Key Selling Points

Customers expect their belongings to be safe and secure when stored at your facility. External garage units meet this expectation with advanced security and user-friendly features.

Security Features

  1. Integrated CCTV
    Linking units to your facility’s existing CCTV system provides continuous monitoring and deters potential theft.
  2. Tamper-Proof Locks
    Robust locking mechanisms protect against unauthorised access, giving customers added confidence.
  3. Lighting
    Bright, energy-efficient lighting around the units enhances visibility and safety, especially for customers accessing their units during evening hours.

Convenience for Customers

  1. Drive-Up Access
    Many external garage units feature drive-up access, making it easier for customers to load and unload items directly from their vehicles.
  2. 24/7 Availability
    Providing round-the-clock access to these units appeals to customers with varying schedules, increasing occupancy rates.

Isometric illustration of a fenced storage facility with multiple storage units, some open to reveal stacked boxes. A white car is parked near the entrance, and security cameras are mounted on the walls.

Sustainability in Garage Unit Construction

Modern customers value businesses that prioritise sustainability. Incorporating eco-friendly elements into your external garage units can attract environmentally conscious clients while reducing operating costs.

Eco-Friendly Features

  • Solar Panels: Install panels to power lighting and reduce electricity costs.
  • Insulated Walls and Roofs: Improve energy efficiency by maintaining a consistent internal temperature.
  • Rainwater Collection: Use harvested water for facility maintenance, such as cleaning and landscaping.

These sustainable practices not only enhance your facility’s appeal but also contribute to long-term savings.

Industry Trends

As the self-storage industry evolves, staying ahead of trends ensures your facility remains competitive.

Innovations in Garage Storage

  1. Smart Technology
    Incorporate smart locks, mobile access, and AI-driven monitoring systems for enhanced functionality.
  2. Specialised Storage Options
    Offer units tailored for specific uses, such as climate-controlled spaces for sensitive items or oversized units for recreational vehicles.
  3. Co-Working Spaces
    Integrate co-working or workshop areas within your facility, combining storage with utility for creative professionals or small business owners.

Invest in Your Facility’s Future with PSL

External garage units are more than just storage solutions; they are an opportunity to elevate your self-storage facility by offering versatile, high-value options for your customers. With careful planning, quality construction, and effective marketing, these units can become a cornerstone of your business’s success.

Learn more about external garage units and discover how PSL can help you design and build storage solutions that meet the unique needs of your facility.