By Rod Bolls

ears ago, I wrote about the merging of portable storage and self-storage. At the time, the notion of using portable or relocatable storage units within self-storage facilities was new. However, the line between portable and self-storage has become increasingly blurred over the past decade. The rise of storage in general, coupled with changing customer needs and economic conditions, has led to more interaction between these industries. Despite their functional differences, the portable and self-storage industries share commonalities in terms of convenience, economy, and innovation. And the key element that unifies them is the storage container itself.

By leveraging the capabilities of the storage container, the portable and self-storage industries can provide a solution that caters to a wide range of markets. Various rental methods are already shared among these industries. For example, a self-storage operator might use a moving truck, a moving company may employ portable storage containers, a portable storage company might offer on-site self-storage, and a self-storage facility could use relocatable storage units instead of permanent structures. This article explores the convergence of portable and self-storage industries and highlights the advantages and opportunities of a hybrid storage model. 

Convenience plays a significant role in the storage industry today. Customers are choosing to do things for themselves without relying on professionals. They prioritize ease of use, speed of the solution, and assurance of security. Portable storage solutions exemplify this convenience, as customers can order a storage unit and have it delivered to their desired location when moving. Portable storage units are equipped with features like wall vents, vertical e-track, and tie-downs for safe item transport, making them ready to move. Customers can pack the unit at their own pace and keep it at their location or transport it elsewhere. Similarly, self-storage facilities operate on a self-service basis, enabling customers to load and unload items at their convenience. Plus, for ultimate security, portable and relocatable storage units often come with roll-up doors that are compatible with smart, hands-free entry and locking systems.

There is a growing demand for a storage unit that combines the benefits of portable and self-storage. This shift in customer preferences, along with the increasing overlap of commercial and residential customers, necessitates merging these options to provide a unified storage solution. One example of the hybrid storage model is what we call a relocatable unit. It is durable enough for relocation, flexible to fit in unconventional spaces, and customizable to match a business’ existing aesthetic. To provide customers the best of both worlds, you could offer both portable storage units and self-storage units at your facility. Businesses that have hybrid storage offerings will be able to cater to a broader range of markets and help fill today’s storage demand.

Since my previous article, the economy has further spurred the convergence of portable and self-storage industries. Both sectors are experiencing increased demand, as people use more storage and look for cost-effective solutions. The rise of the hybrid storage model within the industry is fueled by the desire to create profitable self-storage facilities using portable and relocatable units in innovative ways. Think about it: Portable and relocatable units are designed for mobility, constructed from durable materials, and equipped with locking mechanisms to ensure the security of their contents. To thrive in today’s market, they also need to be adaptable for use in both permanent self-storage environments and portable storage/moving environments.

Compared to full-service moving, portable storage options offer a more affordable alternative. While it places more responsibility on the customer, this option is gaining popularity due to its lower cost and reduced involvement. Portable storage is a storage option that allows you to store your belongings in a container that is delivered to your location for loading and unloading. You can choose to keep the unit at your location or have it delivered elsewhere. Portable storage units are weatherproof and secure, and they come in a variety of sizes. The units will typically have swing doors with secure locks. They are designed to be easily moved from one location to another by truck, rail, or ship, and some containers may even have wheels or other mobility features built in.

In the self-storage realm, market demand is driving additional development within storage facilities. People need to store more things! The self- storage option is where you rent a storage unit at a fixed location that you can access during the facility’s business hours, usually by driving directly up to the unit. Self-storage operators can build or expand a facility using permanent buildings, relocatable self-storage units, or a combination of the two. Using relocatable units will provide savings in terms of coordination, lower costs per square foot, and time compared to traditional single-story or vertical storage buildings that require extensive permitting and local zoning knowledge. Construction materials are expensive, permitting approvals are slow, and labor shortages exist. Additionally, classifying relocatable storage units as equipment allows self-storage operators to benefit from tax advantages like the Section 179 tax deduction.

At the heart of this convergence lies the innovative storage unit. When I started my business in the storage industry, I looked for underserved areas in the market. What are the ways we can improve the experience for customers? What updates can be made to storage units? How can we differentiate ourselves from the competition? I discovered that there was a need for less compartmentalization of storage products. So, why not manufacture storage units that have it all? Imagine a storage unit that is adaptable for both self-storage and portable storage and moving environments. Storage that is durable enough to move from location to location, flexible enough to fit in a storage facility where no other storage units would fit, and customizable enough to match a business’ existing look and feel.

Designed to be moved from one location to another, relocatable storage units can be placed and assembled at a facility with little-to-no foundation or major site preparation. They are durable, weatherproof, secure, and beautiful. They are made of steel and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different storage needs. So, when a brick-and-mortar self-storage facility needs more rentable space, it is easy to add relocatable units. Relocatable storage units can be used side-by-side to create an effective and efficient drive-up or walk-to storage operation. Some relocatable self-storage manufacturers will even help you design the layout for your site to see just how many units you can fit on your property.

The best storage units serve multiple purposes. Portable storage and relocatable self-storage units are used in several ways, and people are taking advantage of their versatility. The hybrid storage model combines convenience, economy, and innovation to meet customers’ evolving needs. Businesses embracing this approach can thrive in the changing storage landscape and provide comprehensive solutions to diverse customers. By staying adaptable and leveraging the advantages of the portable and self-storage industries, storage businesses can position themselves for success in the future.