Storage Franchise Opportunities

A guide to storage franchises

Storage franchises offer a compelling opportunity in a sector driven by consistent demand from both households and businesses seeking flexible, affordable solutions for their belongings. The UK self-storage market has grown steadily in recent years, and franchising provides an accessible route in without the complexity of building a concept from scratch. Currently, there are 2 storage franchise opportunities listed on the directory, with investment starting at around £50,000, making this a relatively focused but genuinely promising category for the right investor.

How much does a storage franchise cost?

Investment requirements in the storage franchise sector vary depending on the model and the level of infrastructure involved. With two opportunities currently available, the entry points are straightforward to understand — one brand lists a clear investment figure while the other’s costs are discussed directly on enquiry.

• Around £50,000: easyStorage sits at this level, offering a proven mobile and self-storage model with a recognised brand behind it.
• Investment on application: UNITS does not publish a fixed figure publicly — prospective franchisees are encouraged to make direct contact to discuss the full investment requirements for their territory.

Types of storage franchise

• Mobile and collection-based storage: Rather than requiring customers to travel to a fixed facility, this model involves collecting items directly from the customer’s home or business premises and storing them off-site. easyStorage operates in this way, offering convenience as its core differentiator and removing the need for franchisees to manage a traditional warehouse open to the public.
• Container and portable storage units: This model delivers storage containers directly to customers, who load them at their own pace before the unit is transported to a secure storage facility or left on-site. UNITS follows this approach, which has proven popular in North America and is gaining traction in the UK market.

Is a storage franchise right for you?

Storage franchises tend to suit individuals who are organised, operationally minded, and comfortable managing logistics. Strong customer service skills are important, as much of the business relies on building trust with people at a potentially stressful time — whether they are moving home, decluttering, or managing a business transition. A background in removals, logistics, or facilities management can be an advantage, though most franchisors provide comprehensive training, meaning prior industry experience is not always essential.

When evaluating opportunities in this category, pay close attention to territory exclusivity, as a clearly defined geographical area protects your customer base and growth potential. Consider also whether the model generates recurring monthly income from ongoing storage contracts — which provides more financial stability — or relies primarily on one-off transactions. Look carefully at the franchisor’s brand strength, the support infrastructure on offer, and what training is provided both at the outset and on a continuing basis.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a storage franchise cost in the UK?
Based on the current listings, investment starts at around £50,000 for easyStorage. UNITS does not publish a set figure, so you would need to enquire directly to discuss costs for your area.

Do I need experience in storage or logistics to get started?
Not necessarily. Most storage franchisors provide structured training programmes covering operations, customer service, and sales. A practical mindset and strong organisational skills are typically more important than specific industry experience.

Can I run a storage franchise from home?
Depending on the model, it may be possible to manage much of the administration and customer contact remotely. Mobile and collection-based models like easyStorage are particularly suited to operators who do not want to manage a retail-facing premises.

Is demand for storage services consistent throughout the year?
Storage tends to be driven by life events such as moving home, renovating, or downsizing — all of which happen year-round. Businesses also use storage services on an ongoing basis, which can help provide a more stable, recurring revenue stream.

What territories are available for storage franchises?
Territory availability varies by brand and location. It is worth contacting franchisors directly to find out which areas are currently open, as desirable regions can be taken quickly once a network begins to grow.