The self-storage industry is evolving, with operators seeking fresh ways to expand revenue and enhance the customer experience. One way many are doing this is through ancillary products and services. While staples like retail products, truck rentals and tenant insurance remain essential, fresh, creative offerings that align with tenant needs are entering the mix. Below are some of innovative products and services you can use to diversify income, drive profitability and stand out in a competitive market.
Few self-storage facilities can rival Bridge Storage, Arts & Events in Richmond, California, for its efforts to provide unique, ancillary offerings. Last year, it converted more than 25 of its climate-controlled units into art studios in response to requests from the local and vibrant artist population. BridgeMaker Arts Gallery hosts regular exhibits, which creates a cultural hub within the neighborhood and attracts residents who might not typically visit a storage property.
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The facility also includes event spaces, office workspaces, digital mailboxes and a commercial kitchen to support local entrepreneurs. These attract a diverse audience with the opportunity for some to become new storage-unit renters.
Digital mailboxes allow customers to manage their mail and packages remotely. Self-storage operators who partner with services such as iPostal1 become the physical address for mailbox users, which is ideal for business clients. In essence, you receive mail on the renter’s behalf, then scan and upload images of anything they receive to their digital account. The interface then allows them to request tasks like shredding or pickup.
This generates recurring revenue for your self-storage operation through monthly mailbox and related service fees, with iPostal1 handling billing and commission payments. Beyond financial benefits, this type of offering can enhance your facility’s role in the community.
“Our commitment goes beyond offering secure, modern storage,” says Katherine Rauch, manager of Great American Storage in Kahului, Hawaii, which offers the mailboxes. “We want to be part of the Kahului community by supporting local families, businesses and nonprofits as neighbors, not just as a service provider.”
Edison Electric Institute projects the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road in the U.S. will grow tenfold to more than 78 million by 2035. As adoption accelerates, driven by supportive policies and growing consumer demand, the need for charging stations at convenient locations continues to rise. Self-storage facilities are stepping up to meet this demand, turning EV chargers into a smart and profitable addition to their offerings.
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In Europe, Shurgard Self Storage Ltd. has taken the lead by installing fast-charging units capable of powering a car in just 30 minutes at nearly 70 locations across London and the Netherlands. In the U.S., operators like Extra Space Storage Inc. and SecureSpace are among those hosting some of California’s 15,000-plus chargers. Smaller operators are also joining the trend including Attic Self Storage and Fort Knox Self Storage in San Francisco.
While California has the most EVs of any state, self-storage operators nationwide see the value of offering a charging service. Save It Self Storage has introduced it at its facility in Lafayette, Louisiana. The stations are open to the public.
You can generate revenue from EV chargers in several ways:
Pay-per-use pricing based on energy consumption
Hourly rates
Monthly subscriptions
If you’re considering this option for your self-storage location, the U.S. Department of Energy provides a state-by-state breakdown of EV registrations to help determine if chargers are a viable investment. Just be aware that they do come with challenges, particularly high upfront costs. To navigate this, it’s vital to contact local officials early in the planning process to understand regulations and potential incentives.
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With recent Federal Aviation Administration regulation changes, drone deliveries for items like groceries, medicine and other small packages are set to become a common part of daily life. As the number of drones in operation grows, so does the need for charging locations. Self-storage facilities with at least 6,000 square feet of open land in commercial or industrial zones, access to electricity, and proximity to populated areas are uniquely positioned to meet this demand by leasing land to drone operators, which lack the real estate to place these hubs nationwide.
For self-storage tenants, having a drone hub on site could mean faster, more reliable deliveries of essential items. This added convenience enhances the overall customer experience, making the facility not just a place to store belongings but also a valuable community resource.
Amazon parcel lockers offer a reliable revenue stream through monthly rental fees and, in some cases, commissions for each package processed. These lockers also drive foot traffic, as customers picking up packages may discover and rent self-storage units.
Because they’re available around the clock, Amazon Lockers maximize the usefulness of the storage facility beyond normal business hours without requiring additional staffing. Financial terms vary, with some operators earning monthly payments ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on locker size and package volume.
Contractors and small-business owners often value extended access hours. Offering around the clock admission to your self-storage facility for a small monthly fee, typically $5 to $15 per month, is an excellent way to generate recurring revenue while meeting tenant needs. For example, a 500-unit property with just 100 tenants opting in could generate an additional $1,000 per month. Positioning this as “premium access” emphasizes the benefits and increases its appeal for tenants seeking this perk.
If you have excess land on your self-storage property, you can monetize it through services like Truck Parking Club (TPC), a network of reservable truck-parking locations. Sign up is free, and partners are paid daily, weekly or monthly. The company also handles the marketing, payments and customer service. “By being creative, operators can generate revenue while improving the customer experience,” says Andrew Jones, vice president of property-member optimization for TPC.
Hosting a food truck at your self-storage facility can attract foot traffic, increase visibility and potentially lead to new rentals. You can charge vendors a fee for using the space or negotiate a revenue-sharing agreement, creating a steady income stream with minimal effort.
Food trucks also enhance the customer experience, particularly during move-ins or move-outs. They can foster a sense of community, making your facility more appealing. It’s a simple yet effective way to diversify your self-storage business income while adding value to the customer experience.
While these creative money-makers offer exciting opportunities, their success depends on understanding your market and tenant needs. Conducting surveys, analyzing customer feedback and staying informed about self-storage trends can help you identify the most promising profit centers for your facility.
In a competitive industry like self-storage, innovation is key to staying ahead. By offering innovative, customer-focused services, you can boost revenue, differentiate your business and transform your facility into a valuable community resource. With endless possibilities, the future of generating ancillary revenue is limited only by your imagination.
Ron Matejko is associate editor of Inside Self-Storage. To reach him, email [email protected].
Ron Matejko
Associate Editor, Inside Self-Storage
Ron Matejko is associate editor at Inside Self-Storage. To reach him, email [email protected].
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