Northside Self Storage
“We started with 40 containers on a gravel lot. The software runs the front desk.”
RDRon & Deb Kessler · Northside Self Storage · Since 2014
12-mo revenue$454,620+5% vs last yearSquare + Plaid
!This budget covers under 15% of the typical cost to start ($477k). Almost nobody starts a self-storage business this way. The few who did bought an existing one with seller financing, or leased the equipment.
Based on 37 real self-storage businesses in the UK, including 4 that closed.
!Your budget is about $517k short.
Bills run about $7,950 a month (fuel, insurance, rent, phone). Most owners make a profit after about 14 months. Keep this much aside to pay bills until then.
Full planning permission. Takes 3 to 9 months.
Building control and a fire risk check.
Sole trader with HMRC (free) or a limited company at Companies House (about £50).
Free with most online banks. Keeps business money apart from yours.
Sets up your books and files your first tax return.
Before costs. Summer moving peak.
| Slow | Typical | Strong | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4.5k | $8k | $14.2k |
| Year 3 | $11.9k | $19.1k | $30.6k |
| Year 5 | $15k | $24.8k | $41.2k |
Slow: 1 in 4 make less than this. Typical: half make more, half make less. Strong: 1 in 4 make more than this.
“We started with 40 containers on a gravel lot. The software runs the front desk.”
$542k
about $1.5m
Starting costs about $964k less. Buying costs more, but you earn from the first month and skip the risky early years.