BOX+
BOX+, Self Storage Success at Your Service
BOX+ is more than a container solution. It’s a start-to-finish support package that helps you plan, build, launch, and operate a profitable external self storage site with confidence. Backed by over 20 years of industry expertise, BOX+ brings together practical guidance, proven tools, and trusted partner connections to make the journey simple, efficient, and commercially sound.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding your existing operation, BOX+ gives you everything you need to get it right, from understanding site viability and planning requirements to designing the ideal layout for your land.
With BOX+, you’ll gain access to expert advice on planning and site design, professional layout drawings suitable for planning applications, and insights that ensure your land is both practical and profitable. Once your site is ready to move forward, we can equip you with hands-free management software, a professional-quality website, essential security solutions, and flexible finance options to help you get up and running quickly.
Marketing support and lead-generation guidance give your new site the visibility it needs, while our priority service ensures you receive fast, dedicated support whenever you need us. And once you’ve placed your container order, you’ll receive a personalised call with our BOX+ specialist to help you set up your operation smoothly and confidently.
BOX+ brings together the tools, resources, and expert support required to build, manage, and grow a standout self storage business, all in one place.
Self Storage Set Up Guide
(PDF, 5.71 MB)
A practical guide to building a profitable, low-maintenance self storage business, showing how unused land
can be turned into a scalable, hands-free income stream using proven systems and expert support.
The UK Self Storage Market
The UK self storage market is booming, with 2,706 stores generating nearly £1.1 billion in 2023. Container-based facilities, making up 37% of the market, are growing fast, especially in rural areas, while unmanned stores now account for 13% of the sector. Despite 60 million sq ft of storage space, the UK offers just 0.89 sq ft per person, far below the U.S.’s 7 sq ft, signaling huge growth potential. With rising demand and increasing adoption of AI, the UK market is primed for rapid expansion, offering exciting opportunities for businesses.
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£1Billion Industryand growing year on year -
49% of the Publicfound their local storage facility via an internet search -
86% of Sitesaccept bookings and payments online -
53% of Customers
travel less than 15 minutes to their unit
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70% of the Public
know their local storage facility thanks to road side advertising
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37% of Sites
are container-based
Site Layouts
We specialise in creating detailed site layout plans to help you optimise your self storage operation. Whether you’re starting out or expanding, our layouts provide the clarity and precision you need to plan a successful self storage site.
Advanced Site Layout (Non planning compliant)
Site Layout Drawing Pricing
Our site layout drawings for planning applications are a fast, affordable alternative to using an architect.
£495 + VAT (Includes 2 design revisions)
Additional revisions are available at £50 + VAT per revision.
These planning-ready site layout drawings are suitable for submission to local authorities and offer a significantly more cost-effective solution than hiring an architect, where fees typically start from £2,000+. Ideal for developers, landowners, and businesses looking to reduce planning costs without compromising on quality.
Finance: Fund Your Full Self Storage Site
Setting up your new self storage site? Approved Business Finance has you covered. With flexible financing options tailored to your needs, you can secure the funding required for containers, site development, security systems, and more. Applying for a quote is quick, easy, and completely obligation-free – plus, it won’t impact your credit score. Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding an existing operation, Approved Business Finance simplifies the process, helping you bring your self storage vision to life with confidence.
Case Studies
iBOXED Self Storage
Co-founders Ian and Noor utilised our BOX+ service to diversify and begin their new venture into self storage.
Store Mill Self Storage
Learn how Store Mill Self Storage transformed unused land into a thriving revenue stream with farm diversification and expert support from BOX+
Pink Self Storage
With an impressive 14 sites across the North West and Wales, we have supplied over 1300 containers to Pink Self Storage over the past five years.
Video Case Studies
iBOXED Self Storage - Noor Rashid, Co-Founder of iBOXED Self Storage, discusses how he and his business partner, Ian, diversified into the container self storage market and how Cleveland Containers helped them set up via their BOX+ service.
Pink Self Storage - With 14 sites across the North West and Wales, we’ve supplied Pink Storage with 1,300+ containers. Each site offers secure 20ft containers, 24/7 CCTV, and PIN code access. One unmanned site features 22 CCTV cameras, two-way audio, and ANPR gates with advanced security. We support their growth alongside finance brokers Approved Business Finance.
Storemill Self Storage - Angus, the owner of Store Mill Storage, originally ran it as a farming operation and has experience diversifying the land by converting old farm buildings into office spaces. However, he saw further potential in utilising more land around the farm for a new venture: self storage.
Poplar Storage Solutions - Former dairy farmer Andrew Cumming attended the 2023 Farm Business Innovation show seeking ways to monetise his spare land. After visiting our stand and speaking with our sales team, he left inspired and soon launched Poplar Storage Solutions, starting with ten 20ft shipping containers.
Chatterbox Podcasts
Unleashing BOX+ (iBOXED) - Noor Rashid joins us to discuss iBOXED and its use of BOX+: The game-changer for self storage entrepreneurs.
Automate to Elevate (Stora) - Gavin Shields, CEO of Stora, speaks to us about the many ways automation can be utilised in a self storage business.
Scotts for Storage - Len Scott, owner of Scotts for Storage, joined us on Chatterbox to discuss diversifying and how self storage can transform your land.
From Average to Outstanding - Katie Garfoot spoke to us about elevating site efficiency in self storage through systems, security, dynamic pricing, and more.
Bin It or Keep It? - Tim Ankers joins us to discuss how The Waste Group diversified into the self storage industry.
Innovating Security - Ant Hebblethwaite, sales manager at DSOC, joins Lewis to talk about how important security is to self storage and what you you can do to protect your site.
Stora Spotlight - Gavin Shields, CEO of Stora, joins Lewis once again to talk about the power of self storage automation.
The Power of PPC - Laura Moxham, Founder & MD of YBA PPC, joins Lewis to discuss navigating Google Ads in the self storage sector.
Planning For Success - Emily Temple joins us in the Chatterbox studio to share her top tips on securing planning permission for self storage.
AI in Action - Martin Wild, Managing Director of Kinnovis, gives us all the details on their all-in-one software solution for self storage.
ESG in Self Storage - Ben Holmes joins Lewis to discuss people-centric approaches to sustainable storage.
Master the Market - Engage Management Services' co-founder, Anthony Adams, joins Lewis on the podcast to talk about how the storage industry has evolved over the last few years.
Logo to Legacy - David Exley, managing director at design agency Ledgard Jepson, joins us to discuss the meaning of branding and how it goes deeper than just a good-looking logo.