Shipping container storage yard

Rent out secure shipping containers on a fenced block to households and tradies who need extra space.

Rows of roll-up doors in a secure self-storage facility corridor.
Startup costA$12k to A$55k
Monthly revenueA$700 to A$3.5k
Time needed4+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$12k-55k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small fenced yard with a handful of shipping containers that you rent out by the month for furniture, tools, stock or gear. You can start with a few and add more as they fill.

Your first three steps

  1. Find suitable land (yours or leased) and ask your local council whether storage use is allowed there and what development approval or permit you need before you start
  2. Price second-hand containers, fencing, lighting, cameras and good locks, then work out how many you need to break even
  3. Set up a simple rental agreement, a website or listing, and line up your first customers through local Facebook groups and tradie networks
Who pays

People between homes, renovators, tradies, small businesses, caravan and hobby owners, and farmers and lifestylers in rural or outer-suburban areas.

How it makes money

Monthly rent per container, usually with a bond or admin fee. Larger containers and drive-up access can earn more.

Skills that help
  • Organised and reliable with bookings and payments
  • Basic sales and customer service
  • Handy with simple security and site upkeep
Watch out for
  • Zoning and development approval: there is usually no specific storage licence, but councils often require planning approval for this land use, so check with your local council before buying anything
  • Public liability and property insurance, and what happens to customers' goods if there is theft or damage
  • Banned items such as hazardous materials, food and anything illegal, put these in your agreement
  • Access, drainage and flooding or bushfire risk on the site
  • Lease terms if the land is not yours, check the owner allows storage use

🔒 Full research report for Australia

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

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Photo: SarlaWu on Pixabay

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