Container Storage Yard on Your Own Land

Households in the middle of a move or downsizing, boat, RV and seasonal-gear owners, tradespeople and small businesses needing stock or tool space.

Monthly rent per unit, with prices set by unit size and local demand. Optional extras include outdoor vehicle parking and selling locks. Most of the cost is upfront, so income grows as units fill.

• Basic bookkeeping
• Customer service
• Simple property maintenance
• Local marketing

• Zoning, development permits and any rules on containers or outdoor storage, which vary by municipality
• Commercial property and liability insurance, and whether renters need to cover their own goods
• Your province's rules on unpaid rent and what you can do with contents, so check before writing your agreement
• Whether GST/HST applies to your rentals once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Winter access, snow clearing and drainage, and rules on what customers may not store (hazardous or perishable items)

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on how many containers you buy, how much you spend on fencing and groundwork, and your land. Treat this as a guide and get your own quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on the number of units, how many are rented and local demand. Treat this as an estimate rather than a promise, especially in the early months.

Check zoning, development permits and any rules on containers or outdoor storage in your municipality. Also check commercial property and liability insurance, your province's rules on unpaid rent, and whether GST/HST applies to your rentals.