Small Self-Storage in a Converted Unit or Barn

Households short of space, landlords, small traders, market sellers and local businesses needing flexible stock space.

Monthly rent per room, priced by size. A building you already own or lease cheaply keeps costs low and makes each let count.

• Organising and record keeping
• Customer service
• Basic DIY or managing a builder
• Local marketing

• Planning and change of use: check with your local council, especially for farm buildings
• Fire safety and building regulations for partitions and access: check what applies and consider a fire risk assessment
• Public liability and property insurance, and the limits on customers' stored goods
• Your lease or mortgage terms if you do not own the building outright
• Business rates and VAT on storage rent: check with the council and HMRC
• Rental terms covering late payment, prohibited items and what happens to unclaimed goods

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the size and condition of the building, how many partitioned rooms you build, and your security and access systems. Your lease or ownership situation will also matter.

Check planning and change of use with your local council, especially for farm buildings. Check fire safety and building regulations for partitions, consider a fire risk assessment, and review insurance, your lease or mortgage terms, business rates and VAT.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the number and size of rooms and how many you let. Day-to-day management might take around six hours a week at the lower end.