How Much Land Do You REALLY Need for a Self-Storage Goldmine

How Much Land Do You Really Need to Build a Self-Storage Facility?

If you’ve ever looked at a patch of land and thought, "This could be the next great self-storage empire!"—you’re not alone. But before you break ground and start dreaming of a fully leased-up facility, you need to answer one critical question: How much land do you really need to build a self-storage facility?

The answer? It depends. (I know, I know—that’s not what you wanted to hear, but stick with me.)

The Gold Standard: 6 Usable Acres

Let’s say you’ve got 6 good, clean, buildable acres—the kind that developers dream about. This is the sweet spot for a multi-building, single-story self-storage facility with both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units. You might even have room for a few RV storage spaces if you plan it right.

With municipal water, sewer, and favorable zoning, you can expect to build around 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of storage per usable acre. That means your 80,000 gross square foot facility (64,000+ rentable square feet) fits comfortably on 6 acres.

Even better? You can build in phases, allowing you to grow with demand instead of overextending your budget all at once.

Can You Do It with Less?

Absolutely. Let’s break it down:

4.5 Acres – Single Story or Hybrid Approach

• If you’ve got 4.5 usable acres, you can still build a great facility, but you may need to make some strategic choices.
• One option: A single large climate-controlled building.
• Another option: A mix of single-story and multi-story buildings to maximize rentable square footage.

You can also build this in phases, making it a solid choice for developers who want flexibility.

2 Acres – Going Vertical

• Tight on land? No worries—you just have to build up instead of out.
• A three-story facility can fit on 2 usable acres (or even 1.5 acres if you don’t need side yards or stormwater detention).
• Just keep in mind: Multi-story costs more to build per square foot and typically rents for less per square foot than single-story storage.

And remember, unlike single-story builds, multi-story facilities are all or nothing—no phasing here. Once you start, you’re committed.

Not All Land Is Created Equal

Now, before you rush off to buy the first piece of land you see, let’s talk about usable vs. non-usable acres.

Just because a parcel is 6 acres on paper doesn’t mean you can build on all of it. Here’s what might eat into your usable space:

• Wetlands & setbacks
• Easements
• 100-year floodplains
• Steep slopes or bad soil
• Environmental restrictions

If your land has too many restrictions, you might need more acreage than expected—or worse, it might not work for storage at all.

What’s Next? Let’s Talk!

Still trying to figure out if your land works for storage? Or maybe you want to see what your best options are? Shoot me an email at [email protected] and let’s break it down together.

Because at the end of the day, whether you need 6 acres or 2, the key to a successful self-storage development isn’t just land—it’s knowing how to make the most of it.

This keeps things fun and engaging while still delivering the details potential self-storage developers need. Let me know if you'd like any tweaks! ??

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