How to Start a Container Sales & Self-Storage Hire Business in the UK

🚛 Thinking of Selling or Hiring Out Shipping Containers in the UK?

Whether it’s self-storage, site offices, modular buildings or pop-up shops—the shipping container business is booming in the UK. More people and businesses are using them for storage, workspace, and even homes. It’s a low-maintenance, high-demand industry with strong margins and scalable potential.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to get started, the earning potential, and how to stand out online with a professional website that brings in leads 24/7.

📦 Why Containers Are Big Business in the UK

From tradesmen needing tool storage to growing families out of space at home, container-based self-storage is in massive demand. And with more businesses looking for portable office space, on-site storage, or pop-up units—containers are the smart solution.

The UK self-storage market is worth over £900 million and growing steadily each year. Storage yards, container hire, and modular sales are profitable for one big reason: low operating costs + recurring income.

🏗️ What You’ll Need to Start Selling or Hiring Out Containers

Here’s what you’ll need to get going:

✅ Land (even just a small field, area, or yard)

• Ideally secure, gated and accessible by vehicles - cars, vans, lorries.

• Just outside towns and cities and urban fringe areas work best due to low rent and demand for storage.

✅ Containers

• Start with a few 20ft or 40ft units (used is fine).

• Add more as demand grows.

✅ Security & Access

• Padlocks or container locks

• Fencing, gate or access control

• Optional CCTV or remote monitoring

✅ Insurance

• Public liability + container & contents cover

✅ Website & Lead Capture System

• Customers will find you online, so you need a site that builds trust, shows availability, and converts visits into bookings.

💷 Startup Costs & Earnings Potential

Item Estimated Cost
Used 20ft container£1,200 – £2,500 each
Site preparation (basic) £2,000 – £5,000
Yard rent (monthly) £500 – £1,500 (area dependent)
Insurance & security setup £1,000 – £2,000
Website & lead system From £79/month (with SMB Booster)

Typical monthly hire rate per container: £100 – £160
Even with 10 units hired out, you could earn £1,000–£1,600 per month recurring. Add container sales, office conversions or modular builds, and your profit potential scales fast.

🧱 Types of Containers You Can Sell or Hire

• Standard storage units – 10ft, 20ft, 40ft

• Site offices – fitted with insulation, power, desks

• Modular buildings – linkable units for schools, offices or accommodation

• Pop-up shops & food units – great for festivals & seasonal setups

• Container conversions – gyms, bars, studios and more

You can also offer container delivery, on-site placement or custom modifications to increase your earning potential.

💻 Why You’ll Need a Smart Website That Brings in Leads

Most people looking for container storage, hire or purchase start with a Google search.
If you don’t show up—or if your website looks like it was made in 2005—you’ll miss the sale.

That’s where SMB Booster comes in.

We create fully-managed, mobile-optimised websites built specifically for container and storage businesses in the UK. Check out our self storage container business website here.

✅ SEO service & area pages
✅ Quote forms, tap-to-call buttons & live chat
✅ Google review integration & "Leave a Review" button
✅ Monthly updates & lead automation
✅ Just £79/month – no contracts, no stress

We’ve helped everyone from roofers to landscapers and now storage entrepreneurs build better businesses online. Let us help you grow, too.

🚀 Ready to Start or Scale Your Container Business?

Whether you're starting from a single unit or scaling up to full site hire, a professional website and automated marketing system can help you bring in more customers, more bookings, and more repeat revenue.

👉 Visit smbbooster.co.uk to get started — and ask us about your FREE mockup site.