U Can Store It: offering low-cost container storage

Although they were established in 1914 and they got into the container sale, hire and conversion business 35 years ago, S Jones Container Services have only been offering self storage for 10 years. This still makes them very well-established by the standards of this young industry.

Supplying steel storage containers, and self storage

The container side of the business supplies steel storage containers – hiring them, selling them, and producing bespoke containers for a wide range of customers.

The self storage business is run under the brand name “U Can Store It Self Storage” (with the website www.ucanstoreit.co.uk). It operates out of two depots both in the West Midlands – at West Bromwich and Aldridge, near Walsall – and together they have about 450 storage units at these centres, and storage for up to 100 caravans at West Bromwich.

For a glimpse of the services U Can Store It offer, have a look at their recent video:

High occupancy: giving customers what they want

Overall, their occupancy rate is an impressive 80%, and according to Laura Hucker, who is responsible for marketing at the two sites, “we are just waiting for the upturn in the housing market to further improve our occupancy rate.”

Laura says they have split containers to offer what people want – with units which are 5ft long (37.5 sq ft capacity), 10 ft long (75 sq ft capacity), 20 ft long (150 sq ft capacity) or 40 ft long (300 sq ft capacity). They are all 8ft high.

“We give big discounts if people pay up front”, explains Laura. “For example, a 20 ft by 8 ft unit will cost £29.75 per week for one week, but only £24 per week if you pay for a year in advance.” This works out at about £10 per square foot per year, dropping to £8 with the up-front payment.

Their insurance is 70p per week per £1,000, which is about 3.5% per annum – in line with the self storage industry in warehouses. They also offer self-storage packaging materials from a small shop, which is popular.

Industry support and marketing

About the Self Storage Association, Laura says, “We are members of the SSA UK and have found them very supportive. They are there when you need them for advice. What more could you ask?”

In terms of marketing, the majority of their business comes from referrals, which is a compliment to any business but obviously easier for one established many years ago. Beyond that, they use various methods to get sales leads, but according to Laura, “Google is our bread and butter.”

Buzzing with business

They have had some unusual requests for storage space – which is always a favourite topic for self storage operators. For example, one enquirer asked if they could keep bees in a container. They weren’t asked to buzz off, but it was gently suggested that this might upset other customers.

Actual users include businesses, people moving house, and even some people who do up scooters – although they have to do so without electric power.