Can you remember a time when people stored things in their garages or attics? We can all agree that those days are over with. People are increasingly shelling out a pretty sum for a little plot of land far from their primary residence. Bikes, winter tires, old record collections, and even company records are examples of what individuals keep in storage. Brilliant Storage Limited units are springing up all over the place for one simple reason: contemporary living demands space, but house sizes aren’t increasing. Plus, there is, as you might expect, financial gain to be had.

Just get right to the point. Mini storage is seeing a meteoric rise in demand. There has been an uptick in people downsizing, renting, and moving. What this means is that you have stuff, but nowhere to put it. An age-old waltz in economics: supply and demand. Real estate, whether in the form of land or a business building, may be a great source of income. Then again, what if it’s not there? Done deal. Investors who are short on funds are taking a more modest approach by renting out storage containers or taking on the management of others’ facilities. Some even do business online, acting as a sort of distant landlord for people’s cherished possessions.

The first step isn’t particularly difficult, but preparation is key. Do your homework on zoning regulations first; having your company plan thwarted by city hall is the worst. Check out the local competition next (don’t rush into it if your town is plenty with empty apartments). Careful research yields excellent results. Think of popular security features: footage recording, coded access, and perhaps even climate control for the man who treats his collection of vintage action figures like gold.

Weatherproof pods were placed on Tim’s rural property by a friend of mine. A squirrel in a bird feeder couldn’t keep the news from spreading. Under no circumstances did he engage in marketing. His rental inventory was depleted within six months. His most inconvenient task? This neighbor made an unsuccessful attempt to fit a pontoon boat inside a 10-foot container. On that day, storage legend was born.

Thanks to technological advancements, it is also stylish. Being physically present and anxious about keys is not necessary. Digital access, payments, and bookings are all handled via management software that is cloud-based. It’s quite similar to running an Airbnb, just with boxes instead of people. Offers of moving goods or advice on how to organize might be a valuable asset from some owners. Some serve small enterprises that are adept at stacking files in a domino effect.

How about financial gain? Although initial investment may not be cheap, maintaining a business usually doesn’t cost a tonne of money after it’s up and running. Units remain silent. They never, ever, ever require plumbing or heat. “The water heater’s busted again!” is hardly a midnight emergency number anyone is phoning. Even in down economies, many areas maintain excellent occupancy rates. It’s unique among real estate games in that players can opt out of using their space if they so desire.

Mini storage could be the perfect fit for you if you’re looking for a low-maintenance business with a regular stream of income and the odd opportunity to see someone’s 1985 ski gear. You don’t need any more cardboard boxes if you decide to stop stumbling over your own potential and lease a space for success.