Many storage units have plenty of vertical space but very little built-in organization. Customers often stack boxes directly on the floor, creating unstable piles and making items in the back difficult to reach.

A “Rental Shelving” program could help customers use that space more efficiently. Facilities could offer freestanding shelving units that renters add to their storage space for a small monthly fee. The shelves could be delivered to the unit before move-in and removed when the customer no longer needs them.

The benefit goes beyond organization. Shelving can help customers keep walkways open, separate frequently used items, and take better advantage of the full height of the unit. A better-organized space may also reduce the feeling that the customer has already outgrown their rental.

For operators, the program could create another ancillary revenue stream while improving the usefulness of existing units. Instead of building more square footage, the facility helps customers get more value from the space they already rent.

What to do about it: Test a few durable, adjustable shelving units in common storage sizes. Offer them as an optional monthly add-on and track demand, maintenance, and customer feedback. Sometimes increasing usable storage space is less about making the unit bigger and more about using the height better.