Moving & Storage

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Franchise Review

Moving and Storage / Portable Storage / Business Services

$500K+ Flexible Lifestyle Recurring Revenue Semi-Absentee
Investment Range
$518,000 to $1,269,400
Ongoing Royalty
8%
Ideal Owner
Executive Owner / Semi-Absentee Owner / Multi-Territory Investor / Corporate Executive / Growth-Focused Entrepreneur
Industry
Moving and Storage / Portable Storage / Business Services
Available In
All States except North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, Montana

What is UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Franchise Review?

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is an established moving and storage franchise providing convenient portable storage container rentals, local moving solutions, long-distance moving services, and secure warehouse storage.

Founded in 2004, the company offers residential and commercial customers flexible storage solutions by delivering portable containers directly to homes, businesses, and job sites.

Customers can load containers at their convenience and arrange for storage at their location, transportation to another destination, or storage at a secure UNITS facility.

The franchise uses a specialized robotic delivery system designed to position storage containers conveniently while keeping them level during loading and unloading.

UNITS operates through a management-focused business model with opportunities for recurring rental revenue, residential and commercial customers, and long-term business development.

With established equipment systems, franchise training, operational support, and protected territories, UNITS offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a substantial moving and portable storage business.

Investment Snapshot

The estimated initial investment for a UNITS Moving and Portable Storage franchise ranges from $518,000 to $1,269,400.

The minimum initial franchise fee is $55,500 for a territory with approximately 300,000 residents. The total franchise fee and investment depend on the number and size of territories purchased.

Qualified candidates should have approximately $500,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $1,500,000.

The initial investment includes an estimated 50 portable storage containers, a specialized UNITS delivery system, and secured warehouse facilities.

The standard ongoing royalty is 8%, with a 2% marketing fund contribution. The 2025 FDD provides introductory royalty rates of 4% for the first six months of operation and 6% for the following six months before reaching 8%.

Additional expenses include warehouse operations, vehicles, equipment, staffing, technology, local advertising, and working capital.

The franchise offers opportunities for both owner-operated and executive-style management structures.

Company History

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage was founded in 2004 by Michael McAlhany with a vision of providing convenient, high-quality moving and portable storage solutions.

The company developed a business model that allows customers to have portable storage containers delivered directly to their homes or businesses.

Rather than requiring customers to transport their belongings to a traditional storage facility, UNITS introduced a flexible approach that allows customers to load containers at their own pace.

The company incorporated specialized container delivery technology to improve the placement and transportation of storage containers.

UNITS began expanding through franchising in 2005, developing a network of independently owned moving and portable storage businesses.

Over the years, the company expanded its services to include residential storage, commercial storage, moving solutions, warehouse storage, and long-distance transportation through its franchise network.

Today, UNITS continues developing its franchise network while emphasizing professional customer service, quality storage equipment, and operational technology.

Who This Is Best For

UNITS may appeal to well-capitalized entrepreneurs interested in developing a substantial service business supported by physical equipment and recurring customer relationships.

The franchise is particularly suited to individuals with backgrounds in corporate management, operations, logistics, sales, marketing, or business development.

Owners do not need previous experience in the moving or portable storage industry because the franchisor provides training and operational support.

The opportunity may appeal to corporate executives seeking to transition into business ownership or investors interested in a manager-led operating structure.

Entrepreneurs who enjoy building teams, developing commercial relationships, and managing business assets may find the model especially interesting.

Training and Support

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage provides initial training and ongoing support designed to prepare franchise owners for business operations.

Training includes customer service, sales, marketing, storage container management, delivery operations, warehouse procedures, and business administration.

Franchise owners receive guidance on equipment requirements, container delivery systems, operational technology, and customer scheduling.

The franchisor provides support with territory development, facility planning, site selection, and business setup.

Marketing resources include advertising materials, website support, digital marketing programs, and local customer acquisition strategies.

The company also provides access to operational resources, vendor relationships, franchise meetings, and continuing support.

Franchise owners can use the company's established systems to manage customer inquiries, container rentals, delivery scheduling, and business performance.

Financing Options

Qualified UNITS Moving and Portable Storage franchise candidates may explore financing arrangements to assist with their initial investment.

The franchisor advertises preferred vendor financing programs that may help eligible candidates acquire equipment and establish their franchise operations.

Additional potential funding sources include SBA-backed business loans, conventional commercial financing, equipment financing, and other approved business funding arrangements.

Financing may assist with eligible expenses such as storage containers, delivery equipment, vehicles, warehouse facilities, and working capital.

Candidates interested in developing larger territories or multiple territories should discuss the financing structure and capital requirements with the franchisor.

Financing approval, down payment requirements, and repayment terms depend on individual qualifications and lender policies.

Investment Overview

Costs and fees at a glance

All investment figures are estimates based on publicly available information.

Total Investment Range
$518,000 to $1,269,400
Varies by package
Franchise Fee
$55,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee
8%
Liquid Capital Needed
$500,000
Net Worth Requirement
$1,500,000
Veteran Discount
Available

Financial and franchise information is based on publicly available franchisor materials and the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is subject to change. Prospective franchise owners should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document, particularly Items 5, 6, 7, 19, and 20, for complete details regarding investment requirements, recurring fees, financial performance information, and franchise system details. The 2025 FDD identifies additional local advertising requirements and technology fees beyond the standard royalty and marketing fund contributions. Actual business results vary according to territory, rental demand, equipment utilization, operating expenses, staffing, and management. Financing availability depends on individual qualifications and lender approval.

States Available

All States except North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, Montana

Watch the overview

SW

Advisor Insight: Is UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Franchise Review a Good Business?

An independent assessment from your franchise consultant

Steve Warres, Franchise Consultant

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage offers an interesting opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in developing a business supported by tangible assets and ongoing rental relationships.

One of the aspects I particularly like is the combination of portable storage containers, moving services, and secure warehouse storage.

Customers can use the containers for residential moves, renovations, temporary storage, commercial inventory, and a variety of other needs.

I also like the opportunity to develop recurring rental revenue while building relationships with homeowners, contractors, restoration companies, real estate professionals, and commercial customers.

The management-focused business model may appeal to experienced corporate executives who enjoy team leadership, operational planning, and business development.

For well-capitalized entrepreneurs interested in building a moving and storage business with substantial equipment assets, UNITS is certainly worth exploring.

What I Like Most
  • UNITS has an established business history dating back to 2004.
  • The franchise offers portable storage, moving services, and secure warehouse storage.
  • Its business model provides opportunities for recurring container rental revenue.
  • The company serves residential and commercial customers.
  • Its specialized robotic delivery system supports convenient container placement and transportation.
  • Franchise owners develop a business supported by physical storage equipment and operational assets.
  • The franchise offers executive-style and semi-absentee ownership possibilities with appropriate management.
  • Protected territories provide opportunities for local business development.
  • Preferred vendor financing programs may be available to qualified candidates.
What to Understand Before You Invest
  • Prospective owners should explore residential moving activity, commercial storage demand, construction projects, and opportunities for portable storage services within their proposed territory.
  • Understanding warehouse facility requirements, container inventory, delivery equipment, and staffing recommendations can help candidates develop an effective business plan.
  • Candidates should discuss container utilization, rental duration, commercial accounts, and opportunities to develop relationships with moving companies, contractors, and restoration businesses.
  • Learning from established franchise owners can provide valuable insight into territory development, equipment management, customer acquisition, and operational planning.

Questions I Would Ask the Franchisor

What financial performance information is available in Item 19?
What is included in the initial franchise investment?
How many containers are recommended when opening a new franchise?
What are the requirements for warehouse facilities and equipment storage?
How does the UNITS robotic delivery system operate?
What is the typical mix of residential and commercial customers?
What opportunities exist for recurring container rentals?
How does the franchisor assist with local marketing and commercial account development?
What staffing structure is recommended for executive ownership?
How are protected territories established?
What preferred vendor financing programs are available?

Bottom line: UNITS Moving and Portable Storage offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a substantial moving and storage business supported by portable containers, specialized delivery equipment, and secure warehouse facilities.

With a history dating back to 2004, an established operating model, and a focus on professional customer service, UNITS provides opportunities to serve residential and commercial customers.

Its recurring rental potential, tangible business assets, protected territories, and management-focused ownership model may appeal to well-capitalized entrepreneurs seeking a long-term business opportunity.

For individuals who enjoy leadership, business development, and building an asset-based service company, UNITS Moving and Portable Storage is a franchise worth exploring.

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