Thinking Big? Start Small.Adding portable self storage containers, one MOQ at a time

Rod Bolls

CEO & Founder

Boxwell

If you’re a small or independent self storage operator in Asia, you may be wondering how to grow your business without overextending your resources. The good news? You probably already have room to expand without needing to buy new land or build from scratch. A small order of portable self storage containers might be all it takes to unlock hidden revenue potential on your existing site.

As the self storage industry continues to grow across Asia—from bustling urban centers like Bangkok and Jakarta to emerging markets in Southeast Asia—operators are rethinking what expansion looks like. Big builds with high capital requirements aren’t the only way forward. Increasingly, operators are choosing a flexible, phased approach using portable self storage containers.

With changing zoning regulations, evolving consumer demand, and a strong push for cost-efficiency, starting small is one of the smartest ways to test a new site, build your unit mix, or enter the market with minimal risk.

What Are Portable Self Storage Containers?

Portable self storage containers are durable steel units delivered flat-packed inside ocean containers. A typical order fits about 10 units per container, giving you a manageable, low-risk entry point. Because of their lower minimum order quantity (MOQ), these containers offer a practical, scalable way to grow, perfect for land-constrained or cost-sensitive environments like many found across Asia.

Use the Land You Already Have

Most storage sites already have enough square footage to accommodate a portable container MOQ. Consider the following transformations for your facility:

Park it: Place units in unassigned vehicle bays or overflow areas.

Extend it: Add rentable space by capping the end(s) of existing building(s).

Turn it: Position units sideways along fences or narrow drive aisles.

Because portable self storage containers require little site preparation, you can make better use of your property—including small, oddly shaped, or irregular areas—without extensive permitting or construction delays. It’s a fast, low-disruption way to optimise your site and start renting sooner.

Grow At Your Own Pace

In markets where demand fluctuates or where operators want to test new areas (think cities like Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, or Kuala Lumpur), growing in phases is key. Start with a small order. Use the rental income to fund your next expansion. There’s no need to overcommit capital or lock yourself into long timelines.

Match Local Demand

In cities with dense populations, smaller units may move faster due to space constraints and lifestyle habits. In industrial zones or rural areas, larger containers may be preferred for equipment or agricultural storage. With portable self storage containers, you can order a variety of layouts—1-door, 2-door, or 4-door—and adapt your future orders based on what your customers actually rent.

Minimal Site Prep, Maximum Impact

Portable self storage containers need little more than level ground—no foundations, no utility hookups, no major grading. Whether it’s dirt, gravel, asphalt, or concrete, most sites are ready as-is. That means no costly construction delays or complex permitting.

Units arrive flat-packed, keeping shipping costs down, and are assembled in 30 minutes or less with a small team. A forklift is all you need to place them. You can go from delivery to rent-ready in just a few days. It’s a smart, scalable way to expand—without breaking ground.

A Smart, Flexible Approach to Expansion

Test Without Overcommitting

With a small order of portable self storage containers, you can test new markets, refine your unit mix and layout, and grow based on real demand, not guesswork.

Less Risk, More Control

Try new locations or unit types with minimal risk. If demand is there, scale up. If not, you haven’t overbuilt or overspent.

Grow at Your Own Pace

Adjust your unit mix based on performance. Add more of what rents and skip what doesn’t.

Respond to Seasonal Demand

Use portable self storage containers to handle peak seasons, then reconfigure as needed during slower months.

Adapt Quickly

Expand when revenue supports it. There’s no need to lock into large, costly developments.

This approach reduces financial risk and keeps you in control—so you can grow confidently and sustainably.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Evaluate Your Site

Identify underutilised land. Think: fence lines, extra parking, dead-end aisles, or corners.

Step 2: Connect with a Supplier

High-quality providers, like Boxwell, help clients across Asia by recommending the best solutions that match the clients’ needs and opportunities. They will walk you through pricing, timelines, and design.

Step 3: Customise Your Order

Choose the layout, size, and colour that fits your business and customer needs.

Step 4: Place Your Order

Once confirmed, containers enter production. They are shipped flat-packed in batches of approximately 10 units per container.

Step 5: Delivery and Installation

Most clients are up and running in just a few days without major site disruption or downtime using only a small team and a forklift.

Ready to Grow?

Start with Portable self storage Containers

From Bangkok and Busan to Jakarta and Tokyo, storage operators are tapping into the power of portable containers to grow efficiently and sustainably. Whether you want to test a new market, maximise your footprint, or reduce upfront investment, this model is the future of flexible storage.