Offsite Records Storage Facility

Provide secure offsite storage for business records and documents

Startup Cost
$50,000-$250,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
18-36 months
Profit Potential
$10,000-$50,000/month

Overview

Records storage facilities charge $0.50-$2.00 per cubic foot monthly plus retrieval fees ($10-$30 per box).

Managing 5,000-20,000 cubic feet generates $120,000-$600,000 annually with 60-75% margins after facility, labor, and insurance costs.

In 2025, businesses need secure offsite storage for records retention requirements.

Services include climate-controlled storage, box pickup and delivery, barcode tracking systems, online retrieval requests, document destruction at retention end, disaster-proof facilities, and compliance certifications.

Successful records storage facilities provide secure access-controlled buildings, efficient retrieval systems (same-day or next-day), maintain climate control for document preservation, handle confidential materials properly, and build long-term client relationships.

Can serve businesses, law firms, medical practices, accounting firms, and government agencies.

Many clients store records 5-7 years (retention requirements).

Marketing through local business networking, CPAs, attorneys, and commercial real estate brokers.

Required Skills

  • Facility Management
  • Inventory Systems
  • Security Protocols
  • Logistics & Retrieval
  • Customer Service
  • Compliance Knowledge

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Recurring monthly storage revenue
  • Long-term client relationships (multi-year)
  • Additional revenue from retrievals and services
  • Businesses legally required to retain records
  • Scalable as facility fills up

Cons

  • High upfront facility and equipment costs
  • Long time to fill facility and profitability
  • Liability for lost or damaged records
  • Labor-intensive retrieval and delivery
  • Competition from national chains (Iron Mountain)

How to Get Started

  1. Secure warehouse facility with climate control
  2. Install racking systems and security
  3. Implement barcode tracking software
  4. Set pricing (monthly storage + retrieval fees)
  5. Target businesses, law firms, medical offices
  6. Provide professional pickup and delivery
  7. Build client base to 5,000-20,000 cubic feet

Explore More Records Management Services Ideas

Discover additional business opportunities in this category.

View All Records Management Services Ideas →