Units Moving and Portable Storage Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage, established in 2004, is an American-owned and operated company specializing in moving and portable storage solutions. The company is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and began franchising in 2007. UNITS® offers services across over 500 cities in North America, providing clean, climate-controlled, and conveniently located sales and storage facilities.

The company provides sturdy, weather-resistant, and spacious containers that can be delivered directly to customers’ locations, ready for packing. These containers are suitable for storing a variety of items, including household appliances, furniture, lawn equipment, and excess inventory.

A key differentiator for UNITS® is their state-of-the-art ROBO-UNIT delivery system, which allows for the delivery of containers to tight spaces while ensuring level loading and unloading. This system minimizes content shifting and offers greater flexibility in container placement, even in challenging locations.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a UNITS franchise? It costs on average between $626,000 – $1,214,000 to start a UNITS franchised facility.

This includes costs for storage containers, delivery equipment, operational infrastructure, and initial marketing expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the territory size, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase storage facilities.

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Franchise Fee$55,500 – $222,000
Real Estate$15,000 – $50,000
Technology Systems and Initial Inventory$7,500 – $10,000
Containers, including Freight and Shipping$271,260 – $434,400
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Delivery Systems and Forklift$185,000 – $280,000
Signage$200 – $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising$10,000
Training$1,500 – $3,000
Additional Funds$80,000 – $200,000
TOTAL$625,930 – $1,214,400

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a UNITS franchise? A UNITS franchised business makes on average $691,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage fdd item 19 extract

This compares to $355,000 yearly revenue for similar other business services franchises. Below are a few UNITS competitors as a comparison:

Units Moving and Portable Storage competitors

Units Moving and Portable Storage Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage locations are there?

As of the latest data, UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage operates a total of 61 locations. This includes 59 franchised units and 2 company-owned units, reflecting the brand’s continued expansion across various markets.

What is the total investment required to open a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchise?

The total investment required to open a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchise ranges from $626,000 to $1,214,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchise?

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 8% of gross sales per month. They also contribute 2% of gross sales to the National Advertising Fund. Additionally, franchisees must allocate $3,000 to $4,500 per month for local advertising.

What are the financial requirements to become a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchisee?

To qualify as a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchisee, candidates are required to have a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $300,000 in liquid capital.

How much can a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage franchise are approximately $0.69 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.69 million yearly revenue can result in $104,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage?

UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage is owned by its founder and CEO, Michael McAlhany. Established in 2004, the company has expanded into a franchise network, with each location being independently owned and operated by local franchisees.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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