Units

The inherent stress and logistical complexity of moving and storage often present a significant challenge for consumers and businesses, frequently leading to damaged goods, unexpected delays, and impersonal service from large, centralized providers. For astute franchise investors, the core problem lies in identifying a resilient business model that directly addresses these pain points with a scalable, localized solution, minimizing capital risk while maximizing market potential. UNITS Moving and Portable Storage was founded in 2004, specifically to address the pervasive need for a more customer-centric and technologically advanced approach within the burgeoning moving and storage industry. While specific founders are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, Michael McAlhany is identified as the CEO, and Paul Gaudet, a UNITS franchisee, mentioned meeting Michael and Holly McAlhany and the broader UNITS team, underscoring the brand's leadership. The company's home office, or headquarters, is strategically located in Johns Island, SC, also frequently referred to as Charleston, S.C., establishing its operational roots in a dynamic coastal hub. The parent company, UNITS Franchising Group Inc., provides the robust corporate infrastructure that underpins its expansive franchise network. As of July 2025, UNITS Moving and Portable Storage boasts over 70 franchise locations worldwide, demonstrating a significant global reach that continues to expand. This impressive number further increased to over 76 franchise locations across the U.S. and internationally by October 2025. Domestically, UNITS operates in more than 40 states with over 70 franchise locations as of August 2025, effectively serving over 3,000 cities across more than 36 states by October 2025. The brand's total unit count stands at 65, with 61 of these being franchised units and 0 company-owned units, clearly indicating a strong franchise-centric growth model. UNITS has meticulously carved out a dominant and rapidly growing niche within the "Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units" category, identified by NAICS Code 531130, by emphasizing local customer service and innovative technology as core differentiators. The total addressable market for this category is exceptionally substantial, estimated at over $58 billion globally in 2024, with robust projections indicating growth to over $72 billion by 2029 and a remarkable $83.20 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030. This consistent and robust market expansion provides a highly fertile ground for a franchise like UNITS, which has dedicated over 18 years to redefining the moving process and has earned five consecutive years of national acclaim for its market leadership and franchise success from prestigious publications such as Inc. 5000, Franchise Times, Newsweek, and Entrepreneur Magazine. For discerning franchise investors, UNITS represents a compelling opportunity to tap into a resilient, high-demand service sector with a proven model and significant corporate backing from UNITS Franchising Group Inc., offering a structured path to entrepreneurial success within a vital industry.

The self-storage market, the primary operational arena for UNITS Moving and Portable Storage under NAICS Code 531130 ("Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units"), stands as a robust and consistently expanding sector globally. This market was valued at $56.81 billion in 2023 and estimated to exceed $58 billion in 2024, with strong future projections indicating growth to over $72 billion by 2029 and a remarkable $83.20 billion by 2030, showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030. This impressive and consistent upward trajectory unequivocally underscores the inherent stability and long-term viability of the industry, making it an attractive sector for strategic franchise investment. Several powerful and enduring consumer trends are significantly fueling this sustained demand across diverse demographics. The increasing mobility of the population, driven by evolving job markets, the rise of remote work flexibility, and a general preference for transient living arrangements, generates a constant and escalating need for flexible temporary and long-term storage solutions. Downsizing trends, particularly prevalent among empty nesters, individuals relocating to smaller urban dwellings, or those seeking minimalist lifestyles, contribute substantially to the demand for efficient off-site storage options. Furthermore, the natural accumulation of personal belongings, ranging from recreational equipment and seasonal items to cherished heirlooms and excess furniture, frequently exceeds the available storage space in modern homes, creating a perpetual and growing need for secure, accessible storage solutions. The exponential growth of e-commerce also plays a crucial role, as numerous small businesses and online retailers increasingly utilize portable storage solutions for streamlined inventory management, efficient warehousing, and optimized last-mile logistics. UNITS effectively capitalizes on these powerful secular tailwinds by offering a versatile range of both on-site and off-site short and long-term storage solutions, directly addressing the diverse and dynamic needs of its broad consumer base. The innovative model of portable storage containers, which are conveniently delivered directly to the customer's location, meticulously eliminates many of the logistical hurdles traditionally associated with conventional self-storage facilities, providing unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and a personalized experience that profoundly resonates with today's busy and demanding consumers. This forward-thinking and customer-centric approach strategically positions UNITS to capture an expanding share of the market within an otherwise competitive landscape. While the self-storage industry is vast, it remains notably fragmented, characterized by a mix of large publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and a multitude of smaller, independent operators. This inherent fragmentation presents a significant and strategic opportunity for a well-structured and branded franchise system like UNITS to consolidate market share by consistently offering a superior brand experience, leveraging advanced technology, and providing localized customer service that frequently surpasses the capabilities of smaller, independent players. Macroeconomic forces such as ongoing population shifts, increasing housing costs leading to smaller average living spaces, and a general consumer preference for convenience and flexible services continue to generate expansive opportunities within this essential service sector, making a Units franchise an exceptionally attractive proposition for investors.

The financial commitment for a Units franchise involves several distinct components, starting with the initial franchise fee, which is set at $55,500. This specific fee is applicable for territories with a minimum population of 300,000, establishing a clear baseline for market entry. While one source indicates a broader range for the initial franchise fee, spanning from $55,500 to $222,000, the foundational $55,500 provides a transparent entry point for prospective franchisees, granting access to the brand's established operational systems, proprietary technology, and intellectual property. The estimated total initial investment required to successfully own and operate a Units franchise is substantial, ranging from $732,640 to $1,269,400 according to one detailed source. Another estimate provides a slightly different range of $616,700 to $1,154,000, while the franchise data indicates an even broader investment spectrum from $314,000 to $2.19 million, reflecting the inherent variability based on specific market conditions and operational choices. This comprehensive investment covers several critical components essential for establishing and scaling the business, including the vital acquisition of storage containers (typically, a minimum of 90 containers is recommended to achieve operational efficiency and market presence), the proprietary UNITS® UPS Delivery System for efficient and safe container transport, securing and fitting out a centralized, secured warehouse facility for off-site storage and logistical hub operations, purchasing necessary delivery equipment such as specialized trucks, establishing the entire operational infrastructure, and covering initial marketing expenses to effectively launch and promote the new business. The precise investment amount can fluctuate considerably based on a multitude of factors, including the specific size and demographic profile of the allocated territory, the geographic location, and critically, whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the required storage facilities and warehouse space, with purchasing options generally driving the total investment towards the higher end of the spectrum. Prospective franchisees are required to demonstrate a minimum of $300,000 in liquid capital, ensuring sufficient working capital for initial operational expenses, unforeseen contingencies, and sustained growth. An additional estimate for working capital suggests a range of $80,000 to $200,000, further emphasizing the need for robust financial liquidity. Furthermore, an ideal candidate is expected to meet a minimum net worth requirement of $1.2 million, with the franchise data stipulating an even higher $1.50 million net worth requirement, unequivocally signaling that this is a significant and premium franchise investment opportunity specifically targeting well-capitalized individuals or sophisticated investment groups. In terms of ongoing financial commitments, franchisees are subject to a variable royalty fee, which is stated as 4% - 6% or 8% of gross sales per month, designed as a variable cost structure directly tied to the unit's revenue generation. Additionally, a mandatory contribution of 2% of their gross sales monthly is allocated to a National Advertising Fund, ensuring consistent brand visibility, network-wide marketing support, and sustained promotional efforts. Considering the substantial total investment range and stringent capital requirements, a Units franchise unequivocally represents a premium franchise investment within the portable storage sector, demanding considerable capital but offering access to a rapidly growing market with robust corporate support from UNITS Franchising Group Inc. This elevated level of investment suggests a sophisticated and scalable business model designed for long-term profitability and market leadership.

The daily operations for a Units franchise are meticulously designed around the efficient management, deployment, and retrieval of portable storage containers, providing comprehensive on-site and off-site short and long-term storage solutions for a diverse clientele including residential customers and commercial businesses. This operational framework necessitates the precise coordination of container deliveries and pickups utilizing the proprietary UNITS® UPS Delivery System, a key technological differentiator ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Franchisees are also responsible for managing a secured, centralized warehouse facility, which serves as the logistical hub for off-site storage and container staging, maintaining a reliable fleet of specialized delivery equipment, and providing unparalleled local customer service. The core business model profoundly emphasizes convenience for the customer, as containers are delivered directly to their specified location, allowing them to load their belongings at their own pace, after which the containers are either stored securely on-site or transported to the franchisee’s secure central warehouse for off-site storage. Staffing requirements typically include a team of skilled drivers proficient in operating the specialized delivery system, dedicated warehouse personnel responsible for managing container inventory and logistics, and administrative staff to handle customer service inquiries, scheduling, and general business operations. While specific staffing numbers are not explicitly provided, the operational complexity suggests the need for a lean yet highly skilled and efficient team. The fundamental format of a Units franchise is centered around its mobile container delivery service and a centralized warehouse hub, without specific mentions of traditional drive-thru, inline, or kiosk options, as the business inherently provides a mobile and flexible service directly to the customer. This model allows for significant scalability, directly proportional to the container inventory and delivery capacity managed by the franchisee. Units provides comprehensive training and robust ongoing support, a factor consistently highlighted and praised by its franchisee network. Paul Gaudet, a Units franchisee, explicitly described the support from UNITS Franchising Group (UFG) as "top-notch" and emphasized that the UNITS team was with him "every step of the way," illustrating a highly hands-on and dedicated approach to franchisee success. Another franchisee, Billy Hardin, highly recommends Units for franchising, commending the corporate team as "very easy to deal with" and noting their meticulous guidance through "each process from the very beginning to the end," which is particularly beneficial for new franchisees who may lack prior experience in the portable storage industry. The support structure intentionally fosters a collaborative environment, where franchisees actively lean on each other for advice, share expertise, and contribute to a "team environment" where best practices, successes, and even challenges are openly shared. Corporate staff are noted for their exceptional accessibility, with one franchisee specifically mentioning regular communication with a trainer at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., underscoring the deep commitment to providing timely and effective support. Brian Lee, another Units franchisee, expressed profound appreciation for the "extremely helpful" and "very knowledgeable" corporate support that "pushed us to the next level," also valuing the opportunity to join various committees and network extensively with other franchisees to gain new ideas and strategic insights. Regarding territory, Units offers meticulously designed protected territories, strategically drawn around the franchisee's location and taking into account target customer demographics. These exclusive territories typically range in population from 300,000 to 1.2 million residents, with their size and shape precisely determined by a combination of geographic features, specific zip codes, county and city lines, major streets, highways, established trade areas, and natural barriers, ensuring optimal market coverage and minimal internal competition. The initial franchise fee of $55,500 is specifically designated for a territory with a minimum population of 300,000, indicating a clear and structured approach to market exclusivity. The model is well-suited for both dedicated owner-operators and, given the emphasis on scalability within defined territories, offers significant potential for multi-unit developers looking to expand their portfolio.

Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document for Units. While franchisors are not legally mandated to disclose this information, if they choose to make any financial performance claims, these must be thoroughly substantiated and presented within Item 19. The provided search results do not contain specific average revenue per unit, median revenue, or profit margin data for UNITS Moving and Portable Storage franchises, requiring prospective investors to evaluate the opportunity through other robust indicators. One source explicitly notes that franchise revenue and profit are inherently dependent on a variety of local market factors such as specific geographic location, prevailing labor costs, and commercial lease rates, suggesting that precise figures would necessitate further detailed inquiry. This inherent variability is a common characteristic across many franchise systems, where local market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and operational efficiencies play a significant role in determining unit-level financial outcomes. Without specific Item 19 disclosures, prospective investors must strategically rely on publicly available industry benchmarks, the brand's demonstrated market position, and its consistent growth trajectory to assess potential profitability. The self-storage market, where Units operates, is a substantial and consistently growing industry, with global market projections indicating a rise from over $58 billion in 2024 to over $72 billion by 2029 and a remarkable $83.20 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030. This robust market size and consistent growth rate provide a strong macro-economic foundation for the potential revenue generation of a Units franchise. The brand's unwavering emphasis on local customer service and its innovative technology, including the proprietary UNITS® UPS Delivery System, within this expanding market, positions it exceptionally favorably to capture significant market share and drive revenue. Units has demonstrated an impressive growth trajectory