How to Start Selling Moving Boxes & Increase Revenue at Your Storage Facility

As a self storage owner or operator, selling moving boxes and packing supplies can be an effective way to support your customers while generating additional revenue for your facility. It’s a small investment that can pay off by turning your storage location into a more convenient, one-stop solution for renters during a stressful time.

At Extra Space Storage, we’ve seen how offering moving supplies can make a big difference—both in customer satisfaction and in day-to-day operations. That’s why we provide packing and moving supplies at most of our locations and support third-party managed stores in doing the same. Read our guide to learn how to get started with selling moving boxes and packing supplies—including tips to help make retail a successful part of your business!

“Having moving supplies on-site has been a real asset for our facility. Not only does it make things easier for our customers, but it also adds extra value to what we offer. We've had plenty of folks tell us it saved them a trip, and they love having Extra Space as a one-stop shop for their moving needs. It’s quick and easy! ” -Paul Bennett, Extra Space Store Manager, Salt Lake City, UT

Pros & Cons of Selling Moving Boxes

Before adding moving boxes and other packing materials to your offerings, it’s important to assess whether your customer base has a real need for them. You’ll also need the proper setup to display products and enough space to store inventory. Below, we’ve outlined some key pros and cons to help you decide if selling cardboard boxes and other moving supplies is a smart move for your business.

Pros of Selling Moving Boxes

• Increased Revenue: Even if storage unit rentals are down or you're at max capacity, selling cardboard moving boxes can help bring in additional revenue from customers and leads.

• Enhanced Customer Convenience: Customers renting self storage are often in the middle of moving, meaning they'll likely need packing supplies. Whether they're moving on their own or relocating on short notice, offering moving essentials can position your storage facility as an all-in-one solution for customers.

• Competitive Differentiator: Selling moving boxes alongside storage unit rentals can help distinguish your facility in a competitive market. This value-added service not only enhances the customer experience but also reinforces your facility’s reputation as a well-equipped, customer-focused operation.

• Opportunity for Bundling: In addition to offering single boxes, you can bundle essential supplies together as moving box kits to increase revenue and provide additional convenience to customers with unique moving situations.

• Increased Foot Traffic: Selling new moving boxes and supplies can potentially bring in customers to your facility on its own, even if they're not currently interested in renting a storage unit.

Cons of Selling Moving Boxes

• Inventory Investment: Selling moving supplies requires upfront investment—not just in the products, but potentially in inventory management tools as well. With the right planning and vendor relationships, you can start small and scale based on demand. Even modest inventory can drive consistent incremental revenue over time.

• Space Requirements: Bulk items like cardboard moving boxes take up space, which can be a challenge for smaller facilities. You’ll need to plan ahead to determine where inventory will be stored without disrupting daily operations.

• Investment in Staff Training: While your staff might be knowledgeable about storage units, they'll likely need to be trained on selling supplies, managing stock, and answering customer questions. While this requires time, effort, and resources, it can give your team an opportunity to strengthen their customer service skills, improve operational knowledge, and contribute to revenue growth.

What Moving Supplies Should You Sell

If you decide to carry packing and moving supplies for sale, make sure you have the essentials in stock that every customer needs—whether they're packing for storage, moving a short distance, or relocating across the country.

Here are some retail items to consider selling to help customers during their moving journey:

• Cardboard moving boxes in various sizes and types

  • small, medium, large, extra large, TV boxes, wardrobe boxes, etc.

• Dish packs

• Packing paper

• Bubble wrap

• Packing tape and tape dispensers

• Stretch wrap

• Moving blankets and protective covers

• Mattress bags

• Rope or bungee cords

• Markers

• Locks

How to Start Selling Moving Supplies

Once you've decided to offer moving boxes and supplies for sale, there are several steps to take to set yourself up for success. Here's how to get started selling moving boxes at your self storage facility!

Find the Right Supplier

Partnering with the right moving boxes distributor can set you up for long-term success and stronger Net Operating Income (NOI). Since your moving supplies distributor supplies the product, it's important to invest in high-quality boxes that reflect well on your storage facility. When customers associate your business with reliable, well-made supplies, they're more likely to return for future needs. Look for a distributor with industry experience and a proven track record, and a focus on customer service. The right partner will be responsive, help you get products quickly, and offer open communication for resolving any issues. Many moving supplies distributors also offer discounts on bulk orders, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Select an Inventory Management System

Staying organized when selling moving products starts with having a reliable inventory management system. This could be as simple as a spreadsheet or as advanced as a Point of Sale (POS) integration that syncs transactions and inventory updates in real time. No matter which system you choose, it's important to regularly perform physical inventory checks to catch any discrepancies caused by software glitches or human error. Routine checks help ensure your website and other sales channels reflect accurate stock levels, leading to a smoother and more reliable customer experience.

Set Up Your Retail Space

Take time to plan a dedicated area in your storage facility to display moving supplies and store inventory. Your cardboard boxes and other moving products should be set up so they're clearly visible, but don't block any customer walkways. Use clear signage to display moving box prices so that customers know exactly what they'll pay. A thoughtfully arranged, visually appealing display can help keep your facility organized and draw customer attention, encouraging them to commit to a purchase. Good lighting can further enhance your display and make your product area more inviting.

Create a Pricing Strategy

Once your products are in place, you'll need to set profit margin goals to guide your pricing strategy. This should go hand in hand with conducting a competitive pricing analysis to determine how much to charge for your moving boxes. You might also consider selling bundled sets of boxes and supplies at a discounted price to give customers more flexible, cost-effective options tailored to their specific moving needs.

Train Your Staff

While your staff knows the ins and outs of renting storage units, they might not be as comfortable with retail sales or product knowledge. Take time to train them on key upselling techniques—like identifying customer needs, not overselling, and building trust. You'll also need to make sure your staff is confident using your POS system, handling transactions, and troubleshooting potential software issues.

“We make sure our team knows how to guide customers through what they’ll need for their move. It’s not about upselling, but instead about being helpful. It's about understanding each customer's unique needs and making sure they leave fully prepared for their move, all in one visit. Our goal is to make the move-in experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.” -Celes Talauega, Extra Space District Manager, Salt Lake City, UT

Interested in third-party management services for your self storage property? Extra Space Storage offers expert management backed by decades of industry experience—including guidance on added revenue opportunities like selling moving boxes. Learn more about our third-party management solutions today!