Episode Summary
Interior designer Garry, the creative mind behind Modern Storage® facilities, joins Modern Storage® to break down what goes into designing functional and visually appealing storage spaces. He shares space-saving design hacks, practical tips for small businesses using storage, and the philosophy behind the Modern Storage® aesthetic. If you want to make smarter use of your space, this episode gives you concrete ideas to work with.
Thoughtful design can make any storage space more functional and efficient, regardless of size
Small businesses can apply specific design strategies to get more practical use out of their storage units
The look and layout of a storage facility directly impacts how customers experience and use the space
In this episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked, Modern Storage® sit down with Garry, the interior designer responsible for the look and feel of Modern Storage® facilities. Garry brings a perspective that is rarely heard in the self storage industry, where design is often treated as an afterthought. He walks through the intentional choices made when designing a modern storage facility, from lighting and flooring to unit layout and common area flow, explaining how each decision serves both the operator and the customer. The self storage industry has historically prioritized square footage and security over user experience, but that is changing. Garry speaks to why design matters now more than ever, especially as self storage becomes a resource not just for individuals in transition, but for small business owners, e-commerce sellers, contractors, and creatives who spend real time in their units. A well-designed facility signals professionalism and care, which builds trust with customers before they ever sign a lease. Modern Storage® dig into the specific design challenges that come with storage spaces, including how to make utilitarian environments feel clean, safe, and welcoming without sacrificing practicality. Garry shares the hacks and principles he uses to maximize every square foot, touching on vertical storage strategies, smart shelving configurations, and how the right design choices can make even a small unit feel significantly more functional. These are insights that apply whether you are designing a facility or simply trying to get more out of the unit you are already renting. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on small businesses using self storage as an extension of their operations. Garry outlines how business owners can think about their storage units the way a designer would think about a workspace, with zones for different inventory types, clear pathways for access, and systems that make retrieval fast and consistent. For small business owners paying monthly rent on a storage unit, these principles directly affect productivity and profitability. Garry also touches on the broader trend of storage facilities investing in their physical environments as a competitive differentiator. As the self storage market grows more crowded, facilities that feel modern, organized, and intentional stand out. Garry explains what separates a facility that simply stores things from one that genuinely supports the people using it, and why Modern Storage® made design a core part of its identity from the beginning. Listeners will leave this episode with a sharper eye for what good storage design looks like, whether they are evaluating a facility to rent from, managing one, or simply trying to bring more order to their own space. Garry's expertise makes complex design thinking accessible, and Modern Storage®'s questions keep the conversation grounded in the real-world needs of self storage customers.
Common questions about the topics covered in this episode.
The key is treating your storage unit like a room with zones rather than just a place to stack boxes. Leave a center aisle for access, put items you need frequently near the front, and stack heavier boxes on the bottom with lighter ones on top. Labeling every box on the side facing the aisle makes a significant difference when you are looking for something specific months later.
Small businesses should prioritize drive-up access, which allows you to load and unload directly from a vehicle without navigating long interior hallways. Unit size flexibility matters too, since your inventory needs may change seasonally. Climate control is worth considering if you are storing products sensitive to temperature or humidity, and facilities designed with business users in mind will often have wider corridors and better lighting.
Yes, and it affects more than just first impressions. A well-designed facility is easier to navigate, feels safer, and signals to customers that the property is well-managed. Clean sightlines, logical unit numbering, good lighting, and clear signage all reduce friction for renters and make day-to-day use of the facility less stressful. Facilities that invest in design tend to see better customer retention.
Design improvements that enhance curb appeal, improve traffic flow, and create a cleaner customer experience can justify higher rental rates and reduce vacancy. Upgrading lighting, adding clear wayfinding signage, and improving the appearance of common areas are relatively low-cost changes that have a measurable impact on how potential renters perceive the property. A facility that looks and functions well is also easier to market.
Facilities that stand out typically combine functional design with visual consistency — meaning the layout makes sense, the branding is cohesive, and the space feels intentional rather than improvised. Features like wide drive aisles, covered loading areas, well-lit interiors, and thoughtfully designed unit configurations give renters confidence that the facility was built with their needs in mind. Those details are often what convert a first-time visitor into a long-term customer.
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