Tips for Homeowners: Portable Storage Buildings

Still need space at home?

Portable storage buildings have exploded in popularity recently as homeowners look for easy ways to get more space. And the best part…

They’re cheap, customizable, and can be up quick in your backyard.

In this article we’ll cover:

1. Why Every Homeowner Needs a Portable Storage Building
2. How to Pick the Perfect Size and Style
3. Where to Install Your Portable Storage Building
4. What Materials You Should Look For
5. Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Storage Building Lasting Longer

Portable Storage Buildings Every Homeowner Needs

Ok, but why exactly do homeowners need portable storage buildings?

Simple. We have too much junk.

Holiday lights, lawn mowers, snow blowers, bikes… you name it. If you own it you’ll have to find a place to store it. The issue is most homes aren’t built with enough storage space to keep up with today’s lifestyles.

Take a look at this:

A 2025 survey from StorageCafe showed that 42% of Americans say they feel cramped for space in their home. The stress of not having enough storage is real.

Enter the portable storage building. These structures allow homeowners to gain instant storage space without renting an off-site storage unit. Or having to squeeze all your junk into an already overstuffed garage.

Investing in durable prefab buildings can pay huge dividends in usable space for your family.

You also have the option to customize these buildings however you want. Need space for a workshop? Hobby room? Play house for the kids? Or just plain old storage? Portable buildings have you covered.

How to Pick the Perfect Size

Not all portable storage buildings are created equal.

Size definitely matters when picking the perfect storage shed for your yard. Buy one that’s too small and you’ll outgrow it in no time. But invest in a building that’s too big and you’ll regret wasting all that space.

Here are some things to think about:

• What will you be storing in the building? Lawn equipment and bicycles take up a lot more space than boxes full of holiday decorations.
• Will your storage needs increase over time?
• What about doors? Do you need oversized doors to access large items like tubes or kayaks?

A good rule of thumb is to make a list of everything you plan to store. And then add about 20% more room to allow for aisles and future storage items.

Where to Install Your Portable Storage Building

This may come as a surprise to you but WHERE you place your portable storage building is important.

Just because they’re called portable doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. If you place your storage building in the wrong spot you’ll run into headaches with drainage, accessibility, or not meeting code.

Before buying a storage shed spend some time assessing your property.

Make sure you look into:

• How local codes affect placement. Do you need to be X feet away from your property line? Most counties have this kind of information on their websites.
• Is the ground level? Unless you’re planning on pouring a concrete foundation you’ll want to pick a spot that doesn’t puddle with water after it rains.
• Think about access. Will you be able to reach the building in the winter? You don’t want to chain yourself to your storage building because it’s covered in snow.
• Avoid placing your building in direct sunlight if possible. This will cause the interior temperature to rise quicker.

Materials That You Should Look For

When looking into portable storage buildings you’ll notice there are a variety of materials to choose from.

Cheap materials won’t last as long as higher-quality alternatives. So always spend a little extra for longevity.

Take a look at materials below:

• Wood – Wood is a classic look that many homeowners love. But it can rot over time and will need to be painted every few years.
• Metal – Metal buildings are very durable. They’re typically fire resistant and don’t require much upkeep. However, metal can rust if you live in humid areas.
• Vinyl – Vinyl storage buildings are pretty sturdy. They won’t ever need paint which is huge. But they might not feel as solid as other materials.
• Resin – These type of buildings are lightweight and usually cheap. But they may not hold up to extreme temps like vinyl or metal buildings can.

Metal storage buildings are my personal favorite. They’re strong and don’t require much maintenance.

Pro tip: Whatever material you choose make sure the floor is pressure treated and the roof is weather-sealed. These are your buildings best defenses against moisture.

Foundation Options

All portable storage buildings should have some type of foundation.

This will prevent the building from sinking, shifting, or having excessive moisture issues. There are a few different foundation options to choose from.

Your foundation choices include:

• Gravel Pad – These are the most common for portable buildings. A gravel pad spreads the weight of the building evenly and allows for great drainage.
• Concrete Slab – These are permanent and very durable. However you’ll need to hire a contractor to lay a slab.
• Concrete Blocks – This is an easy DIY project that works well with smaller buildings.
• Skids or runners – Some portable buildings come with these already. Skids sit on the ground and work well with grass.

If I had to recommend one foundation type it would be gravel. They’re easy to lay and help prevent rainwater from pooling underneath the building.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Portable Storage Building Lasting

Think of your portable storage building as an investment.

An investment that you should do everything you can to protect. Taking care of your portable building will prevent costly repairs down the road.

Try these maintenance tips:

• Give the roof yearly inspections. You’re looking for loose shingles, rust, and gaps in the sealant.
• Check for rodents or insects. They love nothing more than making a home inside your storage building. Seal any holes or openings you find.
• Clean out the gutters. If your building has gutters you should clean them twice a year. Leaves and debris will clog your gutters and cause rainwater to flood your interior.
• Touch up paint or sealant. This prevents rust on metal buildings and rot on wood buildings.
• Keep things organized. Storing items directly on the ground can trap moisture. So make sure you have plenty of shelves or cabinets.

Porter maintenance should only take you about an hour. Doing this twice a year will greatly increase the lifespan of your building.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you need some extra storage for hobbies. Or just want a place to put all of your junk. Portable storage buildings are the perfect solution.

They provide homeowners everywhere with space they can’t get anywhere else. By doing your research before hand. And taking care of your investment. You’ll have years of use out of your new portable storage building.

Remember:

• Figure out what you’ll be storing. So you know what size building to buy.
• Look for buildings that can withstand your weather conditions. If you live in a cold climate unpainted metal buildings can become quite brittle in cold temperatures.
• Place your storage building in an area that drains well. You don’t want rainwater collecting under your new shed.
• Get a solid foundation. No portable building can stand the test of time without one.
• Maintain your portable storage building yearly. This simple chore will save you tons of money.

Storage buildings are only going to become more popular. A recent 2025 Houzz survey found that 34% of homeowners spent money on storage and organization in 2025. That number is expected to grow.

If you’re finding yourself cramped for space. Stop living in clutter and buy a portable storage building today.