Shelving My Own Storage Struggles: How One Lunch Changed My Life
In April last year, I met with my ex-colleague from Blackstone, a real estate private equity fund I used to work at, for a catch-up lunch in London. Six months later I quit my role in a venture capital fund where I was investing in startups, moved to Lisbon (my dream city!) in October, and in January 2024, we incorporated Shelfie Storage.
Funny how a lunch can change one’s life, isn’t it?
The idea to start Shelfie was inspired by own experiences. As an expat living in six cities, I never had enough storage in small, overpriced apartments, nor did I own a car to easily access out-of-town storage warehouses. As an investor, I always liked self-storage properties because of high demand, low operational costs, and steady cash flow potential. At the same time, I recognised how e-commerce and shifting retail landscapes were changing central cities. Both personally and professionally, I knew there was room for something better: I combined these insights to create a new generation of self-storage - one designed for convenience and urban life, and at the same time helping revitalize unused properties.
After almost a year, an idea on a piece of paper became reality and in August we opened doors to our first flagship location in the heart of Antwerp, in the iconic Stadsfeestzaal Shopping on Meir: 140 storage units ranging from 1 to 6 square meters, electronic locks and easy online booking system for same-day access. Surrounded by residential apartments, vibrant businesses and Antwerp’s largest universities, Shelfie became the most convenient and centrally located storage solution for both residents, business owners and students in Antwerp.
But the journey here wasn’t just smooth sailing! In the next posts, I’ll share more on the highs and lows of being a solo entrepreneur abroad. Curious about the biggest challenges or quirkiest customer requests? Stay tuned for more adventures with Shelfie Storage!
