SMARTBOX, a provider of portable storage for commercial and residential use, is expanding its franchise to the Baltimore market. The new franchise owners, Charley MacKenzie and Matthew Bowry of MackKenzie Equity Partners LLC, expect the venture to be operational by mid-November. They are both seasoned real estate professionals.

The demand for affordable and convenient portable self storage is greater than ever, said Michael Lowe, company president and CEO. Residential and commercial customers in Baltimore will find that SMARTBOX can simplify the storage or moving process.

SMARTBOX containers are 8 feet long, 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide. They can hold the contents of up to one and a half rooms and are delivered directly to customers doors. Users pack and load the boxes at their convenience. When theyre done, they call the company to pick up the boxes and deliver them to one of its warehouses or another location.

Based in Richmond, Va., SMARTBOX has franchises in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and Virginia. For more information, visit www.smartboxusa.com.