The use of self storage continues to rise in the UK for households, students and businesses. In this article, we take a closer look at some self storage trends and why it’s become a popular choice for so many people.
The State Of Self Storage In The UK
The self storage industry initially started in the United States in the 1960s but only really took off in the UK in the 1980s. However, the interest in self storage has only increased year on year since. According to SSAUK, there is an estimated 2050 self storage facilities in the UK where 621 are predominantly container storage. In total, they offer around 52 million square feet of rentable space with a country-wide turnover in the region of £930 million.
They estimate that around 30% of UK self storage facilities are owned or managed by large operators with 10 or more sites. Since they often have larger sites located in higher rent areas, the total space available and total revenue is well over 40% of the market share.
Self Storage As An Essential Service
During the pandemic, when most businesses had to shut their doors, storage facilities remained open since they formed part of the logistics chain. Due to the nature of the service provided, the storage industry could remain open under advised conditions. In addition to households, self storage was deemed safe to use for healthcare and food companies along with many online businesses that were allowed to continue operating.
Why Is Self Storage Increasing In Popularity?
The self storage industry has seen some incredible growth since the pandemic with many facilities receiving an influx of bookings and information requests. The significant increase in popularity may be linked to several factors, including lifestyle changes, AirBnB rentals and people looking for safer, more affordable and convenient alternatives.
One of the main reasons people choose self storage is when something drastic happens in their lives. This includes divorce or separation, family bereavement, downsizing, retirement or clearing out the house.
Divorce
A prime example is a divorce, which has become more prevalent in today’s society than ever before. When couples have been living together for some time and they get a divorce, it often means they need to find new or temporary accommodation. In some cases, they may not be able to find a place with the same amount of space they had before. Fortunately, self storage can help as it offers a clean, dry and secure place for all of their belongings, giving much-needed peace of mind during such a challenging period.
Family Bereavement And Self Storage
Family bereavement is never easy as it often involves dealing with their possessions and treasured items which may be sold, donated or stored. It’s always an emotional time, especially if the property has to be sold which leaves you with limited time to go through everything properly. That’s where self storage can help as you can put keep about anything in there for as long as you need while the estate is being handled.
Decluttering, Home Clear Outs And Renovations
Living a minimalistic life by keeping the home free from clutter is a growing lifestyle trend. It helps to reduce the pressure on people’s hectic schedules, making their homes more relaxing and easier to maintain. Seasonal goods and apparel that you don’t use all year are examples of what can be placed in a storage unit.
Many people use short-term storage while renovating or decorating as it helps clear up the house and avoid damaging furniture, kitchen equipment and other household appliances. Whether you’re an empty nester or have an extra room full of junk, a storage unit can help keep things organised.
Downsizing
The average living space in the United Kingdom is less than that of most other nations. According to SSA, the UK is one of Europe’s “most squeezed countries in Europe.” As such, people buy more goods than they can keep which has made many families turn to self storage.
The same applies to organisations who either need more storage space due to increased demand or downsize to smaller premises with less space than before. Have a look at this informative article exploring 5 Reasons To Use Business Storage.
Baby On The Way
If you’re expecting a new addition to the family and need to clear out the spare room, you don’t have to clean out the decks or sell everything on eBay. Sure, you can replace the spare bed with a cot but you don’t have to get rid of it or squeeze it into the garage. Simply put the bed and any other furniture items you don’t need right now into a self storage unit until you need them again.
Running An AirBnB
Recently, Airbnb and similar sites have become increasingly popular. Not only is it a great way to enjoy more affordable accommodation for holidaymakers but homeowners can also make some extra money by renting out a room or the entire property. Many guests prefer to not have loads of personal belongings around the home so you can safely put most of your items in storage until they leave and things return to normal.
Seasonal Decorations and Christmas Presents
When it comes to seasonal holidays, a storage unit is a preferred choice for many people. Think about all of the Halloween and Christmas decorations, birthday banners, wrapping paper and other bits. Instead of adding to the clutter in your loft, spare room or garage, more people are turning to short-term or long-term self storage. Take a look at the cost of self storage at our different locations.
Selling Your Home
It’s not always easy to sell a home and move into your new place right away. If everything goes according to plan and you need to move out soon, you can move all the essentials to your new property while keeping everything else in a storage unit. It’s a much better alternative to the garage or spare room at a friend or family member’s place. Self storage is hugely beneficial especially while you are renting or staying with family until you’ve found your new home.
Self Storage And Restaurants
Running a restaurant requires thousands of items; from table settings and decorations to tables, chairs, cooking equipment, utensils and other tools of the trade. As your business continues to grow, you may need more room for kitchen equipment, tools, ingredients and for diners. Restaurant storage can be the perfect solution for seasonal equipment, tools, furniture and even marketing materials.
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Self Storage?
While we’ve mentioned some use cases for self storage, the main advantages of choosing Space Centre Self Storage include the following:
- Clean, dry and safe storage for both individuals and businesses
- Short and long-term storage options which are ideal for house moves, extended holidays, Airbnb rentals, home renovations, seasonal stock fluctuations and business records
- Affordable rates with no deposit required (no additional expenses related to business premises)
- Flexible agreements to change unit size if one is available
- 24-hour secure access with CCTV and alarms
Space Centre has been in the industry for more than 20 years and knows the importance of good quality units, affordable rates and exceptional customer service. You will find our facilities in Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester and Stonehouse. For more information on availability and prices, please get in touch with us today!