- 33% of Americans use self storage, with 18% planning to rent a unit in the future
- Baby boomers lead in self storage use (42%), while 50% of Gen Z plan to rent a unit in the future
- Renters (34%) are more likely than homeowners (30%) to use self storage
- One-bedroom apartment dwellers (44%) are the most frequent storage users
- Self storage searches rose 8% in 2024 across the 150 largest U.S. cities
- When picking a storage unit, price matters most — say 1 in 4 customers.
- 42% of Americans feel cluttered at home, with clothing being the biggest culprit
A third of Americans are now relying on self storage to manage their extra belongings, according to StorageCafe’s annual survey on renter demand and habits. At the core of this growing trend? The housing market.
In what makes for good news for the ever-growing renter pool, multifamily construction is steadily adding new apartments across the country, fueling intense moving activity as people navigate sky-high home prices. Beyond the temporary need for storage during a move, shrinking apartment sizes — especially in high-density urban areas — are making self storage an increasingly practical and affordable solution for seasonal items, furniture and personal belongings.
But the trend isn’t confined to urban cores. Suburbs, traditionally known for their spacious homes, are also experiencing densification. More suburban areas are adopting urban-style developments with higher population densities, smaller lot sizes and an increasing number of multifamily residences. As a result, suburbanites are facing similar storage challenges to city dwellers, further fueling the demand for self storage solutions beyond metropolitan centers.
At the same time, lifestyle changes — from relocations and renovations to the rise of remote work and new business ventures — are further contributing to this growing need. The flexibility offered by self storage has made it a valuable tool for people navigating career moves, downsizing or launching small businesses from home.
This surge in demand marks a turning point for the self storage industry, which has undergone major fluctuations in recent years. However, the latest data suggests that demand is once again on the rise, signaling a new phase of industry growth.
Online searches related to self storage have increased by 8% in the country’s 150 largest cities in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting this renewed interest in storage solutions.
A third of Americans use self storage, with an additional 18% planning to do so in the future
Self storage has become a useful tool for both renters and homeowners across the nation, with 33% of our survey respondents currently renting a unit to keep their belongings safe. Another 18% plan to use self storage in the future, with moving being the primary reason behind their decision.
Renters are slightly more likely than homeowners to turn to self storage, with 34% currently renting a unit compared to 30% of homeowners. This trend reflects the reality that renters often face space limitations and more frequent moves among sluggish home sales and increasing homeownership costs.
Self storage use is generally equally split between women and men, with 32% of female respondents reporting to be renting a unit and 30% of male respondents declaring to be self storage users.
Baby boomers take the lead in using self storage, but Gen Z is also showing interest
When it comes to self storage usage, baby boomers are leading the charge. With many in this generation entering retirement and downsizing their homes, it’s no surprise that 42% of boomers currently rent a storage unit. Whether they’re holding onto sentimental family heirlooms or making space for a new chapter in life, self storage has become a staple for this age group.
Millennials are also embracing self storage in large numbers, with 35% currently renting a unit. As they move for job opportunities, expand their families and navigate a competitive housing market, millennials are relying on self storage to bridge the gap during life changes.
Looking ahead, Gen Z is set to be the next big driver of self storage demand. While only 10% of Gen Z respondents currently rent a storage unit, a staggering 50% plan to do so in the future, second only to Gen Xers. This younger generation is more mobile than ever, with many moving frequently for school, work or a lifestyle that better suits their preferences. As they transition into independent living and face space constraints in smaller apartments, their reliance on storage solutions is expected to grow significantly.
Who needs storage the most? Home sizes are deal breakers
Storage needs are closely tied to home sizes, and for those living in smaller spaces, self storage is often a necessity that can help maximize living spaces. Apartment dwellers, in particular, are among the most frequent self storage users. Interestingly, 44% of those in one-bedroom apartments rent storage units, compared to just 25% of studio apartment residents. One possible explanation is that couples more commonly share one-bedroom apartments than studios, creating a higher demand for external storage.
For those living in larger homes, the need for storage decreases, but it remains robust. About 32% of respondents in two-bedroom homes rely on self storage, while usage drops slightly to 30% for those in three- and four-bedroom homes.
Looking at square footage, the trend becomes even clearer. In homes under 1,000 square feet, 35% of respondents use self storage, a number that drops to 25% for homes over 3,500 square feet.
Lack of space at home and moving, the two big reasons for renting self storage
Approximately 35% of self storage renters turn to this service simply because they lack sufficient space at home. This issue is slightly more prevalent among homeowners (37%) than renters (36%). Homeowners tend to accumulate more belongings over time and often require tools and equipment for home and yard maintenance. As a result, despite generally living in larger spaces than renters, they may feel a greater strain on their available storage.
Moving is the second most common reason Americans rent self storage units. With tens of millions of people relocating each year — a process that can be highly disruptive — self storage offers a convenient way to manage the transition. Approximately 31% of self storage users rely on storage units during a move. Additionally, 8% of renters use self storage when downsizing to a smaller home. Business storage, a steadily growing sector, accounts for another 5% of users.
What’s nicely sitting in America’s storage units? Furniture tops the list
Whether it’s high-quality thrifted pieces waiting for the perfect space, family heirlooms or extra furniture set aside for future use, furniture is the most commonly stored item in self storage. In fact, 27% of survey respondents admit to keeping furniture in their unit.
Clothing (18%) and home appliances or equipment (17%) are also frequently stored, as many Americans struggle to find enough space at home. Additionally, 9% of respondents use self storage for recreational and hobby-related gear — ranging from golf clubs and fishing poles to snowmobiles and ATVs. Further highlighting the growing trend of self storage for business purposes, about 8% of respondents store business-related items in their unit.
The 10’x10’ units remain a favorite among self storage users
Midsize storage units remain the most popular choice among Americans due to their versatility. They provide enough space to accommodate a wide range of items — from small belongings to furniture — while still keeping costs manageable. As a result, 26.5% of self storage users rent a 10’x10’ unit, with nearly 22% opting for the slightly smaller 5’x10’ unit.
Of course, there are times when larger units are necessary, such as during a move from a large home or for storing big-ticket items like RVs or boats. Thus, over 9% of users rent the largest standard unit available, the 10’x30’. On the other end of the spectrum, a similar percentage of renters require only a small amount of extra storage space and choose compact 5’x5’ lockers.
Climate-controlled storage is gaining ground
Climate-controlled storage is becoming an increasingly attractive option for renters looking to protect their valuables. About 44% of all self storage users now opt for climate-controlled units, recognizing the risks that heat, cold and humidity pose to sensitive items.
In regions with scorching summers or frigid winters, traditional storage units can expose furniture, electronics, artwork and documents to potentially damaging conditions.
The demand for climate-controlled storage isn’t just about weather extremes — it also reflects changing consumer habits. Americans are storing high-value items, from expensive outdoor gear to collectible memorabilia. As a result, people are willing to pay a premium for units that offer temperature and humidity regulation, ensuring their belongings remain in pristine condition over time.
Another 43% of the survey respondents said they use non-climate-controlled units, with the rest of the votes going to RV, vehicle or boat storage, and other various uses.
Americans are dropping by their self storage units quite often
The notion that storage units are simply “out of sight, out of mind” is far from accurate. Many users actively engage with their units, with 27% visiting at least once a week. This suggests that self storage is increasingly being used as a functional extension of the home rather than just a place to store long-forgotten items. Another 46% of users visit at least once a month, reinforcing the idea that storage units serve an ongoing role in people’s lives.
Frequent visits to storage units highlight how deeply self storage has become embedded in our daily lives. Many renters are using their units for practical purposes, such as rotating seasonal wardrobes, storing business inventory or keeping sports and hobby equipment within reach. The ability to access stored items conveniently makes self storage more than just a passive space — it has become a dynamic tool for busy consumers.
Price and security, the main considerations when selecting a facility
For most self storage users, price remains the dominant factor when selecting a self storage facility, with 27% of the survey respondents choosing price as most important to them.
Inflation continues to affect household budgets and housing costs are at historic highs, so affordability remains top of mind. Many renters seek out the best deals, comparing monthly rates and promotions before committing to a unit. Facilities offering discounts for long-term rentals or flexible payment options might thus be particularly attractive to cost-conscious consumers.
However, while affordability is critical, security is just as important. A significant percentage of renters, 17%, prioritize security measures such as surveillance cameras, gated access and on-site staff. Renters want assurance that their belongings are well protected, since many of them are storing high-value items such as furniture, electronics, business inventory and sentimental keepsakes.
Additionally, consumers increasingly value convenience in the form of 24/7 access, drive-up units and contactless renting.
42% of Americans feel cluttered in their own homes, with clothing the main culprit
A massive 42% of Americans report feeling overwhelmed by clutter in their homes either frequently or all the time, stressing a widespread struggle with managing household space. On top of that, an additional 28% experience clutter-related stress at least occasionally, suggesting that for 70% of Americans, excess belongings are a recurring issue.
The modern home is increasingly burdened by excess belongings, a reflection of consumer habits shaped by fast fashion, online shopping and a culture of accumulation. Clothing is the number one source of clutter, with 26% of respondents admitting they own more clothes than they have space for.
Beyond clothing, outdated electronics and accessories rank high on the list of clutter culprits. Old phones, chargers, CDs and DVDs tend to accumulate as technology rapidly evolves, yet many people are reluctant to part with them, unsure whether they might still be useful or because they hold sentimental value. Books, toys, baby items and even unwanted gifts also take up considerable space in American households, further contributing to the sense of disorganization.
The rise of e-commerce and next-day delivery has made accumulating items easier than ever, so it’s no surprise that homes are filling up. With limited space, especially in urban areas, practical storage solutions are becoming essential. Many people are turning to self storage to regain control over their homes, creating a more organized and comfortable living environment. Whether it’s seasonal items, furniture or sentimental belongings, self storage offers a convenient way to declutter without making permanent sacrifices.
From glass collections to animatronics, here are some sentimental or straight-up unusual items some Americans keep in their unit
Self storage is the land of mystery. Behind every roll-up door is a treasure trove of memories, keepsakes and, in some cases, downright bizarre items. While most people use their units to store furniture, appliances or sentimental belongings, some Americans have taken self storage to another level, transforming their rented spaces into miniature museums of the weird and wonderful.
Take, for instance, the person who decided a scarecrow deserved year-round storage, ensuring that their festive fall decoration stays in peak condition. Then there’s the storage user who somehow ended up with multiple burial urns.
Collectors make up a significant share of self storage users, but not all collections are created equal. While vintage vinyl records and inherited glass collections are understandable, other collectors have taken a more eclectic approach. One respondent proudly stashed a top hat and snow boots — perhaps preparing for a Victorian-themed winter adventure? Another person inherited a blanket collection from their grandmother, proving that warm and cozy legacies never die.
But some storage users have embraced the truly unexpected. A respondent admitted to keeping animatronic decorations in their unit, raising the question: Are these Halloween props, or is someone preparing for a robotic uprising? A separate user confessed to storing their daughter’s dolls in such an eerie manner that when they returned, they were greeted by rows of plastic eyes staring at them — complete with a “scary unicorn” for extra nightmare fuel.
Others have used storage for practical reasons, such as keeping medicine because they’re a sales rep who can’t store it at home. Meanwhile, someone else found the best way to safeguard their old love letters — because nothing says romance like climate-controlled storage.
Self storage rent trends: Undersupplied cities see surge in demand — and higher prices
In cities where self storage options are scarce, demand is rising rapidly. Google search trends reveal that locations with lower per-capita storage availability are seeing the largest year-over-year increases in searches for self storage solutions.
In fact, the top 10 major cities with the highest surge in self storage interest all have local inventories well below the national benchmark. This suggests that in highly constrained markets, residents are becoming increasingly eager to find storage options to accommodate their growing needs.
Self Storage Demand Trends and Availability in Major Cities Across the US
| City | State | Y-o-Y Change (2024 vs. 2023) | Searches per 1,000 Residents (2024) | Self Storage Per Capita (sq. ft.) | Avg. Street Rate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | CA | 151% | 9.5 | 3.93 | 186 |
| Yonkers | NY | 140% | 11.6 | 1.97 | 193 |
| San Bernardino | CA | 138% | 11.0 | 3.35 | 102 |
| Tacoma | WA | 123% | 25.0 | 4.84 | 145 |
| Philadelphia | PA | 118% | 6.8 | 3.36 | 143 |
| Spring Valley | NV | 116% | 9.6 | 0.65 | 151 |
| Seattle | WA | 103% | 15.2 | 3.95 | 181 |
| Portland | OR | 83% | 15.7 | 4.28 | 150 |
| Vancouver | WA | 75% | 10.2 | 8.3 | 134 |
| Los Angeles | CA | 53% | 4.2 | 2.1 | 247 |
| Long Beach | CA | 53% | 11.4 | 2.03 | 202 |
| Fayetteville | NC | 50% | 17.2 | 12.39 | 108 |
| Jacksonville | FL | 48% | 4.7 | 9.74 | 132 |
| Bakersfield | CA | 43% | 9.6 | 9 | 100 |
| Huntington Beach | CA | 39% | 10.7 | 2.42 | 210 |
| Ontario | CA | 38% | 1.2 | 2.41 | 146 |
| Cincinnati | OH | 36% | 5.5 | 4.11 | 99 |
| Corpus Christi | TX | 35% | 13.6 | 11.57 | 115 |
| Tucson | AZ | 30% | 17.2 | 8.53 | 108 |
| Fontana | CA | 30% | 6.0 | 3.43 | 139 |
| Overland Park | KS | 30% | 6.6 | 3.24 | 122 |
| Fremont | CA | 30% | 5.8 | 3.4 | 175 |
| Miami | FL | 30% | 23.3 | 3.79 | 175 |
| New York City | NY | 30% | 5.0 | 2.36 | 202 |
| Houston | TX | 28% | 7.1 | 6.83 | 126 |
| Jersey City | NJ | 26% | 8.2 | 1.23 | 192 |
| Salem | OR | 26% | 13.6 | 8.27 | 124 |
| Santa Ana | CA | 26% | 4.3 | 1.58 | 199 |
| Baltimore | MD | 26% | 4.8 | 3.76 | 124 |
| Louisville | KY | 26% | 6.3 | 7.44 | 107 |
| Knoxville | TN | 26% | 19.4 | 9.91 | 124 |
| Indianapolis | IN | 24% | 5.1 | 6.75 | 96 |
| Wichita | KS | 24% | 9.5 | 6.73 | 108 |
| Glendale | AZ | 23% | 6.4 | 2.96 | 111 |
| Glendale | CA | 23% | 8.7 | 1.9 | 299 |
| El Paso | TX | 22% | 6.5 | 5.97 | 114 |
| Anaheim | CA | 22% | 4.9 | 1.49 | 184 |
| Riverside | CA | 22% | 14.8 | 5.7 | 137 |
| Tulsa | OK | 22% | 11.0 | 8.96 | 101 |
| Minneapolis | MN | 21% | 9.6 | 2.05 | 120 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | CA | 20% | 10.1 | 4.51 | 164 |
| Irving | TX | 20% | 6.4 | 6.8 | 112 |
| Mobile | AL | 19% | 10.5 | 11.14 | 104 |
| Fresno | CA | 19% | 5.5 | 7.04 | 129 |
| Moreno Valley | CA | 19% | 9.2 | 4.28 | 140 |
| Fort Worth | TX | 19% | 4.5 | 6.43 | 106 |
| Tempe | AZ | 19% | 20.1 | 4.19 | 118 |
| Amarillo | TX | 19% | 14.5 | 12.95 | 83 |
| San Diego | CA | 18% | 9.5 | 4.07 | 179 |
| Birmingham | AL | 18% | 4.1 | 7.31 | 120 |
| Baton Rouge | LA | 14% | 41.1 | 11.36 | 123 |
| Grand Prairie | TX | 14% | 4.9 | 3.31 | 112 |
| Kansas City | MO | 10% | 6.8 | 3.67 | 120 |
| McKinney | TX | 9% | 14.3 | 8.37 | 120 |
| Colorado Springs | CO | 7% | 19.6 | 11.17 | 111 |
| Las Vegas | NV | 5% | 25.1 | 7.6 | 128 |
| Chula Vista | CA | 5% | 8.1 | 3.64 | 176 |
| Austin | TX | 4% | 15.3 | 7.81 | 131 |
| Saint Louis | MO | 4% | 10.0 | 4.74 | 115 |
| Santa Clarita | CA | 3% | 7.0 | 4.91 | 169 |
| Omaha | NE | 2% | 10.2 | 7.3 | 94 |
| San Francisco | CA | 2% | 6.3 | 2.08 | 241 |
| Grand Rapids | MI | 2% | 12.7 | 3.66 | 116 |
| Oakland | CA | 2% | 6.0 | 2.44 | 197 |
| Madison | WI | 1% | 16.9 | 4.62 | 128 |
| Virginia Beach | VA | 1% | 5.6 | 10.62 | 120 |
| San Antonio | TX | 1% | 7.3 | 9.24 | 121 |
| Richmond | VA | 1% | 14.3 | 5.7 | 120 |
| Reno | NV | 1% | 36.0 | 14.28 | 130 |
| Albuquerque | NM | 1% | 12.1 | 7.38 | 117 |
| Stockton | CA | 0% | 6.4 | 6.75 | 121 |
| Winston Salem | NC | 0% | 9.6 | 7.93 | 101 |
| Detroit | MI | 0% | 6.0 | 1.02 | 145 |
| Columbus | OH | 0% | 4.0 | 4.43 | 100 |
| Nashville | TN | 0% | 7.2 | 6.57 | 141 |
| Memphis | TN | 0% | 3.2 | 8.19 | 89 |
| Lexington | KY | 0% | 11.3 | 8.31 | 136 |
| St. Paul | MN | 0% | 2.9 | 3.34 | 122 |
| Newark | NJ | 0% | 5.3 | 0.92 | 124 |
| Lincoln | NE | 0% | 8.2 | 6.48 | 112 |
| Durham | NC | 0% | 6.4 | 9.2 | 112 |
| Gilbert | AZ | 0% | 6.9 | 4.01 | 118 |
| Toledo | OH | 0% | 3.8 | 4.44 | 101 |
| Fort Wayne | IN | 0% | 8.9 | 7.15 | 98 |
| St. Petersburg | FL | 0% | 9.1 | 5.8 | 162 |
| Chesapeake | VA | 0% | 5.2 | 6.51 | 108 |
| Garland | TX | 0% | 4.6 | 3.93 | 115 |
| Hialeah | FL | 0% | 3.3 | 2.04 | 175 |
| Port St. Lucie | FL | 0% | 10.6 | 6.62 | 129 |
| Des Moines | IA | 0% | 7.6 | 4.85 | 100 |
| Rochester | NY | 0% | 17.4 | 3.45 | 134 |
| Columbus | GA | 0% | 18.0 | 11.07 | 100 |
| Augusta | GA | 0% | 9.4 | 9.17 | 96 |
| Oxnard | CA | 0% | 8.1 | 5.19 | 166 |
| Sioux Falls | SD | 0% | 14.1 | 7.65 | 106 |
| Providence | RI | 0% | 5.2 | 1.83 | 141 |
| Akron | OH | 0% | 5.4 | 5.1 | 100 |
| Newport News | VA | 0% | 5.5 | 6.32 | 113 |
| Eugene | OR | 0% | 16.3 | 6.99 | 132 |
| Santa Rosa | CA | 0% | 10.8 | 8.02 | 177 |
| Mesa | AZ | -1% | 10.5 | 5.9 | 107 |
| Denver | CO | -1% | 11.8 | 3.39 | 134 |
| Oklahoma City | OK | -2% | 13.6 | 8.69 | 88 |
| Norfolk | VA | -2% | 8.8 | 5.14 | 115 |
| Modesto | CA | -2% | 9.6 | 6.32 | 124 |
| Arlington | TX | -2% | 5.1 | 5.86 | 103 |
| Arlington | VA | -2% | 8.7 | 1.16 | 243 |
| Frisco | TX | -5% | 8.9 | 3.74 | 129 |
| Salt Lake City | UT | -5% | 24.0 | 3.61 | 136 |
| Cape Coral | FL | -6% | 10.3 | 7.63 | 166 |
| Phoenix | AZ | -8% | 5.9 | 5.48 | 121 |
| Tampa | FL | -10% | 18.8 | 6.91 | 135 |
| Orlando | FL | -11% | 22.6 | 7.02 | 126 |
| Fort Lauderdale | FL | -11% | 19.0 | 3.73 | 151 |
| Cary | NC | -12% | 4.9 | 4.69 | 103 |
| Pittsburgh | PA | -13% | 7.4 | 3.57 | 124 |
| Milwaukee | WI | -14% | 6.6 | 3.75 | 105 |
| Boston | MA | -14% | 6.5 | 0.7 | 196 |
| Boise | ID | -14% | 22.4 | 12.1 | 116 |
| Peoria | AZ | -14% | 7.4 | 4.32 | 110 |
| Charlotte | NC | -15% | 5.6 | 7.23 | 120 |
| Honolulu | HI | -15% | 4.9 | 3.21 | 299 |
| Chandler | AZ | -16% | 5.8 | 4.49 | 119 |
| Elk Grove | CA | -16% | 9.0 | 4.27 | 141 |
| Lubbock | TX | -17% | 13.2 | 16.94 | 107 |
| Greensboro | NC | -17% | 4.9 | 11.14 | 93 |
| Raleigh | NC | -17% | 5.2 | 7.33 | 113 |
| Tallahassee | FL | -18% | 18.5 | 11.07 | 131 |
| Henderson | NV | -18% | 12.0 | 6.64 | 134 |
| Spokane | WA | -18% | 9.2 | 7.3 | 126 |
| Worcester | MA | -19% | 2.3 | 3.29 | 139 |
| Paradise | NV | -19% | 1.0 | 0.71 | 130 |
| Anchorage | AK | -19% | 20.8 | 6.35 | 223 |
| Aurora | CO | -20% | 5.0 | 4.07 | 123 |
| Aurora | IL | -20% | 11.0 | 2.45 | 109 |
| Irvine | CA | -21% | 6.0 | 5.03 | 179 |
| Chattanooga | TN | -21% | 10.2 | 8.11 | 96 |
| North Las Vegas | NV | -21% | 3.7 | 4.67 | 127 |
| Chicago | IL | -23% | 3.4 | 3.4 | 133 |
| Dallas | TX | -27% | 5.8 | 5.15 | 130 |
| Atlanta | GA | -28% | 10.7 | 4.49 | 146 |
| Scottsdale | AZ | -30% | 10.9 | 8.37 | 187 |
| Washington | DC | -31% | 0.4 | 2.16 | 164 |
| Cleveland | OH | -32% | 5.7 | 2.27 | 114 |
| Buffalo | NY | -33% | 5.9 | 1.54 | 127 |
| Huntsville | AL | -33% | 0.2 | 11.51 | 98 |
| Plano | TX | -34% | 5.8 | 5.45 | 119 |
| Sacramento | CA | -39% | 9.5 | 4.94 | 146 |
| New Orleans | LA | -42% | 9.4 | 4.54 | 136 |
| Oceanside | CA | 23% | 10.9 | 3.08 | 177 |
San Jose, CA tops the list with a staggering 151% increase in self storage searches in 2024 compared to the previous year. With a per-capita storage availability of just four square feet per resident, storage space in San Jose is significantly constrained, leading to higher competition for units. Similarly, Yonkers, NY, saw a 140% spike in searches, while having one of the lowest storage availabilities at 1.97 square feet per person. The lack of available storage in these cities is driving up rental costs, with prices averaging $180 per unit in San Jose and $183 in Yonkers.
San Bernardino, CA, Tacoma, WA, and Philadelphia, PA, also saw sharp increases in interest, with year-over-year search growth rates of 138%, 123% and 118%, respectively.
This trend highlights a key issue in the self storage industry: In highly populated urban centers, storage is not just a convenience — it’s a necessity. As rental and real estate prices continue to rise, more people are turning to self storage to manage their belongings in the face of shrinking living spaces.
Expert opinion
To learn more about recent trends shaping the self storage sector, we talked to an expert in the field.
Doug Ressler, Business Intelligence Manager at Yardi Matrix
What key trends are shaping the self storage industry today?
Urbanization continues to transform how people live. While residents are drawn to vibrant neighborhoods and urban convenience, these areas typically come with smaller homes or apartments, leaving little room for storage. As a result, self storage has emerged as an essential part of urban infrastructure. Rather than living with clutter or paying substantially higher costs for larger homes, residents increasingly rely on storage units to keep belongings accessible yet out of the way. Even housing developers increasingly recognize the importance of self storage by integrating storage units into mixed-use developments.
From an investment perspective, this urbanization trend is making self storage increasingly attractive. Investors see strong potential in the industry, thanks to its consistent returns, low operating expenses, and resilience even during economic uncertainty.
Who is driving the demand for self storage?
Several demographic changes are currently driving steady growth in the self storage industry. For instance, retiring Baby Boomers are downsizing from larger homes into apartments or condos, often turning to storage facilities to keep cherished family heirlooms, furniture, or seasonal items they aren’t ready to part with. Meanwhile, Millennials frequently prioritize flexibility and experiences over long-term commitments. As they move frequently for work, travel, or lifestyle choices, self storage provides a convenient solution for temporarily storing their belongings.
On top of that, the rapid growth of small businesses and online retailers has created a strong, ongoing need for affordable space to store inventory, supplies, and equipment. All of these trends suggest a promising outlook for continued demand and growth in the self storage market.
What makes self storage appealing to today’s consumers?
Self storage facilities are becoming much easier and more pleasant to use, thanks to features that meet the evolving expectations of modern customers. For instance, tenants can now conveniently rent a storage unit online, manage payments from their smartphones, or even check their stored items without leaving home. Climate-controlled units are increasingly popular, allowing people to safely store sensitive items like electronics, antiques, or photographs.
Enhanced security features, such as keypad entry systems, security cameras, and personalized gate codes, provide peace of mind, reassuring customers that their belongings are safe and easily accessible whenever needed.
Methodology
This analysis was conducted by StorageCafe, a nationwide online platform providing self storage unit listings.
Our findings are based on a survey of 2,824 respondents across the United States, conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 via rentcafe.com and storagecafe.com.
Self storage search data was sourced from Google Ads, using annual averages of city-specific keyword searches for 150 major U.S. cities in 2023 and 2024.
Self storage street rate and availability data was obtained from Yardi Matrix, StorageCafe’s sister division and a business development and asset management tool for brokers, sponsors, banks and equity sources underwriting investments in the multifamily, office, industrial and self-storage sectors.
Fair use and distribution
This study serves as a resource for the general public on issues of common interest and should not be regarded as investment advice. The data is true to the best of our knowledge but may change if amendments to it are made. We agree to the distribution of this content but we do require a mention in return for attribution purposes.
