Why Is Self Storage So Popular?

12 January, 2024

Table of Contents

Self-storage has seen a huge surge in popularity. So, even if you don’t yet use a self-storage unit yourself, you’re sure to know someone who does. The stats back this up. From 2013 to 2020, the number of Australians and New Zealanders using self-storage doubled. In 2020, 10% of the population was using a self-storage unit. 

So, we’ve seen that self-storage is continuing to rise. But one big question remains. Why is self-storage so popular? Well, there’s more than one reason for this popularity boost. In fact, it’s down to a host of factors. The trend toward living a minimalist lifestyle is a major factor. Changes in personal circumstances and living arrangements have a significant role, too. The rise of the e-commerce industry also has a part to play. 

Families, individuals, and businesses are all enjoying the benefits of self-storage. Here, we’ll dive deeper into the subject to discover why.

Key Takeaway Table

Main Points Reasons for Self-Storage Popularity
Minimalist Lifestyle – Embracing minimalism to declutter homes, reduce clutter for improved well-being, and use self-storage to free up space
Life Transitions and Temporary Storage – Supporting transitions in life, providing secure storage during changes, and offering convenient access to stored belongings
E-Commerce and Business Boom – Entrepreneurs using storage for startups, finding a cost-effective business base solution, and discovering versatile uses for self-storage units
Additional Benefits of Self-Storage – Climate-controlled units for sensitive items, storage for vehicles and parcels, 24/7 access, and strong security measures
Conclusion – Self-storage serves various needs, enhances convenience and peace of mind, and offers a versatile solution for various purposes

Self-storage has seen a huge surge in popularity. So, even if you don’t yet use a self-storage unit yourself, you’re sure to know someone who does. The stats back this up. From 2013 to 2020, the number of Australians and New Zealanders using self-storage doubled. In 2020, 10% of the population was using a self-storage unit. 

So, we’ve seen that self-storage is continuing to rise. But one big question remains. Why is self-storage so popular? Well, there’s more than one reason for this popularity boost. In fact, it’s down to a host of factors. The trend toward living a minimalist lifestyle is a major factor. Changes in personal circumstances and living arrangements have a significant role, too. The rise of the e-commerce industry also has a part to play. 

Families, individuals, and businesses are all enjoying the benefits of self-storage. Here, we’ll dive deeper into the subject to discover why:

The Rise of the Sharing Economy and Minimalism

storage boxes

Owning Less, Living More: How Minimalism Fuels Self-Storage Demand

Many people have been embracing the minimalist lifestyle recently. The trend for minimalism is big news in the interior design world. More and more people are trying to declutter their lives. This means freeing up space at home by clearing out some of that stuff we all seem to accumulate. 

Going minimalist is about more than just aesthetics. Making our homes less cluttered can have a hugely positive impact on our well-being. Studies have found that too much clutter can cause a lack of focus, increase fatigue, and even cause low-mood. This is reflected in the decluttering philosophy of the guru of tidying, Marie Kondo. 

Marie says: “I have always believed that tidying and organization are a form of self-care. By making space for what we value most, we can find more peace in our daily lives.”

Of course, getting rid of all your belongings isn’t a practical solution. It’s for this reason that so many people choose to use self storage to free up space in their homes.

There are so many reasons that we all have more stuff than our homes can accommodate. Perhaps you’ve recently downsized. Or, you have a hobby with lots of equipment. Maybe you just need somewhere to keep seasonal items, such as Christmas decorations. Keeping these items in a storage unit is a great way to keep them safely out of your home. Plus, you can access them whenever you want.

Life Transitions and Temporary Storage Needs

moving storage boxes

From Moving Mayhem to Renovation Retreat: Self-Storage as a Lifeline During Transitions

Life is full of transitions. We all go through times of change. Maybe you’re downsizing to a smaller home. Or, you have decided to take a year out to travel. Perhaps your home needs to be cleared out for renovation works. When these events happen, you’re going to need somewhere to store your belongings. 

People use self-storage to support them through all of these times of change. Self-storage offers a secure, safe place to store your furniture, appliances, and all your belongings. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing they’re stored safely. Plus, you can access them whenever you like inside your storage unit.

Self-storage user Sarah explains why self-storage has been so helpful to her: “When we sold our first apartment, we struggled to find another house that matched our needs. But we didn’t want to lose our buyer. So, we decided to go ahead and stay with my parents while we continued our property search. 

“The problem was we had an apartment full of stuff and nowhere to put it! In the end, we put everything in self-storage, and I’m so glad we did. It meant that we could pop back and grab stuff whenever we needed. Plus it was a relief to know that it was all safe and secure.”

The E-Commerce and Business Boom

reorganise storage

From Side Hustle to Startup Success: Self-Storage as a Launchpad for Businesses

More of us than ever before are embracing our inner entrepreneurs. So many people are taking the leap into the world of business ownership right now. Maybe you’ve started a side hustle to boost your 9-5 income. Or, maybe you’ve got big plans for an e-commerce startup. Either way, you’re going to need a base for your new venture. The problem is, renting out office or warehouse space can be super expensive. But, most people don’t have enough space at home to run a business. 

There’s no need to let a lack of space get in the way of your business ambitions. So many people now run businesses from self-storage units. It’s easy to see why this is such a popular choice. 

A self-storage unit gives you the perfect inventory storage solution. You can use your storage unit as your fulfillment centre, or even make it a temporary office space. Check out these case studies. As these case studies show, there’s so many ways businesses can use self-storage. Renting self-storage could be your first step toward business success.

The Additional Benefits of Self-Storage

More Than Just Boxes: Unexpected Perks of Using Self-Storage

Self-storage units are more than just a place to store boxes. Many self-storage companies have a choice of services ready for you to make use of. If you’ve sensitive items, a climate-controlled unit could be just what you need. Some storage facilities even offer car, boat, and caravan storage. While others will accept parcels on your behalf. 

Individual services offered may vary between facilities. But two crucial things that most self-storage facilities offer is 24/7 access to your unit and thorough security for your belongings.

Conclusion

The need for self-storage is clear to see. There are so many times in life where having some extra storage is really helpful. You use self-storage as a way to keep your home clutter-free, as a temporary storage solution, or to launch a business, you can enjoy the same peace of mind and convenience. What will you keep in yours?