Self Storage Trends in 2021

After Covid-19 shook every industry to its core in many ways throughout 2020 and 2021, numerous self storage trends and statistics soon became unpredictable, and not many knew how the future of self storage would develop, but 2021 witnessed a transformation.

In March 2020, all non-essential retail and businesses had closed as people were alerted to stay home unless it was essential to travel. After the Covid-19 outbreak, the demand and growth of self storage space have continued to rise throughout 2021.

During this time, the self storage industry became a big part of the logistics chain, making it an essential service that could remain open under advised conditions. Due to the nature of its service, the storage industry was still safe to be used by healthcare and food companies and many other online businesses permitted to stay in business during the pandemic.

Self storage trends in 2021 – what has changed?

Markets are growing

The self storage market has seen such incredible, surprising growth since the pandemic, and here at Apex Self Storage, we had a record year last year that has continued throughout 2021. Six out of eight of our sites are currently at 90% occupancy, which has caused us to re-think the way we operate in terms of our booking policy and logistics.

Because of this, many customers are waiting until the last minute to book units and transport, which can take a lot of time to manage correctly.

People are rushing to move house

According to the SSA report, 29% of self storage customers are those who are moving house. It also mentions that people renovating their homes are three times more likely to consider using a self storage facility.

At Apex Self Storage, we have noticed a backlog of house moves due to the surge of movers during the stamp duty holiday. Many customers have had to go into temporarily rented housing, which has caused a demand for larger units (100-250 sqft).

Working from home is driving people to declutter to create extra room for home offices, which has caused an increase in the annual industry turnover of 16% to £890 million.

Safety and automation – the future of storage

With an increased focus on automated processes and online platforms across the world after Covid-19, the self storage industry is still changing throughout 2021. In the future, it is expected that offering online bookings, virtual tours, automated payments, and all-around self-service options will contribute to the new ways that businesses work.

Technology has allowed us to broaden our horizons, which is causing the industry to adapt to the trends that have become solutions to Covid-19 last year and in the present. Remote monitoring is just one of many examples that is becoming more apparent, an option that allows customers to safely ‘’visit’’ their storage unit from home.

Remote monitoring allows customers the opportunity to communicate any issues or queries they may have without having to make the trip to the self storage facility. Automation is gradually becoming an unavoidable part of upgrading self storage facilities.

Hygiene is still an essential safety measure

Now that the pandemic is almost behind us, physical visits to self storage facilities are becoming more regular. Consumers want hygiene regulations to remain just as strict as they have been throughout 2020 and the beginning of 2021. The momentum must carry on, with hand sanitiser stations, minimal visitors at a time, and the encouragement of masks to make everyone feel safe and comfortable.

The demand to downsize

The minimalist lifestyle is becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Many homeowners are looking to downsize the number of belongings they own – hence the upsurge in demand for temporary storage space. New houses have become smaller. The modern vibe calls for homeowners to require a little extra help to shift the items they don’t have the space for but don’t want to lose. The need for more space is a clear answer to self storage success.

The self-storage industry has seen an arguably ever-lasting demand throughout the last two years, and it seems like it is only going to improve further. What was once an American concept has become a permanent home in the UK. We are so excited to see what the rest of 2021 and 2022 brings to the industry.

If you’re looking for a storage company that puts customers first, Apex Self Storage has the perfect unit waiting for you. Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you.