With an annual turnover of £1.08 billion in the UK, according to reports by Cushman & Wakefield, the self storage industry is remaining strong, despite economic uncertainty. The future of the self storage industry is truly very promising.

In this article, we detail key trends affecting the self storage industry and consumer expectations, and how Apex Self Storage is staying ahead of the game.

Housing crisis

It is a truth universally acknowledged that there is a housing crisis in the UK. To combat this national shortage, recent governments have been building more and more homes to satisfy the demand.

Although this is incredibly positive for ensuring more people have a place to call home, these homes are getting increasingly smaller with each passing decade. According to Construction UK Magazine, the average living room is nearly 20% smaller, in comparison to the average home in the 1950s.

Modern living

This isn’t purely symptomatic of homes getting smaller. With modern lifestyle habits comes innovation, and many new builds now don’t separate each of the traditional rooms of a house, e.g. dining, living, etc. in their layouts. This open-plan living situation looks contemporary, and fresh, and can even make your home feel bigger, as you have fewer walls getting in the way.

What this does indicate, however, is a seismic shift away from practical storage as there are fewer opportunities for it to be built into your new home, due to more open space.

Of course, this can be incredibly frustrating when buying or renting a new home. However, Apex Self Storage is here to alleviate some of your stress.

Our self storage units are completely adaptable to your personal needs. The size of your unit is suitable to store a 1-bed flat to a 5-bed house, and everything in between. Just ensure that you label everything before putting them in your facility, a must-have tip for using self storage!

Socially responsible

In 2024, businesses will be held to a higher standard. As they should be!

This is relevant across the board, including sustainable business practices, social responsibility and diversity and inclusion, pushing enterprises to demonstrate how they’re living up to and setting the standard for modern businesses.

Customers are the key driver behind this shift, putting their money where their values lie. They value how businesses impact people and the planet over a purely profit-driven strategy.

Our involvement in local communities is what sets us apart.

At Apex Self Storage, our commitment to community involvement is one of our core values. Our team’s dedication truly shines through, donating storage units to local charities every year, including Cancer Research UK, Manchester Food Poverty Action, Moss Side Fire Station, Girl Guides, and the 33rd Warrington West Scout Group and Congleton Museum. We assist them in the way we know best, supporting them to help those in need.

Technological innovations

There are many innovations in technology affecting the self storage industry. Advancements in CCTV technology in particular are revolutionising security measures.

Current CCTV technology, which records during the night, films exclusively in black and white, meaning that all colours appear as shades of grey. This makes it more difficult for the police to track any suspects and achieve justice.

New technological developments mean that recording can now be done in full colour, as the targeted area is illuminated. As a result, clothing colours and other evidence are clearly visible, enabling crime to be easier to tackle. This ensures better safeguarding, as criminal identification is improved and prevention is more easily accomplished.

Security is, of course, paramount in self storage and for our customers. Ensuring your belongings, however valuable, are safe is of the greatest importance to us. Our facilities are clean, dry and private, ensuring all of your possessions are treated with the utmost care and security measures.

Placing you at the centre

A key focus for the self storage industry is improving the experience for customers.

In 2024, customers expect a seamless experience, so storage units need to be user-friendly and convenient. Feeling supported and valued is increasingly important for customers, which is a key factor to implement when enhancing retention and satisfaction.

At Apex Self Storage, we carefully consider all of our customer’s wants and needs, curating an experience that provides ease, security and flexibility.

You only need to pay for the space you use, when you need to use it, as well as granting you the ability to change the size of your storage unit at your request if your circumstances change.

Keep updated with Apex Self Storage

The need for self storage facilities can come at any time. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our facilities and make sure you get your free quote today.