The self-storage industry has seen significant growth over recent years. According to the UK Self Storage Annual Report 2024, there has been an 8.1% expansion in self-storage space. The annual turnover of this industry also exceeds £1 billion and is expected to rise.

In this article, we discuss the current state of the self storage industry, what the future could look like and how Apex Self Storage’s solutions are perfect for all your storage needs.

Key drivers of the self storage industry

Growth in the popularity of self storage has been driven largely by people looking to declutter their homes.

The recent housing crisis has also meant that more homes have limited space for individuals, couples and families. As a result, people are looking for self storage units to store any overflowing belongings.

An increase in demand has also been influenced by e-commerce businesses seeking safe space to store their goods, according to Storeganise. These self storage units are an invaluable resource for small, medium or online businesses looking for a secure, clean and dry space to keep their inventory.

Future of self storage

Looking to the future, cutting-edge technologies, shifting customer expectations and sustainability will be key influences on the self storage industry. Let’s dive into some trends that will transform the industry we know today.

1. Smart storage facilities

As technology rapidly progresses, self storage facilities will soon be equipped with advanced technology that will enhance the customer experience.

This will include websites becoming more user-friendly and online leasing options, improving customer convenience when searching for and renting a self storage unit.

The future could also hold the implementation of smart locks, remote management systems, and cloud-based services, which will streamline self storage operations and improve the security of the units.

2. Sustainable and eco-friendly practices

Amid the climate crisis, sustainable thinking is top of mind for many businesses. Sustainability will increasingly become a focus of the self storage industry, with companies adopting more and more eco-friendly practices.

Greener practices

At Apex, we pride ourselves on our buildings having a low carbon footprint. We also use LED lighting to reduce energy consumption, providing you with a greener storage option.
In the future, greener buildings, featuring solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and rainwater recycling systems will be the industry standard.

Eco-friendly packaging

Additionally, the use of sustainable packaging and other materials will help to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

At Apex Self Storage, we provide cardboard recycling free of charge on each site and plenty of high-quality packaging materials which can be reused over and over again!

3. Personalised customer experiences

Personalisation is the name of the game. As customers demand more tailored solutions for their storage needs, future self-storage services will offer flexible storage plans, virtual consultations and additional services that contribute more value to their customers.

At Apex Self Storage, we already offer our customers flexible terms on their self storage units; you only need to pay for as much space as you need, for as long as you need it. Using our online storage calculator, you can find out exactly how much storage space you need and receive a free instant quote.

We also provide a free van and driver service, which will come and collect your belongings from home and bring them to our storage centre, taking the stress away from your move. All you have to do is pack your goods, lock your unit and go!

4. E-commerce influence

As we’ve mentioned, the rise of e-commerce has driven exponential growth in the self storage industry. As e-commerce increasingly becomes the main platform of sale for businesses, self storage units are a brilliant solution for inventory management, for enterprises big and small.

5. Consumer behaviour shifts

Consumer behaviour is constantly evolving. As more and more people are migrating to the cities, for work and other purposes, space begins to become more limited. As a result, people need space separate from their homes to store any extra furniture or possessions they have.

Customers also want flexible storage options to cater to their variable lifestyles. Our self storage units are the perfect short-term and long-term solutions. With Apex Self Storage you can even change the size of your unit according to your needs.

You can transfer to a bigger or smaller unit as and when you need to, at no extra cost, as long as we have the availability. You can be sure that you are getting not only the best service but also the best value for money, every time.

Experience the future with Apex Self Storage

At Apex Self Storage, we’re setting the standard for the industry. With our flexible terms, safe and secure units and customer-first ethos, our self storage facilities are truly ready for the future and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.

Contact us today to find out more and discover how you can get started.