Real estate and self storage are two industries with direct connections to each other. Several factors in the real estate industry create a lasting impact on the general consumer’s need to rent a storage unit.
Whether you’re a real estate professional, a self storage renter, or curious about the market, this article from Saf Keep Storage provides valuable insights into how these two sectors are interconnected.
What Real Estate Market Trends Impact the Self Storage Industry?
Trends in the real estate market are always changing. These changes, positive or negative, also impact the number of people who rent a storage unit. We’ll share four common market trends in the real estate industry that affect self storage below.
1. The Housing Market
Self storage demand is tied to the rate of home sales and moving activity. Around 25% of self storage demand is attributed to people moving into new homes. Although the high home prices in the current market and people delaying their moves cause a temporary softening of storage demand, this increases demand later on when a new generation of homebuyers becomes the majority in the market.
2. Property Values
Another real estate trend that causes change in the self storage industry is property values. In 2025, home prices increased by about 1.2% nationwide year-over-year, while home sales declined by 1.3%. This rise in prices leads more individuals to rent or purchase smaller homes, and the limited space in these smaller homes contributes to increased demand for storage units.
3. Rising Urbanization
Residents across the country are moving to urban communities more than ever before. Between 2010 and 2020, the urban population in the United States increased by 6.4%. Moving to urban communities often means having less space for the average person to store their belongings at home, which drives up the need for self storage.
4. Recession Resistance
Recessions are a significant blow that hits the majority of industries. Self storage is one of the exceptions. The storage industry presents a resilient real estate opportunity for investors to profit in a growing market, even during economic downturns. It provides the average customer an affordable way to keep their belongings in a secure location without breaking the bank.
Which Self Storage Market Trends Impact Growth?
As these real estate market trends evolve, so does the self storage industry. As a result of the real estate market, the opportunities for self storage change over time. Being the resilient market it is, storage always appears to take these changes as an opportunity for growth.
Here are five self storage trends from the past few years that have driven the industry’s development.
1. Pent-Up Demand
Rising urbanization and an increase in people renting smaller spaces mean that demand for self storage builds up over time. What drives this demand is major life events, which require more space to accommodate the change. These life events include:
- Moving to a new town
- Job changes
- Marriage
- Starting a family
- Divorce
- Downsizing
- The passing of a loved one
- Home resizing
- Attending college
- Renovations
The industry experienced growth during the 2020 pandemic as people saw self storage as a cost-effective way to create space quickly. The more change that occurs, the better the odds that demand for storage will increase.
2. Shifting Demographics
Changing demographics have also sparked an opportunity for growth in the self storage industry. Millennials are steadily becoming the primary generation of homebuyers, replacing baby boomers and Gen X. Though millennials are more likely to rent storage due to moving into smaller spaces, such as apartments.
This demographic shift, combined with the real estate trends of the next few years, has the potential to create a significant impact on storage sales.
3. Growth in E-Commerce and Small Businesses
Businesses have also discovered a new use for self storage. The popular trend with business storage is the growth of e-commerce and small businesses. Self storage is a great option for small online retail businesses to establish their own fulfillment center. Here, small businesses can organize their inventory, package goods, and ship them without costing a fortune.
Many industries can use business storage. Seasonal pop-ups can store their inventory during the off-season. Real estate companies can offer staging opportunities to homebuyers during a move. If you’re an event planner, a storage unit is a great place for temporary storage of decorations, equipment, and supplies.
4. Seasonal Demand
Some storage buying seasons are busier than others. Spring and summer see higher demand since it’s easier to move homes in the warmer weather. Winter presents an opportunity for cheaper rates as demand drops, prompting storage facilities to find ways to fill vacancies.
The summer moving season also aligns with the peaks of storage rentals, making the connection with real estate stronger.
5. Technology Use
Advances in technology have led numerous storage facilities to take the next step by offering various features and amenities. These advancements include enhanced security features, online payment options, and the introduction of new storage unit types.
As you research storage facilities, pay attention to the features included with your storage unit rental. It could make or break your decision on which storage facility you choose. One place you should not overlook is Saf Keep Storage. We offer numerous security features, like smart storage units from StorageDefender. Don’t forget about packing supplies for your move.
Join the Growing Self Storage Market at Saf Keep Storage
There’s no better place to find the storage unit you need than Saf Keep Storage. We have many state-of-the-art storage facilities, each featuring a wide range of small, medium, and large storage units to choose from. Whether you’re planning to move homes or need to store inventory for your growing business, take advantage of the growing storage market with the best.
Contact our team online or find your nearest Saf Keep Storage facility online to rent or reserve a storage unit today!
