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Self Storage in 2026 – The Key Trends
This article looks at the main facts and figures from the UK’s self-storage association’s annual report – which reveal that, in spite of various pressures, the industry is continuing to thrive.
There’s also a look at the Safe N Stored Units run by Hamiltons Removals, at Harleston and Aldeby on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
It will take around three minutes to read.
Although the property market may be uncertain at the moment, there is one area which has shown consistent signs of growth – self storage. The UK’s Self Storage Association (SSAUK) has just released its annual report. Here, Hamiltons Removals take a look at some of the latest trends.
Self Storage Containers in East Anglia from Hamiltons Removals
At Hamiltons Removals, we have two Safe N Stored sites, at Harleston and Aldeby, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. These should be able to meet all your self-storage needs – however big or small your possessions are, and whatever your reasons for requiring it.
And as one of the leading East Anglian removal companies, we can also help you move home (or your business) whether you want to relocate within the UK or overseas.
The Key Facts and Figures
The report, which was compiled by Cushman and Wakefield on behalf of the UK’s self-storage association (SSAUK), revealed that:
- More than a quarter of users (27%) need extra storage because there is not enough room at home
- Domestic customers now make up three-quarters of all self-storage users
- UK self-storage industry turnover reached a record £1.3 billion in 2025
- And total UK self-storage space has now reached 67.5 million sq ft.
The study is now in its 19th year and typically draws from responses across the association’s member companies (more than 500 at last count) operating over 3,143 stores nationwide.
The Underlying Trends
The Housing Market – As in previous years, a house move remains the single biggest reason for people needing to use self-storage. Being stuck in a chain, or simply having too many possessions to fit into your new (smaller) home, mean any would-be movers need storage facilities.
Any uncertainty in the housing market – for instance, regarding interest rates – invariably has a direct impact on demand for self-storage.
An Upsurge in Container-Based Storage – In 2025, around 230 new sites opened, with an increasing proportion being external container-based storage (48%). This is particularly convenient not just for businesses, who can use it to store stock or (in some cases) operate from the site, but also for domestic consumers too. In most cases you can drive directly up to the container, and loading and unloading is much more straightforward.
Renters are Staying Longer – The report also showed that increasing numbers of self-storage users are renting their space for longer periods of time. The largest cohort (23.2%) has been in their current unit for between one and two years. However, there is a significantly longer ‘tail’ of users – 9.2% have stayed five to six years, 5.3% for seven to eight years, and 1.8% for up to 10 years.
This reflects the satisfaction with the service provided, and it also provides sites with a degree of certainty over their revenue; however, it does provide operators with the challenge of appealing to new, younger users.
The Increased Age Profile – The 55-64 age group is now the largest user of self-storage in the UK, accounting for around one in three of all renters. Many individuals in this age bracket are empty nesters or divorcees looking to move from larger family homes into smaller properties, flats, or retirement living.
Other Life Events – Other key reasons for needing extra space still include renovations and home improvements, or for dealing with personal bereavements and the associated estate management. These so-called ‘life events’ affect all families at some point in time and mean that, whatever the economic situation, the industry has a stable future.
Hamiltons Removals’ Safe N Stored Sites
We operate two Safe N Stored sites – rooms at Harleston and containers at nearby Aldeby. Both sites are well protected with CCTV (the Harleston site has a direct link to Norfolk Police) to give you additional peace of mind. Both sites are on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, making them ideal for those seeking storage units in the Diss area.
Prices at Harleston start at just over £65 a month (for a 25 sq ft room), and collection and delivery services can be arranged if required. Harleston is also where our shop is located, if you need any high-quality packing materials.
Aldeby prices start at £52 per month for a container which is 4ft 8in long by 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 10in high. The Aldeby site is ideal for storing your boat, caravan, motorhome or trailer, especially during the winter months.
If you would like to know more about either of our sites, call us on 01379 855203.
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