Self-storage units in the UK have been rising in popularity over the past few years, so much so that in last year (2021), occupancy in the UK was at a record high of 83%. Whether it is being used for business storage, the storage of personal belongings when someone is moving home, or for some other reason, storage units can be very useful and are becoming increasingly popular.
Whether you are looking for a small storage area or a larger unit within a large complex, self-storage facilities are ideal for keeping your possessions safe and secure, away from your home or business premises, but also accessible when you need them.
There are several reasons why here at Boxpod, we have been noticing more and more people are turning to self-storage units. And here are some of the reasons why:
Moving
Whether it is a business or domestic property, if you are putting a property on the market to sell or up for rent, it can be very helpful to declutter the space or move some things that might not help when you are advertising the property. A storage unit can be the ideal place to store these belongings on a temporary basis, whilst the property is being sold or advertised for rent.
As the property market becomes increasingly competitive, it is vital that domestic and commercial property owners can compete, and, therefore, we are seeing more and more people looking to make their spaces look as attractive and ‘impersonal’ as possible – and moving some of their clutter into self-storage units whilst they are on the market.
More Time Spent at Home
More and more people have been spending more time at home since the COVID-19 pandemic normalised working from home – or just staying in more. This has meant a rise in home offices, perhaps with people converting their spare bedrooms into an office, or with people just wanting more space at home. Instead of getting rid of their possessions, domestic customers are using self-storage facilities to store them in a safe and secure place, conveniently located, and with access to their belongings as and when they are needed.
Change in Business Models
Business models are changing – even more so since the pandemic. With an increase of businesses operating online, we are seeing more and more looking for storage space where they can keep their products before they are shipped out to customers. With the rise of online businesses, these kinds of operations are becoming more commonplace, and a self-storage unit is an ideal place to keep these products.
Business Growth
Another reason why a business may wish to use a self-storage unit is if they are growing or downsizing – maybe for additional stock or furniture that you have purchased but do not need quite yet. Whatever is going on with your business, it can be useful to have some extra storage space where you can keep any items that you do not need immediately to hand, and a self-storage unit that is lockable and that only you have access to is the ideal solution.
Home Extension
The housing market is pretty tricky at the moment. In fact, there are many people who, unlike before when they would have sold their property and moved to a bigger home, are now opting to stay in their homes and build an extension. Unfortunately, the upheaval of building work going on in the home means that often bigger pieces of furniture – or just boxes of smaller belongings – need to be stored out of the way for a while.
The number of people who are doing this is significant and this is a big part of why we are seeing such as rise in the popularity of self-storage units.
Renting out Properties
Another trend that we are increasingly seeing is more and more people who are looking to rent out their property – either through apps such as Airbnb or on longer-term leases. In order to make your home suitable for leasing, it is important that you remove as many of your personal belongings as possible. A self-storage unit is an ideal place to put these belongings, as they are safe and secure, and a cost-effective way to help you declutter.
When Someone Passes Away
When someone passes away, it can be a difficult and emotional time. Along with having to deal with bereavement, many people also have to deal with the person’s property, sorting out their estate, and sometimes clearing their home so that it can be sold. For some people, clearing the home is a big emotional upheaval, and it is too much to have to also sort through the person’s belongings. By moving them to a self-storage unit, you can empty the property, then go through the belongings at a time that is best for you. Belongings are kept somewhere that is not too expensive, whilst being securely locked away until you can deal with them.
Hobbies
Did you enjoy learning a new hobby during the pandemic? Did you buy loads of gear for your new hobby that you haven’t had the time to pick up again? Do you not want to get rid of it but are not able to spend much time on your hobby at the moment? Packing it all away in a self-storage unit is ideal. It enables you to have access to it all when you want it but does not mean that you are sitting with equipment around you all of the time.
Whether it is fishing, model trains, or carpentry, a self-storage unit is a perfect way to store it temporarily until you have time to pick up your hobby again.
Final Thoughts
There are many times throughout our lives when self-storage units can be useful to both businesses and domestic customers. As our lives change, businesses change, and our relationship with properties change, it seems that self-storage is likely to play an increasingly important part in our lives.
Here at Boxpod, we have a range of self-storage options for you around the country, so why not have a look and choose where is best for you?
Looking to expand or grow your business? Find your perfect space on Boxpod.
Do you own or manage commercial space? Advertise it on Boxpod.