Why 2025 Marks a New Boom for Self-Storage

Why 2025 Marks a New Boom for Self-Storage

The self-storage industry is entering a pivotal phase in 2025, with demand set to rebound strongly even as new supply slows. Despite short-term challenges like reduced home-moving and limited new facility builds, core long-term trends are fuelling optimism. Here’s why the storage sector—especially local providers like Easy Access Self Storage—is poised for growth and greater relevance in the years ahead.

  1. Demand Remains Strong Amid Market Cycles

According to industry analyst Cory Sylvester, although there was a 10% decline in storage demand tied to moving activity, overall demand remains solid—driven by space constraints and commercial needs. The primary factors influencing change include:

  • Moving-related demand (≈50%) dipping due to high mortgage rates (6–7%) and cautious consumer behavior.
  • Space needs (≈33%) driven by downsizing, remote working, and small businesses.
  • Commercial/residential usage (≈17%) from tradespeople, e-commerce sellers, and event planners.

As moving activity stabilised through late 2024, historical trends suggest a bounce back in the self-storage sector.

  1. New Supply Has Slowed—Boosting Occupancy

Between 2022 and 2024, rising interest rates and construction costs caused many planned storage projects to be shelved development fell by more than half of its five-year average. With fewer new facilities opening, the balance between supply and demand has improved.

  • National occupancy rates now exceed 90%, giving existing facilities pricing power.
  • As competition eases, owners can raise rates without jeopardising occupancy—leading to better returns and stability.
  1. Changing Living Patterns Fuel Long-Term Growth

Several secular shifts are driving storage demand independently of market cycles:

  • Smaller homes: New build homes are on average 12% smaller than they were in 2016, meaning less in-home storage and more need for external units.
  • Strong rental sector: Renters are 2–3 times more likely to use storage, demand is built-in.
  • Urban densification: As living space shrinks, having offsite storage becomes essential for locals and homeowners alike.
  1. Stabilising Rates and a Resilient Market

Though storage rates dropped slightly year-over-year in early 2025, they have rebounded month-over-month, signalling stabilisation.

  • Advertised rates for a 10×10 unit are holding, with seasonal fluctuations but steady recovery.
  • Rental revenue is improving, marking a positive uptick for 2025 .
  1. A Rebel Sector: Typical Recession-Resistance

Self-storage has a reputation as a recession-resistant asset class—and for good reason.

  • Occupancies over 90% during downturns signal strong underlying demand.
  • In fact, during the 2008–2011 financial crisis, storage delivered 5.1% total returns, outperforming many sectors .
  1. What This Means for Easy Access Self Storage

For local providers like Easy Access Self Storage, these market trends translate into opportunities for customers and owners alike:

Customers Enjoy:

  • High security and occupancy ensure reliable service and peace of mind.
  • Stable pricing with gradual, transparent rate increases tied to market demand.
  • Rapid access to flexible space, as our units rarely sit empty for long.

Owners Benefit From:

  • Ability to reinvest in facility improvements (e.g. drive‑up units, climate control).
  • Enhanced revenue streams from occupancy and insurance add-ons.
  • Confidence in long-term performance even amid broader economic pressures.

Key Takeaways & Outlook for 2025

Trend Insight
Moving demand rebounds As housing market stabilises, storage need rises
Limited new build Occupancy stays high, driving profitability
Lifestyle trends Urban living and downsizing anchor demand
Rate stabilisation Balanced pricing benefiting customers and operators
Recession resilience Self-storage continues to deliver in downturns

With analysts projecting industry growth (6–7% CAGR in some forecasts), and a compelling case for operational strength even with rising interest rates, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for storage.

Why Now is a Great Time to Choose Easy Access Self Storage

If you’re a resident needing decluttering space, a business owner, or relocating home, now is the perfect time to access secure storage:

  • High occupancy means better long-term care, not neglected or sold-off units.
  • Growing demand ensures continued investment into facility upgrades.
  • Lower national oversupply increases reliability and service consistency.
  • Deep ties to Tameside, Stockport and Trafford mean we’re locally invested—and personally invested—in your satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The self-storage market is marching toward a promising future. With a well-balanced mix of recovering demand, shrinking new supply, and resilient usage, 2025 is setting the stage for growth. Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, running a business, or just need a secure place for your valued belongings, Easy Access Self Storage is your local partner in a nationally strong sector.

Our Self Storage Solutions

No matter what your self storage requirements you’re guaranteed a fully accessible and secure self storage service with extended hours access.

Moving home? Looking to create more space? We will help you store your personal belongings safety and conveniently.

Easy Access Self Storage is a leading self-storage company in the Manchester area. We’re not just a storage company, we provide an impeccable service to meet even the most exacting of requirements.

To find out more about how we can help you efficiently manage all your storage needs at an affordable cost, and receive four weeks’ storage FREE of charge, give us a call today on 0161 431 5222.

Tailored storage solutions for your business. Whether you have an excess of stock or are relocating, we can help you.

Easy Access Self Storage is a leading self-storage company in the Manchester area. We’re not just a storage company, we provide an impeccable service to meet even the most exacting of requirements.

To find out more about how we can help you efficiently manage all your storage needs at an affordable cost, and receive four weeks’ storage FREE of charge, give us a call today on 0161 431 5222.

Get the best deals for students across the Manchester area. Contact us today for affordable prices on short and long-term storage.

Easy Access Self Storage is a leading self-storage company in the Manchester area. We’re not just a storage company, we provide an impeccable service to meet even the most exacting of requirements.

To find out more about how we can help you efficiently manage all your storage needs at an affordable cost, and receive four weeks’ storage FREE of charge, give us a call today on 0161 431 5222.

Our 24-hour secure facilities are the ideal place to store your vehicle. If you can’t garage your car or want complete peace of mind, we can help.

Easy Access Self Storage is a leading self-storage company in the Manchester area. We’re not just a storage company, we provide an impeccable service to meet even the most exacting of requirements.

To find out more about how we can help you efficiently manage all your storage needs at an affordable cost, and receive four weeks’ storage FREE of charge, give us a call today on 0161 431 5222.

We’re not just storage.

Although many companies claim to, we really do think outside the box, ensuring all your storage needs are covered from start to finish.

  • Van Move-In Service
  • FREE Wifi
  • FREE Forklift
  • Mailbox Service
  • Dispatch Service
  • Extended Hours Access
  • Coffee & Kitchen Area