The market for self-storage

The self-storage market in Europe and worldwide is growing at a dynamic pace, and Poland, while still in the early stages, holds enormous potential in this sector. Self-storage addresses the changing needs of both individual and business customers while benefiting from global trends such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, and the rise of e-commerce.

Factors Driving the Growth of the Self-Storage Market

The growth of the self-storage market is influenced by numerous factors that drive demand in two main customer segments: individual customers and businesses. Both groups have different needs, but they share a common goal – an increasing demand for additional storage space.

Individual Customers

Demand from individual customers largely results from:

• Rising rental costs per m² of housing: In large cities, property prices and rental costs continue to increase, limiting the availability of storage space.
• Remote work since the pandemic: More people are reorganizing their homes to create workspaces, renting storage units to store items that take up valuable space.
• Lack of storage units in new buildings: Modern residential complexes rarely provide dedicated storage areas, making self-storage a natural solution.
• Lifestyle changes: Frequent moves, travel, minimalism, or simply a desire to maintain order at home motivate people to use storage solutions.

Business Customers

Companies, both small and large, are also driving the self-storage market forward:

• E-commerce growth: Online stores and small businesses often store inventory at home. As their operations grow, they need flexible, secure, and accessible storage spaces.
• Cost optimization: Renting self-storage is often a cheaper and more flexible option than long-term leases of large traditional warehouses.
• Seasonal businesses: Industries with seasonal activity, such as retail or events, use self-storage to store equipment or goods during low-activity periods.
• Outsourcing logistics: For small and medium-sized businesses, self-storage is an ideal logistical solution, enabling goods to be stored close to customers.

Location Factors

Location plays a key role in the success of a self-storage facility. The best results are achieved by facilities located in:

• Large cities and their suburbs: Dense development and high population density generate the greatest demand for self-storage.
• Developing cities: Areas experiencing population growth, new job opportunities, and infrastructure development are attractive locations.
• Proximity to major transportation routes: Accessibility is crucial – proximity to roads, transport hubs, or residential areas significantly increases customer interest.
• Areas with limited residential space: In cities dominated by small apartments or modern residential complexes without storage options, self-storage naturally fills this gap.

Self-storage in Europe and Poland

The history of self-storage in Western Europe spans several decades. Mature markets such as the United Kingdom and Denmark boast a ratio of up to 0.08 m² of storage space per capita. In Poland, however, this figure is significantly lower – currently around 0.005 m² per capita.

This discrepancy does not stem from a lack of demand or a different attitude among Poles toward self-storage, but rather from the fact that the self-storage industry in Poland is still in its early stages. The first facilities appeared in the country only in 2011, meaning the market holds enormous growth potential.

The Future of the Self-Storage Market

Poland has a significant opportunity for the development of this industry. Urbanization, increasing storage needs, and changing lifestyles are driving the rising popularity of self-storage. With favorable investment conditions, technological advancements, and growing awareness among both individual and business clients, the market’s potential in Poland is immense.