Nearly 1 in 5 Americans Use Self Storage

Eighteen percent of Americans currently rent storage and 14% plan to do so in the future, according to a survey conducted by StorageCafe.

Millennials are most likely to use self storage, as they account for 25% of self storage use. Following close behind, Gen X accounts for 23%, boomers at 22%, the Silent Generation at 13% and Gen Z at 12%. Interest in future self storage rentals has also increased in the past year.

The top reason for renting storage is lack of space. This year, 42% of storage renters cited limited space as their reason for renting, as compared to 40% last year. Unsurprisingly, this complaint comes from renters more than homeowners. This may be attributed to shrinking apartment sizes. Over the last decade, the average apartment size has decreased from 929 to 917 square feet. In 2022, it hit a low of 890 square feet.

Other reasons for renting storage include:

• Moving (other than downsizing): 25%
• Downsizing home (7%)
• Changes in household size (7%)
• Storing for business purposes (7%)
• Home renovation (4%)

Furniture remains the most commonly stored item with 29% of respondents citing this usage. Other stored items include clothing (19%), home appliances and equipment (19%), sporting items and hobby gear (9%), business items (7%), vehicles (5%), RVs (2%) and boats (2%). Notably, vehicle storage has increased by 50% year-over-year.

Additionally, the most common sized storage units rented are 10’x10’ (22%) and 5’x10’ (21%). The survey also found that men are more likely to rent larger units than women and non-climate-controlled units are most popular (55%).

Interestingly, the survey asked storage renters what their most unusual items in storage were. Among pet ashes and a jukebox, several cited storing personal collections including fur hats, wigs, baby shoes and Beanie Babies.