If you’ve ever found yourself hanging on to boxes of old clothes, holiday decorations you “might need one day,” or hobby equipment gathering dust, you’re not alone.
Across the UK, millions of us are running out of room, and it’s fuelling a self-storage boom worth over £1.2 billion a year.
But does that mean we’re a nation of hoarders? Or are there deeper reasons behind our need for extra space?
The Race for Space
The UK self-storage industry is expanding…and fast. According to the latest Self Storage Association (SSA) report, there are now more than 64 million sq ft of storage space nationwide. That’s the equivalent of almost 900 football pitches filled with boxes, furniture and stock.
Yet compared to other countries, we’re still in the early stages. The US has a whopping 7 sq ft of storage per person; in the UK, we have less than 1 sq ft each. If history is anything to go by, where America leads, Britain often follows, so the appetite for storage here could still grow dramatically.
Who’s Using Self-Storage?
It’s easy to assume storage units are just for families clinging on to clutter, but the reality is more varied. Around 73% of users are residential customers, storing things for all sorts of reasons:
- Moving house, downsizing, or renovating
- Keeping sentimental or inherited belongings safe
- Stashing seasonal gear like skis, bikes, or Christmas decorations
The other 27% are businesses, from small online retailers needing space for stock, to tradespeople housing tools, to start-ups using units as mini distribution hubs. In fact, nearly a quarter of business users actually run their operations directly from their unit.
So, while there’s a hint of hoarding, much of it is about practicality.
Why We’re Running Out of Room
There are a few big reasons the UK is racing for space:
- Smaller homes: British homes are some of the tiniest in Europe. Many simply don’t have a garage or loft to stash things away.
- Life events: Divorce, retirement, or bereavement often lead to boxes of “stuff” that no one’s ready to deal with immediately.
- Bulky hobbies: From camping to kayaking, modern lifestyles come with more kit.
- Business growth: Flexible space is cheaper than warehouses and far less hassle than a long lease.
In other words, self-storage isn’t just about hoarding, it’s also about adapting.
Are We Hoarders, or Just Realists?
It’s worth asking whether Brits are really hoarders at heart. Yes, many of us keep things we probably don’t need, but high customer satisfaction suggests storage is more than a guilty habit. 88% of people using self-storage are happy with the service, and 41% return for repeat use.
There’s also the cultural side: while decluttering trends like Marie Kondo encourage us to throw things away, there’s still a strong desire to hang on to possessions “just in case.” Storage units provide a compromise — you get the mental clarity of a tidy home without the emotional strain of letting go.
The Modern Face of Storage
Forget the image of a dark, dusty lock-up. Today’s facilities are clean, well-lit, and increasingly high-tech.
- 90% offer online bookings
- 82% use monitored CCTV
- 68% of operators are already using AI, from security to customer service
- 50% of customers are comfortable with unmanned sites
Many centres are doubling as co-working hubs, parcel collection points and even business lounges. With more sites adding solar panels and energy-efficient lighting, storage is also becoming greener.
The Cost of Hanging On
Traditional storage doesn’t come cheap. A small unit can cost £20-£40 per week, rising to £150+ for larger spaces. And that’s before you factor in extras like deposits, van hire, padlocks and insurance.
That’s why alternatives like “storage by the box” are gaining traction, letting people pay per box rather than per square foot. For light users, it’s a more affordable, flexible option, and avoids the classic mistake of paying for a massive unit that’s half-empty.
So, Are We a Nation of Hoarders?
The rise of self-storage certainly hints at a reluctance to let go of our possessions. But it’s not the whole story. The reality is that Britain’s small homes, shifting lifestyles, and booming online economy mean we need flexible space more than ever.
Maybe we’re not hoarders in the old-fashioned sense (clinging on to every bit of junk) but we are a nation that likes to keep its options open. Whether it’s holding onto family heirlooms, making space for life’s transitions, or fuelling a new business, self-storage has become the middle ground between clutter and clarity.
And with the industry only just getting started, it looks like the UK’s relationship with “stuff” is here to stay.