Call Today
0800 131 3839
0800 131 3839
“In 1999 there were only 100 self-storage depots in the UK. Now there are about 600”, writes the BBC. This reference is made to sites operating fully-fledged, purpose built storage facilities similar to Alligator’s Birmingham Storage Centre. We have previously highlighted the number of storage sites in the UK rivals the number of McDonalds Restaurants The storage needs of individuals and businesses are changing at an astonishing rate. Especially within the UK where businesses have experienced dramatic changes because of the recent recession and as the economic climate improves, are now facing growth (and further changes!) once more.
During this time, the need for self storage has increased rapidly, year-on-year. As word spreads of the flexible nature of self storage facilities, quite often with no minimum contract, people are more relaxed about renting space for a short period of time during home renovations or redecoration. Similarly, permanent storage is becoming more frequent as an extension to the home, garden shed, garage or business.
The boom began in America in the 1960s, and spread to the United Kingdom in the 1990s. Over the past fifteen years, the popularity of storage units has been astonishing. Now, the storage industry is enjoying global success as large companies buy over land in places such as Saudi Arabia and Australia.
The quality of storage facilities has improved considerably over the years. Large warehouse-type buildings have been transformed into purpose-built, state of the art, facilities with heating, lighting, CCTV and improved security. Many items stored require an appropriate storage climate, and this can now be facilitated. Among those to benefit from this improvement are businesses wishing to store document archives, museum items, and home storage users whose fine art, and general household goods and electrics are sensitive to damp or cold conditions. The increased popularity of such facilities has led to heightened media coverage and scheduled events.
Recently one of the biggest events in the Self Storage Industry took place in New Orleans. The Inside Self Storage World Expo, ran for 3 days and is the leading tradeshow within the industry, featuring an array of educational programs for self storage industry professionals. Over the three days, around thirty seminars that focused on the business needs of today’s economy took place; these allow (and encourage) networking between “self-storage owners, managers, developers, investors and suppliers” 
A progressive education program was highlighted offering critical business information and advice for self storage companies, investors and staff. Such a high profile event demonstrates the nature of this rapidly growing industry, which is also supported by records of expansion into new territories.
The future of self storage is rosy. Australian investors are seeking to expand the industry down under, whilst multinational corporations are setting up storage companies in Bahrain and throughout the Middle East. Similarly, self storage in France and Germany is growing at an astonishing rate, with companies in the UK experiencing a similar rise in demand.
