Looking for information about the self-storage industry can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we’ve assembled this comprehensive hub of self-storage facts and figures.
The industry is always changing, and whether you this is your first rodeo or you are a seasoned pro, knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you can adapt to market conditions or adjust your marketing to generate new business.
We will update this page as new information comes in, so be sure to check back often.
How Big is the Self-Storage Industry?
- 57,900 self-storage facilities currently operate in the United States.
- 2.6 billion square feet of self-storage space is available in the United States
- There is 7.83 square feet of self-storage space per person in the United States
- Texas has the most self-storage facilities of any state with more than 6,200 facilities
- The self-storage market is projected to grow to $68.75 billion in 2025.
Self-Storage Industry Trends
Self-Storage Rental Rate Trends
The average cost to rent a 10×10 self-storage unit was $105.09 per month during Q1 2025. That is 7.8% lower than the same time period last year.
| Average 10×10 Self-Storage Unit Monthly Rate (Climate-Controlled and Non-CC) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Change |
| $105.09 | $114.03 | -7.8% |
Self-Storage Occupancy Rate Trends
Occupancy has declined slightly over the past year, with operators shedding 1% during that time.
| Average Self-Storage Occupancy | ||
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Change |
| 76.7% | 77.7% | -1% |
Self-Storage Industry Ownership
| Largest Self-Storage Operators (2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Number of facilities (owned) | Number of facilities (owned and managed) |
| Public Storage | 3,330 | 3,705 |
| Extra Space Storage | 1,917 | 3,812 |
| U-Haul International | 1,566 | 2,055 |
| National Storage Affiliates Trust | 1,052 | 1,052 |
| CubeSmart | 692 | 1,494 |
- The majority of self-storage facilities are owned and managed by independent operators.
- Five public companies (REITs and U-Haul) own about one-fifth of all storage facilities.
- The market share of the public companies dropped to 20.9% in 2024, down from 22.5% the previous year. Smaller operators gained market share.
Self-Storage Customer Behavior
- 11% of U.S. households are using a self-storage unit
- 72% of tenants rent a storage unit for the purpose of long-term storage
- 46% of tenants are using storage for items they do not have room for in their primary residence
- 58% of renters rent from the first facility they contacted
- Millennials make up the largest share of self-storage customers, making up 38% of renters
- 49% of self-storage renters stay for more than one year, 24% stay for more than 2 years.
- 54% of U.S. households dedicate between 100-500 square feet of space in their homes to storing belongings.
- 39% of households have converted a guest bedroom into a storage space at home in the last year.
Self-Storage Technology
- Automatic recurring credit card payment is the top most preferred payment method for 19.3% of storage renters
- 71% of facilities use access control keypads
- 36% of potential customers are open to entirely remotely operated self-storage facilities
- 25% of customers would be willing to pay more for 24/7 access
- 63% of storage tenants use online search engines to find self-storage facilities
Sources:
2025 MSM Storage Almanac
2023 SSA Demand Study
Storable Industry Pulse Report
MSM and Janus Industry Survey, 2024
Storable Tenant Insights Report
Storable Cost of Clutter Report
