The self storage industry has been booming in recent years and during 2024, it experienced a shift in demand as the post-pandemic boom stabilised. Despite this stabilisation, 2024 was another exciting year. We witnessed huge acquisitions from industry giants, and the market remained full of opportunities for investors and operators.
So, what are the predictions for the self storage market in 2025?
To provide a clearer perspective on what to expect in the future, we have gathered insights from three influential figures in the self storage industry: Kristi Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at OpenTech Alliance, a leader in self storage technology; Rennie Schafer, Chief Executive Officer at The Self Storage Association UK and FEDESSA; and Andy O’Dell, CEO at Kuboid, leader in self storage construction.
Together, they will help you stay informed about emerging trends and prepare for an industry that continues to evolve.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
First on this list has to be AI, the hot topic of the past few years. If you’re familiar with the phrase “work smarter, not harder,” then you already understand one of the main benefits of AI. Industry experts believe that this transformative technology is becoming an integral part of the self storage industry and is set to revolutionise how businesses operate.
Rennie Schafer states: “Using AI will help operators improve their digital journey so customers get a personalised experience.”
“I witnessed a Google demonstration in the US last year – a customer took a video of a room full of furniture and Google told them what sized storage unit they would need: this is a sign of what’s to come.”
Kristi Adams believes that “AI will drive innovation.”
“We will see more optimised pricing strategies and enhancing customer experiences through tools like automated support and chatbots. Customer journeys are also evolving with the introduction of interactive mapping, allowing potential tenants to visualise and engage with the facility in a more intuitive way.”
Overall, Rennie Schafer suggests that we will see “a wide scale adoption of AI in 2025.”
“We will see more operators testing out what AI can do and building the platform for using AI more extensively as the technology evolves.”
Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it’s becoming an important part of any businesses as consumers become more aware about the consequences of climate change. In 2025, we expect more operators to focus on reducing their environmental footprint by incorporating eco-friendly practices into their operations.
Kristi Adams believes that that “sustainability is becoming a consumer preference.”
“Facilities featuring solar panels and energy-efficient lighting will appeal to environmentally conscious customers, particularly in your markets, where sustainability is becoming a consumer preference. Make sure to add this prominently on your website and other places of visibility to ensure all are aware of your commitment to sustainability.”
Andy O’Dell states that “operators should make the most of the competitive pricing of new technologies within the sustainability marketplace.”
Technology
The self storage industry is becoming more tech-savvy, something we noted has increased year on year at the annual trade shows. In 2025, we can expect even more technological advancements.
Rennie Schafer suggests: “I think adoption of technology will continue to be the big trend in 2025. More adoption of electronic locks, more use of monitored CCTV, more unmanned and micro sites, and people using AI to analyse their data and influence pricing policies. I also think we will see more localised offline marketing as online marketing costs increase and people look for an alternative to AdWords.”
Kristi Adams supports Rennie’s point on security: “Advanced monitoring technologies, including cameras and sensors, will help operators offer heightened security, which remains a top concern for tenants and our industry.”
Customers will soon expect seamless, tech-driven solutions that make storage easy, while operators will benefit from improved facility management and enhanced security.
The Customer Experience
“A great customer experience is the foundation of a successful self storage business. In 2025, businesses that prioritise ease of use, accessibility, and exceptional service will be the ones leading the way.” – Andy O’Dell.
As competition in the self storage industry continues to grow, exceptional customer service will become even more crucial in 2025. Operators will need to go beyond just offering storage space – they’ll need to create a personalised experience that builds trust and customer loyalty.
“Consumer expectations continue to move towards fast, easy and convenient. Operators should prioritise robust online rental systems, transparent pricing, and remote managed models to meet this demand.” – Kristi Adams
Market Consolidation and Strategic Acquisitions
We expect a wave of consolidation and strategic acquisitions in 2025. Larger operators are seeking to expand their portfolios through acquisitions, while smaller players may look to sell to take advantage of market growth. The Shurgard and Lok’nStore deal is just one example of this ongoing trend.
Whether you’re looking to expand your business or explore investment opportunities, acquisitions in the self storage sector are expected to be a significant part of the market’s evolution in 2025.
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