With a focus on self-storage for more than 40 years, Coastal Storage has unique experience to see the longevity in self-storage. As an investor, you may get tired of the business, but the business is slow, steady, and profitable.
In 2026, there are over 52,000 self-storage facilities in the United States. (Sparefoot) Approximately 11% of Americans use a self-storage space for their belongings. (Sparefoot) The national average for occupancy remains at 85% nationwide. (Sparefoot) This industry is steady and growing.
Four main factors contribute to the success of the self-storage industry. These four factors are common, regardless of location or background. Circumstances don’t change the need for self-storage tremendously. The four factors include death, divorce, dislocation, and downsizing. Currently, 100% of the population faces death; sadly, at least 50% of the population faces divorce, and many face dislocation or the need to downsize at some point in life. These four factors consistently drive the demand for self-storage across the United States.
Death
Losing a loved one is a defining moment. There are many decisions that need to be made quickly, and others that require more time and thought. Self-storage can ease some of the burden in making decisions, so that the rush is set aside to deal with the belongings left behind.
A self-storage unit is a smart option to store items until they can be properly sorted, sold, or otherwise discarded. Moving items into a storage unit allows for time to deal with other, more pressing issues, and to then work with family members to address the items left behind.
Divorce
When divorce occurs, self-storage presents a solution to a difficult situation for families. Self-storage allows for the storage of items that might not be a good fit in the next home or apartment. Divorce is difficult, and having a place to store belongings during the transition time eases the burden.
If the parties involved were tenants before the dissolution of marriage, it is important for the owners of the self-storage to follow the law about the property and to maintain an updated lease agreement that may be required for the legal process.
Downsizing
When it’s time to downsize, whether out of necessity or desire, it’s easy to use self-storage as a staging place for the items that are no longer most needed. These items can be catalogued, stored properly, and retrieved as needed for use or for sale. Expert organization skills are essential in making it easy to determine what items are staying and what items need to go.
Dislocation
Dislocation can be stressful when the need to move arises quickly and unexpectedly. Maybe a college student is moving out of a dorm or apartment and needs a place to store items until school returns again in a few months. Businesses are smart to market to individuals facing dislocation for whatever reason and to work to meet their needs.
Self-storage is a service industry that provides an immediate answer to people facing difficult situations. People from all walks of life face difficult situations daily and may need self-storage as they navigate the hard seasons of life. Self-storage businesses offer solutions to people in difficult situations, and in life, there are always difficult situations. That is why this market will always be a steady investment for entrepreneurs and investors.
At Coastal Storage, we believe that self-storage is the best investment. We work with curious clients to show them the great potential in the industry. We partner with them through acquisition or construction to create a business that is the best investment for their unique needs. Call us today at 904-591-0140 and connect with our team of experts at Coastal Storage. We would love to work with you.