Self storage is another phenomenon that arrived in the UK from the States. It started in the USA in the late 1960s growing substantially during the 70s due to increased consumer purchasing power and access to an ever-increasing array of consumer goods. All this put pressure on household storage, combined with the fact that new builds had very limited storage capacity.
Self storage didn’t start in the UK until the 1980s. However, since then has seen substantial growth with average growth rates of around 25-30% pa and a total market estimated to be worth £280 m in 2005. The market is still relatively young in the UK, although the potential immense, currently one out of 170 households use self storage in the UK compared to one out of 11 in the USA.
Safestore entered the market in 1998 with 7 storage centres. Since then the company has grown through organic growth and acquisition. Today Safestore is the market leader in the UK and number two in Europe with a portfolio of more than 85 stores (including a number of business centres) in the UK and 18 in France.
Often sited along major roads close to densely populated areas, retail parks and light industrial estates, self storage centres are user-friendly facilities. For businesses, self storage is an alternative to owning or leasing expensive space. For the consumer self storage frees up essential space at home or eases the pressure when moving home or re-decorating. Also students and expatriates appreciate the flexible and convenient features of self storage.
Lockable secure space of practically any size for as short or long a period as you require is offered. As the only person to hold the key, there is the freedom to come and go as often as you like during normal working hours. Selected Safestore centres also offer 24-hour access seven days a week and full business service centres and workshops.