Gen Z Moving Trends: How Young Adults Use Self Storage Differently

As Gen Z enters the housing market, one clear trend is emerging: self-storage is becoming a practical solution for a generation that rents longer, moves more often and embraces flexible lifestyles. Many young adults use storage to manage small living spaces, house sharing and short-term rentals while keeping their belongings safe and accessible.

The flexibility of renting external self storage space means Gen Z can:

• Rent or buy smaller homes and only pay for the living space they need.
• Keep seasonal items or hobby equipment without cluttering valuable space.
• Store belongings safely while switching accommodation, travelling or studying.
• Store stock or materials for side hustles or small businesses.

How do previous generations use self storage?

Older generations, from Gen X and many Millennials, often use self storage as an optional extra - to declutter, create office space or store belongings that don’t fit at home. For Gen Z, storage is part of everyday living rather than an occasional convenience.

Why Gen Z uses self storage differently

With high housing costs and limited built-in storage in smaller properties, self storage provides a cost-effective alternative to renting larger homes. Instead of paying higher rent for extra cupboards or loft space, many young adults rent affordable storage units nearby.

Key lifestyle factors

Renting for longer

Buying a home is out of reach for many young adults, so they rent for longer. Lease restrictions and temporary contracts make it hard to add built-in storage, making external storage an easy solution.

Frequent moves for work, study or travel

With digital nomad lifestyles and short-term rentals on the rise, many prefer to keep their possessions safely stored in one place rather than moving them between homes.

Working from home and side hustles

Self storage supports home offices and small businesses by keeping work equipment, stock and promotional materials secure while freeing up living space.

Sharing homes

Co-living is common among Gen Z renters. When space is limited or belongings overlap, shared storage provides an easy way to manage overflow items.

Benefits of self storage for Gen Z

Flexibility

Units can be rented from two weeks to several years, with sizes ranging from 10 sq ft lockers to warehouse-sized rooms. Customers can move to a larger or smaller unit as needs change.

Security

All Safestore facilities are monitored by CCTV and have fire and pest control systems. Units can only be accessed by authorised key holders.

Accessibility

Safestore locations are open seven days a week, many with extended access (by prior arrangement), and are situated near major roads and rail networks. Most have onsite parking and covered loading bays.

Affordability

Using self storage is often cheaper than renting a bigger home. Safestore also offers introductory discounts and a Lowest Price Guarantee.*

If you think self storage could help you free up space, find your nearest store and get a quick quote online. Our team can offer tailored advice on storage room sizes and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are more young adults renting self storage?

High housing costs and frequent moves mean many young adults don’t have enough space at home. Renting a storage unit gives them flexibility and keeps belongings safe between moves.

What size storage unit do students and young adults usually need?

Most choose between 25 sq ft and 50 sq ft, about the size of a small garden shed to half a single-car garage. That’s ideal for storing boxes, furniture or personal items while travelling or switching accommodation.

How is Gen Z using self storage differently from older generations?

Gen Z sees self storage as part of everyday living, using it to supplement smaller rented homes or support flexible lifestyles. Older generations tend to use storage as an occasional extra for seasonal or overflow items.