Self Storage Week

It’s time to unlock the hidden potential of your space – and your imagination! Self Storage Week celebrates the surprising, empowering, and incredibly useful world of self storage – one box, one shelf, and one cleared-out garage at a time. Whether you’re decluttering your life, launching a side hustle, or just wondering what exactly goes on behind those big blue doors, this week is your invitation to find out.

Self storage isn’t just about making room. It’s about making space for growth, freedom, creativity, and change. From startups storing their first stock order to families finding breathing room during a move, self storage has quietly become one of the most versatile tools of modern life.

Founded by Access Self Storage in 2025, Self Storage Week is a nationwide celebration of this often overlooked but absolutely essential industry. It’s a chance to learn, explore, and appreciate how storage supports businesses, communities, and individuals alike.

From myth-busting facts to behind-the-scenes peeks, community events, career spotlights, and clever storage hacks, Self Storage Week invites everyone – from curious newcomers to long-time unit renters – to rediscover the service you didn’t know you needed.

The history of self storage

Self Storage Week was founded by Access Self Storage in 2025 to celebrate a surprisingly powerful idea: that a little extra space can make a big difference. But while the event is modern, the concept of self storage has been around for thousands of years – spanning ancient civilizations, Victorian innovation, and the digital age.

Ancient beginnings: clay pots and clever planning

Long before keycodes and climate control, people were already finding smart ways to store their belongings. The earliest known version of self storage dates back over 6,000 years to ancient China, where communities used large clay pots (carefully buried in secure, designated areas) to keep valuables safe.

These pots often held tools, food, or precious items, sealed and marked with symbols to identify ownership. Functionally, they weren’t all that different from modern lockers: private, protected, and designed to give people a little more space than their homes could offer. This practice may have been low-tech, but it reflected a very modern truth; sometimes, life just needs a bit of extra room.

Victorian ingenuity: elegant storage for the well-traveled

Fast forward to the 19th century, and Britain’s Industrial Revolution brought a new kind of storage solution to the cities: furniture depositories. These grand, often ornately designed buildings served the upper and middle classes, offering long-term storage for families traveling abroad or relocating.

Entire households could be boxed up and kept safely under lock and key, tended by uniformed staff and tracked using meticulous handwritten ledgers. Military families, diplomats, and seasonal travelers relied on these services to store not just furniture, but everything from artwork to books to delicate heirlooms.

These depositories were the spiritual ancestors of today’s self storage units – secure, accessible, and designed to support people on the move. While they were exclusive at the time, the demand they revealed would help shape a more accessible future.

The modern era: a revolution in renting space

The modern self storage model we know today – individual, easy-access units rented by the month – was pioneered in the mid-20th century United States. In 1960s Texas, the first purpose-built facility opened, catering to homeowners and business owners alike. The model took off almost immediately.

It was simple: people needed more space, and weren’t always ready (or able) to part with their possessions. Self storage offered a low-cost, low-commitment solution. Over the following decades, the industry expanded rapidly across the U.S. and eventually the globe.

By the early 2000s, self storage had firmly established itself in the UK, with facilities popping up in suburbs, city centers, and industrial parks. Storage units became invaluable for everyone from students and renters to entrepreneurs and tradespeople.

Smart storage for a fast-paced world

Today, self storage is more than a lock and a roll-up door. Facilities now offer a suite of modern features: climate-controlled rooms, 24/7 access, digital security systems, and mobile apps that let you manage your unit from anywhere.

It’s a reflection of how our lifestyles have changed – faster, smaller, more flexible – and how storage has adapted to keep pace. It’s not just a convenience; it’s a smart solution for modern life.

A week to celebrate

Self Storage Week was created to celebrate all of this: the ancient ingenuity, the Victorian vision, and the tech-savvy evolution of a simple idea that’s helped people navigate life’s changes for centuries.

By shining a spotlight on the industry’s role in our homes, our businesses, and our communities, Access Self Storage invites everyone to discover the surprising history and bright future of self storage. It’s not just a place to stash stuff. It’s a quiet revolution – one square foot at a time.

How to celebrate Self Storage Week

There are more ways to get involved in Self Storage Week than you might expect – and they’re not all about packing boxes! Whether you’re a small business owner, an organizing enthusiast, or just curious about what happens behind those roller doors, there’s something for everyone to explore, share, and enjoy.

1. Take a peek behind the doors

Ever walked past a self storage facility and wondered what people actually keep inside? Self Storage Week is your chance to find out. Many providers open the virtual doors with behind-the-scenes videos, guided tours, and real-life customer stories that show just how creative people can get with a bit of extra space.

You might find musicians using units as rehearsal rooms, artists transforming them into pop-up studios, or families storing treasured heirlooms during a renovation. Expect surprising, often heartwarming insights into how people turn blank boxes into something genuinely useful.

💡 Pro tip: Look out for “day in the life” videos from storage staff or time-lapse clips showing just how much can fit into one unit; it’s oddly satisfying.

2. Join the conversation

Search for Self Storage Week online and you’ll find short-form videos, blog interviews, and expert insights shared across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. It’s the perfect chance to learn how others are using storage in creative ways – and maybe discover how it could work for you too.

💬 Get involved by commenting, sharing, or even posting your own story using #SelfStorageWeek.

3. Get inspired with storage hacks and tips

You don’t need to rent a unit to benefit from Self Storage Week. The week is packed with clever ideas and practical advice for making better use of your space at home, at work, or anywhere in between.

Expect blog posts, Instagram reels, and printable checklists full of smart ideas like:

• Use vertical space: Stack, don’t sprawl.
• Vacuum-seal seasonal clothes to save space.
• Create themed storage zones for easy access (e.g., “Holiday Decor”, “Kids’ Crafts”, or “Tax Archives”).
• Label everything clearly, and color-code if you’re feeling extra organized.

You’ll also find myth-busting facts (“No, storage isn’t just for hoarders!”) and plenty of #StorageGoals inspiration.

🎯 Challenge yourself to a mini-declutter or reorganization project this week – even if it’s just one shelf.

4. Support local communities

Storage doesn’t just help individuals – it can support entire communities. During Self Storage Week, many companies get involved with charity drives, fundraisers, or donation collections hosted in storage units around the UK.

Some facilities set aside units to collect household goods for reuse or re-sale by local charities, creating easy ways to donate items you no longer need. Others host clean-up days, volunteer events, or fundraisers that bring people together for a good cause.

🧡 If you’re clearing out a loft or garage, consider donating useable items like books, toys, or kitchenware instead of tossing them out.

5. Discover career opportunities

Behind every unit is a team of people making the storage world go round – and Self Storage Week is a great time to find out what it’s like to be one of them. The industry offers a wide variety of roles, from hands-on customer service and facility management to digital marketing, logistics, and operations.

You might be surprised by the strong community culture, the room to grow, and the diversity of roles available in this fast-growing sector.

👩‍💼 Look out for staff spotlight videos, recruitment blog posts, and social campaigns that show what a career in storage really looks like.

6. Network with local businesses

Self storage is a not-so-secret weapon for small businesses looking to scale smartly. During Self Storage Week, many facilities host networking events, case studies, or local partnerships aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs.

From Etsy sellers who need inventory space, to event planners storing seasonal gear, to online shops needing a micro-warehouse, storage is a flexible, affordable solution that grows with your business.

💼 Join a local event or follow along online to learn how real businesses are using storage creatively – and get ideas for your own.

7. Host a decluttering party

Why do it alone? Invite friends, family, or housemates to tackle a shared space together – like a garage, loft, or storage closet. Bring snacks, make a playlist, and turn it into a feel-good group event. You’ll be amazed at how motivating it is when everyone’s sorting, reminiscing, and reorganizing together.

🗂️ Bonus: Compete to see who can create the most “space saved” pile!

Why self storage deserves a celebration

Self storage might not be the flashiest industry out there – but once you scratch the surface, it becomes clear that it plays a quietly heroic role in modern life. It supports change. It powers dreams. It creates breathing room. And in a world that’s busier, smaller, and more complex than ever, that’s worth celebrating.

Here’s why self storage deserves its own moment in the spotlight.

🏡 It supports life’s transitions

Moving house? Downsizing? Starting over? Self storage provides a practical, pressure-free buffer that helps people manage big life changes with less stress. Whether you’re renovating a home, welcoming a new family member, or merging households, having extra space on standby makes everything smoother.

🚀 It fuels entrepreneurship

Behind many small businesses is a storage unit packed with products, packaging, or tools of the trade. Storage allows startups to grow without the overhead of office leases or warehouses. It’s a low-risk, high-flexibility solution that empowers makers, sellers, and side-hustlers to turn ideas into income.

From candle makers to antique dealers, self storage supports the back-end of thousands of thriving businesses.

🧩 It makes small spaces work harder

In the age of micro-flats and multi-purpose rooms, space is at a premium. Self storage offers a way to live more minimally without letting go of the things that matter. Store your camping gear, your winter wardrobe, or your vintage record collection – without tripping over it in your hallway.

For families in tight quarters, hobbyists with gear galore, or remote workers carving out space at home, it’s a simple fix that makes a big difference.

📱 It’s smarter than ever

Today’s storage isn’t stuck in the past. The industry is embracing tech in big ways – from app-based access and digital booking to security cameras, motion sensors, and climate-controlled environments.

You can reserve a unit online, get a digital key, and receive alerts if anything changes. It’s storage that works the way you live: on your phone, on your schedule, and on your terms.

🤝 It builds community

Many local self storage sites serve as more than just a place to stash stuff. They’re community hubs – hosting donation drives, supporting local charities, and offering affordable space for local clubs, event organizers, or seasonal businesses.

Storage also provides stability during uncertain times. Whether it’s a temporary unit after a flood or a safe spot during a home transition, it quietly steps in to help people rebuild, regroup, and move forward.

💡 It gives people freedom

At its core, self storage is about possibility. The possibility to move freely. To grow a business. To say yes to an opportunity without worrying about where to keep your things. It offers peace of mind, flexibility, and control – all tucked neatly behind a padlocked door.

And that? That’s something worth celebrating.

The surprising psychology of storage

Why do we love having extra space? Why does decluttering feel so satisfying? And why, exactly, does knowing that your ski gear is tucked away in a labeled box bring so much joy?

Self storage isn’t just practical – it’s psychological.

🧠 More space, less stress

Studies have shown that cluttered environments can lead to increased levels of cortisol (that’s the stress hormone). Messy spaces often make it harder to focus, relax, or feel in control. Creating clear, organized environments – even if it’s just by moving items out of sight – can improve mood, boost productivity, and make us feel calmer.

That’s where storage comes in. Whether you’re offloading seasonal decor, archiving old paperwork, or simply making room to breathe, storage helps lighten the mental load.

🔁 Control in times of change

Life’s big transitions (like moving house, starting a business, growing a family) can be overwhelming. Having a safe, stable space to store your things can bring an immediate sense of order to the chaos. It’s a small but powerful way to reclaim control when everything else feels up in the air.

🪞 A reflection of identity

What we store often says a lot about us. From vintage comic collections to travel memorabilia or boxes of baby clothes, the items we hold onto are part of our personal story. Putting them in storage isn’t about hiding them – it’s about protecting the chapters that matter.

🧩 Making room to grow

Sometimes we need to let go of physical clutter to make space for something new. Whether it’s a creative project, a new job, or simply a clearer living room, external storage creates internal possibility. It’s not just about clearing a cupboard; it’s about making room for change, growth, and peace of mind.

In short, storage isn’t just a place for your stuff. It’s a quiet kind of self-care.

So this Self Storage Week, don’t just tidy for the sake of tidying. Take a moment to notice how it feels to create space, to let go, and to put things where they belong. Your mind (and your hallway) will thank you.

Fun facts about self storage

Think self storage is boring? Think again. Behind those quiet corridors and padlocked doors are some surprisingly quirky, impressive, and even record-breaking truths. Whether you’re a storage superfan or just curious, these fun facts might just change the way you see the industry.