The Wild Growth of Storage Facilities in Australia

Australia’s self-storage industry is currently booming (covid saw a massive spike in everyday use), and no, it’s not just because Aussies love their stuff more than others in the world (we do love a barbecue). With growing urbanization, rising property prices, the rising age of the population, continued overseas travel/living and an increase in the number of people living in homes the size of a shoebox, storage facilities have become the unsung heroes of modern life. 

So, what’s driving this growth, and why can’t Australians seem to get enough of renting glorified closets? Lets have a little deep dive into the dark depths of those storage facility halls.. 

A Space Crisis Down Under

Let’s face it - space in Australia’s major cities is disappearing faster than a snag at a local sausage sizzle (you know the one). Apartments are getting smaller, garages are being converted into home gyms (that no one uses as much as they say), and backyards are becoming rarer than a cool day in January. The quarter acre block is now a dream of the past. Suddenly, there’s no room for that antique side dresser you inherited from Grandma or the cricket gear you swear you’ll use next Christmas. Storage facilities swoop in like superheroes, ready to save the day and your sanity by offering a place to stash all that ‘essential’ stuff you can’t part with. Convenience at its finest. Every major road, hidden around different suburbs - you will always find a storage facility “ready to save the day”.

Property Prices & the Decluttering Dilemma

The skyrocketing cost of property in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane means people are paying premium prices for homes that barely fit their furniture, let alone their hobbies. Enter self-storage units, the guilt-free solution to your clutter problem. It’s like saying, “I’m totally embracing minimalism, just not right now - I may need that boogie board” Australians are keen to “minimalise” but less eager to downsize their stuff. Emotional attachment is a major cause for the continued storage fees that so quickly come off the credit card. So instead of paying for that storage and not your mortgage.. It might be time to have a look at how you can reduce those monthly costs. 

Business Is Booming… and Storing

Storage facilities aren’t just a haven for the sentimental crowd. Small businesses, e-commerce startups, and tradies have jumped on the bandwagon, using storage units for inventory, tools, and equipment. Why pay sky-high commercial rents for a warehouse when a storage unit costs less and doesn’t come with the stress of a long lease? 

It’s practical, affordable, and flexible - the storage trifecta. 

Convenience Is King But How Convenient is Too Convenient?

Modern storage facilities around the world have really stepped up their game. Flexible contracts? Check. Climate-controlled units? Check. 24/7 access so you can retrieve that forgotten box of camping gear at midnight? Check. Need somewhere to hide Christmas presents or stash the skis you bought on a whim? Wifi & conference room for quick meetings? Check. At this point its hard to find a unit with something you DON’T need. 

Storage units have your back - they are there when you desperately need them. Not so supportive for the move out though. This is where SYS comes in. 

Reality 

With homes shrinking, property prices soaring, and clutter multiplying like rabbits, it’s no wonder storage facilities are thriving in Australia. Landfill is predicted to be full in Australia by 2030. Why are we keeping these things? Why can we not rid ourselves of storage shame? They’re not just dusty garages for junk - they’re the modern solution and excuse to our emotional attachment to things we do not need. Whether you like to admit it or not - Aussies are continuing to increase our clutter and our bills are increasing with it. Storage facilities are not slowing down that's for sure. Donation & recycling are just 2 ways that you can remove some of that storage shame.