If you’ve noticed self-storage facilities popping up everywhere, there’s good reason. According to Technavio, the global self-storage and moving services market is expected to grow by 58.12 billion from 2025 to 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 9.3% during this period.
Analysts point to surging global real estate investments and a growing demand for flexible, efficient storage and moving solutions as the leading contributors to the boom. Migration patterns triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled the demand even more as people continue to relocate, downsize, or seek greater flexibility in their lifestyles.
What does this mean for agents representing these facilities? In this rapidly expanding market, visibility is everything. As competition intensifies, businesses need to differentiate themselves more than ever. Visual marketing presents a simple yet effective strategy for achieving this.
Key Trends Shaping the Self-Storage and Moving Services Industry
The self-storage and moving services industry is evolving beyond simple storage units and moving trucks. Consumers today expect sophisticated solutions tailored to their digital lifestyles and diverse needs. As a commercial real estate agent in this sector, staying informed on these key trends is crucial:
Climate Control
As the self-storage and moving industry grows in the years ahead, so will the demand for climate-controlled storage units. Consumers are increasingly seeking facilities and mobile pods that provide protection for sensitive items such as electronics, artwork, antiques, and important documents.
For example, a family storing heirloom furniture is likely to choose a climate-controlled unit to prevent warping or discoloration caused by extreme heat or humidity. For businesses in the self-storage industry, adapting to this demand is essential. Offering climate-controlled solutions not only meets the needs of a more discerning customer base but also positions facilities as more reliable and customer-focused.
Smart Technology
Staying competitive in a growing market also requires combining convenience with robust security solutions. Just as smart home technologies like Ring and Nest have revolutionized home security, storage facilities are following suit by integrating smart technology for a more personalized and secure consumer experience.
Many facilities now offer remote monitoring, digital access, and even temperature and humidity controls that can be managed directly through apps. This allows users to access their units with ease, track the security of their belongings in real-time, and enjoy peace of mind with advanced technology working behind the scenes.
As consumer expectations evolve, offering cutting-edge features like smart access systems and remote surveillance will become not just an advantage but a necessity to stay ahead in the market.
Adaptable Storage Solutions
The pandemic brought more than just a rise in remote work—it shifted lifestyles, with remote living taking center stage. From freelancers traveling the U.S. who need a secure place to store their belongings, to college students heading off for a semester abroad, the need for flexible and adaptable storage solutions has never been greater.
But it’s not just about these non-traditional scenarios. Families downsizing due to economic pressures or city dwellers struggling with limited space are also fueling the demand for storage options. The answer to the widening consumer base is not a one-size fits all solution. Companies who adapt with the market, offering personalized, flexible storage options will stand out the most. And as the urge to move continues to drive professionals and families, the demand for seamless, easily accessible storage solutions will only grow.
Online Marketplaces & Auctions
Aside from expansive offerings, digital platforms are revolutionizing how storage units and facilities are bought, sold, and auctioned, offering commercial real estate agents valuable new opportunities. When a unit renter decides their packed-up life is no longer needed, online auctions have evolved from mere entertainment to a legitimate business tool, offering access to a broader pool of buyers and enhanced transparency.
For agents in the self-storage and moving services industry, leveraging these digital platforms is essential for staying competitive. These marketplaces streamline transactions, reduce overhead, and expand reach, allowing agents to tap into a broader range of buyers—from individual units to large portfolios.
Advancements in Moving Services
As the number of storage users rises, so does the need for expansive moving services. Industry leaders like CubeSmart and Public Storage are stepping up by providing tailored moving solutions, including truck rentals, mileage-based pricing, and partnerships with full-service moving companies. These offerings cater to a wide range of needs, from DIY movers to those seeking a seamless, hands-free experience.
Additionally, technology is reshaping the moving landscape. Many facilities now integrate digital tools like cloud-based platforms, mobile apps, and contactless payment systems to streamline the process. Customers can easily book, track, and manage their moving services from their devices, enhancing convenience and efficiency for all.
How to Stand Out in the Self-Storage Market with Visual Marketing
In developed economies, the self-storage market is highly competitive, with many local and regional players. In fact, the top five U.S. vendors accounted for only 31.2% of market revenue in 2021, leaving the rest to smaller, fragmented competitors. This makes it essential for self-storage providers to differentiate themselves and find creative ways to stand out.
Here are some visual marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge in 2025:
Leverage professional photography
Professional real estate photography, especially through trusted partners like HomeJab, can completely transform the way you showcase these commercial spaces. High-quality photos on company websites, social media, and marketing materials don’t just look great—they help build trust and confidence with potential customers immediately. Whether it’s highlighting climate-controlled units or state-of-the-art security systems, this type of visual marketing gives people a clear, compelling view of what makes a self-storage business shine in a crowded market.
Optimize your online presence
With more consumers turning to digital platforms to compare storage options, having a strong online presence is crucial. By utilizing HDR photography, drone footage or other visual marketing techniques, it will instantly become easier to make a positive first impression upon online viewers.
Highlight value-added services
When promoting within the self-storage and moving services market, it’s also important to highlight those bonus services that set a particular commercial building apart from competitors. While showcasing storage offerings is important, remember that buyers are often drawn to ads that emphasize unique services and deals. Promote offerings like office moving, refurbishment, or specialized storage solutions tailored to specific industries to truly capture attention.
Driving Self-Storage and Moving Services Growth Through Visual Impact
With expansion on the horizon, embracing visual strategies is now a crucial step for success. Self-storage providers and moving companies aiming to thrive in this competitive market should focus on exceptional service, embracing technology, and investing in professional branding, including high-quality photography. These strategies will help businesses stand out, attract loyal customers, and capitalize on the market’s ongoing expansion.
Connect with HomeJab today!
HomeJab is proud to connect commercial real estate agents, business owners, and other industry professionals with expert self-storage facility photographers. Get professional photos, videos, and interactive 3D tours for your self-storage facilities, delivered within 24 hours. Ready to get started? Request a quote here.
