How Big Is Europe’s Self Storage Market?

If you’re thinking about renting a storage unit, you’re not alone. Self storage has become a fast-growing service across Europe, helping people store furniture during a move, keep sports gear out of the way, or free up space at home. But how big is the market actually - and which countries have the most options?

Over the past decade, self storage has shifted from a niche service to a mainstream necessity. More people are living in apartments, working remotely, and moving between cities, creating constant demand for flexible, affordable storage. From individuals relocating to businesses needing space for inventory, Europe’s storage industry is quietly becoming a key part of modern urban life.

A growing industry across Europe

Across the 13 countries we track at The Storage Scanner, there are now more than 10,000 self storage facilities run by over 3,500 different providers. That means thousands of places where you can compare unit sizes, prices, and locations to find what works for you.

To put this into perspective, that’s more than double the number from just a decade ago. The expansion has been driven by rising property prices, growing e-commerce, and a shift toward smaller living spaces. Whether for households, students, or small businesses, self storage offers a convenient, cost-effective way to manage belongings without long-term commitments.

Some countries are much more developed than others. Europe’s self storage market is far from uniform. Some regions, such as the UK and France, have mature markets with national brands and dense facility networks, while others, like Eastern and Southern Europe are just beginning to expand. Below is a closer look at the countries leading the way.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom by far the largest market in Europe, with over 2,200 facilities. There are facilities everywhere across the country, but the highest density of storage facilities is found in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The UK accounts for roughly one-quarter of all European self storage sites. Its strong market maturity has led to advanced online booking systems, dynamic pricing, and widespread brand recognition. Many British operators now serve as models for expansion in continental Europe.

France

France has around 1,200 facilities, mainly in Paris, the south (Lyon, Nice, Marseille) and the western part of the country (Nantes, Bordeaux).

In France, demand is growing rapidly in major urban areas where housing sizes are shrinking. Operators have responded by offering smaller, more flexible units designed for city dwellers and businesses. French storage companies are also investing heavily in automation and 24/7 digital access.

Germany

Germany has more than 1,000 facilities, concentrated in the bigger cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, but for example also in cities such as Neurenberg, Hannover, and Leipzig.

Germany’s market remains fragmented but full of potential. Rising urban density, booming e-commerce logistics, and an increasing number of expats have made flexible storage an appealing solution. The German market is expected to see high single-digit to low double-digit growth in the coming years as awareness continues to rise. Note that currently ca. 60% of the German population is unaware of what self storage actually is and offers (source: Fedessa European Annual Industry Report 2025)

Spain

Spain has over 1,000 sites, many in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and along the east and south coast (Valencia, Alicante, Sevilla, and Malaga). In Spain, climate-controlled units are especially popular due to high summer temperatures. Many providers also cater to digital nomads, expats, and seasonal residents who need short-term storage while travelling or relocating. The market is modernizing quickly, with major cities now offering high-tech, app-controlled facilities. Spain also offers a lot of inner-city micro-storage units, ranging between ca. 1-4 m².

The Netherlands

The Netherlands have nearly 700 facilities, with strong coverage in the Randstad area (cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht). Dutch consumers are early adopters of digital platforms, which has accelerated the growth of online-first and remote-access facilities. Compact urban living and limited housing space have also made short-term storage an everyday convenience for many households and small companies. Awareness about self storage is relatively high in the Netherlands.

Other European Countries

Other countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Ireland also have growing networks, though with fewer facilities compared to the big five. Nevertheless, The Storage Scanner covers more than 2,500 self storage facilities in these markets.

Who are the biggest names?

If you’ve ever driven past a large storage building, you may already know some of the biggest brands. Europe’s storage industry is shaped by both pan-European giants and powerful local independents. The largest players are expanding through mergers, franchise models, and new construction, but many smaller, independent operators continue to thrive by offering personalized service and in smaller geographical areas.

• Store Box - around 365 facilities across Europe, mostly fully remote facilities in inner-cities with 24/7 accessibility.

• Shurgard - more than 330 facilities in multiple countries.

• Storage24 - around 170 facilities, a great option to rent a large garagebox.

Together, these brands dominate much of the urban market and are leading innovation in the sector. From contactless check-in systems to easy-to-use online booking systems, the industry is embracing technology to deliver convenience and transparency to customers.

In each country there are also strong local brands. For example:

• In the UK you’ll often see Safestore or Big Yellow.

• Well-known brands in Germany are Store Box and StorangeBox.

• In France, HomeBox and Self Stock are major players.

• In Spain, Blue Space and Tu Trastero are well known.

• In the Netherlands, AllSafe and Storage Share are common names.

These operators often have deep local roots and understand their customers’ needs. Many are now expanding online and integrating with comparison platforms like The Storage Scanner to reach more users efficiently.

Why does this matter to you?

For someone looking for storage, the size of the market is good news. A competitive, diverse market benefits customers through more transparent pricing, modern facilities, and flexible terms. Whether you need a small storage unit for personal belongings or a large self storage space for business inventory, the European market now offers more choice than ever before.

• More competition usually means better prices.

• Different storage sizes are available - from lockers and storage units in large warehouse-style buildings to container sites.

• Trusted brands make it easier to feel secure about where your belongings are kept.

Still, comparing options can be time-consuming. Prices vary by city, season, and facility type. That’s why digital comparison platforms are transforming how people find storage, allowing users to see reviews, real prices, and availability instantly. At the same time, the choice can be overwhelming. Prices, unit sizes, and locations can vary a lot - even within the same city or region. This variation means it pays to do your research. The best value isn’t always the cheapest option. Factors like security systems, accessibility, and climate control can make a big difference in protecting your belongings long-term.

How to find the right storage unit

That’s where The Storage Scanner helps. Instead of visiting dozens of websites, you can compare units instantly across thousands of facilities in Europe. Search by your city or postcode, filter by size and price, and find a unit that suits your needs in just a few clicks.

Our platform is designed to save you time and money by showing verified, up-to-date listings from trusted providers. You can also explore special offers, student discounts, and short-term rental options all in one place, no phone calls or hidden costs required.

Bottom line

Europe’s self storage market is bigger than ever, and it’s still growing. Whether you’re in London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, or beyond, chances are there’s a storage facility near you. With tools like The Storage Scanner, finding the right storage unit has never been easier.

As the market continues to expand, awareness and accessibility will only improve. Self storage is quickly becoming part of Europe’s everyday infrastructure, helping people live more flexibly, travel lighter, and make better use of limited space in cities.