As Preston continues to grow and evolve, more residents and businesses are turning to self storage to solve everyday challenges. From downsizing, to travelling to moving house, the self storage industry in 2025 is booming across the UK—and Preston is no exception.

Here are the top 10 reasons people in Preston are using self storage this year:

1. Home Renovations

With housing upgrades at an all-time high, residents are using storage units to keep furniture, appliances, and valuables safe and out of the way during renovations.

2. Downsizing and Simplifying

The trend toward minimalism and financial efficiency means many people are downsizing their homes. Self storage offers a secure place to keep extra belongings without cluttering your new, smaller spaces.

3. University Students needing storage

With a thriving student population in Preston; from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), students use self storage for textbooks, furniture, and personal items over their breaks and even during gap years. This saves the hassle of having to either move everything they own back home, or finding someone to store it all nearby with.

At the end of each term, thousands of students face the question: “What do I do with all my stuff?” Self storage is a popular choice, especially for international students or those heading home for the summer. It’s a cost-effective way to store bedding, kitchenware, clothes, and tech without hauling it across the country—or the globe.

4. Remote work

More people are working remotely, whether thats once or twice a week, or whether they work from home fully, having a none cluttered ‘office’ from home is crucial. Self storage plays a vital role here, acting as a secure, flexible option to keep household contents out of your hair while you work from home. This has especially seen a rise since remote and hybrid working has become the norm.

5. Small business storage for stock

Preston has seen growth in the number of business owners, ecommerce sellers, and even tradespeople. These small businesses often outgrow garages and spare rooms. Self storage provides affordable, scalable space for inventory, equipment, documents, and work materials—without the cost or commitment of leasing an office or working premises.

6. Moving House

Whether moving into a new home, downsizing, upsizing, or waiting for a chain to complete, moving can be chaotic. Self storage helps smooth the transition. People use it to declutter before selling, store items while between homes, or keep belongings out of the way during a staggered move. It offers flexibility at a time when things often feel out of your control.

7. Coping with life changes

Life happens—and sometimes it brings change. Whether it’s a divorce, bereavement, illness, or becoming a carer for a relative, big life events often involve sorting through personal possessions. Temporary storage gives people the space and time to manage these changes at their own pace without pressure to make immediate decisions about what to keep or let go.

8. Hobbies and collections

Not everyone has a garage or attic for their hobbies. Whether it’s collecting vinyl records, restoring motorbikes, painting, or photography, hobbyists often need room for equipment or supplies. Self storage offers clean, secure environments to keep items in good condition and out of the home.

9. Extended Travel

For those heading overseas for work, education, or a life adventure, self storage provides peace of mind. It’s a popular option for teachers taking jobs abroad, young professionals on working holidays, or families on extended travel. Rather than selling off everything, people can safely store their belongings until they return to Preston.

10. Lack of space & Urban Living

With new apartment developments offering more compact living, especially those within cities, many Prestonians are finding they simply don’t have the space for everything. Self storage becomes a functional extension of their home—ideal for storing seasonal decorations, camping gear, bikes, winter clothes, or even just extra boxes they don’t need every day. It’s like having an extra room, without the high costs of rent.

Final Thoughts – Do you need Self Storage?

Whether it’s about creating breathing room during change, protecting valuables during projects, or a growing business, self storage in Preston has become a flexible solution for modern living. In 2025, it’s clear that having secure, accessible storage is no longer a luxury—but instead a smart, strategic choice for all kinds of people no matter your reasoning.