11 Oct Why Smaller UK Homes Mean Self-Storage Is More Important Than Ever
Recent Shrinkage Trend:-
A news article cites research showing that over the past 5 years, the average UK house size has dropped by nearly 16%, from 104.6 m² down to 87.9 m².
(Insight DIY)
The Space Squeeze Is Real
Space in UK homes is tighter than ever. New builds are often smaller than older properties and that includes garages and gardens, if you get one at all. Families are finding themselves short on storage, Families are finding themselves short on storage, with no obvious place to put furniture, sports gear, seasonal items, bikes, pushchairs or even boxes of keepsakes etc etc.
The UK already has some of the smallest homes in Europe and the data confirms the squeeze. According to the English Housing Survey, the average usable floor space across all dwellings is now 96 m². Social rented homes are even smaller at 66 m², while private rented homes average 75 m².
(GOV.UK)
With less square footage to work with, many families are struggling to manage everyday belongings, from toys and bikes to bulky furniture and decorations.
No Garden, Small Garages
One in eight British households (12%) have no garden at all, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
(ONS).
And if you’re lucky enough to have a garage, chances are it’s too small to be practical. Many modern garages don’t fit today’s larger cars and even when they do, there’s little room left for storage.
The average UK garden is about 188 m², but that hides big variation with city gardens far smaller than those in rural areas
(Horticulture.co.uk).
This leaves millions of households with little or no outdoor space to rely on, making self-storage an increasingly essential option.
The Impact of Living With Less Space
When you run out of storage, it’s not just about tripping over boxes. Clutter adds stress, reduces productivity and makes homes feel smaller still. Families often face arguments over what to keep and what to throw away. Renters with limited space are forced to make difficult choices every time they move.
It also affects everyday life. Cyclists without a safe place for bikes, families with no room for seasonal clothes or parents storing pushchairs and toys all feel the strain. A smaller living space simply isn’t built to cope with the volume of belongings most households accumulate.
Self-Storage: The Answer to Shrinking Space
With homes getting smaller and outdoor space harder to come by, self-storage has become a practical solution. It gives families extra room when their home can’t stretch any further without the stress or cost of moving.
Self-storage isn’t one size fits all. You can choose between indoor units and outdoor containers, depending on what you need to store. Both are secure and flexible but each has its own strengths.
Indoor Units: What They’re Good For
- Located inside a building, often climate controlled (stable temperature, less moisture).
- Usually individually alarmed, with strong protection against damp, pests and dust.
- Access during set opening hours, with lifts and trolleys to help move items.
- Best for household belongings like furniture, clothing, documents or electronics that need extra care.
Outdoor Containers: What They’re Best At
- Steel built units placed outdoors – you can drive right up and load or unload easily.
- Perfect for bulky household items such as bikes, garden furniture or large seasonal gear.
- Strong security with steel doors, heavy padlocks and site wide CCTV and fencing.
- More cost effective if you need a larger space without paying extra for climate control.
Affordable Extra Space
Renting a storage unit is a cost effective way to get the room you simply don’t have at home. At Reddistores, you can choose from a wide range of sizes, whether it’s a few boxes of seasonal items, bulky furniture that won’t fit in a smaller house or even the contents of an entire room. Whatever your needs or budget, there’s secure space ready when you need it.
Real World Household Uses
- Store bulky items like bikes or garden furniture when you don’t have outdoor space.
- Keep seasonal items such as Christmas decorations or camping gear out of the way until you need them.
- Protect furniture, clothes or electronics if your home has no spare room.
- Use an outdoor container when you need easy drive up access for heavier household items.
UK Homes Are Shrinking But Your Storage Doesn’t Have To
The stats are clear:- homes in the UK are getting smaller and millions of households are living without garages or gardens. With average floor space under 100 m², it’s no surprise that families are turning to self-storage.
Both indoor units and outdoor containers offer a secure, flexible and affordable way to take the pressure off at home. It’s about more than just clearing space, it’s about making your living environment more comfortable and less stressful.
The Answer Is Storage
Smaller homes don’t have to mean giving up the things that matter. Instead of living in constant clutter or paying the price for upsizing, you can choose a storage option that fits your lifestyle. Indoor units protect sensitive items like furniture and electronics, while outdoor containers are ideal for bulky gear and seasonal kit.
At Reddistores, we offer both options right here in Redditch, giving you the space you need, when you need.
Email: info@reddistores.co.uk
Tel: 01527 62308
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