The Container Self-Storage and Traders Association (CSTA) has today published its latest Container Self-Storage Census, providing a detailed snapshot of the UK container self-storage market at 1 January 2026.
The Census shows a sector continuing to expand, professionalise and attract investment. At the end of 2025, the UK had an estimated 684 container self-storage operators, operating 1,218 sites and providing 112,150 self-storage containers with more than 16.7 million sq ft of storage capacity.
Demand for container self-storage continues to grow. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported occupancy of between 90% and 99%, while longer customer stays and a growing proportion of business users underline the sector’s transition from short-term storage towards an established, service-oriented market supporting both domestic and commercial customers.
Key Census highlights:
• Continued market expansion: More than 70 new container self-storage sites opened during 2025, taking the UK total to 1,218 sites.
• Container fleet growth: The number of containers at dedicated self-storage sites rose by 11% in 2025, from 100,980 to 112,150 units.
• High occupancy levels: 63% of respondents reported occupancy between 90% and 99%, up from 57% in both 2023 and 2024.
• Growing professionalisation: The sector is investing in security, digital access, automation, customer service and site infrastructure.
• Longer customer retention: 55.5% of customers now remain for 12 months or more, reflecting increased use by SMEs, tradespeople and other business customers.
• Commercial demand is increasing: Business customers represented 46% of the customer base in 2025, compared with 44% in 2024.
• Automation is becoming mainstream: Unmanned or sometimes manned sites accounted for 73% of operating models reported in 2025.
Commenting on the latest survey, Patrick Hicks, Secretary of the CSTA, says: “The 2026 Census confirms that container self-storage has matured into a professional, structured and increasingly service-led sector. Operators continue to add sites and capacity in response to strong demand from both households and businesses, while technology and automation are enabling new operating models and investment opportunities.”
The Census also identifies ongoing challenges, including the availability and cost of suitable land, planning consent, container price volatility and potential disruption to container supply routes. Nevertheless, the findings point to continued growth opportunities across the UK, particularly in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Read the full CSTA Container Self-Storage Census 2026: Download the Census