With rising rents and ongoing urban development, the average living space in Belgian cities is shrinking. More people are choosing to downsize or move into smaller homes, and self-storage offers the perfect solution for keeping personal belongings, seasonal items, and furniture. This trend is especially prominent in cities where optimizing limited space is a priority.
The pandemic of COVID-19 further accelerated the demand for extra space. As homes became workspaces and living areas adapted to new needs, the need for off-site storage grew rapidly. Many people embraced the minimalistic lifestyle, opting to store things they no longer needed at home.
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the key drivers behind the growth of self-storage in Belgium is its convenience. Self-storage facilities are strategically located near residential and commercial zones, making it easy to access stored items. Most facilities offer 24/7 access, allowing customers to store and retrieve their belongings at their convenience. This flexibility is particularly attractive to busy individuals and growing businesses who need easy access to their materials and inventory.
Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind
Modern self-storage facilities prioritize security, providing customers with peace of mind. With features like surveillance cameras, secure access systems, alarms, and personalized entry codes, users can confidently store even valuable items, knowing they are protected. The added security measures ensure the safety of belongings, offering both individuals and businesses a reliable storage solution.
Self-Storage for Businesses in Belgium
Businesses in Belgium are increasingly turning to self-storage as a flexible and cost-effective solution for storing inventory, office supplies, and equipment. Whether it’s a small company needing additional storage or a larger enterprise requiring temporary space during a relocation, self-storage provides an affordable alternative to traditional warehouses.
The Self-Storage Market in Belgium
Belgium's self-storage market is dominated by four major players: Shurgard, Lock'O, Safestore, and Storo. Additionally, numerous smaller storage solutions cater to local communities. According to CBRE, Belgium boasts over 60 self-storage sites, covering 165,000 square meters of storage space. The average self-storage unit measures around 3,000 square meters, divided into units ranging from 1 to 50 square meters.
Rental prices vary based on location and unit size. City-based storage units tend to be more expensive, with smaller units priced higher per square meter compared to larger ones. For instance, a small 2m² storage unit can cost between €400 and €600 per square meter annually, while a larger 15m² unit typically ranges from €200 to €400 per square meter per year.
Key Market Players
Shurgard: As the largest and most recognized self-storage operator in Belgium, Shurgard operates 20 locations with 92,000m² of storage space. It offers the biggest facilities with an average of 4,600m² per location.
Lock'O: Operating since 2012, Lock'O has around 16 sites, mainly in Wallonia, with a total of 40,000m² of storage space.
Safestore: With 4 facilities and 10,000m² of storage space, Safestore provides a reliable option for customers in Belgium.
Storo: A new player in the market, Storo opened 3 storage sites in 2024 and plans to expand with 2 more locations in 2025.
Operational Costs for Self-Storage Providers
For entrepreneurs interested in entering the self-storage market, understanding the operational costs is crucial. These include the costs of land acquisition or warehouse leasing, construction or renovation expenses, and ongoing operational costs such as maintenance, utilities, insurance, and marketing. Urban areas typically have higher acquisition and rental prices compared to rural locations.
The construction of storage units involves costs related to building walls, floors, lighting, and implementing security features. Self-storage operators must also consider ongoing expenses like staffing and technology investments, including management software and online payment systems, which can improve operational efficiency.
Innovative Services Shaping the Future of Self-Storage
To meet the demands of modern consumers, innovative services are reshaping the self-storage industry in Belgium. Companies like Boxify and Box@Home are adding extra value to the traditional self-storage model by integrating moving and transport services.
Boxify offers a pickup and delivery service within 48 hours, making it easier for customers to store and retrieve their items with minimal hassle.
Box@Home provides mobile storage containers that can be delivered to customers’ homes, allowing them to pack at their own pace. Once packed, the containers are transported to a larger storage facility for safe-keeping.
The growing popularity of self-storage in Belgium reflects the increasing demand for flexible, accessible, and secure storage solutions. Whether for personal or business use, self-storage is no longer just a temporary fix but a strategic necessity. With the rise of innovative services and enhanced security features, self-storage will continue to play an essential role in meeting the needs of modern life in Belgium in 2025.
