Self-storage trends in Europe and the UK are evolving rapidly. This is driven by urbanization, shrinking living spaces, and changing consumer needs. As cities become more densely populated and lifestyles more flexible, the demand for adaptable storage solutions is rising. The self-storage market includes 9,575 stores in operation across the EU and UK. There is now 16.5 million square meters of available storage space. (FEDESSA European Self Storage Industry Report 2024) Traditional storage methods are being replaced by portable, customizable, and sustainable options.
One trend gaining significant traction is relocatable units. Terminology can vary by region—in the EU and UK, relocatable self-storage is commonly referred to as external storage units. We’ll use that term throughout this blog post. These units enable businesses and individuals to scale their storage capacity quickly. This is all without the high costs or permanence of traditional construction. There is a strong opportunity for consumer education and market development. This is true in Europe, where external storage remains a relatively new concept.
Adam Jakubac leads Boxwell’s business development in Europe. He has been instrumental in expanding the company’s international presence. Adam has firsthand insight into how these trends are shaping the self-storage landscape across Europe and the UK. With his expertise in international business and knowledge of local market dynamics, Adam is helping Boxwell position itself to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-quality storage solutions in the region.
Get a glimpse into the future of self-storage in the UK and Europe with insights from Adam Jakubac, as he unpacks key trends, challenges, and the rise of portable solutions across the region:
What does the European market look like?
We serve the entirety of Europe and the United Kingdom. We have active projects in Portugal, Romania, Italy and Estonia. These regions are at different stages of development and show strong interest in portable and flexible self-storage solutions.
What are some of the unique challenges or trends you’re seeing in the storage industry in Europe and the United Kingdom?
We see four interconnected challenges across Europe and the UK:
- Low Market Awareness – Many regions still associate storage with warehousing or garages. Education is key to unlocking market growth.
- Unclear Regulations – Zoning, land use, and permitting vary widely across countries and even municipalities. Operators must adapt to each local context.
- Overuse of Shipping Containers – Basic, low-cost shipping containers still dominate many markets. They are often inadequate for modern customer expectations.
- Changing Customer Expectations – Demand is rising for better access, unit variety, lighting, safety, and digital features. This is slowly forcing operators to improve their offering.
These four factors create a feedback loop — and the industry is now at a turning point where quality, flexibility, and scalability are becoming the standard.
How has demand for external storage units evolved in recent years?
The European self-storage market is steadily growing. According to a 2024 report by IMARC Group, the market reached a value of $26.6 billion USD and is projected to grow to $34.7 billion USD by 2033. This growth is driven by urbanization, shrinking living spaces, and the rise of e-commerce — all of which increase demand for flexible storage solutions.
In the UK, average occupancy of self-storage facilities is around 80%, indicating stable and consistent demand. The opportunity is there — but the industry must first overcome infrastructure barriers. External storage units have the potential to bring massive efficiency gains to relocation services and urban storage.
How do Boxwell units compare to other solutions in your market?
Most storage sites in Europe that use containers still rely on retired shipping containers, these are often chosen for their low price, not for functionality or customer experience. These options often fall short of what today’s customers expect: unit variety, lighting, proper security, modern aesthetics, and easy access.
Boxwell units are purpose-built for self-storage, which makes a big difference in a market that’s just starting to understand the value of flexibility, appearance, and usability. We’re helping shift the mindset from “just storage” to a professionally managed business.
Are there any specific Boxwell features your customers love the most?
Yes — Many of our clients started with the mindset of “a container is a container” — but once they deploy Boxwell units, they see the difference in occupancy, customer satisfaction, and long-term performance.
Operators consistently mention the following features as favorites:
- Multiple unit size options – They can offer flexibility based on customer needs, instead of relying on a single container size.
- Professional appearance – Clean lines, uniform finishes, and modern doors make the site look more like a storage facility and less like a container yard.
- Interior lighting – A simple upgrade that drastically improves user experience.
- Secure locking systems – Our doors and locking options make customers feel safer.
- Ease of setup and scalability – Being able to add or relocate units quickly helps operators grow without delays.
Can you share a customer success story involving Boxwell units?
One great example is Blue Self Storage in the UK, a well-established operator that chose Boxwell to support their expansion strategy. They needed a solution that would match their professional image, allow fast rollout across multiple sites, and meet customer expectations. With Boxwell units, they were able to deliver a modern, container-based facility that feels like a premium storage site. Their team especially appreciated how quick and smooth the assembly process was, without heavy machinery.
We’ve also completed successful installations in France and Slovakia, where operators used Boxwell units to either launch new locations or upgrade existing sites.
What types of businesses or industries are using portable storage the most in your area?
While private individuals still make up a large part of the self-storage customer base, portable storage is gaining traction among several key industries in Europe:
- Moving and relocation companies – looking for temporary storage during transitions and last-mile delivery support
- Construction and renovation firms – needing secure, on-site space for tools, materials, and equipment
- E-commerce and logistics startups – using units as micro-fulfillment hubs or overflow space
- Seasonal businesses – such as tourism operators or agricultural suppliers, who need short-term storage based on demand cycles
- Event and rental companies – storing equipment in flexible locations for temporary deployments
The versatility of Boxwell units makes them a fit for a wide range of industries. This is true for those who need space fast. Also in areas where flexibility, security, and ease of access are essential.
Are there any regulations, logistics, or preferences unique to your country that affect how storage is delivered or used?
One of the biggest logistical challenges is urban density and infrastructure. Many European cities have narrow streets, limited access, and strict zoning regulations. This makes the delivery and placement of external storage units more difficult than in North America.
When it comes to regulations, some countries treat external storage units as temporary structures, which can simplify permitting. In others, they are subject to the same rules as permanent buildings — requiring full planning permissions
How do you market and position external storage to customers in your region?
We currently promote Boxwell through three main channels: FEDESSA and other trade shows, LinkedIn, and in person relationship building.
The biggest challenge is that there’s still a lack of awareness and education. Right now, we see that operators in the self-storage industry are beginning to seriously explore better solutions — and that’s where the opportunity lies to introduce a new standard of quality, usability, and customer experience.
What do you think the future holds for portable storage in your market?
The future of external storage in Europe and the UK is wide open. We’re starting to see a shift, operators in the self-storage industry are beginning to look beyond just square meters and start thinking about how fast they can launch, how flexible their sites can be, and how they can serve different customer segments without permanent construction.
What has become clear is that Europe is not a single market. That means the way we introduce and adapt external storage or self-storage solutions should be highly localized.
In the long term, we believe external storage units will become a core part of the European self-storage ecosystem — It won’t replace buildings, but will give operators the tools to grow faster, adapt to market changes, and serve new locations more efficiently.
Any upcoming projects or trends you’re excited about?
What’s been working well for us recently is partnering with distribution hubs and demo centers — like we have in France, Latvia, and here in Slovakia — where we can physically show how our containers function in a self-storage setup. This has been key to helping potential customers understand the product and its value.
As for self-storage, the market here is just beginning — but demand is growing fast, which is reflected in the increasing number of conversations and project inquiries we’re seeing across Europe. When it comes to external storage units, there’s no established category, and most operators still don’t know this type of product exists — which is why education and real-world demonstrations are so essential to what we do.
As the self-storage industry continues to evolve, the potential for growth across Europe is clear. The UK currently leads the region with 34.6% of the total market share, followed by France, Germany, and Spain—indicating a strong foothold and significant room for expansion in other countries. With relocatable units offering a scalable and cost-effective alternative, companies like Boxwell are well-positioned to lead the next wave of innovation. By meeting changing consumer needs with smart, flexible solutions, Boxwell keeps up with the trend and helps shape the future of self-storage.
Boxwell is positioned to lead this transformation, offering innovative products that combine flexibility, scalability, and modern aesthetics to meet customers’ changing demands. Our commitment to quality is key to unlocking the potential of portable storage in Europe and the UK. As the industry matures, Boxwell’s continued growth and strategic partnerships will help shape the future of self-storage in the region, meeting both short-term and long-term needs efficiently and easily.
Work with a Boxwell representative to decide your ideal unit mix, custom colors, door configurations, and more. Your Boxwell storage units will be shipped flat packed and assembled fast with just a few dozen nuts, bolts, and basic tools. You will be ready to use them in no time! Check out boxwell.co or call (303) 317-5850 for more information.