Self storage for cities
Self-storage facilities, also known as self-storage facilities, are becoming increasingly important in urban areas. These facilities not only offer flexible storage solutions for private individuals and businesses, but also bring a number of benefits for local authorities. Below we detail the key benefits for local authorities from self-storage offerings.
1. Relief for limited living and storage space
In cities with a tight housing market and a shortage of affordable housing, self-storage facilities offer valuable relief. Tenants who cannot afford a larger apartment have the opportunity to rent additional storage space at a reasonable price. This is particularly helpful in special life situations such as relocations, household liquidations or deaths, as the household contents can be stored flexibly in terms of time and the vacated apartment is available on the market again more quickly.
2. Reduced need for living space
Many items that are only used infrequently or seasonally can be stored in self-storage facilities.
This includes items such as children’s toys, ski equipment or winter clothing. By using self-storage, the amount of living space required can be reduced by around 10-12%, as less space is needed in the home for storage. This relieves the housing market, as the available living space can be used more efficiently.
3. Optimized district and urban planning
In urban areas, underground parking spaces are often in high demand and generate high revenues. As a result, basement areas in residential properties make way for underground garages. Self-storage facilities offer a compensatory solution here by replacing the lost basement space. Municipal housing associations also benefit, as they can dispense with the construction of cost-intensive and maintenance-prone basements.
4. Promoting the establishment and development of industry
Self-storage facilities act as support centers for start-ups, sole traders and small to medium-sized businesses. With flexible rental contracts and customizable storage sizes, they offer optimal conditions for companies that want to test and develop their business. Additional logistics services, such as goods receiving, support company growth. Large self-storage facilities with around 1,000 storage units usually support over 300 tradespeople, which leads to an increase in municipal tax revenue and job creation.
5. Controllability and security
In contrast to old commercial and industrial yards, which are often used unregulated as storage and workshop areas, quality-tested self-storage facilities offer a clear usage permit and meet all fire safety requirements. This reduces the risk of fire and disasters and makes it easier for emergency services such as the fire department to assess the risk.
6. Self-storage as crime prevention
Self-storage facilities are generally more secure than most cellar compartments. Access controls, video surveillance, structural security and well-lit corridors make criminal activity more difficult. This has a positive effect on the police crime statistics of local authorities.
7. Support for sustainable urban development
High-quality self-storage facilities can be built energy-efficiently and operated with low emissions.
The use of photovoltaics and low heating requirements enable green electricity to be fed into the grid.
In addition, self-storage facilities can make a positive contribution to the water supply in the neighborhood through rainwater management. Structurally, they can act as noise protection for residential areas behind them on main roads and require only minimal open space in relation to the usable area.
Self-storage facilities also offer potential for combination with other neighborhood-promoting facilities such as kindergartens, food retailers or parcel stores, which further enhances the quality of life in the neighborhood.
The comprehensive benefits of self-storage providers show that they not only meet individual needs, but can also have a significant positive impact on municipal infrastructure and urban development. Municipalities should therefore seriously consider integrating self-storage solutions into their urban planning.
