AriZona Real Estate insider!

If you’ve ever struggled to find room for all your stuff, you’re not alone. Across the country, demand for self-storage is booming, and Arizona is leading the charge. A recent study from StorageCafe identified the “6 Ds” driving self-storage demand: Dislocation, Divorce, Death, Downsizing, Distribution, and Decluttering. These life changes and economic factors are pushing more people to seek extra space, making self-storage a major player in the real estate market.

“If you’re selling a condo in the Phoenix-Scottsdale-Mesa area, consider offering the buyer a free year of self-storage rental as an added incentive. This extra perk can make your listing stand out in a competitive market.” – PhxCondosForSale.com

Arizona’s Self-Storage Surge

Arizona has emerged as a self-storage hotspot, with Tucson and the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area standing out as key markets. Here’s why:

Tucson, AZ: A Leader in Self-Storage Demand

• Tucson ranks first among large metro areas for self-storage demand.
• The small average apartment size (772 sq. ft.) creates a natural need for additional storage.
• The city ranks second among large metros for downsizing, with 22% of the population being seniors (7th highest in the nation).
• A large student population—thanks to the University of Arizona—further drives demand for flexible storage options.
• Tucson’s self-storage inventory exceeds the national average, offering nearly 9 square feet per capita, with rental rates averaging $111 per month.

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler: A Growing Market for Self-Storage

• The Phoenix metro area is experiencing rapid population growth (4%), increasing demand for both housing and self-storage.
• Ranked 8th in the nation for building permits per 10,000 people, the ongoing housing boom fuels a need for temporary storage during moves and renovations.
• The area has an above-average household size, meaning families often require additional space.
• Self-storage availability is slightly above industry standards, with over 8 square feet per capita and average rental rates of $124 per month.

What This Means for Arizona Real Estate

With Tucson leading in demand and Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler not far behind, self-storage is becoming an integral part of Arizona’s housing market. More people are downsizing, moving, and adjusting to changing lifestyles, all of which create opportunities in both real estate and storage investments.

For homebuyers, sellers, and investors, this trend signals a few things:

• Sellers: Highlight storage space as a selling point, especially for condos and smaller homes. If you’re selling a condo, consider offering the buyer a free year of self-storage rental as an added incentive. This extra perk can make your listing stand out in a competitive market.
• Buyers: If you’re running out of space, self-storage can be a flexible option while you find a larger home.
• Investors: With demand surging, self-storage facilities may be a smart real estate investment in Arizona’s growing metros.

Final Thoughts

The 6 Ds of self-storage are shaping real estate trends across the country, and Arizona is at the forefront. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for extra space, an investor eyeing opportunities, or just someone trying to declutter, self-storage is here to stay.