The Growth of Self Storage in the Southeast

If you live in the Southeast—or recently moved there—you may have noticed a major shift. New homes are going up, downtowns are getting busier, and “now leasing” signs are everywhere. Behind the scenes of all this change is a fast-growing solution that’s helping people make it all work: self storage.

Whether you’re new to the area, outgrowing your space, or just looking to stay more organized, self storage is becoming part of daily life across Southern cities. From Charleston to Charlotte, and Tampa to small towns in between, more people are renting storage units—and more facilities are being built to meet that demand.

What’s Driving the Storage Boom?

1. More People Are Moving to the Southeast

The Southeast is one of the most popular destinations for people relocating. According to recent data from Matthews Real Estate, cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Tampa are among the top relocation destinations in the country.

Whether it’s for better weather, lower costs, or job opportunities, many people find themselves between homes or dealing with complex moves—and that’s where self storage helps. It gives people a safe, flexible option to store furniture, boxes, and personal items while they transition.

2. Homes Are Smaller, But Life Isn’t

Many new homes and apartments in Southern cities are being built smaller to keep prices affordable. But life still comes with bikes, holiday décor, tools, sports gear, and more. That’s where a storage unit comes in—helping renters and homeowners keep their space clean without giving up the things they use seasonally or occasionally.

3. Work-From-Home Means Rethinking Space

With more people working from home, spare bedrooms and garages are being converted into offices or business spaces. Instead of cramming everything into closets, many people store files, furniture, and even business inventory in nearby storage units. That gives them a cleaner, more focused environment to work in—and helps them separate work from personal life.

How People Are Using Storage Today

Self storage has come a long way. Today’s renters use it for all kinds of reasons, including:

• Between leases or homes: Perfect for storing everything during a short-term move or while waiting to close on a new home.
• Seasonal swaps: Store beach gear, winter coats, or patio furniture when not in use.
• Apartment living: Smaller spaces with limited closets make storage units a helpful extension of home.
• Decluttering: Whether you’re simplifying your lifestyle or staging a home for sale, offsite storage helps make your space look and feel better.
• Student storage: Great for college students during summer or study abroad semesters.
• Outdoor equipment: Store bikes, kayaks, camping gear, or tools without cluttering the house or garage.

The Southeast Is Building More Storage—Here’s Why That’s Good for You

With so much demand, storage companies are expanding rapidly. In fact, according to Multi-Housing News, Charleston, SC saw the biggest month-over-month increase in self storage construction in the U.S. in early 2025. Other high-growth areas include Raleigh, Orlando, and Tampa.

What does that mean for renters?

• More convenient locations in both cities and suburbs
• More choices in unit sizes and types
• Better features, like gated entry, climate control, drive-up access, and longer access hours
• More competitive pricing, especially as new facilities open and compete for your business

Climate Control: A Southeast Essential

If you’ve lived in the Southeast for even one summer, you know how hot and humid it can get. That’s why climate-controlled storage units are becoming more common—and more important.

Use climate control if you’re storing:

• Electronics
• Furniture
• Clothing or bedding
• Photos, documents, or books
• Musical instruments
• Collectibles

Climate control helps prevent mold, warping, and mildew, especially during the sticky summer months.

What to Look for in a Storage Facility

Not all self storage is the same. Before you rent a unit, here are a few things to consider:

1. Location

Choose a facility that’s close to where you live, work, or go to school. Convenience makes a big difference, especially if you’ll be visiting regularly.

2. Security

Look for places with gated access, video surveillance, good lighting, and solid unit locks. Peace of mind is part of the value.

3. Accessibility

Ask about access hours. Some places allow 24/7 entry; others have more limited hours. Also check if the facility has drive-up access or indoor units with elevators.

4. Customer Service

Online reviews, friendly staff, and helpful policies make all the difference when you’re managing a move or stressful life event.

Real Storage Trends in Real Places

Let’s take a quick look at a few cities in the Southeast and how storage is growing there:

Charlotte, NC

This fast-growing city is attracting young professionals and families. New apartments and condos often come with limited space, making self storage popular. The city has added several new facilities in the past year alone.

Charleston, SC

Known for its charm—and humidity—Charleston has seen a spike in demand for climate-controlled units. It’s also a popular destination for retirees and vacation homeowners who need extra space nearby.

Orlando, FL

With tourism, families, and a lot of apartment living, Orlando has a strong need for convenient, affordable storage. Units near downtown and theme parks fill up quickly, especially during moving season.

Atlanta, GA

The metro Atlanta area has grown rapidly, adding more than 1 million square feet of storage space in just one year (Radius+). That growth benefits renters by increasing availability and giving more options to fit specific needs.

Storage Tips to Get the Most Value

• Start small: Don’t overpay for extra space. You can always upgrade if needed.
• Pack smart: Use clear bins, label everything, and create walkways inside your unit.
• Stack safely: Place heavier items on the bottom and fragile ones on top.
• Use vertical space: Stack boxes and use shelves to maximize room.
• Protect your items: Use mattress covers, furniture pads, and moisture absorbers.

Is Storage Just Temporary? Not Anymore.

Many renters think of storage as a short-term fix during a move or life transition. But more people are keeping their storage units longer—sometimes even indefinitely—because it helps them live more simply and flexibly.

Whether you’re running a side business, hosting frequent guests, or just want to reduce clutter at home, having a storage unit nearby gives you freedom without sacrificing space.

Where Goodfellas Storage Fits In

At Goodfellas Storage, we focus on providing clean, affordable, drive-up units across North and South Carolina. Most of our locations are small, easy to access, and right where you need them—near highways, neighborhoods, and small town centers.

Some of our facilities also offer:

• RV and boat parking
• Fenced and gated entry
• Flexible month-to-month rentals
• Online payments and reservations

We’re here to help whether you need storage for a month, a year, or somewhere in between.

📍 View All Locations
📞 Contact Us Today

Final Thoughts



Self storage in the Southeast is growing for a reason: people are moving more, homes are getting tighter, and flexibility is more important than ever. Whether you’re decluttering, remodeling, running a business, or simply making room for a new chapter in life, storage helps you take control of your space—and your time.