Self storage demand has long been shaped by the traditional 4 Ds – Death, Divorce, Downsizing, and Dislocation – but today, two new forces are reshaping the industry: Decluttering, driven by the shift to remote work, and Distribution, fueled by the rise of e-commerce.

Our latest StorageCafe study calculated a unique 6D score to pinpoint the metro areas where these six factors converge, revealing the strongest markets for self storage demand across the U.S.

MORE NEWS: The 10 biggest Metro Phoenix real estate deals in February

INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler ranks among the nation’s top major metros as a prime location for self storage needs. Developers have been quick to respond, expanding storage availability to nearly 8.57 square feet per resident—well above the national average of 7.27 square feet.

Here’s what’s fueling storage demand in Phoenix:

  • New housing and population growth – Phoenix ranks 8th in building permits per capita, signaling ongoing residential expansion, while a 4% population increase in the past five years has added to housing pressures.
  • A market for downsizing – With 17% of residents over 65 and nearly 900 monthly searches for downsizing, retirees and empty-nesters are turning to storage as they transition into smaller homes while preserving cherished possessions.
  • Student relocations – With 6% of Phoenix college or graduate school residents, seasonal relocations add another layer of storage demand, particularly during summer breaks and transitions.
  • Room to grow, but not enough space – While Phoenix’s average apartment size of 851 sq. ft. is larger than some metros, it’s still below the national average, pushing many renters toward storage solutions to enhance their living space.
  • The decluttering effect – Phoenix residents are showing interest in streamlined living, with decluttering searches on the rise, reflecting the growing shift toward organization and minimalism.

Across the Valley of the Sun, self storage has become essential infrastructure supporting life transitions, not just a convenience – whether it’s for people downsizing, businesses expanding, or residents managing the effects of the region’s continued growth.

You can check out the full report here: https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/the-6-ds-of-self-storage-where-demand-is-strongest-across-the-us/.