As the cost of living crisis continues to affect families across the UK, households in the West Midlands and Staffordshire are increasingly turning to self-storage as a practical way to create more space without breaking the bank.
The Box Co., a UK-wide self-storage company offering storage by the box with collection and delivery included, reports a surge in demand from across the region as residents struggle to adapt to rising housing costs and smaller living spaces
Rental Prices Climb Across the West Midlands
The average monthly rent in the West Midlands has reached £1,017, according to the latest figures from HomeLet, marking a 4.3% year-on-year increase.
At the same time, rental supply has dropped by 10% across the UK, including areas like Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Stafford, making it harder for families to upgrade or move to larger properties.
“With rental prices rising faster than wages, many people are finding themselves staying put in smaller homes and needing to make the most of every square metre,” said a spokesperson from The Box Co. “That’s where self-storage comes in.”
More People, Less Space
The West Midlands already has one of the UK's highest rates of multi-generational households. Families living together across multiple generations are becoming more common as young adults delay moving out and elderly relatives return to live with children due to care or financial needs.
Although the average home size in the West Midlands is slightly above the UK average - around 105 square metres compared to 94 square metres nationally - it’s still not enough for many growing families. Lack of loft, garage, or garden space in many new-build homes further limits storage options.
Flexible Storage for Changing Times
Rather than renting an entire storage unit, more residents are turning to flexible services like The Box Co., which lets users store individual boxes of belongings at a fraction of the cost.
Customers simply pack their items, and The Box Co. collects, stores, and returns them on demand.
“Storage shouldn’t be a luxury,” the spokesperson added. “By offering a service where people only pay for the space they actually use, we’re helping families across the West Midlands hold on to the things they love, without having to give up valuable living space.”
UK Self-Storage Market Booms Amid Economic Pressure
Recent data from the UK Self Storage Association and Janus Europe reveals that the self-storage industry now covers more than 60 million square feet of space nationwide - an 8.1% increase in just the past year.
Demand continues to grow, especially in urban and commuter areas where property sizes are smaller.
This mirrors what’s happening in cities like Birmingham and surrounding towns in Staffordshire, where residents are increasingly looking for easy and flexible storage options.
For storage by the box, starting from just £3.56 per month, visit The Box Co. today.