When evaluating a self-storage investment, one of the most important questions to ask is: How far are customers willing to travel to access their storage unit?
Understanding tenant travel patterns can help owners, operators, and investors make better decisions about site selection, marketing strategies, facility amenities, and pricing. While convenience remains a major factor for most renters, customer behavior shows that many are willing to travel farther when a facility offers the right combination of value, security, and features.
Let’s take a closer look at how far tenants are willing to travel for self-storage and what these trends mean for facility owners.
The Majority of Customers Stay Within 20 Minutes
The data shows that nearly 70% of self-storage customers travel less than 20 minutes to access their unit.
33% Travel 10 Minutes or Less
The largest segment of renters prefers a facility located within 10 minutes of their home or workplace. For these customers, convenience is the primary deciding factor.
These tenants often need frequent access to their belongings and place a premium on quick entry, easy navigation, and a convenient location. Facilities located along major roads, near residential neighborhoods, or close to commercial centers often benefit from this demand.
To attract these customers, operators should focus on:
- Easy access and visibility
- Drive-up units
- Extended access hours
- Fast move-in processes
- Strong online presence for local searches
36% Travel Between 10 and 19 Minutes
Another significant portion of tenants are willing to drive slightly farther if the facility offers competitive pricing, good service, or desirable amenities.
For many renters, this represents the “sweet spot” between convenience and value. They may be willing to pass by a closer competitor if they perceive a better overall experience.
Facilities serving this market should emphasize:
- Competitive rates
- Clean and secure properties
- Online rentals and payments
- Friendly customer service
- Well-maintained facilities
Some Customers Will Travel for Better Value
While convenience drives most rental decisions, a substantial percentage of customers are willing to travel farther when they believe they are receiving greater value. 18% Travel Between 20 and 29 Minutes
Nearly one in five tenants will drive 20 to 29 minutes to access their storage unit.
These customers often prioritize factors such as affordability, availability of larger units, climate-controlled options, RV and boat storage, or specialized storage solutions.
For operators, this means that unique offerings can expand the facility’s customer base well beyond the immediate trade area.
Examples include:
- Climate-controlled storage
- Vehicle, RV, and boat storage
- Enhanced security systems
- Business storage solutions
- Long-term storage discounts
Premium Facilities Can Draw Customers From Longer Distances
The data also shows that some customers are willing to travel significantly farther for the right facility.
6% Travel Between 30 and 44 Minutes
6% Travel 45 Minutes or More
Combined, approximately 12% of self-storage tenants travel more than 30 minutes to access their units.
These customers are often seeking something specific that isn’t available closer to home. This could include premium security features, climate-controlled storage, specialized vehicle storage, or simply a facility with a strong reputation and competitive pricing.
For facilities located in rural markets or secondary locations, this is encouraging news. A property does not necessarily need to be located in the center of a major population hub to attract tenants. Facilities that provide exceptional service and unique features can successfully pull customers from a much larger geographic area.
What This Means for Self-Storage Investors
Many investors automatically assume that a facility must be located in a dense urban market to succeed. While location certainly matters, the data suggests that customers are often willing to travel farther when a facility offers compelling advantages.
When evaluating a storage investment, consider:
- The quality of competing facilities nearby
- The availability of climate-controlled units
- Security and access features
- Online rental capabilities
- Specialized storage options
- Pricing relative to the local market
A facility with strong amenities and excellent management may be able to attract customers from well beyond its immediate neighborhood.
Key Takeaway
The numbers tell an interesting story:
- 33% of tenants travel 10 minutes or less
- 36% travel between 10 and 19 minutes
- 18% travel between 20 and 29 minutes
- 6% travel between 30 and 44 minutes
- 6% travel 45 minutes or more
While convenience remains the biggest driver for most self-storage customers, a significant percentage are willing to travel farther for better value, enhanced security, specialized storage options, and superior customer service.
For facility owners and investors, the lesson is simple: location matters, but delivering a better customer experience can dramatically expand your market reach.
Looking to Buy or Sell a Self-Storage Facility?
Calvary Realty specializes in the acquisition and disposition of self-storage facilities nationwide. Whether you’re looking to purchase your next investment, evaluate a facility, or maximize the value of an asset before selling, our team is here to help.
Contact:
Brandon Robinson (National Director) and Ingla Robinson (Vice President of Operations)
