As housing costs rise and living space shrinks, many renters are getting creative about how—and where—they live and work.
Storage units, once just a place for overflow, are becoming a more versatile extension of the home.
In a new study, SpareFoot surveyed more than 500 U.S. storage renters to understand how these spaces are actually being used—and the results reveal a potentially unique income opportunity.
Among renters surveyed, 28% use their storage unit for a side hustle, earning an average of $646 a month.
If you’re a renter in need of extra cash, you might want to consider how your storage unit can be put to better use.
Key drivers behind this trend
In an effort to increase income, side hustles such as freelance gigs have become fairly commonplace. However, most people don’t have enough space to run a business, even if they do own a home.
That's where the storage units come in handy.
“Many side gigs don’t require the traditional sit-down-at-a-desk for 9 hours a day, but often revolve around inventory, shipments, and loading and unloading equipment,” explains Dave Collins, general manager at Storable in Austin, TX.
“What we’re seeing is renters turning storage units into functional workspaces and creating 'off-site extensions' of their homes to help generate additional income. This isn’t just about extra storage anymore, but rather economic opportunity,” says Collins.
So, what types of renters are doing this? The SpareFoot study found men are more likely than women to use a storage unit for a side hustle (33% vs. 24%). For many of them, the unit is both a workspace and personal escape wrapped into one.
Additionally, Gen Z is among the most likely generations to use their storage unit for a side hustle (31%).
“That makes a lot of sense given Gen Z largely rents, often lives with roommates, and grew up during the rise of the gig economy. For them, the storage unit may be filling the same role that a garage, basement, or home office fills for older generations,” Collins explains.
Why use storage units to support a side hustle
To be clear: Storage units are often used as a side hustle business hub rather than an office. This allows users to make the most of their space—without violating facility rules that often prohibit the use of units for traditional office or working spaces.
These restrictions are usually set in place due to safety measures, ventilation needs, and zoning and legal limitations that prevent people from conducting business in certain areas.
“However, storing items, preparing shipments, and conducting work from time to time in the units is usually permitted,” says Collins.
Using storage units for these activities is significantly cheaper than leasing retail or warehouse space. Units are also highly scalable.
“Renters can start small and upgrade their unit size as their business grows,” Collins explains.
In addition, storage units make it easy to separate work and home life. And keeping inventory or projects out of the home reduces clutter and helps maintain a better work-life balance.
Lastly, storage units offer operational flexibility.
“Many side hustles such as reselling, crafting, or restoration don’t require traditional storefronts, making storage units a very practical solution,” adds Collins.
Weighing storage costs against side hustle earnings
Renting a standard 10-by-10 storage unit usually costs between $80 to $220 a month, according to Angi.
“So when we put that against the $646 a month that storage-based side hustlers are earning on average, the math works out pretty well. That's roughly three to eight times what they're paying for the space,” says Collins.
Compared to the cost of square footage in a home or the cost of moving or relocating a business, a storage unit can be a cost-effective alternative.
Of course, storage unit prices are not set in stone and can increase at any time. That’s why it’s important for renters to continually run the numbers to make sure what they’re doing still makes financial sense.
How to jump on board
It’s fairly simple to make a storage unit work for your business and lifestyle needs.
First and foremost, choose a profitable side hustle that supports it. Some options include reselling products, refurbishing furniture, and producing handmade crafts.
Then, shop around and compare storage unit options.
“Ideally, you’d choose one with a ground-floor or even drive-up access in case you need to regularly move inventory/supplies in or out,” says Collins.
Before you sign on the dotted line, check the facility policies to ensure you can use the unit for business operations. Once you commit to one, get organized.
Collins recommends installing shelving and labeling everything properly to make the most of the space.
Don’t forget to keep track of your expenses and make sure you pay them off. It’s also wise to think long-term and determine whether your unit can grow with your side hustle.
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