Storage units are no longer just for extra stuff. They're becoming a tool to make money and not just for the owner.

I'm Kathy Fedke and this is real estate news for investors.

This is Real Estate News with Kathy Fedke. A new study from Sparefoot looked at more than 500 storage renters across the U.S.

And what they found is something investors should pay attention to.

About 28% of renters are using their storage unit for a side hustle.

On average, they're making about $646 a month.

That's a big shift.

Storage units are turning into small business hubs,

not full of offices, but places to store inventory,

back orders, and manage operations.

Experts say this trend is being driven by space.

Many renters don't have room at home to run a business,

especially younger renters.

The study found Gen Z is one of the most active groups using storage units this way, and that

makes sense. Many live with roommates or in smaller spaces, and they've grown up in the gig economy.

So instead of a garage or basement, they're using a storage unit as an extension of their home. There are also

cost advantages. A typical 10 by 10 storage unit costs between $80 and $220 a month. Compare that to

earning around $646 monthly, and the numbers can work. In many cases, renters are making three to

eight times their storage cost. For real

estate investors, this highlights something important. Demand for flexible, low-cost space

is growing, not just for living, but for working. Storage units offer flexibility. Renters can

start small and upgrade as their business grows. They also help keep work separate from home life, which is a big benefit for many people.

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