singapore storage

The self storage industry has taken off in Asia although the number of facilities in existence is still way below that of the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K. China and India, two of the most populous countries in the region, still don't have a self storage industry according to a study done by Jon Perrins of Extra Space based in Singapore.

The study suggested that a country needs to meet the minimum GDP of at least $20,000 per head of population in order for a self storage industry to thrive. To date, the GDP of China and India are still very low.

Currently, the Asian region has an estimated 250 storage facilities in place. These are located in Singapore (16), Hong Kong (143), Japan (73), South Korea (1) and Thailand. Compared to the U.S and the U.K., the sizes of self storage units in these countries are smaller owing to the smaller housing units there. Reports have it that the sizes of self storage units normally correspond to the sizes of houses in the countries where they are situated. And so in these Asian nations, the storage rooms that customers look for are also smaller.

The growth and development of self storage in Asia is due to the presence of small homes and the high cost of retail space. With smaller homes, families are bound to face storage space problems particularly for their personal belongings. Business owners are also recognizing the importance of these units to keep their stocks instead of building their leasing commercial space and paying high fees for long term contracts. These self storage units have, in fact, been used by some companies as their showrooms to reduce costs.

Below are the major self storage providers in Asia. Some are franchises while the others are local businesses.

Extra Space has four sites in Singapore. Australian Jonathan Perrins is the man behind this business. He was also instrumental in the development of Steel Storage in the U.K.

Store-friendly has 65 sites in Hong Kong. Most are situated on apartment blocks covering whole floors.

Big Orange has four sites in Singapore and two in Hong Kong. This is owned and operated by Angus Miller. Know more here singapore storage

Quraz is a Japanese self storage provider. It is an upscale facility that has 33 sites in Japan today. The rental rates are quite high owing to the carpeted as well as temperature and humidity controlled self storage units.

My Storage operates in Thailand. Opened in August 2010, this facility has attracted the expat community and has plans of expansion in the mainland.