Self storage

Self storage is an industry that leases out storage space (such as rooms, lockers, containers, and/or outdoor space), sometimes known as "storage units," to renters, often on a short-term basis. Self storage is an abbreviation for "self-service storage," and it is also known as "device storage" (often month-to-month). Tenants of self-storage facilities may range from sole proprietors to large corporations.

When addressing the reasons why people rent storage space, professionals in the sector sometimes allude to the "4Ds of life" (death, divorce, downsizing and dislocation; the latter can refer to either the renter relocating to another area and needing space to store items until they can be moved to the new location, or a subsequent marriage resulting in the couple having duplicate items).