Vermont's housing crisis fuels unprecedented demand for self-storage units
Demand for self-storage in Vermont has surged as housing shortages push more residents to seek extra space. At Jericho Mini Storage, owner David Raphael now maintains a waitlist for rentals—reflecting a broader trend across the state and the US. Vermont’s tight housing market has driven many to rely on storage units, with some even using them as temporary shelter. The average monthly cost for a unit in the state stands at $119. In Burlington, the city itself rents a storage space to hold abandoned belongings from homeless encampments.
Nationally, the self-storage industry has become one of the fastest-growing real estate sectors. Over 50,000 facilities operate across the US, and one in three Americans now rents a unit. Five major companies dominate the market, controlling nearly 38% of all storage space. Jericho Mini Storage alone offers 265 rentable units, yet demand continues to outstrip supply. Raphael’s waitlist highlights how limited housing options are forcing residents to turn to alternative solutions.
The rising need for storage in Vermont mirrors wider challenges in housing affordability. With more people depending on units for both belongings and shelter, the industry shows no signs of slowing. For now, waitlists and high occupancy rates remain the norm.
