Anthony Paine, co-founder & CEO of Stashbee, discusses how the increasingly limited access to physical space affects mental health.
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Britain is the Most Densely Populated Large Country in Europe
A steady population growth rate of 6.9% over the past decade has seen the number of people living in the UK reach close to 67 million, resulting in Britain being the most densely populated large country in Europe, with 281 people per square kilometre. This is compared to the European average of just 34. In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK,听听new landmark national research from Stashbee 鈥� the UK鈥檚 largest marketplace for self-storage, garages, and parking 鈥� has been commissioned to understand what impact living in crowded conditions has on Britain鈥檚 mental health.听The research听revealed that听29%听of Brits听living in cities suffer from mental health implications from living in听cramped conditions, illustrating how space has very much become a scarce commodity.听The study found 14% of Brits found the lack of space in cities so overbearing they moved to the regions to be afforded greater space.Stashbee鈥檚 national research has unveiled that the critical mass of British society are dramatically underserved when it comes to the space around them. The research has also highlighted an emerging听socioeconomic听disparity听in听terms of access to space as middle class households (4,363,000) are听nearly听twice as likely to have access to excess space in their property compared to working class households (2,294,000).
Lack of Storage Space
A further 21% of Brits stated they鈥檙e in desperate need of extra storage space but cannot afford it due to increasing costs听in warehouse facilities, resulting in听more crowded听homes. This insight coincides with the UK self-storage industry experiencing the greatest occupancy levels on record, as 82% of units are occupied, causing rental rates to skyrocket. The industry has seen an increase of 86p per square foot compared to the 5-year average of 50p per square foot, with many renters seeing the cost of their units nearly quadruples during the pandemic.The result of increasing demand for storage has meant that听nearly 4.5 million Brits听are in need听to store personal belongings in more than two properties听due to a lack of space in their current living arrangements听鈥撎齪roving听indicative of the increasingly limited access to space the UK is experiencing.听In contrast to those who suffer from an absence of space, Stashbee has found that nearly 36% of the听nation has excess space in their property that has the potential to be rented out. Stashbee addresses these issues by connecting the users that lack space, with those that have some听extra听space and are looking for a passive income.
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Reduced Physical Space Impacting Mental Health
Anthony Paine, co-founder and CEO of Stashbee comments on the impact that physical space has on mental health:听鈥淲e often think of physical space and mental space as completely different concepts. In our view, the two things are incredibly connected. Having enough physical space to not feel cramped in your home, and also keep hold of your your most treasured possessions, leads to a clearer, healthier mind.听鈥淭he same goes for having enough space to run a business effectively, whether it鈥檚 a one-person-operation, or a large company. Being 鈥榮pace poor鈥� can be incredibly stressful, and in our view, should not be something people have to suffer from.鈥�
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