Istanbul's Moving Surge Fuels Rapid Growth in Temporary Storage Market

A surge in residential moves in Istanbul, driven by rapid tenant turnover, urban‑renewal projects and the rise of remote‑work arrangements, has sharply increased demand for short‑term storage facilities. Renters who must vacate a home before receiving keys to a new one are turning to professional storage centres that offer climate‑controlled units and security monitoring, especially in districts such as Kadıköy, Bakırköy and Beşiktaş.

The sector, now estimated at about $2.2 billion, is also attracting unregulated operators who rent out basements, open lots or damp cellars and charge excessive fees, sometimes seizing stored items as collateral. Experts warn consumers not to entrust belongings to uncontracted “pirate” depots. Troy Depo co‑founder Batuhan Yusuf Hakan highlighted that storing a fully furnished 3+1 apartment can cost roughly 120‑180 k TL per year, allowing owners to save up to 660 k TL annually compared with high rental costs during urban‑renewal projects.