There are now more than 2.3 billion square feet of rentable self storage space in the United States.
More than 9 percent of all households rent storage space.
Those statistics raise an interesting question: What are people putting in all these storage units? And why have they become so popular?
Seasonal Decorations
It’s not just a few strands of lights and some ornaments people are storing away. The merriest among us celebrate the holidays with multiple trees, loads of outdoor lights, inflatables, and household decor. These decorations are used just a few weeks each year, taking up space the rest of the year. Self storage allows you to celebrate the way you want to without cluttering your home with boxes after the holidays.
Antiques and Furniture
Antiques are valuable items, and many have sentimental value to the people who own them. So, while we want to hold onto our antiques, we don’t always have a great place to put them. Maybe you’re waiting to buy a bigger house or for your children to have a proper home of their own. Either way, self storage can keep your items safe in the interim.
Clothing
Not everyone has the luxury of a large walk-in closet. That’s why, especially in big cities where space is at a premium, people are turning to self storage to stash their off-season clothing.
Baby Gear
If there’s a chance you might have another baby, then you’ll obviously want to keep your crib, stroller, highchair, bouncy seat, swing, and everything else that comes along with a bundle of joy. All that gear can take up an entire room in your house—or can be neatly packed away in a storage unit.
Bikes, Snowmobiles, and Other Toys
Toys like these sure make life fun. Unfortunately, they can also make your garage a nightmare. When your spouse starts asking why there’s no room in the garage for cars, that’s when you know you’re in trouble. Self storage is an easy way to keep your honey happy and keep your motorcycle, boat, or Jet Ski.
Collectibles
From art to comic books, collecting something is one of the joys of life. There’s no point in having a collection if you’re going to store it in a basement or attic where your treasures will be subject to temperature swings, humidity, dust, critters, and possibly even water damage. A climate-controlled self-storage unit provides the ideal conditions to protect your investment.
New Business Supplies and Inventory
Maybe your Etsy business has taken off or maybe you’re starting a small business, but you haven’t ramped up to the point where you need office or warehouse space yet. Self storage can buy you the time you need to grow your business without taking on the fixed costs of a lease or mortgage.
Climate Controlled Storage Near You
At StorageMart, you can rent a unit as small as 25 square feet or up to the size of a garage. We offer affordable self storage units that can be rented on a month-by-month basis and are always clean and well lit. Climate controlled units are also available to protect your antiques and collectibles, as well as other items that could be damaged by temperature and humidity swings. Need more info? Check out our storage unit guide or rent a unit online today.