OCT 1 Ready: The Hidden Costs of Storage Units: Why Downsizing and Staying Organized Is the Better Choice Over Time
Storage units have become a common solution for people who find themselves with more belongings than space. While they may seem convenient at first glance, the rise of the storage industry reflects a deeper issue: the challenge of managing our possessions.
Let’s take a closer look at the history and growth of storage units, and explore why staying organized can save you from the hidden costs of this booming industry.
The Origins of Storage Units: A Temporary Fix
The concept of storing household goods outside of the home began in the 1850s with the construction of the first warehouse designed for this purpose. However, this was meant to be a temporary fix, not a long-term solution. Fast forward to 1906, and the Bekins Company built the first concrete and steel warehouse in Los Angeles, pioneering what we now know as self-storage. While this innovation offered a safer place for excess belongings, it also marked the beginning of a trend where more space was needed to accommodate our growing accumulation of stuff.
The 1960s Boom: When Storage Became a Habit
The 1960s saw a significant boom in the storage industry. Rental rates were just $0.15 per square foot per month, making it an affordable option for many. But what seemed like a convenient solution quickly became a habit. Instead of addressing the underlying issue—excessive accumulation and lack of organization—many people opted to rent more space to store items they rarely, if ever, used.
Record-Breaking Growth: The Consequences of Inexpensive, Imported Goods and Clutter
By 1978, the storage industry was experiencing record-breaking growth. Facilities were springing up everywhere, particularly in the United States, which now leads the world in the number of storage units. This explosion in storage space highlights a troubling trend: the tendency to hold onto things we don’t need, rather than making the tough decisions to declutter and organize our lives by passing items on to others who can use them.
The Real Cost: Hidden Financial and Emotional Burdens
Today, there are about 60,000 storage facilities worldwide, with the United States at the forefront. But while these units offer a place to store excess belongings, they also come with hidden costs. Storage fees can add up quickly, especially with today’s rates ranging from $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot per month. Over time, these expenses can become a financial burden, draining resources that could be better spent elsewhere. Perhaps we’re saving heirloom possessions for the next generation, but if they won’t be used for years, it’s important to assess how much we are spending to do so. Moreover, the emotional weight of having possessions locked away in a storage unit—out of sight, but not out of mind—can add stress and anxiety to our lives. There’s also the risk of losing track of what’s stored, leading to wasted money and forgotten treasures.
Shocking Discoveries: The Price of Disorganization
Perhaps the most striking example of the pitfalls of storage units is the story of the $7.5 million in cash found in a storage unit. While this might seem like a rare and lucky find, it actually underscores a key point: when we lose control of our belongings, we risk losing much more than just space—we lose control of our lives.
Conclusion: The Power of Organization
While storage units can offer a temporary solution, they are not the answer to long-term clutter, which sooner or later, must be addressed. By staying organized and making conscious decisions about what we truly need and value, we can avoid the financial and emotional burdens associated with storage units. Investing in organization and decluttering not only saves money but also brings peace of mind, allowing us to live more freely and intentionally.
By Jennifer Dwight, Professional Organizer, Caregiver, Coach, NAPO Gold Circle Member and Team Member at Ideal Organizing + Design (IOD). IOD is a devoted team of talented experts with decades of experience improving clients’ productivity and helping them love their spaces and lifestyles again. Read our team members’ stories of how they became among the industry’s most dedicated Professional Organizers.
Ideal Organizing + Design is Celebrating 15 Years in Business!
Send the IOD team a quick message, ask an organizing or productivity question, or get a free phone consultation.
