3 Reasons Self Storage Will Never Die – And Why Your Storage Operator Will Never Share Them With You
Posted By Houston Decorator on December 13, 2010
Self storage as an industry grew up in the 1990′s with the flood of cheap stuff coming into the United States from China. There are 3 main reasons that this new industry has a long life in front of it.
- Our stuff gives us identity. I love backpacking. Before starting a family and career, I went all the time. I haven’t slept under the stars in ages, but I still have all that old gear. A moth-eaten sleeping bag, rusty heavy backpack and a Bluet gas stove. I’ll be you can’t even get fuel for that old dog anymore. But I am no more willing to toss that stuff than I am to cut off my left pinkie. It is who I am.
- Our stuff separates us from our peers. “Conspicuous consumption” has matured so that consumption has become more important than conspicuous. Just having more stuff, or having a bigger storage unit to stash it in, has become a new indicator of wealth.
- Our stuff keeps us connected with our past life. Do you still have your textbooks from college? It took me 20 years to get rid of mine, and I didn’t even have a storage unit to hide them in. I just schlepped them from one house to the next with every move (moving too often – another common American affliction!) The truth is, I didn’t get rid of those books until they got wet and moldy in the basement. And how did I feel when they were gone? Exhilirated! Lighter! Free at Last!
Or what about that old blanket from Grandma? You always hated it, but when she died it was something you could hold onto, that would be a reminder of her. (Actually, I think this is one of the best reasons to keep a storage unit. Old family keepsakes are indeed important.)
As the owner of a storage facility myself, I should not be airing these controversial views. But the truth is – and I believe this – that most of the reasons the people pay me to store their stuff are bogus. With a little reflection and thought, they could dramatically reduce the quantity of stuff that burdens them and save significant money in the process.
Jeff Wright owns Bridge Storage and ArtSpace in Richmond California.
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