You may have asked yourself why self-storage facilities have been popping up all over the place in your town or city. What are people putting inside those storage units?

Why do people use storage, really?

A whopping 41% of storage customers surveyed said they needed the storage for moving purposes. The next largest pool was 17% of customers that said they used storage for de-cluttering. There were other reasons that people use storage too. Mindful Workspaces and Storage shows a few.

1. Offsetting the Stresses of Moving

There are many different circumstances we find ourselves in when we move. Regardless of whether we’re moving to another state or into our first home, moving is a stressful process. Sometimes temporarily renting a storage unit can provide an answer to some common moving problems.

Moving scenarios that might require self storage:

• Downsizing. If you have to move into a smaller home, you might not be able to sort through all your belongings promptly. Put the excess stuff into a storage unit to sort through once the move is over.
• Staging a home for sale. Many realtors suggest renting a small storage unit to keep some clunky items off-site during the selling process.
• Closing date pushed back. If you need to be out of your apartment by one date, but your closing date won’t happen until later, a storage unit is going to be almost a necessity.

2. Providing More Space at Home

Sometimes we have so much stuff in our dwellings that we have to declutter. However, sometimes we aren’t in a position to get rid of those belongings. They might belong to another family member, or we have a sentimental attachment.

Many people will temporarily rent a storage unit so they can slowly go through the decluttering process and keep their homes clean. Those who have a knack for interior decorating also may utilize storage units to house decor they can switch out from time to time.

3. Keeping Vehicles Safe

People store more than just their cars. You will see RVs, motorcycles, and boats at self-storage facilities. Most people don’t have a large enough driveway or garage to keep their toys, so storage units are often one of the more affordable storage options.

4. Organizing Home Renovation

You might not be moving, but you decided to renovate the home or build an addition. Storage units allow homeowners to empty the space needing renovation so they can work freely.

5. Emptying a Dorm Room

Kids who go away to college are often left with a dilemma of what to do with their stuff during the summer. Storage facilities near college campuses are packed with college students and their families come summertime.

If you find yourself needing a storage unit near a college university around that time, considering renting a month in advance to ensure you get the size you need.

6.  Keeping Business Inventory Organized

Did you ever try to start a business and have it take over your entire home? At first, it seems like a smart way to save money, but eventually, it starts to wear on your sanity. Many small business owners rent storage units as an affordable way to keep track of inventory.

Some common businesses that find value in storage units include:

• Carpenters and contractors
• Antique and book dealers
• Retail shop owners
• Sales and service professionals