The History of Self Storage
Self storage facilities are everywhere, but do you ever wonder how the self storage industry got its start? There are thousands of years of history behind this everyday service. Let's learn more about everything that brought us to the modern-day storage unit.
Early Beginnings: Storage in Ancient Times
Although storage units as we know them now didn't exist in ancient civilizations, they had their own equivalents; the Chinese would often place valuables in sealed clay pots and store these pots in communal underground storage pits. There, they would be guarded to make sure that only each pot's owner could access its contents. In a way, these were the first storage facilities, and our 24/7 surveillance cameras are the modern guards!
Meanwhile, in ancient Egypt, enterprising merchants offered caves and storage bins where common people could store clay pots full of belongings...for a price. Remaining papyrus records show that these "storage facilities" were popular, if a bit pricey.
Years after the clay pots, British banks would hold on to their clients' valuables while the clients were away. In fact, this idea was so popular that banks would eventually need to dedicate entire warehouses just to store valuables!
The goal of creating a safe space for belongings has stayed the same throughout history, even though these early solutions aren't the same as modern storage facilities – they lay the groundwork for the self storage facilities we know and love today.
The Birth of Modern Self Storage
The contemporary self storage industry as we know it now emerged in the late 20th century. Storage facilities started appearing in the 1960s, and primarily served commercial clientele – large businesses that needed a place to serve extra goods.
As the 60s moved into the 70s, more and more people wanted self storage for their own belongings. Economic and societal changes, as well as evolving consumer habits, lead to a strong demand for self storage facilities after the war. People bought more, lived in homes with limited storage, and looked for flexible, economical storage for seasonal things, heirlooms, valuables, and furniture.
The 1980s and 1990s saw substantial growth in self-storage facilities across the US. In the early 2000s, self-storage was worth $20 billion! Over 50,000 self-storage facilities in the US offer basic storage, climate-controlled units, and storage for cars, boats, and RVs.
Why Self Storage Became a Necessity
One of the reasons self storage has become so popular in America is the continuous evolution of lifestyle and working habits. As the decades pass, it becomes much more common for Americans to move for employment, education, or family; employees who work from home and then head back to the office have furniture and office supplies to store, while families taking vacations need a place to park their RV.
Our consumer habits have also changed. From gadgets and furniture to outdoor gear and sports equipment, homes are fuller than ever. Self storage makes it easy to free up space at home and protect valuables.
Modern facilities like Lockaway Storage offer practical, customer-focused solutions. Local residents and businesses can get the storage space they need for a few months or years with flexible month-to-month leases, a variety of unit sizes, and climate-controlled storage.
The Future of Self Storage
The self storage market shows no signs of slowing down. Facilities are constantly evolving, finding new and better services to offer. Mobile app-based unit access, smart locks, and eco-friendly design are becoming widespread in the business.
Lockaway Storage stays ahead of current trends by blending innovation with customized service to give consumers the greatest experience. Lockaway Storage can meet the growing needs in the states of Texas and Colorado, offering a trusted storage partner for residents and businesses alike.
