When Self-Storage Becomes Self Destruction

Self-storage is taking on a new role in America: a home addition.

In the past, self-storage units were used as transitional crutches, places to store stuff for a limited time with a foreseeable end.  People used them while living in a hotel or small place and awaiting to move into a larger one; they used them to store deceased relatives’ belongings; they used them to transition in life, whatever the transition was (divorce, lost job, lost home, travel abroad).

Now, though, 50% of renters use storage units to simply store stuff they can no longer fit in their homes, according to the New York Times article “The Self-Storage Self”.  Their use is indefinite in many cases, lasting for numerous years, which can cost renters tens of thousands of dollars.

We recently discussed how to find self-storage and why it can be a good fit for your short-term moving needs.  However, if you’re renting self-storage without a definite end date, you might end up paying way more money than saving.  If you can’t fit everything in your home, and you don’t foresee that situation changing anytime soon, it might be best to start getting rid of that excess stuff.  Simply having a yard sale or selling your extra stuff on Craigslist or eBay could save you thousands of dollars and hassle.