“I have three storage units, and that’s no lie. Three storage units. All books.”
Junot Diaz, American writer 

Spring cleaning is well underway in many households!

Do you own a storage unit? If your answer is “Yes,” do you know exactly what is stored there? Did you know that furniture is the most common item found in a storage unit?

Have you ever watched an episode of the reality show “Storage Wars?” The show chronicles storage units which have been abandoned–the contents of which are put up for auction.

While researching this month’s topic, I came across some statistics which may surprise you. 

Joshua Becker tells us that “[t]he United States has upward of 50,000 storage facilities, more than five times the number of Starbucks. Currently, there is 7.3 square feet of self storage space for every man, woman and child in the nation.”

In late 2013 there were “… only 10,000 in the rest of the world” according to the Self Storage Association in Alexandria, Virginia. “About 10% of Americans have a storage locker compared to 1% of Canadians,” according to industry experts.

“For the most part, storage units were meant to temporarily absorb the possessions of those in transition: moving, marrying or divorcing, or dealing with a death in the family.”

What has been your experience? In my line of work, I would say this is partially true. I was just speaking with a client today about this very topic.

THE PROS AND CONS OF STORAGE UNITS

Pros

• temporary storage while staging a home for sale
• useful for people who are between homes when moving
• alternative to renting a larger living space
• less costly for a small business to store inventory
• many units have 24/7 access
• security of storage units
• climate-controlled storage can be better for furniture and heirlooms  

Cons

• #1 – cost of storage unit – Often the long-term cost exceeds the value of items stored.
• storing items that are rarely or never used
• Out of sight is out of mind!
• vehicle rental cost to transport items to storage unit – if required
• security of storage units

Alternatives

• Declutter your home
• Organize your storage areas so they are efficient
• Store items with a family member or friend
• Store items in your garage or shed

Remember – “The more storage you have, the more stuff you accumulate.”
Alexis Stewart, American TV host

Take advantage of A New Leaf’s offer below in “Get the Deal.”

Get started and turn over another leaf!

Until next month,