How did self-storage begin?
While self-storage is now a staple of American life, its origins can be traced back thousands of years to ancient China. Around 6,000 years ago, the Chinese stored their possessions in clay pots placed in public underground pits. These storage pits were supervised to ensure only owners could access their items, laying the foundation for the secure storage we know today.
Fast forward to the 1850s, when Martin Bekins, the son of a Dutch immigrant, brought the storage concept to the United States. Bekins recognized the need for household goods storage as Americans migrated west. In 1906, he built the first reinforced steel and concrete warehouse in Los Angeles, followed by another in San Francisco. Notably, the San Francisco warehouse survived the devastating 1906 earthquake, proving its durability and utility.
Modern self-storage as we know it began in 1958 with the Collum family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Around the same time, others in Texas started constructing simple tin garage units that were quickly rented out. As demand grew, more facilities popped up across the country.
By the early 1970s, large national self-storage players like Public Storage, Shurgard, and Storage USA entered the market. The 1970s also saw a cultural shift, with factors like increased divorce rates, transitions between households, and consumer habits driving the demand for self-storage.
The Self-Storage Industry Today
Self-storage has grown into a massive industry in the United States, driven by a variety of factors like urban living, downsizing, and convenience. Here’s where the industry stands today:
- There are over 50,000 self-storage facilities nationwide.
- The average facility has around 566 storage units.
- The typical storage facility spans approximately 51,119 square feet.
- The most common unit size is about 90 square feet.
- Most U.S. self-storage facilities are operated by mom-and-pop businesses.
- The industry employs approximately 172,000 people.
- There are 2.3 billion square feet of rentable storage space in the U.S.
- 1 in 10 Americans uses a self-storage unit.
Why Self-Storage Is Here to Stay
As more individuals choose apartment living over homeownership, the demand for self-storage continues to grow. Whether for storing seasonal items, downsizing, or making space during transitions, self-storage offers a flexible and secure solution.
From ancient clay pots to modern facilities, the history of self-storage highlights its timeless relevance and adaptability to changing needs.
