The History of Self-Storage
Self-storage, also known as self-service storage, is a growing industry with a significant and fascinating history. Stop & Stor is an early industry leader and has been in business since 1980. However, self-storage history goes back even further than this and has ties to ancient traditions.
In this Stop & Stor article, we explore the history of self-storage and how the industry has evolved to offer modern storage facilities like ours in New York.
The Origins of Self-Storage
Historians credit China as the original birthplace of self-storage. According to ancient records and legends, a man named Xiang Lau built huge storage vessels in underground pits to store personal items and turned them into a business. Ancient Egyptians stored possessions in tombs with chambers for the deceased, and Romans preserved food and artifacts in climate-controlled storehouses.
Modern storage facilities have significantly evolved since then, but the basic principles of safety and organization remain priorities. Modern self-storage in America emerged in the late 1960s in Texas. At that time, most Texas homes did not have basements, leading people to find alternative places to stash their stuff.
Growth and Expansion of Self-Storage in America
The early pioneers of the self-storage industry started chain businesses between the 1970s and 1990s. They saw slow but steady growth and demand. Meanwhile, the first self-storage facility in Europe emerged in 1979 in central London.
Between 2000 and 2005, the self-storage industry saw rapid development, with over 3,000 new facilities built annually. Lifestyle changes drove consumer demand for contemporary storage units. Since 2005, self-storage has modernized tremendously with enhanced offerings like online booking, high-tech facility features, and climate control.
So, how many self-storage facilities are there in the U.S. today?
According to storage unit statistics, approximately 52,301 self-storage facilities in America offer 2.1 billion square feet of rentable storage space.
Cultural and Economic Impact of Self-Storage
The history of self-storage has seen demand changes due to the “4Ds of life.” These “Ds” are death, divorce, delimitation, and discombobulation.
People often rent contemporary storage units after moving residences when they separate from a spouse and after the death of a family member. It's also common to look for self-storage after combining households, not needing duplicate items, or decluttering homes after becoming overwhelmed by too much stuff.
Other storage unit statistics reveal that about 11% of U.S. households rent self-storage. That means that around 14.6 million American families rely on self-storage for their overflow needs.
Despite all its changes, one thing has remained true since the emergence of the self-storage industry. It is a recession-proof industry that thrives during even the most challenging times, including the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Milestones and Modern Trends
Here are some important dates and milestones in self-storage history:
- Late 1800s: Martin and John Bekins started a moving and storage company
- 1958: The Cullum families built modern storage facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- 1964: Russ Williams and Bob Munn started the A-1 U-Store-It U-Lock-It U-Carry-the-Key in Odessa, Texas
- 1979: Doug Hampson opened Abbey Self-Storage in London
- 1980: We established Stop & Stor and have since grown into one of the largest and most respected storage companies in New York
Modern storage facilities like the ones we operate have expanded into urban and suburban areas with enhanced amenities, such as biometric access, climate-controlled units, and 24-hour entry. Meanwhile, some storage companies target specific customers and offer customer-focused services like truck rentals and insurance.
Challenges and Controversies
However, the self-storage industry has not progressed without its fair share of challenges. For example, some storage companies have faced zoning issues and community pushback while trying to obtain land and gain approval for new facilities.
The self-storage industry is also a fragmented market, as interestingly, approximately 80% of facilities are owned by small-scale and individual operators. This fact leads some experts to recommend consolidation to optimize assets and increase profitability.
Storage auctions also affect modern storage facilities, raising legal and ethical concerns about lien sales and tenant rights.
The Future of Self-Storage
Fortunately, the future of the self-storage industry is bright and poised for continued growth. On-demand storage models and the use of smart technology are trends that customers are embracing. Technology holds great potential for better facility management and customer experiences tailored to what people need and want to store.
Another promising trend is the movement towards sustainability and eco-friendly storage units. Storage company owners are looking toward renewable energy use and green construction practices to align with consumer preferences and do their part to protect the planet.
If you are looking for a self-storage unit in New York, check out our FAQ page to learn more and our promotions and benefits page for the best deals. We’ve been a key player in self-storage history since the industry’s early days and understand what New Yorkers are looking for when they need a reliable, safe, and affordable unit.
Please contact us online or at 718-898-8000 if you have questions. You can also reserve your unit online today with no obligation or credit card required.
Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
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