ODOT 51817 |  WUTC 61561
DOT 1080376  |  MC 448995

1. Most Stored Objects Depreciate in Value

Unless you’re storing gold or silver (an ill-advised move at most storage facilities), the objects you’re housing are probably depreciating in value. Though I know some storage situations are unavoidable (i.e., a last minute move for a job, family emergency, divorce), the pay-off long-term just doesn’t seem worth it when you consider the replacement cost of the stored items.

2. Extra Offsite Storage Promotes Acquisition 

Having overflow storage options at the ready encourages needless acquisition. Often, storage units enable hoarding tendencies and prevent us from moving on from objects and the places and times in our lives that they represent.

3. Storage Fees Can Be a Financial Drain 

This one is obvious, but still insidious. There’s something overwhelming about having a storage unit full of stuff. We tend to ignore it, become exhausted at the thought of moving it, and avoid figuring out how to get rid of it. Inertia sets in and we (almost gladly) fork over the $65.00 or $75.00 a month to maintain the status quo. After a few years of paying our monthly dues, we’ve spent enough to buy to good used car and have nothing to show for it besides the same old anxiety-producing pile of stuff.

4. Storage Facilities Often Lack Adequate Security

There doesn’t appear to be any uniform approach to security measures across the self-storage industry. Some facilities are well-lit, some aren’t; some have attendants on-site, some don’t; some units have solid walls and metal doors, others are made of wire and plywood. For an industry that’s basking in the riches of a society on the move, why is there no self-governance, no rating system, and no standardized security?