10 Sneaky Facts About Storage Facilities Worldwide

The world of storage facilities might seem straightforward - a place to stash your stuff when you’ve run out of room, a place to hide some secrets. But behind the locked doors and towering metal walls lies a fascinating and sometimes sneaky side to the storage industry. Some things they want you to know.. Others they do not. From clever marketing tricks to surprising customer habits, here are 10 facts about storage facilities that might just leave you raising an eyebrow.

1. Storage Companies Count on Long-Term Customers

Most people rent a storage unit thinking it’s temporary, but studies show that nearly 50% of customers keep their units for over a year and many for several years. The average in Australia is 7 and half years. Storage facilities count on your emotional attachment and the beautiful saying of “out of sight - out of mind”. 

2. Many Units Are Never Emptied

Shockingly, about 10% of storage units are abandoned entirely. Facilities quietly auction these units off, knowing the contents are often worth far less than the unpaid rent. This doesn’t mean that you won’t receive many texts, emails and other forms of contact to get you to pay. They would prefer you stay.. always!

3. Climate Control Isn’t Always Necessary

While climate-controlled units are marketed as essential, most items stored don’t actually need such conditions. Facilities upsell these pricier units by playing on customers’ fears about mold or damage. This should only be a concern if the building is not well maintained - which you should be able to establish by just walking around. 

4. The Industry Is Recession-Proof

Storage facilities thrive during economic downturns. When people downsize homes or businesses close, they often need extra storage as they cannot make the decisions quick enough, making this industry one of the sneakiest winners during tough financial times. Australia had its biggest boom of storage in covid - all down to the fact storage units were considered “essential”.

5. It’s a Global Money-Making Machine

The global storage industry is worth over $185 billion worldwide and growing. What’s surprising? Nearly half of the world’s storage facilities are in the U.S., with other countries quickly catching up as urbanization drives demand worldwide as we continue to over populate certain areas. 

6. Some Facilities Charge Hidden Fees

From mandatory insurance policies to sneaky admin fees, storage facilities often add extra charges to your monthly bill, late by a day? Fee. Lost your key and need the lock cut? Fee. These fees are rarely mentioned upfront but can add up significantly over time as you continue to stay in the facility. Does the storage facility ever mention the average rental increase of 9-12 months? No.. didn’t think so. 

7. 24/7 Access Isn’t Always Free

While 24/7 access sounds convenient, some facilities charge extra for the privilege. Many renters only discover this after signing their contracts. Most facilities include it in the price but how often are you popping into your storage unit in the middle of the night?

8. Storage Wars Are Real But Rarely Profitable

Television shows like Storage Wars glamorize the auctioning of abandoned units. But the reality? Most units contain far more junk than treasure. The facilities profit while bidders gamble on the contents in hope to secure that one “treasure” that will change their lives forever. Ultimately - if people care - they keep paying more often than not. 

9. Storage Units Are Home to Strange Finds

From forgotten safes to taxidermied animals, storage units have held some bizarre, sneaky and downright frightening surprises. One Florida facility even found a live alligator being kept as a pet in a unit. Quite illegally may we add. 

10. They Target Urban Dwellers

With apartments shrinking and housing costs soaring, city dwellers are a prime market for storage facilities. Clever advertising reminds city dwellers that they “don’t have enough space,” pushing them to rent even for items they could easily donate or discard. This doesn’t mean people with space also do not use storage units.. Because they

absolutely do. 

Box It Up

The storage industry thrives on a mix of necessity and clever marketing, playing on our tendencies to hold onto things “just in case” or “sentimental value”

The next time you think about renting a unit, ask yourself: do I really need to pay for space, or am I just falling for one of these sneaky storage secrets and about to become my own storage shame story?