Storage facilities might seem like a modern convenience, but the concept of self-storage has been around in various forms for centuries. Let’s be honest, humans have been emotionally attached to their possessions for centuries. From ancient cave dwellings to today’s climate-controlled units, the history of storage facilities is more interesting than you might think… Believe it or not!

Ancient Roots: Storing the Essentials

The idea of storing goods for safekeeping isn’t new. In ancient times, people used underground caves or clay pots to store food, tools, and valuables. The ancient Egyptians, known for their elaborate burial practices, often filled tombs with items they believed the deceased would need in the afterlife (think of all the wasted wine), essentially creating the world’s first long-term storage units (for the dead). These tombs weren’t exactly accessible (slightly ridiculous to use really), but they certainly held a lot of stuff!

Medieval Storage Solutions: Keep It Safe

Fast forward to medieval Europe, where people began using storage in a more recognizable form. Merchants and traders often needed secure places to store their goods as they traveled “quickly” around the country on horseback. Castles and fortresses, with their thick walls and guarded gates, doubled as early storage facilities for these savvy traveling entrepreneurs. These strongholds kept valuable items safe from thieves and the elements, much like some of today’s higher quality storage facilities.

The Birth of Modern Self-Storage: 20th Century Innovations

The self-storage industry as we know it began in the United States in the mid-20th century. There are many different theories on who and when the first “modern” storage facility was built. Seems to be a bit of a battle that we aren’t willing to really dive into… The idea was simple though: provide a secure, convenient place where people could store their belongings and have easy access to them whenever needed. It was an immediate hit, and the concept quickly spread across the country and the world.

During the 1970s, self-storage facilities popped up in suburban areas, catering to the growing number of people who needed extra space as they moved into smaller homes or apartments. The post-war economic boom also meant that people had more stuff—more furniture, more cars, more everything—and they needed a place to put it all. Storage facilities were the perfect solution.

The Storage Boom: 21st Century and Beyond

Today, the storage industry is a massive and sticky business, with thousands of facilities worldwide. In the 21st century, the industry has evolved to meet the needs of a modern & mobile storage unit user. “Storage Wars” has become a staple of trash TV for millions across the world. Storage units & facilities come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional lockers to climate-controlled units designed to protect fancy items. Meanwhile, technology has made it easier to manage storage remotely, with online booking, payment systems, and even smart units that can be monitored via your smartphone!

More Than Just Extra Space & Weird Looking Buildings

While it may seem like storage facilities are just a place to stash your excess belongings, their history tells a different story. From ancient caves to modern, high-tech units, the need for secure, convenient storage has been a constant throughout human history. So next time you drive by a storage facility, remember that it’s more than just extra space—it’s part of a tradition & holds history that’s been evolving for thousands of years.