America’s accumulation of possessions is outpacing our ability to keep them in our homes, as is evident by the growth of self storage facilities. From 1998 to 2012, the number of storage companies had more than doubled to 15,000 (according to census data), dotting the landscape with buildings full of objects that Americans don’t want to see, but don’t want to toss.
But actually, the census data may be underestimating the industry. The Self-Storage Association says that, in 2013, America had 48,500 storage facilities. Combined, this totals 2.3 billion sq. ft. of space for rental – enough, in the industry’s rather frightening formulation, to accommodate every man, woman and child in the country.
But, to be fair, it’s highly unlikely that Americans spent the weeks prior to Christmas loading up trailers with their old stuff to make way for new things. An expert in the industry says that, in actual fact, the demand for self storage is mainly driven by the 4 Ds: divorce, death, dislocation and disaster. The industry is driven by people changing their lives; people moving because of divorce or death, as well as tornadoes and hurricanes forcing them to seek out storage facilities.
At 21 North Storage in Statesville, NC, we have built a reputation on excellence in the residential and commercial self storage industry. Contact us today to discuss your needs. Our goal is to provide customer service that’s second to none.