How Long Do People ACTUALLY Use Storage Facilities For?
When you think of storage units, you might imagine them as a short-term solution, no? A place to stash your stuff during a move or while decluttering your home. However, the reality is often quite different. The average length of time people use storage facilities can be surprising, and it reveals a lot about our relationship with the stuff we own and the emotional attachment that we struggle to let go of.
The Short-Term Myth that Society Believes
Most people who rent a storage unit start with the idea that it’s a temporary fix. They plan to use it for a few months, perhaps to hold items during a move, renovation, usually in a major life transition or event. In these cases, a three to six-month rental seems perfectly reasonable doesn’t it?
However, once the unit is rented and filled, those “temporary” months can stretch into years…
The Reality: Long-Term Usage
The data shows that the average storage rental lasts much longer than initially expected. Industry research across Australia indicates that the reality is seven and half years. This is far longer than the few months initially planned, and it’s not uncommon for some customers to hold onto their units for over a decade.
Why the extended use? Laziness mainly but there are several factors that come into play. For some, life events like a move or a divorce can lead to an extended need for storage. Others might be holding onto items they’re not ready to part with, such as sentimental belongings, heirlooms, or things they think they might need “someday.” You know the goods you end up throwing out? For many, the convenience of having a storage unit leads to a sort of out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality—making it easier to keep paying for the unit rather than confronting the items inside. Storage facilities love that you “forget” and they hope that you continue to do so.
The Cost of Long-Term Storage
While renting a storage unit can seem like an affordable short-term solution, the costs add up over time. A unit that might cost $100 per month can easily run into thousands of dollars over a couple of years. Another factor that most people don’t realize is that Storage Facilities will increase your rent on average every 9-12 months. Many renters justify the cost by thinking about the value of the items they’re storing, but the financial reality can be quite different. After years of paying for storage, the total cost may surpass the actual value of the items inside, especially if those items have depreciated over time.
When to Reevaluate Your Storage Needs
If you’ve been using a storage unit for a while, it is definitely time to reassess. Ask yourself why you’re holding onto these items and whether they’re worth the ongoing expense? Decluttering experts often recommend a “one-year rule”—if you haven’t used an item in a year, it might be time to let it go - this will apply to more items that you realise. Applying this rule to your storage unit can help you make tough decisions and potentially save you a bucket load of money.
Tips for Effective Storage Management
If you do need to use a storage facility, consider these tips to avoid long-term costs:
Set a Clear End Date: Before you rent, decide how long you’ll need the unit and commit to emptying it by that date.
Regular Check-Ins: Periodically review what’s in your unit to determine if you still need everything inside.
Consolidate and Declutter: As you revisit your stored items, consolidate what you need and declutter what you don’t. Try to even downsize the unit to reduce the costs.
Consider Alternatives: If you’re storing valuable items, it might be worth selling or donating some of them instead of paying for long-term storage. If you aren’t getting joy out of the item - guaranteed there will be someone who will.
In Conclusion
While storage facilities can be a lifesaver during transitions, the average length of time people use them often stretches far beyond what they initially planned. By staying mindful of how long you’ve had your unit and what you’re storing, you can avoid the trap of long-term storage and the costs that come with it. Remember, it’s not just about finding space—it’s about making thoughtful decisions about what you really need to keep.