by Holly Robinson
September 22, 2011 8:33 PM
The UK Self Storage Association recently released data that indicated people have increased the length of time that they keep their possessions in storage units. In 2007, the average length of stay was 22 weeks. In 2010, the length increased to 38 weeks – almost double the length of time compared to what it was in 2007. On average, businesses use storage for 56 weeks.
Cory Cooke, a professional organizer based in London, says that we have become a consumer society. People are buying more things but not discarding anything to make room for the new items. People buy more clothes, kitchen gadgets, books, and movies and then struggle to find places to put them when they get them home.
Rodney Walker, chief executive of the SSA, explained one reason why people were using storage units for longer lengths of time. He said that homes in London are small and living space is cramped. People do not have much space for a lot of belongings.
Steve Barrett, in London, started using Big Yellow storage shortly after he got married. "It was for all the stuff my wife wouldn't allow in the house," he said. It took him several years before he could remove his belonging out of the storage unit.
Then, he moved to New York City. Before his move, he was able to give away several possessions. However, he couldn't emotionally part with records, books, and other sentimental items. So, he had to find a storage place in New York.
Another reason that has compelled people to store items is that the current vogue home fashion is minimalist. If homeowners want to have the 'in look' for today's homes, they have to find places to put all of their possessions. If they do not have sufficient closets and cupboards in their house or apartment, they turn to storage units.
Julie Morgenstern, organizational expert, states that sometimes our possessions can "ground you in your past, and partially define who you are." That is why people are willing to keep items for a long time in self storage. People feel that those items are an emotional part of who they are.
People are willing to spend thousands of dollars to store their possessions for years and never go to the facility to look at them or take them out. It is ironic that they spend so much money to store their things when they don't even take the time to look at them. However, this is because of their emotional attachment and their unwillingness to part with them.
Sources Used:
"Storage Sydney, CBD Storage, Storage Alexandria." PR Log; 22 September 2011.
"De-Junk Your Life." Web MD.